CUSTODIAN OF THE EARTH

 

The sky was getting dark. We passed through the east hill of Dayang Bunting island towards the straits between the island and its neighbouring island, Tuba. The boat shifted to the right to approach a bay with a silhouette of Bukit Gondol as its backdrop. As we were approaching Langkawi Islands Barkat we heard the barking of three dogs - Manja, Mafia Junior and Nimo, visibly excited like small kids welcoming their guests. One of them (Mafia Junior maybe) even jumped into the water, as any loyal friend would do so to guard and secure the area and situation.  He excitedly accompanied  Abang Rasyid in guiding our boatman towards the deepest spot of the beach.

The sight of Mafia Junior (Mafia senior died), welcoming and greeting us with all his heart, while proudly stood beside his best friend Abang Rasyid in the shallow beach, will stay forever in our hearts as one honest and best welcome that we had ever received.  When it was the time for us to go home, Nimo sent us off, but this time with a somber and sad look. Cant believe I've been coming here every year since 2013 (stoped during the pandemic last 2 years).

In between the grand welcome & heartfelt send off, we were humbled by the animals roaming free at the place. This is certainly not a place to brag or show off how high one is as an 'artist'.

We were reminded of our role as the 'khalifah' or the custodian of the earth.

Video link to Hasnul J Saidon Youtube

https://youtu.be/WPZo9vaT4qg?si=nqPRfle2TxPu-YV_