LANGKOWI ISLAND

We escaped the heat of Penang for six nights on Langkowi Island. Although pretty hot here too, it's a different kind of heat, dryer and not quite so humid. Langkowi is officially known as the Jewel of Kedah and is within an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea some 30 km off the mainland coast of north western Malasia. It is accessed by ferry from the Ferry Terminal in Georgetown and takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours to get there. Langkowi is a tax free haven and so a lot of people go there to buy alcohol, perfume etc. Wine is pretty expensive in Malaysia, I didn't see any reasonable priced wine there although there were good drops at high prices.

We stayed at Palau Cenang, about 30 minutes by taxi from the ferry terminal, we booked into Fave Hotel which is very near the beach, about a five minute walk away. A pleasant hotel, room was quite okay with a/cond and serviced daily. Swimming pool adjacent to the dining area and bar, water temperature was like a warm bath most of the day, a little cooler first thing in the morning and late afternoon. It's not really deep enough for a proper swim but pleasant enough for dip and cool down and relaxation on the lounges. Daily breakfast was plentiful with a number of choices including the curries and rice dishes. I stuck to cereal and fruit or omelette and toast or sometimes all of the above. Hotel staff helpful and courteous always smiling. I splurged on a head to toe body massage in the hotel's spa, very relaxing. There are many massage places around town, maybe a little cheaper than the hotel but it was good to indulge on site.

Saying goodbye to two of the waitresses

Cable Car

At 700 metres above sea level, the cable car ride up to Langkawi's second highest peak is an experience not to be missed. Throughout the 20-minute ride, you will pass over jungle waterfalls and a thick carpet of rainforest. Travelling at a steep incline over a distance of about 2 kilometres from the base station to the two mountain-top stations. At the top, a sky bridge offers a breathtaking view over Langkawi. It's about a 20 minute walk to reach the sky bridge, easy downhill to get there but quite a steep climb on way back. But it is well worth the effort, there are seats along the way where you can catch your breath for five minutes. We visited on one of the days we had the hire car, otherwise it would be a taxi. Didn't see any tours to the cable car.

In the cable car

A station before the top

View of the jungle beneath

On the sky bridge

Island Hopping

The Langkawi Island Hopping Tour takes you on a journey to explore Langkawi’s small inlets. Travel is via a very fast speed boat. First you’ll be taken to visit Pulau Singa Besar – Big Lion Island; the boat stops just shy of the shores and you’ll get the chance to watch the eagles as they soar overhead and an up-close look as they dive to catch their titbits which is chicken bits that the boat driver has thrown into the water.

Next head on over to Pulau Dayang Bunting – the silhouette of the pregnant maiden from a distance is truly awe-inspiring; meanwhile the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden overflowing with supposed ‘magical’ waters is another breathtaking sight. Legend is that women trying to become pregnant are helped by bathing in these waters. Relax on the adjoining buoys on the shores, dip your feet into the waters or splash and swim around in the enclosed sections. The day ends with a visit to ‘Beras Basah Island’ – or Wet Rice Island – another beach area with clear waters where it is safe to swim. A good morning's entertainment.

Speed Boat to the islands

Monkeys scavaging

At the island of the Pregnant Maiden

Eagles Swooping

Lots of Speed Boats

Eating

Many cafes and restaurants in the main street in Cenang. Most are reasonably priced, menus outside so you can menu shop before selecting. Some places looked a bit grotty so we were selective at where we chose to eat.

Car Hire

We hired a car for two days via the hotel's own car hire. Very cheap at 90 ringgit ($30) a day. So we were able to explore most of the island.

Beach Bludging

Launching a parasail

Very pretty uncrowded beach, you can hire deck chairs with a roof for sun protection for 10 ringgit (around $3.50) a chair. Sometimes you get a freebie because chair man is not always in his hut. Lots of water sports here, parasailing, jet skis, banana boats. Water beautifully warm for a splash, good place to snooze, read or watch the water activities. Relaxing.

Palau Cenan

NB on Langkowi

You can do most things here in four or five days, we elected to stay for six nights to escape the heat of Penang. I was quite unwell while here with a throat infection and lost my voice so had to have some rest time. We quite enjoyed being here in the laid back atmosphere. There seems to be a lack of maintenance in Malaysia, for instance, if a pavement is broken, they stick a large tree truck in the hole so that you don't fall in.  We enjoyed this holiday within a holiday.