Limited-edition Human Langkawi book and iconic rainforest resort share mutual commitment to honouring the island’s people
The Datai Langkawi is honoured to support the launch of Human Langkawi, an inspiring new coffee table book that captures the heart and soul of the island through the lives of its people. The local community has always been integral to the resort’s journey and stands as a pillar of The Datai Pledge, a commitment echoed in this collaboration.
Rooted in Kedah, the Malaysian state home to Langkawi island, young and gifted storyteller Shi Han and her partner, Jie Xin, embarked on a three-year journey to document 20 deeply personal stories of the island’s people who share a common belief that life does not need to follow the expected path. Spanning four main chapters – Community, Taste, Artists, and Architecture – Human Langkawi highlights how this magical island has become the ground for locals to live by values that may seem unconventional to others. From artisans to naturalists, surfers to entrepreneurs, each story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the ability to craft a meaningful life with limited resources. The book also serves as a reflective journal, inviting readers to pause at the end of each chapter with guided questions that encourage self-reflection and connection to the stories within.
“This book is not designed for you to read, but for you to experience what we experienced,” says author Shi Han. “Each person we met on Langkawi taught us a new way of looking at life, of finding joy in simplicity and strength in community.”
Encapsulating the synergy between the book and the resort, Human Langkawi aligns seamlessly with The Datai Pledge, The Datai Langkawi’s deep commitment to safeguarding the island’s biodiversity, supporting its people, and inspiring sustainable living. Just as The Datai Pledge amplifies the voice of the local community, Human Langkawi shines a spotlight on the island’s people, ensuring their stories are seen, heard, and celebrated, enabling readers to gain a deeply authentic and meaningful understanding of the island.
Among the featured Langkawians are names especially close to The Datai Langkawi’s heart – such as renowned naturalist and Conservation Consultant to The Datai Pledge, Irshad Mobarak; artist and Pure For The Future Pillar partner, Skaii de Vega of The Kanshalife Project; and master glassblower Faizy Crystal. The resort is showcased in a dedicated 14-page section that highlights its journey and the mission of The Datai Pledge.
Featuring 432 pages of vivid photography and narratives told through Shi Han’s perspective, Human Langkawi is both a celebration and a call to recognise the extraordinary within the everyday lives of Langkawians. “We are honoured to support the creation of Human Langkawi as the exclusive book partner,” said Stephane Duvacher, General Manager of The Datai Langkawi. “The book beautifully embodies the spirit of Langkawi, its creativity, resilience, and humanity. It resonates deeply with our mission through The Datai Pledge: to protect, preserve, and give back to the island and its people.”
The project came full circle with the experiential launch of Human Langkawi on 29 September 2025 at The Datai Langkawi. It was here that author Shi Han met renowned naturalist Irshad Mobarak, who played an instrumental role in shaping The Datai Pledge and was the first person she interviewed on the island. His story of arriving in Langkawi, working with the resort, and evolving The Datai Pledge left an indelible mark on the author, shaping the spirit of the book.
The two artists first visited Langkawi earlier this year and were profoundly inspired by the island’s understated beauty and the authenticity of its people. Their shared passion for sustainability and meaningful creativity made them natural collaborators for both Human Langkawi and The Datai Langkawi. To honour this connection, the launch gathered many of the Langkawians featured in the book to celebrate their spirit, accompanied by an art installation curated by Bee Shayne of Flawer Studio and Wei Ming of Sputnik Forest. Titled ‘No Man is an Island’, the installation underlines the interconnectedness of people and the importance of social relationships, and was primarily created from materials sourced on-site at The Datai Langkawi as well as repurposed book pages, giving new life and meaning to what would otherwise be discarded.
Human Langkawi (MYR 127, approx. GBP 22) will be available in limited numbers at The Datai Langkawi boutique and available in the near future to purchase online here.