#rent is super cheap and you can get massages anytime

[balkanradfem]

i am losing my mind over here. Twice, twice in this month, I had a roommate rush into the apartment and blurt out that she's moving out, on the spot, I'm ???? how does this happen twice, in two weeks.

I was all set to have two roommates during the cold season and they both seemed so nice and I've just taken all the adds off the internet and relaxed and now I have to put it all back up T_T and answer calls, and show the apartment to strangers.. and I have 2 weeks to find a new roommate. Aaaah.

[footstepsofagiant-blog]

Welcome to Langkawi!

Home to stunning beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and irresistible food, this island has so much to offer. Although being far less developed when compared to some of the neighbouring islands, this gives Langkawi the chance for the wildlife and jungles on the island to flourish. You can ask others who have visited the island and let them tell you their stories, I am sure you will find yourself making this island is a must do if you are travelling to South-east Asia.

Officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. You will find yourself making this island is a must do if you are coming to South-east Asia.

The island is completely duty-free so alcohol and tobacco is super cheap when compare to mainland Malaysia. So if that’s your thing this is the best spot in Malaysia to let loose in moderation of course.

The island itself experiences great weather all year round and is never to cold however, it does tend pour with rain during the tropical monsoon season. Most showers happen in short powerful bursts, with the warm tropical climate it’s easy too see why the island is abundant in wildlife, waterfalls and outlandish rock formations. The islands dry season is during the winter usually so anytime between December to March is great, end of summer and autumn tend to be the most wet seasons, so remember to pack a light raincoat if you come during that time.

Check in time….

So where to stay in Langkawi, is one of the most important things to consider before you start your holiday. This guide should help simplify each area on the main island so that you can make a choice of where to book your accomodation.

Pantai Cenang-Most popular area, great beach, plenty of restaurants and shops. Pantai Tengah-Beautiful beach area, not crowded, nice restaurants, not too many shops. Pantai Kok- Best beach on the island (most are private), cable car and waterfall are close. Kuah Town- Biggest city on the island, duty-free, most ferry and jetties leave from here Padang Matsirat- Near to airport and tombs, batik art village, snake sanctuary. Datai Area- Luxury resorts, private beaches, close to crocodile farm and waterfalls. Air Hangat & Kilim- Close to Air Hangat Village which has natural hot springs, boat tours for Kilim Geopark, museums, waterfalls are all close as well however not too many restaurants.

So to help with some super basic Malay… Pantai=Beach Air=Water Padang=Field Pulau=Island

Any of these locations are great so before you book a hotel or AirBnB be sure to check out the reviews of the accommodation. Some spots are great and quite rural, (great for nature lovers) so i’m sure you will find somewhere you like on the island, whether you want to be in the jungle on the beach, there is plenty of great accommodation on this welcoming island.

*The hotel in the picture below is of The Andaman Hotel, in Langkawi

Exploring the island…

To get around in Langkawi you will lots of options, you can get a taxi, scooter, or even hire your own car, depends on your preference. The taxi ranks usually have a fixed price before you get in so remember to settle a fee with the driver before you get in to one.

Mopeds/scooter shops are all over the island you can rent a bike from anywhere really, most places have similar prices so don’t bother shopping around too much and wasting holiday time, Pantai Cenang has plenty shops that you can rent from.

In my opinion in Malaysia you should be using Uber, it is much cheaper than getting a taxi and the drivers are mostly friendly and can tell you a lot about the islands hidden gems. Uber works on Langkawi without any problem.

! IN MALAYSIA THEY DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD !

So all the boring stuff is done let’s talk about some of the great things to do whilst on the island.

01|Langkawi SkyCab and Bridge

Panorama Langkawi is located on the southwest coast of Langkawi island. The cable car ride will bring you all the way up to about 708 meters above sea level. This journey covers a total distance of 2.2 km linking the Base Station at the foothill of Machinchang mountain to Top Station at the mountain summit & to the SkyBridge.

The views for from the bridge are breathtaking and are definitely best during the evening where you can see the sunset and intense colours in the sky.

Prices will constantly change so here a link to the official website that sell the sky bridge tickets, so that you can arrange your budget.

02|Indulge in the Night Market

Langkawi’s street markets are also popular for sampling various types of freshly prepared Malay food such as pisang goreng (fried bananas), keropok lekor (fish crackers), nasi lemak, fried noodles and nasi ayam (chicken rice). There also a lot shopping that can be done at the market so keep your eye-out for local produce and handicrafts.

