9 Tanjong Rhu Road

[Germain Aguilera]

Ourcab breezed through a sparse evergreen forest to reach this remote nook in the island of Langkawi. The view on the way was refreshing, to say the least. There was a small, almost stagnant lake on one side of the road, on the banks of which some campers pitched tents. Coming from the Kilim Geoforest Park, where the gloomy weather started to pour rivers, I was dead anxious that the rainmakers would suck all the joy out of this trip. Fortunately, it was not raining at the beach when we arrived, but clouds, the friendlier, non-buzzkill type, remained looming overhead, swallowing the blue skies.

The place is called Tanjong Rhu (or Tanjung Rhu). Tanjong in Malay means Cape, and Rhu refers to the species of willowy evergreen tree also known as Casuarina Tree or, more popularly, Sea Pine Tree. It is these casuarinas, standing along the beach and in many parts of the island, that the cape is named after.

An old metal green sign marks the way into the bay. The hour and minute arms were about to rendezvous at the top of the clock when we got there and our tummies also signaled that it was time for lunch. Luckily, there was a small, cheap restaurant by the bay, serving Malaysian and Thai dishes. Even before I hopped out of the cab, there was already an incessant grumbling of my stomach, desperately begging for something to digest. While waiting for the food to be served, we took the opportunity to walk by the beach to save time.

The small karst islets that rose from the calm water caught my attention immediately. My bet is that they help tame the already shy waves that not sweep but gently roll along the channel that separates Langkawi from the rest of West Malaysia. Tanjong Rhu lies in the northeastern tip of the main island of Langkawi. It faces not the open Andaman Sea but mainland Southeast Asia. In fact, from Tanjung Rhu, we could see the faint silhouette of the mountain ridges that run, like the spine of a sleeping giant, from Malaysia to Thailand. Yes, Thailand is visible from here. Vividly, had it not been for the clouds.

The bay is littered with milky white sand. When we arrived, it looked like it had been combed with a giant brush as the sand had linear patterns snaking on it. It is a small cove, even shorter than Anawangin in Zambales. But like Anawangin, evergreen trees grow proudly on the edge of the cove, with their narrow, hairlike leaves swaying gently with the wind. There were also just a few tourists when we were there, definitely a plus. We shared the small beach with five other small groups, many of whom were on an island hopping tour, as they came on private boats. Some just stayed to take photos while the others chose to bathe in the water and the sun.

When we returned to the restaurant, our food was already waiting for us. It was not difficult to understand why the price here was low; the size of the serving was sad. The good news is, they tasted good.

One fresh coconut later, we walked back to the beach to take pictures and found one thing that never fails to make me feel lighter. Oh blue skies, how I missed you! The grayness finally paved way for the bright blue skies, leaving only thin sheets of cirrus clouds that floated like they too wanted to get lost in the blues.

How to get there: From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia you may fly to Langkawi and take a cab to Kilim Geopark. You might also want to consider taking the overnight sleeper train from KL Sentral to Arau (10-hour travel time, RM 54). At Arau Station, take a cab to Kuala Perlis (RM 25), then board the ferry to Kuah Port in Langkawi (RM 18). Take a cab to Tanjung Rhu.

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Fueled by a collective vision for a greener, more sustainable future, Tanjong Pagar has embarked on a path to environmental resilience and community empowerment. With a firm commitment to preserving its unique heritage and fostering a thriving ecosystem, we unveil our comprehensive Sustainability Road Map.

This visionary plan not only aims to reduce its ecological footprint but also seeks to engage and empower the community in sustainable practices. By harmonizing urban development with environmental conservation, the road map strives to create a model for sustainable living that resonates far beyond its borders.

As we move forward, we remain committed to refining our strategies, seeking community input, and collaborating with stakeholders to create a greener, cleaner, and more resilient Tanjong Pagar for all. Together, we can build a sustainable community that embraces growth without compromising the environment, heritage, and quality of life.

I still remember the day I walked from the start of Tanjong Rhu Road (from the cross junction of Fort Road and Meyer Road), all the way to Rhu Cross where Costa Rhu (the biggest development) in Tanjong Rhu is located.

The first project that came to view was the ever impressive Waterside with its sizable land size. Then I walked past the Singapore Swimming club, which I later realised many of my clients are members of.

Yet, there are gems among these properties, especially for the two developments at the end of the Cul-De-Sac, with side or back gates that provide more direct access to Jalan Batu Hawker Centre and Market.

Do remember this was before the announcement of the Thomson East Coast Line (we are all eagerly anticipating the new Tanjong Rhu Station and Katong Park Station), and the Circle Line (Stadium and Mountbatten Stations) were also not in operation.

Only 1 public bus service (158) ply the area, so having direct access to Mountbatten road is an invaluable attribute. With the new Katong Park MRT Station operational in 2024, residents at this cluster will enjoy unprecedented convenience.

I also always make it a point to recommend buyers/ tenants to the Jalan Batu Hawker Centre and Market. This lesser known market and the nearby shops, were one of my favourite areas to explore and hang out in-between viewings.

The beauty and appeal of Tanjong Rhu at that moment was apparent, at least to me. This private enclave was so serene and certainly a lovely sanctuary to return to in the evenings, after a long day of work.

While most of the projects in Tanjong Rhu are on a 99-year lease, it is the ones at the start of the road at The Waterside, the smaller apartments (above) and Parkshore (no direct seaview or bay view) that are freehold properties.

Another aspect I love about Tanjong Rhu would be the diversity of the condominiums. Each project stands out. The area has so much character. Costa Rhu, the largest development in the area, can be seen clearly from the Central Business District and the Shears Bridge/ ECP.

It was a tough decision. After combing through transactional data history, I decided to focus on Sanctuary Green. Prices were very competitive, with very healthy transactions for both resale and leasing.

Lydia has been in the real estate industry for more than 10 years. As a mother, she comprehends the needs of parents. And as a realtor, she has helped hundreds of families find their dream home. Her thoughts and stories are here to provide a peek in the realities of the Singapore housing market.

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