6 minute read
Destinations: Langkawi
Langkawi, the Year- Round Island of Attractions
Text & Images by MUHAMMAD HASIF MOHD JELANI
During the recent Eid Fitr (the celebration that follows after the ending of the Muslim fasting month), Gaya Travel team together with a group of media members, bloggers and social media influencers headed to Langkawi, dubbed as the Jewel of Kedah. Staying true to its title, Langkawi has long been one of Malaysia’s favourite destinations that offers wonderful natural wonders, world-class hotels and resorts, exciting water-based activities and happening events all-year long.
Langkawi Cable Car.
Visiting this island of the legendary Mahsuri and other local folklores during Eid Fitr was nothing short of amazing. We explored a few places on the island and experienced some of the attractions.
We even had the opportunity to attend a special Eid ul Fitr open house organised by Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) with the theme Langkawi Aidilfitri Special 2019. The event showcased delectable selection of dishes served by four- and five-star hotels and resorts around Langkawi, on top of colourful traditional performances and games that enthralled local and international spectators.
The Eagle Square from our cruise boat with SeaSplash Adventure.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Umgawa Legendary Adventure (www.ziplinelangkawi.com)
Ziplining at Umgawa Legendary Adventure will give travellers a fun and memorable experience.
Recommended for adventurous souls, this is the place where you can be one with nature. Umgawa has 12 ziplines, in which the longest spans 200 metres. The experience gliding from tree to tree within the over the ancient rainforest that is part of the Matchinchang Geopark, including the dramatic Seven Wells Waterfall, is absolutely exhilarating! Umgawa’s Safety Sky Rangers are helpful and informative too, explaining the do’s and don’ts with clear instructions, making the experience safer and enjoyable.
T: +6 013 343 8900
Darulaman Sanctuary (www.sanctuary.bdb.com.my)
Our guide, Mr Ros Effendi at Darulaman Sanctuary explaining some facts about the faunas in Langkawi.
Do you know that birds function as highly sensitive indicators to the wellbeing of an ecosystem? With over 200 species of birds in Langkawi that can be observed at Darulaman Sanctuary, many travellers will find this piece of information eye-opening. Among the birds that travellers can spot are the collared kingfisher, great hornbill, crimson sunbird, black-hooded oriole and of course, the proud Brahminy kite eagle, or locally known as Lang Merah, said to be the inspiration behind the name Langkawi.
Along the way, travellers are also able to come across various kinds of wildlife such as butterflies, scorpions, monkeys and spiders.
T: +6 04 955 8080
Sunset Cruise with SeaSplash Adventure (www.seasplashlangkawi.com)
Glorious sunset that we witnessed on our cruise boat with SeaSplash Adventure.
Sunset in Langkawi is quite spectacular and should be admired by all travellers when the weather permits. To experience this, travellers may opt for SeaSplash Adventure, which brings them on a relaxing voyage on a well-equipped vessel. Departing from Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, we cruised around Langkawi, passing by some of the island’s iconic attractions such as Pulau Dayang Bunting and Eagle Square, finally witnessing the memorable sunset while being served with refreshing beverages and delicious barbecue dinner.
T: +6 04 955 7114
Langkawi Cable Car & Sky Bridge (www.panoramalangkawi.com)
The Sky Bridge that stands 709 metres above sea level.
Notably Langkawi’s most prominent attraction, Langkawi Cable Car or SkyCab has been officially operating since 2005. It is also known as the steepest cable car ride in the world. The ride from the base platform brings passengers to the peak of Matchincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, believed to have been formed 500 million years ago. Once arrived, travellers can enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Langkawi alongside the majestic Andaman Sea. There is also a curved Sky Bridge that stands 709 metres above sea level for travellers to admire the majestic surrounding landscape even further.
T: +6 04 959 4225
3D Art Museum (http://artinparadise.com.my)
One of the 3D arts at 3D Art Museum.
