Langkawi Link 2012 [ Jan-March ] by Ricky Chan

LANGKAWI LINK January - March 2012 VOL.6 NO.1

Happy

New Year

Contents:

6 Driving Guide 10 Tourist Attractions 14 Beaches & Waterfalls 16 Boat Tours 20 Adventure 24 Langkawi Map 26 Spas 30 History & Culture 32 Dining 38 How To Have Fun In Kuah 44 Directory The Definitive Guide to Langkawi

LANGKAWI LINK v a c a t i o n

g u i d e

Cover photo: The Royal Langkawi International Regatta. Photo courtesy of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club.

AINI JANTAN

Publisher & Art Director

PATRICK LOW

Editor & Sales Director

Langkawi Link is published quarterly by Blue Crystal Productions. Circulation: 42,000 copies per quarter.

Jasni Talib

Administrative Assistant

No text or graphics from this guide may be re-printed without permission from Blue Crystal Productions. The guide is distributed free and may not to be sold under any circumstances. For advertising information, please call Patrick at 017 456 2669. For general enquiries, please call 04 959 3067 or drop by our office between 10am to 5pm at 1828 Padang Saga, across the road from the water treatment plant. We are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Published by Blue Crystal Productions 1828 Jalan Padang Saga Mukim Ulu Melaka 07000 Langkawi. Kedah

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QUICK SUGGESTIONS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY JetSki | Tours

Honeymooners and Lovers

Sunset cruise Check out romantic dinner promotions at exclusive resorts Couples spa session Spend evenings at waterfront restaurants and bars at Cenang and Perdana Quay Explore Gunung Raya at Sunset

Families

Wildlife Park, Underwater World, Cable Car Glass-Blowing Factory and Batik Painting at Kompleks Kraf Island Hopping Watersports (Seeman Watersports) Elephant ride and tiger café at Oriental Village Kilim boat tour

Adventure Travellers

Cave Exploration Jungle treks (Dev’s Adventure Tours) Mangrove kayaking (Dev’s Adventure Tours) Scuba diving at Pulau Payar (Langkawi Coral) Cycling tour (Dev’s Adventure Tours, QQ Holidays) Jetski Island Hopping (Mega Watersports) Quad Bike Waterfalls 4,000-step stairway up Gunung Raya at Lebuk Semilang Park

Culture Lovers

History and culture tours (Dev’s Adventure Tours, QQ Holidays, Tuba Travel & Tours) Mahsuri’s Tomb, Kompleks Kraf, Galeria Perdana, al-Hana Mosque Go for a dinner-and-culturedance package Night Markets (See map)

Fun in the Sun Starts with

A JetSki Tour to see the Beauty of Langkawi. Our Amazing 4 Hours Rated Tour:

Three Island Tour Dayang Bunting Island Tour Lunch @ Fishing Village Tour Private Tours On Request.

All rates include full comprehensive insurance. The fun starts as low as

500

012 200 2155 (Said) 012 389 0801 (Hussein) 019 316 4946 (Huffy) THREE ISLAND TOUR DAYANG BUNTING ISLAND TOUR LUNCH @ FISHING VILLAGE TOUR

Advance Booking: RM100 to confirm reservation. Lot 31, Kompleks Pekan Rabu, 07000 Kuah Langkawi, Kedah DA, MY. e sales@megawatersports.com m +6 012 200 2155, +6 012 389 0801, +6 019 316 4946

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I M P O R TA N T N U M B E R S Emergencies Tel: 999 (Police) Tel: 991 (Ambulance) Tel: 994 (Fire Dept) Langkawi Hospital 04 966 3333 Langkawi International Airport 04 955 1311

Taxi Stations Airport : 04 955 1800 Kuah Town : 04 966 5249 Pharmacists Cenang: Cemara Drug Store 04 955 8872 Kuah: Joe’s Pharmacy 04 966 0180

DRIVING TOURS A DRIVING GUIDE TO LANGKAWI:

Renting a car or motorcycle is simply the best way to get an all-round perspective of the island. For backpackers and budget travellers, renting a car or scooter is the most costeffective way to maximize your vacation experience. You may come across car rentals as low as RM 60 per day but these are unlicensed rentals and there is no insurance or refund if the car gets confiscated at a police checkpoint. Legitimate car rental companies generally rent for no less than RM 90. Make sure there’s a licence sticker on your rental.

