Before heading off, we had our usual breakfast at the Feast Restaurant and then had a little Father’s Day celebration! During breakfast, we gave Dad his presents and told him how much we appreciated and loved the guy. AWWWW.
Our first stop was to the Ibrahim Hussein Art Museum!
The Ibrahim Hussein Museum & Cultural Foundation, a private, non-profit organization was set up in 1999 which is dedicated to the promotion, development and advancement of art and culture of artists of local and international stature. The museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily and is very affordable costing only RM12 for adults and is FREE for children under 12!
Located at Pantai Pasir Tengorak (Beach of Skulls) Jalan Datai, there it was, the Museum; a modern building with artistic beauty and wonder, nestled within the natural forest, overlooking the Adaman Sea and surrounded by Machinchang Mountains. It was so surreal to finally have arrived at this much admired about Museum.
The vision and goal of Malaysia’s internationally renowned artist, the late Dato Ibrahim Hussein (who sadly passed away 2 months ago – May God rest his soul) was to have an International standard gallery on Langkawi Island amidst the unspoiled natural beauty of Langkawi’s million year old jungle. The late Dato Ibrahim (Ib, to his close friends) had wished to place Langkawi Island on the International Art and Cultural world map. And that, he did!
My dad told us how 20 years ago as a young junior architect and a member of the architectural team JBIS designing the Museum, he had first met the late Dato Ibrahim. Dad describes the artist as a humble, charming and charismatic man; full of creative and brilliant visions on how he wanted the Museum to be for Langkawi and Malaysia. The late Dato had also mentioned how grateful he was to the Kedah State Government for giving the Foundation the land and how touched he was by the immense support the Foundation received from many art lovers (individuals and Corporations) to make his dream come true.
At the very site the Museum which now stands, Dad, rather sentimentally, reminisced on his first site visit with the artist and how the artist and the design team had sat on the beach called Pantai Pasir Tengkorak discussing Dato’s design brief. When the meeting was over, Dato picked up some river rocks, sketched on them and signed his name on them. To the delights of the young architects, Dato with his trademark smile, gavethe rocks to the architects as a memento to mark the beginning of their journey with him to realize his vision. I asked dad how much would his rock be worth now and I got a stern look from him. Yes, dad like many fellow Malaysians and International art community,was still mourning Dato Ibrahim’s passing.
Although I was slightly disappointed that I wasn’t allowed to take photos within the gallery walls, I quickly understood the reasoning behind this rule. Dato Ibrahim Hussein’s work was absolutely astounding! From abstract sculptures made of wood and natural materials, to his huge amazing canvas pieces, this man was a genius!Wow, being a huge pop art fan, appreciating such artists as Linchenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and of course the world famous Andy Warhol, I never knew there was a Malaysian artist with a caliber equal to theirs on our shores!
Before having to be pried away from the calm and mesmerizing ambience of the museum, Dad bought me a few mementos to remind me of the wonderful experience we just had viewing the amazing artist's work and of the great himself, an autobiography book of the late Dato Ibrahim Hussein’s life, journey’s and of course some pictures of his masterpieces. I am in fact wearing the tee shirt from the Museum with my most favorite painting by the late Dato Ibrahim Hussein.
I would like to dedicate this blog to Malaysia’s most Genius artist – Dato Ib Hussein. May God bless him and his family.
(Ib Hussein with my favourite artist, Robert Rauschenberg!)Our next stop, The Datai Resort for some cake and coffee, and a chance for me to check out the resort!
While my family were tucking into some snacks and drinks at the lounge area of the Datai, one of the hospitality staff was kind enough to bring me for a tour around the resort premises!
Here are some shots of the different rooms and areas of the resort!
(The Beautiful Lily Pond in the Lobby)
(The East Wing Suites)
(One of their many poolside areas)
(The Standard Forest View Villa)
(The Club Suite Private Pool)After finishing off our drinks and saying our farewells to the very friendly hospitality staff at The Datai, we made our way to our final stop.. The Airport. :(
With the bags checked in and 20 minutes till boarding time, we walked slowly to the departure gate, reminiscing the good times on my family's short trip; from Baby Malim's silly outbursts, to Hanissya's random comments, to Dad's irritating yet hilarious 'Room Serviceeee' gags to Mom's hilariously funny and sometimes cynical jokes. Yeah, we had a great time on this trip, I can tell that my family is so proud of me and are my biggest fans. And as much as I miss them, I know that thought will help carry me along the rest of my journey..
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