When travelers to South East Asia were asked to name their favorite island, it would always be either Bali or Phuket. But many would have overlooked the underrated island in Malaysia known as the "Jewel of Kedah", called "Langkawi". The name Langkawi is derived from the Malay word "Helang" which means eagle. This is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. I will write a summary in my blog on the interesting facts and what to do in Langkawi Island, Malaysia. You can go to this island by taking a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur or Penang Island or you can make a road trip to the northern states of Kedah or Perlis and then board on a ferry to Langkawi from either Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis jetty. I hope you can relate yourself with the caption, "Naturally Langkawi" after reading my blog.
1. Emerald green waters of Andaman Sea
The waters of Andaman Sea are different compared to the pristine clear waters of Maldives. As you sail through the beaches of Langkawi, you will notice the emerald green waters surrounding the island. You will definitely come across picturesque beaches and eye cooling sunsets making your island experience a fulfilling one. To be specific, take an island hopping tour to Tasik Dayang Bunting (a lake in the midst of the Andaman Sea surrounded by mountains with the shape of a pregnant lady) or take a speedboat ride around Tanjung Rhu to experience what I have written here.
2. The Kilim Geoforest Park
The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park Langkawi spans almost 100 square kilometres, is famous for mangrove swamps, vertical karstic hills, eagle watching and the blue-green waters connecting to the Andaman Sea. You can notice the borders of Satun, Thailand as you go on a boat ride. Do not miss this tropical retreat while in Langkawi.
Cenang beach is like the Malaysian version of Copacabana since it is packed with an array of hotels, duty free shops and eateries. People literally flood here to enjoy themselves along the sandy beach throughout the day. You can consider to book a hotel here as there are variety of options to choose from based on your budget, for the sea view and walking distance to restaurants and bars. The Underwater World of Langkawi is also located at Cenang Street. At night, there will be music and fire performances by the local boys at the beach area and therefore a night walk with a warm beer would be ideal. Remember, this is Malaysia, do not expect explicit shows or activities like in Phuket, Thailand.
4. Langkawi Skybridge
This is another must thing to do in Langkawi. Take the Langkawi Sky Cab, one of the steepest cable car in the world to reach the Sky Bridge. You will appreciate the archipelago and the blue waters of Langkawi while on the gondola ride. At the end of the ride, you will reach the sky bridge, which is one of the main attractions in Langkawi. The Sky Bridge is a 125 metres curved pedestrian bridge supported by cables at the top of Machinchang mountain. One must be amazed by the architecture and the nature view of the island. The best time to experience the Sky Bridge is in the morning and during sunset.
This is another must thing to do in Langkawi. Take the Langkawi Sky Cab, one of the steepest cable car in the world to reach the Sky Bridge. You will appreciate the archipelago and the blue waters of Langkawi while on the gondola ride. At the end of the ride, you will reach the sky bridge, which is one of the main attractions in Langkawi. The Sky Bridge is a 125 metres curved pedestrian bridge supported by cables at the top of Machinchang mountain. One must be amazed by the architecture and the nature view of the island. The best time to experience the Sky Bridge is in the morning and during sunset.
5. Luxury resorts
Langkawi Island has got to offer one of the best resorts built strategically facing the Andaman sea at several locations. There are many 5 star resorts here under the Mariott Bonvoy chain, but my personal favourite is The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi which perfectly suits its tagline, "an intersection of nature and luxury". This resort is built along the Pantai Kok, enabling you to appreciate both the whispers of the rainforest and also the sea breeze from the edge of the Andaman Sea. A complete package here would mean a stay in the sea-view villa and also a tantalizing sunset dinner at the Beach Grill restaurant. There are plenty of Instagrammable spots within the resort namely the The Horizon infinity pool and the "Bubu' (of local fishermen) shaped spa.
Pulau Payar is a small island which is also a marine park. You need to take a ferry from Kuah Jetty for a 45 minutes journey to this island, which needs a pre-booking. Pulau Payar is strictly protected by the local government and therefore you will surely enjoy snorkeling here witnessing thousands of sergeant fishes, baby sharks and untouched corals while swimming in the pristine waters of the island.