SAFETY TIPS:

Do not explore the side roads of Langkawi in a car, if possible. The roads are far too narrow. Always be on the lookout for animals crossing the roads. Avoid driving at night. When it rains, it is extremely dangerous to drive on Langkawi roads with bald tyres because of the number of sharp turns. Check the tyres carefully before you rent. If you come from a country that drives on the right, tape a big left-pointing arrow on top of the dashboard so you’ll always know which side of the road to drive (use masking tape or paper strips). Bike riders should always stay as far left of the road as possible and always give way to cars. Below are some interesting out-of-the-way places to visit while driving around Langkawi: JALAN AIR HANGAT Wat Wanararm Buddhist Temple Starting from Kuah town, drive past the town limits and you’ll soon see the massive school grounds of the Mara

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Science College on your left. Look for the entrance to the science college but signal for a RIGHT turn. Directly across from the school gates, there is a side road marked by a picture of a monk. Take the side road to the temple. Also worth checking out is the organic dragonfruit farm near the temple. Temples Under the Stalactites Just 500 metres north from Wat Wanararm is another side road on the right marked by a huge yellow sign above the road. The road Look for this sign for the side road to Wat Tham Kisap temple. The entrance to unnamed park near Kompleks Kraf (see Jalan Teluk Yu).

leads to a T-junction that is guarded by a large green Hindu statue. From that junction, the road to your left leads to the Wat Tham Kisap Buddhist temple while going right takes you to a newly-constructed Hindu temple. The Hindu and Buddhist temples are up against strikingly gorgeous limestone cliffs with overhanging stalactites. JALAN TELUK YU Look for a low yellow and red stone fence near Kompleks Kraf. The entrance, flanked by two concrete structures (see photo abve), leads to a tiny park. There is a great view of the boulders in the sea from a lookout point near the parking lot. If you walk to the other end of the park, you’ll find stairs leading down to the beach. On a sunny day at medium tide, the beach here is quite beautiful (if they’ve picked up the trash). There is another entrance point to this stretch of beach directly across from the entrance to Kompleks Kraf. Park your vehicle at the unpaved parking lot and take the stone stairway down. This is a nice, secluded picnic spot that few people know about because there are no signs indicating a park. This beach is part of Teluk Yu (Shark Bay) beach. Most tourists go to the promenade area just a minute away if you keep driving west. There is parking there and a cheap restaurant with some fairly good local food. The scenery here is quite nice at high or medium tide.

Ewa Jetty is a short one-minute drive away further west. Look out for a big sign on the main road. It’s not the most scenic fishing jetty in Langkawi with the monstrous cement factory looming over it, but some might find it charming. When you reach Telaga Harbour at the west end, check out the Telaga Harbour Lighthouse. Look for a giant sign on the road that says Perdana Quay and take the left turn before The Danna hotel. Follow the road flanking The Danna to the end and you’ll reach the lighthouse. JALAN DATAI When you get to Temurun waterfall, there’s a restaurant across the street called Tiga. There’s a footpath at the back of the restaurant leading to an interesting but non-swimmable beach called Pebble Beach. This beach is only viewable at low tide. As you approach the Datai and Andaman resorts, you’ll see the best views of virgin rainforest on the island. If you are a birdwatcher, park on the side of the road outside the entrance to the Datai. This is a great place for birds. JALAN BUKIT MALUT Jalan Bukit Malut is a long and winding road that hugs the southern coastline of Langkawi. It provides some extremely pretty views of the southern islands but the road is probably best explored by motorcycle as there are not many places for a car to easily pull over. While on Jalan Bukit Malut, you might want to take a quick detour on a U-shaped road called Jalan Lencongan Bukit Malut. It’s a nice drive with scenic views at some spots, and no matter where you enter, you will come back out on Jalan Bukit Malut. Do not explore the narrow side roads on this boulevard or you might end up in the Burmese refugee village. JALAN PADANG GAONG There is a fantastic swimming area at Lubuk Semilang (some maps mark this as Book Village) that is frequented by the local villagers. As you drive into Lubuk Semilang, take a left turn on the side road next to the giant electric tower. Unfortunately, this is a VERY narrow side road so you drive here at your own risk. Look out for cars coming around the bend. The payoff is that there are several excellent natural swimming pools at the very top that are rarely mentioned in tourist guides. Skip this if there has been no recent rainfall. There is a very nice park below for sunset walks, picnicking and swimming.

