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As a child growing up in rustic Langkawi, Jesseca Liu enjoyed a simple, back-to-basics life - playing with paper dolls, riding her bicycle to school, going on picnics, swimming and playing at waterfalls. "It was a carefree life and I had lots of open space to explore," the 32-year-old reminisces.

At 13, she left for Alor Star to study before pursuing modelling in Kuala Lumpur five years later.

In 2004, she came to Singapore, where she made her acting debut in the TV sports drama The Champion. Despite being away for 19 years, the 1.72m-tall beauty has fond memories of her birthplace. Yes, she's noticed how her picturesque island has become more touristy, but she sees it as a good thing. "It's keeping the islanders on their toes and making them more aware of the importance of keeping the place and beaches clean. At least, we are still protected from traffic jams and pollution - the idyllic life can still be experienced here."

Jesseca, who was appointed the brand ambassador for Reebok in September 2011, says there's a rising trend in foreigners retiring in Langkawi and setting up businesses there, adding to the flavour of her hometown. And Jesseca herself has joined the entrepreneurial bandwagon; she started a chain of spas with her family four years ago. They now own five outlets: Yuan, Amaya, Bedrock Island and two called Bellis. When not acting - her last TV appearance was on the Channel 8 drama The Oath (ended October 2010) - she returns to Langkawi at least three to four times a year to relax and work on the family business.

Her feelings for the island run deep. She likens herself to  an unofficial ambassador, as she is always encouraging her friends to visit. If not for the beaches, then for the food, she says.

Jesseca loves spicy food so much she taught herself how to cook assam laksa as it wasn't easily available in Singapore.

Assam laksa aside, Jesseca shares her personal hit list of food to eat, places to visit and things to do on the island she loves.

>>Next: Best mamak stall

Best mamak stall

"Every time I go home, I'll drop by Restaurant Padang Pasir in Kuah, Langkawi's main town, to satisfy my cravings for good Indian food, like naan, bee hoon goreng and roti canai. It's open until after 10pm and the dishes are cheap - their cheese naan costs no more than RM2 (S$1)." The mamak stall doesn't have an address, but it is a few doors away from Citin Hotel Langkawi at 3 Jalan Pekan Kuah.

Best food

"Definitely the seafood! I especially love huge tiger prawns and lobsters. I also like hai luo (top shell), which is fried with a spicy, slightly salty sauce and eaten with rice. It costs about RM80 (S$33) or less, and is only available in certain restaurants in Langkawi, like Orkid Ria Seafood Restaurant." Orkid Ria Seafood Restaurant is at Lot 1225, Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang.

>> Best beach

Best beach

"When I need peace and quiet, I head for Tanjong Rhu beach (above) in northern Langkawi. There currently aren't many resorts there, so it's not overpopulated with tourists. My friends and I often chill out at the open-air pub at the Four Seasons Hotel, which overlooks the beach, to admire the scenery and the sunset."

>>Next: Best resort

Best resort

"I thoroughly enjoyed a short vacation I had a few years ago at Tanjung Sanctuary Langkawi Resort (below), which has over 30 villas with either a rainforest or sea view. Its floating restaurant has an amazing view of the surroundings, and I felt like I was in another world at the swimming pool, which was filled with star-shaped LED lights. The resort staff was very warm and attentive."

Tanjung Sanctuary Langkawi Resort is at Jalan Pantai Kok, Teluk Nibong; visit www.tanjungsanctuary.com.my for more information.

>> Best romantic spot

Best romantic spot

"Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach) has soft white sand and clear blue waters. At night - and only at the end of the year - the beach looks like it's glowing. At first, I thought the glow came from fish scales or lightsticks but later on, I found out that at the year end, the tide brings in these glow-in-the-dark microorganisms which are shaped like contact lenses." Pantai Cenang is about 25km west of Kuah.

Best bird's-eye view

"Take the cable car from Oriental Village (a themed shopping centre at Burau Bay) to the top of Gunung Mat Cinchang. The view on top is amazing! My friends and I love sitting at the only cafe there (on the resting deck at the top of the mountain) to eat ice cream and enjoy the scenery." Visit www.orientalvillage.my for more information.