This is the largest 3D Museum in South East Asia, second in the world. It has as many as 105 interactive art pieces by 23 artists, all categorised into nine exciting zones such as Optical Illusion Zone, Aquarium Zone, Safari Zone, Fantasy Zone, Malaysia Zone and more. Meant to fire up your imagination and creativity, this museum is brilliant and should be included into your family vacation in Langkawi. Fair warning, though: you will need more than an hour to fully experience the museum because it is huge!
T: +6 013 509 1209
Kilim Geoforest Park
This is one of the three geo-site parks in Langkawi dedicated as a sanctuary for the island’s extensive mangrove eco-system, wonderful karst hills and caves. A myriad of wildlife can be found here, including monitor lizards, squirrels, monkeys, mud crab and birds like kingfishers and kite birds. There is even a spot where travellers can witness Brahminy kite eagles swooping by.
Pak Su showing one of his horshoe crabs.
A tour inside this park also brings travellers to meet the 69-year old Mehad bin Daud (famously known as Pak Su), who is fluent in several languages, including Japanese, explaining about the life of a fisherman and introducing some of his ‘native friends’ such as stingrays and horseshoe crabs.
T: +6 04 959 2323
Skyrex (www.panoramalangkawi.com/skyrex)
Put your seatbelt on and get ready for a thrilling 4D adventure on a tram-styled simulator! Once you are ready, you will be brought to enter an otherworldly park filled with benign and fierce dinosaurs, guaranteeing a thrilling experience. Get ready for suspense and adrenaline rush as you encounter some of the most well-represented theropods, including the much-feared Tyrannosaurus rex!
Paradise 101 (www.paradise101.com)
Riding on jet ski is a must-do at Paradise 101.
This is a man-made, private, day-resort island that is fast becoming Langkawi’s premier water sports destination. Either to simply relax by the beach or get wet by doing water activities, this island offers the best at both. It has a bar, plenty of chairs and well-equipped toilet and bathrooms, including a list of water activities like water park, kayaking, banana boat and jet ski.
WHERE TO EAT
Selera Akmal Restaurant
Popular for grilled fishes including stingrays, catfishes and torpedo scads, this restaurant is usually packed during lunch hour. It mainly serves local cuisine comprising dishes like pucuk ubi masak lemak tempoyak, rendang daging, local salads and many more.
T: +6 012 594 4638
Seashells Restaurant, Laman Padi
With the concept of Malay kampung surrounded by sawah padi (rice field) in Kedah, this restaurant serves local menu fused with Western influences. More than just the view of an authentic sawah padi, the Malay kampung experience is made even better by the restaurant’s rustic decor and traditional music playing in the background.
T: +6 04 955 3581
Kak Yan Nasi Campur
Kerabu Bronok which can be savoured at Kak Yan Nasi Campur.
Another popular restaurant for lunch, Kak Yan Nasi Campur offers Langkawi’s favourite dish called kerabu bronok, which is basically a traditional salad with bronok, a sea cucumber-like marine life found around the island. But if you are not into this exotic food, there are other delectable options available that you will be spoilt for choice!
T: +6 017 408 4371
Warung Jati Aisyah
This eatery, located in Kedawang, is rather small, but brims with delicious local cuisines. This place is a must for travellers who seek for the authentic taste of Langkawi. The eatery also serves up refreshing local desserts like ais kacang, cendol, pulut mangga and pulut durian.
WHERE TO STAY
Langkawi Yacht Club Hotel (http://langkawiyachtclubhotel.com)
This is one of the establishments owned by Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, an award-winning marina with 250 berths, besides Fisherman’s Wharf and Charlie’s Bar & Grill. This boutique hotel boasts 44 rooms that come in different categories such as Marina View Cottage, The Admiral Presidential Suite, Standard Room, Courtyard Room, Seaview Room, Hillview Room and Skylight Room with open-air shower. It also has a spa and sea-side swimming pool.