Still A Best-Kept Secret After 20 Years

Swiss Chef J.J. Graf and our staff serves European and Mediterranean delights with a touch of Asia in our scenic restaurant on the beach. Come enjoy antipasti, salads, Australian steaks, Asian delights, seafood specialties, pastas, pizzas and tantalizing desserts. We also offer daily specials for lunch and dinner, as well as a children menu. Good fine wine selection and a wide choice of cocktails at moderate prices. Draft beers and imported German beers.

Happy Hours: 3pm - 6pm Everyday Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Pantai Cenang (next to Casa del Mar) on the beach Tel: 6 04 955 1363 Fax: 6 04 955 1221 Email: info@beachgardenresort.com www.beachgardenresort.com

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Galeria Perdana This gorgeous museum houses political gifts given to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahatir bin Mohamad. The architecture of the building is simply stunning, especially the intricate ceilings, which were hand-painted by Uzbekistan artists. Culture buffs and lovers of fine architecture will love this museum. Some highlights of the current collection include the vintage car collection, weapons room, Japanese dolls, stone carvings, paintings and photographs from every stage of Dr Mahatir’s career. Adults: RM 10 Children: RM 4 Tel: 04 959 1498 Educational or Culture Factor: 10 Fun Factor: 3 Romance Factor: 7 Kid Appeal: 4 Fitness Level Required: 3 Underwater World The highlights of this aquarium are the splitlevel penguin exhibit with underwater view and the tunnel tank housing the giant groupers, rays and sharks. At 2.45 pm on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, there is a heartstopping traditional Malay snake-handling performance. Try to time your visits with the following feeding times: Freshwater Fishes 10.30am, African Penguins 11am & 3pm, Rockhopper Penguins 11.15am & 3.15pm, Otters 11.15am & 3.30pm, Sharks 3pm. Adults: RM 38 Children: RM 28 Tel: 04 955 6100 Educational or Culture Factor: 10 Fun Factor: 8 Romance Factor: 6 Kid Appeal: 10 Fitness Level Required: 3

Langkawi Cable Car This is a cable car ride that few places in the world can rival. The incredible views of the mountain range are unforgettable. The Sky Bridge at the upper platform offers even more breathtaking views. For safety reasons, this bridge is often shut down for maintenance, but if it’s open and you’re fit enough to climb the long flight of stairs back up, don’t miss the Sky Bridge. Adults: RM 30 Children: RM 20 Tel: 04 959 4225 Educational or Culture Factor: 3 Fun Factor: 10 Romance Factor: 6 (8 at sunset) Kid Appeal: 10 Fitness Level Required: 4 (8 for Sky Bridge) Kota Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Tomb) A cultural centre and mausoleum honouring the memory of Mahsuri, a folk heroine who, 200 years ago, withstood brutal torture after being falsely accused of adultery. Besides her bravery in the face of torture, Mahsuri is famous for the curse she laid on the family that murdered her. Most Langkawi legends in the tourist brochures are half-baked PR gimmicks, but the Mahsuri legend has actual historical roots. Virtually all the locals regard it as true. This very moving story is laid out in the mini-museum at Makam Mahsuri. There are cultural performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 3pm. Recommended for those who like history and culture. Adults: RM 10 Children: RM 5

