When I was sailing the Caribbean in years past it was not uncommon to be gliding past what seemed to be a remote area of an island only to hear the sound of Reggae Music drifting across the water. On closer inspection a small beach hut built from drift wood and palm fronds could be detected..
The dinghy would be launched and off we would set to explore this small piece of paradise. Cold beers, friendly faces and the music of the islands in a place that you would least expect it became the norm. A great place to take a break from sailing and mingle with the island culture.
ENTRANCE TO BABYLON
Pantai Cenang (in Langkawi) has its own version of island paradise at
Babylon MatLounge. Walking down the beach you need to look for the horizontal mounted surfboard that forms an arch with Babylon written in
faded script.
A TROPICAL BEVERAGE PERHAPS?
During the day there’s usually a small but continuous of crowd of tourists and locals drinking cold drinks and conversing around the simple plank bar and the surrounding tables.
It’s at night that Babylon comes alive! The sound of Reggae draws a fun seeking crowd that gather to listen to great music and meet other like minded travelers over a cold beer. The small stage hosts many local musicians and Babylon is a place where you can relax with your feet in the sand.
KING KONG SOUND SYSTEM
I was there just the other day enjoying the sea breeze and a cold beer. I ran into a few local friends and spent the afternoon talking and enjoying the perfection of paradise that this little beach bar has to offer. I was truly in ‘Babylon’.
“JACK SPARROW” BRASMANA PIRATE THEATER GROUP
You never know who you might run into at Babylon MatLounge,
with because the patrons are as eclectic as the venue. You might come face
to face pirates…
Or, even Former Prime Minister Tun Mahathir and his wife Tun Siti Hasmah!
TUN MAHATHIR & TUN SITI HASMAH
Babylon Matlounge is located on Pantai Cenang a short walk down the beach from the Laman Padi area. Listen for the music and look for the surfboard crowned archway. It’s tucked away so it can be easy to miss, and you don’t want to miss it! You can access it from the main road as well, but again you have to keep a sharp look out for the trade mark ‘Babylon’ surfboard and walk towards the beach.
Babylon MatLounge
No 1, Babylon Garden, Pantai Cenang Beach, Langkawi
Open : Monday-Sunday 10am-2am
babylonmatlounge@hotmail.com
