The holidays are over and I've seamlessly transitioned into my daily work grind. I decided not to return to my hometown during the Christmas and New Year holidays, considering the holidays were relatively short. Instead, I spent the holiday exploring many of the local gems around my current residence. Among those places, on this occasion, I will share one of the memorable places called Lhoknga Beach, conveniently located a mere 17 kilometers away from my place.
Nestled conveniently alongside the highway, Lhoknga Beach is effortlessly accessible, making it a breeze to locate. Upon my arrival, I promptly parked my motorcycle in the designated area and headed straight to the kiosk, a delightful hub offering not only a cozy space but also a variety of delectable food and refreshing drinks. Opting for some roasted corn paired with a chilled glass of tea, I settled into a comfortable spot, eager to savor the picturesque view unfolding before me. Many other visitors had also gathered around to enjoy the view, creating a lively and communal atmosphere that added to the charm of the moment.
Stretching along a relatively extensive coastline, Lhoknga Beach offers an intriguing panorama. From my vantage point, the view unfolds with a clear sight of a cement factory to the right, adding an industrial touch to the landscape. Simultaneously, the left side of the beach is graced by a picturesque peninsula adorned with abundant greenery, creating a harmonious balance between natural beauty and elements of human activity.
Observing the waters, my attention was captivated by a traditional boat gracefully navigating the ocean waves, manned by two diligent fishermen. This picturesque scene unfolded as the sun commenced its descent, casting a warm glow across the landscape. The distinct blue waters beneath the yellowing sky created a breathtaking backdrop for the boat's journey. Moving from the left side to the right side of the beach, the boat's movement was a dance on the serene waters. I seized the moment with my camera, capturing the evolving tableau at different intervals. In the initial snapshot, the boat appeared in the distance, accompanied by a visitor enjoying the view in his vibrant red t-shirt. Progressing further, the fishing boat approached a substantial boulder, offering a dynamic perspective. Finally, I sought to immortalize the details, zooming in on the fisherman and his vessel. The images revealed one fisherman skillfully paddling, while the other, with his back to the camera, seemed engrossed in preparing the fishing gear for the upcoming expedition.
As the minutes ticked away, the sun gradually descended towards the distant body of water, casting a warm and golden hue across the horizon. Eager to capture this magical moment, I aimed my camera toward the setting sun, framing it alongside some fellow visitors. Despite my efforts, the limitations of my camera prevented me from fully capturing the sun's descent. The abundance of light persisted even after adjusting the ISO to its lowest limit. However, I find the resulting image still uniquely captivating and intriguing.
While anticipating the sun's gradual descent for an optimal shot, I diverted my gaze to various directions, relishing the occasional caress of the breeze against my skin. Approximately 15 minutes after capturing the aforementioned sunset photo, the sun's rays had sufficiently softened, providing an ideal opportunity for a clear shot. Adjusting some camera settings, I successfully captured a pristine image of the sunset this time. Despite about 25% of the sun being obscured by clouds, the resulting image remained remarkably beautiful and visually enticing for both me and fellow visitors. The clouds encircling the sun's base presented a captivating spectacle, akin to a blanket poised to embrace the sun after a day of illuminating the entire country. Engaged in the magical moment, other visitors were also busy capturing the essence of the first sunset of 2024 using their smartphones.
As the sun ultimately dipped below the horizon, the sky retained its golden hue. Adorned with thick clouds, it showcased a unique beauty that compelled me to linger in my seat. After reveling in the captivating sight of the sky and its golden clouds for several minutes, I reluctantly began to depart as the sky transitioned into darkness. I carefully gathered all my belongings, ensuring that nothing was left behind.
Whoa, it seems like I've shared quite a bit about my visit to Lhoknga Beach. It's been a refreshing and positive start for me, and I hope the stories I've shared bring a similar feeling to those of you who have read them. Don't hesitate to leave your comments on this post—whatever they may be, I would truly appreciate it. Thank you for stopping by, and I look forward to sharing more stories with you in the future. Until then, Happy Hiving!
Ah! I almost forgot that I had also captured the sunset moment on my smartphone. This documentation is in the form of a timelapse, allowing us to witness how the sun sets over time. As mentioned earlier, the sunlight at the beginning of the video may appear quite exaggerated and gradually dims as the sun descends.