7. Paddy fields- 'Laman Padi' and 'Nasi Dagang Pak Malau'.
One thing you will notice while driving around the island is the tropical beauty of the paddy fields. The state of Kedah is also known as 'Jelapang Padi' as it serves as the rice bowl of Malaysia. Langkawi also has beautiful paddy fields surrounded by mountains. If you want to learn more about the paddy fields and have a hearty local cuisine, you can visit the "Laman Padi" which is located very near to Cenang. You can even take a stroll along the paddy fields at Ulu Melaka village or even better try the traditional Malay dish called 'nasi dagang' at Nasi Dagang Pak Malau while appreciating the greenery. Do not miss this experience as you are in a rainforest country.
(From left: Paddy field in Ulu Melaka, Nasi Dagang Pak Malau)
Dataran Lang, or Eagle Square in English is an iconic square in Langkawi with a gigantic sculpture of an eagle representing the name Langkawi and its origin. The main purpose to come here is for photo-taking to mark your attendance to this beautiful island besides appreciating the sea view. It is suggested to drop by here when you come to Kuah town for food and shopping or while on the way to Kuah Jetty Point.
9. Outdoor activities
This island has a list of fun-loving outdoor activities to offer. Some I have personally tried and enjoyed and some I am yet to explore. Anyways, I will pen down the activities that you may want to consider when you come to Langkawi.
i. Parasailing at Pantai Tengah
ii. Hiking at Gunung Raya
iii. Kayaking at private resorts
iv. Flying fox at Langkawi Skytrex
v. Skydiving (not done yet)
Most of us love watching the sunset especially after a tiring day exploring the island. There are few good spots to catch a sunset during the golden hour in Langkawi. Besides the Horizon Bar in Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, The Hidden Bar and The Dash BeachClub Resort are two good locations that I would recommend. Although I was kinda late for a sunset to both of these bars, I can assure the beachside ambience was indeed cool.
11. Scenic waterfalls as a getaway from the beach.
Langkawi is also home to scenic waterfalls where one can hike and appreciate the beauty of the island and dip into chilled and fresh waters of the rainforest. Often people would suggest to visit 'Telaga Tujuh, which is located at the Machincang Mountain. As the name translates, 'Telaga Tujuh' consists of seven natural pools connected by a river. However, the hike to this spot can be tiring and overcrowded during peak times since it is a famous spot.
Langkawi is also home to scenic waterfalls where one can hike and appreciate the beauty of the island and dip into chilled and fresh waters of the rainforest. Often people would suggest to visit 'Telaga Tujuh, which is located at the Machincang Mountain. As the name translates, 'Telaga Tujuh' consists of seven natural pools connected by a river. However, the hike to this spot can be tiring and overcrowded during peak times since it is a famous spot.
I would recommend another underrated gem in Langkawi called The Temurun Waterfall which is located near to Jalan Datai. It only takes about 10 minutes hike from the foothill to reach the second tier that will surely excite visitors with its gushing water falling from the top into the center pool where people can swim and appreciate the beauty of nature. Please be reminded not to litter as many garbages were thrown by picnic goers that can harm the environment.
Most of us are aware that Malaysia is famous for its rich Asian cuisines, placing it as one of the best foodie spots in the world. I can assure you that food in Langkawi will meet your expectations too. There are plenty of fresh seafood restaurants at Kuah town serving in both Chinese or Malay style. You must try the traditional Malay cuisines, from nasi lemak, to rendang daging and to pecel lele which are widely available, whether along the streets of Kuah town or in 5 star resorts like The Rimba at Ambong resort. As for the westerners, do not worry about having your regular big breakfast or pasta. Western food is widely available in Langkawi.
Another point not to be missed is the duty free status of the island, which will tempt you to indulge in a shopping spree for liquours, luxury perfumes and premium chocolates. Well, these items are tax-free here in Langkawi!
These are just 12 major highlights of this sophisticated island among the many other things that one could explore. I will update this blog from time to time as I have still many things to try out in Langkawi including the sunset cruise. I hope you will save your dates to visit the Jewel of Kedah soon to indulge on a perfect island holiday in South East Asia.
Visit my Instagram page, theroytravels for more videos and highlights of Langkawi.
Reference: www.langkawi-info.com
"BEFORE YOU RUN OUT OF TIME"
Email: powellroylouis@gmail.com