The market is not always in the same location, you can think of it as a travelling market, below is a timetable I made to help you out:

Monday- Ulu Melaka Market, 17:30-22:00 @Jalan Makam Mahsuri Lama, Ulu Melaka Tuesday- Kedawang Market, 17:30-22:00 @Kedawang (near Pantai Cenang) Wednesday & Saturday- Kuah Night Market, 17:30-22:00 @Kuah Town Thursday- Temoyong, 17:30-22:00 @Kampung Temoyong, Mukim Kedawang Friday- Air Hangat, 17:30-22:00 @Padang Lalang, Air Hangat, Langkawi Sunday-Padang Matsirat Market, 17:30 – 22:00 @Kampung Raja, Mukim Padang Matsirat

*Please ask the hotel or locals just in case this list has changed.

03|Go Island Hopping

The island has so many different tours to choose from daily and are relatively very cheap to do. Most tours will take different routes and along the way you will see some of the islands wildlife and natural beauty.

You can do island hopping via a small group or by renting Jetskis both are great, I would recommend jetskis if you aren’t worried about your budget and you are confident in you swimming abilities.

Island hopping in a group will normally cost around 40RM (about £8/$11) that will take you to Dayang Bunting and the Eagle feeding area. Jetski will much more expensive expect around 700RM-950RM (about £130/$170) the later being with a passenger as-well.

04|Dayang Bunting

The island, which is about 20 kilometres from Kuah town, is modestly populated on one side and virtually uninhabited on the other where the lake is situated, this island is usually apart of the island hopping tour so be sure not to miss it.

The island has its own legend and it goes something like this: The favourite bathing pool of a celestial princess named Mambang Sari was said to be Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden). A prince, Mat Teja, fell madly in love with her and tricked her into marrying him.

Sadly, their child died from a mysterious illness at the age of seven days. Distraught, the grieving Mambang Sari left the child’s body in the lake and returned to her heavenly abode. Today, some believe that barren women who bathe in this lake will be endowed with a child.

Be sure to jump in to the cool refreshing lake after trekking through the jungle, to get into the lake area you will need to pay a small fee.

05|Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

This is an Ecologically diverse National Park which hosts rivers squeezed between deep limestone cliffs, and biologically rich mangrove swamps, you can’t miss this if you truly a lover of nature, Also it is very close to Tanjung Rhu beach, so you can go to the beach to relax after.

There’s a good variety of wildlife found in Kilim Karst Geoforest Park Langkawi, ranging from otters and monitor lizards to macaques and tree crabs hiding amongst the thick mangroves. During the migratory seasons (September to March), you can spot birdlife of varying species, including kingfishers, white-bellied fish eagles and kite eagles

RM200 – RM500 (about £38/$50) for a boat and tour of the park.

06|Tanjung Rhu Beach

Located just beyond Pantai Pasir Hitam, Tanjung Rhu has one of Langkawi’s best shorelines. The waters are as clear as crystal, the sand is powder-fine and driving towards this beach you’ll have to pass a dense corridor of jungle. The area is absolutely secluded and the atmosphere is silent and peaceful.

There are a few roadside stalls selling Langkawi’s local favourite – mee gulung – but other than that the area is quiet.

07|Conquer the Island at Gunung Raya

Known as the highest mountain in Langkawi, Gunung Raya peaks at 881 metres in height and its dense forest  houses a variet of different wildlife such as leaf monkeys, flying foxes, macaque monkeys, mountain hawk eagles, white bellied sea eagles, and even great hornbills.

According to local beliefs, the mountain is the cursed form of a giant called Mat Raya, who had once lived on the island. It is a 30 minute-long scenic drive to the top of Gunung Raya, with several lookout points along the way, or you could hike up to the mountain use a guide if you aren’t experienced in hiking.

08|Enjoy some me time at a Spa

Travelling and doing fun things daily will definitely take it out of you so without a doubt I would recommend getting a massage. Most places on the island are really good and most packages are relatively quite cheap.

When we were in Langkawi we went to the Alun Alun Spa on Pantai Cenang, I have only good things to say about the experience. This Spa in particular is quite secluded and private considering it being in a busy area of the island.

09|Fruit farms

I have never seen so much fruit in my life with a range of different exotic fruits this is a great thing to do with the family, or if you really like fruit like us.

10|Seafood all day every day!

Being on an island seafood and coconuts are a necessity, and without a doubt we took advantage of that. Fresh shellfish and Grouper Fish to be served to you is an experience you need to try when you are in Langkawi. There are so many restaurants to choose from, be careful and as the food is done by the weight of seafood you choose, try not to eat with your eyes, i made this mistake and was too greedy.

There are so many more things to do on this beautiful island but I only have space for 10, any recommendations please leave a message. Also if you have any questions I am more than happy to help.

    First post of 2018...Time to start the adventures!!! Welcome to Langkawi! Home to stunning beaches, rainforests, waterfalls and irresistible food, this island has so much to offer.