Tel: 04 955 6055 Educational or Culture Factor: 10 Fun Factor: 3 Romance Factor: 5 Kid Appeal: 4 Fitness Level Required: 2 Wildlife Park Children and the young at heart will especially love this attraction, which is also called the Bird Park (Taman Burung). Visitors can feed the virtually all the birds and animals, and make friends with an assortment of large parrots. Couples will enjoy aviary, especially the serene and romantic landscaped pond where all sorts of exotic waterfowl are roaming free. Tip: if you go early around 9am, the birds and animals will be very hungry. In the aviary, the birds will land on you and eat birdseed out of your hand! Adults: RM 22 Children: RM 15 Tel: 04 966 5855 Educational or Culture Factor: 10 Fun Factor: 9 Romance Factor: 7 Kid Appeal 10 Fitness Level Required: 3 Langkawi Craft Complex (Kompleks Kraf) Try not to go too quickly through this interactive museum for Malay arts and crafts. There are lots of fascinating things you could miss. There is usually a vendor who will teach you to do your own batik painting for only RM 15. There are also nice minimuseums in the interior of the main building. The glass-blowing studio at the back of the complex is a great treat for both adults and children. Admission is free. Tel: 04 959 1913 / 1844 Educational or Culture Factor: 10 Fun Factor: 8 (with crafts) Romance Factor: 4 Kid Appeal: 9 (with crafts) Fitness Level Required: 3

Snake Sanctuary The big attraction here is the snake charming shows held at 11.30am and 3pm daily. Unfortunately, there is no guide to explain the interesting snake exhibits on the premises, so it’s not worth it if you miss the show. This place needs guides and a makeover badly. Adults: RM 15 Children: RM 6 Tel: 04 955 7288 Educational or Culture Factor: 3 Fun Factor: 1 (9 with the snake show) Romance Factor: 2 Kid Appeal: 5 (9 with the snake show) Fitness Level Required: 2 The Field of Burnt Rice It’s not actually a charred field but a nice traditional house built on a historical site. This is a very low-key tourist attraction and it won’t be tragic if you miss it. Educational or Culture Factor: 6 Fun Factor: 0 Romance Factor: 0 Kid Appeal: 0 Fitness Level Required: 1 Laman Padi (Rice Museum) A cultural museum showcasing the history of rice

cultivation in Malaysia and it has a real working rice farm attached. A guide is usually on standby and its best to get a guided tour of the museum grounds and rice field. Admission is currently free but there’s a RM 2 charge whenever they have a rice planting demo (if you don’t mind being knee deep in muddy water, definitely give it a try). Educational or Culture Factor: 10 Fun Factor: 4 Romance Factor: 8 Kid Appeal: 6 Fitness Level Required: 2 The Ancient Tomb (Makam Purba) No one knows who is buried under the two tiny ancient tombstones next to the big mosque in Ulu Melaka. Marked on some maps as a tourist attraction, this should be designated instead as an academic research site. Skip this unless you’re into anthropology. Air Hangat Village Hot Springs Under major renovation for over a year, Air Hangat Village will soon reopen as a health spa. It is still open if you want A NOTE TO ADVENTURE TRAVELLERS:

This stairway in Lubuk Semilang Park goes almost to the top of Gunung Raya, our tallest mountain. It’s a great adventure tour you can do on your own, but it is 4,287 steps to the top! Walk into the park and follow the trail next to the stream until you come to the stairway marked by a red sign next to a blue sign. This stairway is not frequently maintained. We recommend, for safety reasons, that you go with a qualified nature guide from Dev’s Adventure Tours (see directory listings). And dress for leeches if there has been heavy rain (tuck your pants into your socks).

to check out the wall murals. There are some shops selling very cheap clothes and souvenirs. We will post rankings on this attraction after it officially opens. Mardi Agro Park Mardi Agro Park is a government fruit farm and research centre that’s open to tourists. For a small admission fee, you get a 15 minute guided tour around the orchards. They sell nice platters of exotic fruits at the cafe. There is also a forest path here if you want to go jungle trekking or try out their mini canopy adventures, which are obstacle courses in the trees. Adults: RM 15 Children: RM 8 Tel: 04 953 2550/2551 Educational or Culture Factor: 10 Fun Factor: 4 Romance Factor: 2 Kid Appeal: 6 Fitness Level Required: 2 Crocodile Farm Like the Snake Sanctuary, it’s not worth going unless you time your visit with their shows. There is croc feeding at 11.15am and croc wrestling at 2.45pm, and both shows are pretty amazing sights. The animals here are bred for their pelts and meat. Adults: RM 15 Children: RM 10 Tel: 04 959 2559 Educational or Culture Factor: 8 Fun Factor: 8 (with show) Romance Factor: 0 Kid Appeal: 10 (with show) Fitness Level Required: 2

