Where to go in Padang Matsirat
Field of Burnt Rice, Laman Padi, Batik Village
| Although Padang Matsirat is a pretty quiet place, there are still a few places you can visit for some recreation. On the other hand, Pantai Tengah and Pantai Cenang are near-by if you want more opportunities for recreational activities. A little further away up the road would take you to Pantai Kok, where there are even more landmark attractions. |
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Field of Burnt Rice
The Field of Burnt Rice is near the airport and is a very famous landmark in Langkawi. It is located in an obscure location off the main road, and getting there will require some asking around among the locals for directions. When you do find it, the Field of Burnt Rice is actually just a small patch of fenced-up grass located in the compound of a Malay bungalow.
A small plaque sits on a stand along with a box for donations and a container filled with ‘burnt rice’ collected from the field. Although it’s free to enter, it gets really hard to spot any burnt grains on the ground, but you can engage in the myriad shopping opportunities instead, as the road leading to the Field of Burnt Rice is filled with traditional Malay stalls and traders hawking souvenirs and fashion apparel.
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Laman Padi
The Laman Padi, or ‘Rice Garden’, is a special place where you can learn all about the cultivation of this humble grain. There is a museum and a small paddy field on the grounds where you can learn about rice and its role as Southeast Asia’s staple food. Walk along a bridge that suspends itself across the field for a picturesque view of the landscape. Inside, there’s even a garden where you step on flat stones in a pond to get to the other section of the field.
In the courtyard, one can look at some exhibits such as a bullock cart and an aviary with birds. The museum houses artefacts and photographs pertaining to Malaysia’s paddy-planting culture. Finally, there’s a nice restaurant with ambience that cooks some lovely dishes using rice. |
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Atma Alam Batik Village
The Atma Alam Batik Village is a Batik factory and shop located on a nice compound that’s filled with lush greenery and flowers. Besides the Batik, there are plenty of other things such as local art and handicrafts to see here. Right at the back is a theatre stage where plays and readings are often held. The Batik workshop displays people busy in the process of painting Batik fabrics.
Finally, you can visit the shop which has an extensive range of Batik apparel, probably the largest in Langkawi. These Batik fabrics are intricately woven with flower motifs using silk, providing a fashionable piece of clothing for casual or formal wear. Original oil paintings and mementos also go on sale here. |
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