Best buy

"I've bought four paintings from Langkawi Arts & Decor for my spa and home, done by an artist who does very nice watercolour and oils - mainly of Asians - with an Oriental touch. I think the paintings are good value - from RM50 to RM300 each (S$20 to S$120), depending on their size." Located at Ground Floor 1A, Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall, Jalan Persiaran Putra, Kuah. SH.

>>Next: Jesseca, the spa runner

Jesseca, the spa runner

I went into the spa business because...

...my mother wanted to expand her beauty salon in Langkawi, which catered mostly to the neighbourhood aunties. I thought a spa would generate more income for her and allow her to hire more staff so she wouldn't be overworked. My sister, who is trained as a graphic designer, pitched in to help and has learnt everything, from facials to massage, from our mum.

When I go back home...

...it's only natural that I try to get a massage or facial from my mother or sister. But the moment a customer walks through the door, they'll chase me out of the room, even though we're only halfway through my treatment. I'm also the spa's de facto gardener, cleaner and driver, ferrying customers between their hotel and our spa. The Caucasian customers don't know who I am, but I sometimes get recognised by Singaporeans or Malaysians. Their reaction is usually an excited: "Oh my gosh, you're Jesseca Liu!"

>> Jesseca's favourite spa treatment

I don't actively promote my spa...

...to my fans or actor friends; I'll only tell them about it when they ask for recommendations for a Langkawi holiday. I think the only star our spa has seen is my friend (and fellow actress) Ann Kok, who has tried our services.

My favourite treatment is...

...the Herbal Ball Detox Massage. Fifteen herbal ingredients are tightly wrapped up in cloth and steamed, and then rubbed on the acupoints. It's supposed to detoxify your body, release stress and help you sleep better. We also offer traditional Malay massages and an aromatherapy massage to relieve stress. The spa products are sourced by my mum from Thailand and contain lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, galangal and lemon leaves etc.

My customers also love...

...the jasmine and coffee body scrubs. They always ask to buy them for home use, but they're not for sale.

The treatments cost...

...from RM48++ (S$19) for foot reflexology to RM788++ (S$315) for a honeymoon package  for two.

Find Jesseca's spas:

- Bellis Health & Beauty Spa, 41 Langkawi Mall, Jalan Kelibang, Mukim Kuah,  tel: 604-966-0089
- Bellis Vista Hotel, 240-g-10, Persiaran Mutiara Pusat Dagangan Kelana Mas, Kuah
- Yuan Spa, Lot 1697,  Jalan Pantai Tengah,  Mukim Kedawang,  tel: 604-955-2828
- Amaya Spa, Lot H22 Ground Floor, Perdana  Quay 1, Harbour Park,  tel: 604-959-3959
- Bedrock Island Spa,  19A Tingkat Atas,  Jalan Pandak Mayah 6, Kuah tel: 604-966-6268

>> Jesseca's Langkawi must-do

Jesseca's Langkawi must-do

"Visit the pasar malam! This bazaar travels around the island and is at different locations every night. To find it, either ask the locals or your hotel. I try to drop by every time I'm home and even schedule it into my visiting friends' itinerary. You'll find all sorts of local delicacies here, like ayam panggang (barbecued chicken). Only at this bazaar does the bandung drink come in green and orange - not just pink."

1. Get the January 2012 issue of Simply Her for more interesting stories. Simply Her, published by SPH Magazines is available at all newsstands now.
2. Azlina Said is a features writer with Simply Her magazine by SPH Magazines.
3. Check out more stories at Simply Her online, www.simplyher.com.sg.

Island girl

By Azlinda Said, Simply Her | Fri, Jan 20 2012

Actress Jesseca Liu left her birthplace Langkawi when she was 13, but her hometown has never left her heart.

Keywords

At 13, she left for Alor Star to study before pursuing modelling in Kuala Lumpur five years later.

Her feelings for the island run deep. She likens herself to  an unofficial ambassador, as she is always encouraging her friends to visit. If not for the beaches, then for the food, she says.

Jesseca loves spicy food so much she taught herself how to cook assam laksa as it wasn't easily available in Singapore.

Assam laksa aside, Jesseca shares her personal hit list of food to eat, places to visit and things to do on the island she loves.

>>Next: Best mamak stall

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