FEEDING FUN WITH FEATHERED FRIENDS & GENTLE WILDLIFE FREE PHOTO-SHOOTS

BEACHES & WATERFALLS The Beaches of Langkawi

Pantai Cenang This is a great beach for a swim. Lots of beachside restaurants, spas and watersports operators everywhere so you don’t have to walk far to get anything. There’s a very special atmosphere here at sunset with people playing volleyball and lovers strolling everywhere. Cenang beach is the liveliest and most sociable place on the whole island, but at high season it might be too frenzied for some people. Pantai Tengah At certain times of the year, Pantai Tengah has big waves and strong currents on the north side of the beach from Underwater World to around Frangipani resort. Be careful when the waves are high. There are very beautiful islands offshore, making this one of our most popular beaches. It’s much less crowded and noisy than Cenang. Avoid the part of the beach between Holiday Inn and Federal Villa. There is no beach maintenance there. Pantai Kok Beach Because there are no restaurants or changing rooms here, Pantai Kok (pronounced Coke) is usually fairly deserted. It’s one of the best public beaches in Langkawi to chill out but doesn’t provide a good swim. The scenery here is gorgeous, especially at the huge boulders on the west side. The east side is now maintained by The Danna for their guests. Teluk Yu Beach No one ever swims here. It could be because Teluk Yu means Shark Bay in Malay, or because there is no shade or changing rooms. It’s a good place for a snack or a nice sunset walk, though. It looks terrible at low tide so go at medium or high tide. Tanjung Rhu Beach There are two public beaches at Tanjung Rhu in the northwest of the main island. Coming off the Jalan Air Hangat circle, the first beach you will see is a very pretty cove that is usually deserted until the sunset hours. As you continue driving through lovely the casuarina-lined road next to the mangroves, you will eventually come to a row of bargain clothing stores. Beyond this is the fabulous crescent shaped beach that is one of the most beautiful in Langkawi. Parked right in front of the beach is a gorgeous trio of limestone islands. The beach in front of Tanjung Rhu Resort is private and

reserved for their guests. Like Datai and Andaman resorts, security there is tight. Pantai Pasir Hitam (Black Sand Beach) A very scenic and unusual beach, but no one swims here. The water just looks plain uninviting. A few hundred metres to the right of the tourist area is a rustic pier. The atmosphere at this side of the beach is much more cheerful with the colourful fishing boats all around. The black sand is natural, due to iron deposits in the sand. Pantai Pasir Tengkorak (Skull Sand Beach) This is a very short stretch of beach, but provides a good swim. One of the few public beaches with toilets and changing rooms, Tengkorak is very popular with locals. Children will enjoy playing at the thick vines hanging from the trees near the bathrooms. There are lots of aggressive monkeys here; do not bring food. Datai Bay This beach is drop-dead gorgeous and spotlessly clean, but it is only for guests of the Datai and Andaman. There is no way to get to the beach except through the resorts, and security there is very tight. Burau Bay The beach is maintained by Berjaya and Mutiara Burau Bay resorts so it is a private beach. The bay is very beautiful and you can get access to it by booking watersports from the resorts. With that mountain backdrop behind the hotels, this is one of the most scenic beaches for kayaking or jet-skiing. They may turn down outside visitors for watersports during peak tourist seasons.

Waterfalls

Langkawi features several cascading waterfalls that are spectacularly beautiful during the rainy season between August to October. We feature the three main ones here. Warning: all the waterfalls are potentially dangerous for very small children or the elderly. Also, because of the monkey problem, do not bring food to the waterfalls. Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh) Our most spectacular waterfall, Seven Wells is a must-see for those who have the stamina to climb those exhausting 600 steps to the top. At the top are natural jacuzzi-like pools made out of smooth rocks. During the rainy season, soaking in these swirling pools overlooking the panoramic view of the valley is an unforgettable experience. During dry spells, the pools become stagnant and blackish, but you can still come

HOME DECOR

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No. 43 -47 . Persiaran Dayang Dayang Business Center (Pekan Rabu) 070000 . Langkawi T: 04 969 2276 E: skiran.rams@gmail.com

up here for a nice nature hike and for the staggering view of the valley. There is a good hiking trail at the back of the wells. Please do not go past the barricade at the end of the pools. It is extremely dangerous. Those who canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make the climb up to the top can visit the lower falls, which also offers great swimming. Educational or Culture Factor: 2 Fun Factor: 10 Romance Factor: 8 Kid Appeal: 10 Fitness Level Required: 9 (6 for lower level) Temurun Falls Temurun used to rival Seven Wells as Langkawiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful cascading waterfall, until three ugly concrete dams were recently built along the stream to create bigger swimming pools. Still, the top pool has

a beautiful 100-foot waterfall coming over an unusual wall of black rock. It is quite deep in parts of the pool and is not recommended for poor swimmers. The concrete dams, do create very nice swimming pools after a good downpour. If the top pool is too deep for you, swim in the ones behind the dams. Educational or Culture Factor: 2 Fun Factor: 7 Romance Factor: 8 Kid Appeal: 10 Fitness Level Required: 6 Durian Perangin Falls Compared to the other waterfalls, Durian Perangin has the least appealing natural pools for swimming but the surrounding jungle and scenery is more majestic than those at Seven Wells or Temurun. This is a great place to come for a quick

hike to appreciate the rock formations and the rainforest.The main pool at the top provides a nice swim but the rocky slope leading to the pool is at a scary angle. Be extra careful walking down to the main pool. Educational or Culture Factor: 2 Fun Factor: 7 Romance Factor: 8 Kid Appeal: 8 Fitness Level Required: 7

BOAT TOURS

Authentic English Fish & Chips!

Dory Fish & Chips RM 15 Snowﬁsh RM 20 Mackerel / Halibut Also Try Our Great Chicken Chop RM 15 Chicken Schnitzel RM 15 Steak RM 25

Come for a swim before you eat! Changing Room & Shower for our guests

Jalan Tanjung Rhu next to beach before the Four Seasons Resort Tel: 04 959 4667 012 352 2236 Email: scarboroughﬁshnchip@gmail.com

NOTE: All prices are estimates and may change according to season.

A GUIDE TO BOAT TOURS

Island Hopping Island Hopping boat tours are cheap boat tours that you can take of the scenic southern islands. For only around RM 35 to RM 50 per person (depending on season), the standard tour usually includes the following: eagle feeding at Pulau Singa Basah, get dropped off for a swim at Pulau Beras Basah and then to Pulau Dayang Bunting for swimming or paddleboating at the freshwater lake. The whole excursion takes about 3½ hrs. Pulau Beras Basah has some of the clearest waters around southern Langkawi. Although not a top diving spot, you can still have fun snorkelling here and see shoals of small fish. Pulau Dayang Bunting has the famous Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, which is a very unusual geological feature of Langkawi. It is a deep freshwater lake separated from the seawater by a very narrow wall of rock. There are solar-powered paddleboats you can rent to explore the beautiful lake without exhausting yourself. Warning: the swimming area is extremely deep and is for good swimmers only. Eat a hearty meal before you go. There’s no food available at these islands. Bringing your own food is not a good idea because of the monkey problem. Educational or Culture Factor: 3 Fun Factor: 8 Romance Factor: 5 Kid Appeal: 9 Fitness Level Required: 6 Yacht Cruises Yacht Cruises are available on a sharing basis for around RM 260-400 per person. The Sunset Cruises are the most popular and typically involve cruising to a secluded beach for a swim, a barbecue buffet dinner and then a slow sail back during the sunset hours. The more expensive packages include free flow of quality wines and spirits and a much longer tour of the southern islands. Sunset cruises can be anything from 3 to 6 hrs long depending on the company. The morning cruises are usually cheaper, but couples should definitely pay extra to experience those fabulously romantic Langkawi sunsets on a yacht.

Day-long or overnight private yacht cruises can be booked from just under RM 3,000 for a standard yacht to a king’s ransom for big luxury yachts. For honeymooning couples, it doesn’t get JetSki | Tours any more romantic than a half-day private sunset cruise, which can be had for around RM 2,500 or less if you shop around. Educational or Culture Factor: 2 Fun Factor: 8 Romance Factor: 10 Kid Appeal: 6 Fitness Level Required: 2 Kilim Geopark Tour The Kilim Geopark Reserve in the northeast of Langkawi is one of the most unique natural regions in the world, with a huge mangrove Our Amazing 4 Hours Rated Tour: forest and haunting limestone cliffs, islands and Three Island Tour caves. Prices for Kilim Tours fluctuate but generDayang Bunting Island Tour ally around RM 100 to RM 150 per person or RM Lunch @ Fishing Village Tour 300 per boat for a 2-hour tour. You can usually Private Tours On Request. All rates include full comprehensive insurance. get discounts or longer tours for the same price The fun starts as low as if you go through tour agents at hotels or along RM Cenang and Jetty Point. The standard 3-4 hour tour includes a visit to 012 200 2155 (Said) 012 389 0801 (Hussein) the Fish Farm, an incredible eagle-feeding frenzy, 019 316 4946 (Huffy) a visit to the bat cave and a quick cruise around the limestone islands. The fish farm is a gimmicky attraction but surprisingly fun with stingray feeding and archer fish demonstrations. The Eagle Feeding is an awesome sight but probably damaging to the health of the eagles as they are fed commercially-farmed chicken skins. If you want to avoid this, go with environmentally-responsible nature companies like Advance Booking: RM100 to confirm reservation. Dev’s Adventure Tours. Their Kilim tours are Lot 31, Kompleks Pekan Rabu, 07000 Kuah Langkawi, more expensive but you get expert nature Kedah DA, MY. e sales@megawatersports.com guides who will show you the true natural m +6 012 200 2155, +6 012 389 0801, +6 019 316 4946 wonders of this area. It’s absolutely worth the www.megawatersports.com extra money. There are many beautiful limestone caves at Kilim. The Kilim boat tours can be customised location in the region. for cave tours. Check with the boat operators at The strict environmental laws at Pulau Payar 9/15/10 Tanjung Rhu beach for these special tours. VacationGuideAds.indd forbid the1 building of resorts for overnight Educational or Culture Factor: 10 (with a guide) stays. Only Day Trips are available. There are Fun Factor: 9 two packages for Payar day trips: around RM Romance Factor: 3 150-180 (depending on season) for a Beach Kid Appeal: 9 Drop and a cold lunch, and around RM 250Fitness Level Required: 5 280 for Langkawi Coral’s enviro-safe Reef Pulau Payar Excursion Platform (see review). Beware of unscruPulau Payar Marine Park, a tiny coral island about pulous agents trying to pass off packages 30 km south of Langkawi, is one of the most under RM 200 for the much better Platform popular day trips because the beautiful reef and Package. Certified and beginning divers can clear waters teeming with marine life makes it get combo scuba diving and platform packpretty much the best snorkelling and scuba diving ages with Langkawi Coral.

Fun in the Sun Starts with

A JetSki Tour to see the Beauty of Langkawi.

500

THREE ISLAND TOUR DAYANG BUNTING ISLAND TOUR LUNCH @ FISHING VILLAGE TOUR

1:45 PM

Educational or Culture Factor: 2 Fun Factor: 10 Romance Factor: Depends on crowds Kid Appeal: 10 Fitness Level Required: 6 Fishing Trips Recreational fishing trips are not a developed business in Langkawi and you won’t see many ads for them. However, if you ask around, a basic tourboat and fishing gear can be hired as low as RM 450 if you just want to fish around Langkawi waters. A 4-5 hour offshore fishing trip in a proper speedboat usually costs around RM 700-1500.

Tropical Charters Tel: 04 955 3407 / 012 588 3274 Email: info@tropicalcharters.com.my Tropical Charters is one of the most diverse yacht charter companies around. It’s likely they have the right type of boat for you no matter what your taste in recreational vessels. They have a spacious 2-deck catamaran (Seasation) if you like a cruise with lots of room to roam about. There’s the luxurious 53 ft Baby Tonga if you want a classy yacht for a private cruise. For lovers of vintagestyle big wooden sailboats, they have Warisan Duyung, a gorgeous 60 ft wooden yacht with 3 cabins. Tropical Charters is also one of the rare cruise companies that cater to speedfreaks. If you love blasting across the sea, try their RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) for a heart-thumping ride around the islands. The 32-ft luxury powerboat Alexandra gives you the rush of speed but with more class than a RIB. Tropical Charters offers the standard features on their sunset cruises like BBQ dinner, free-flow of drinks and “saltwater jacuzzi” nets. Day cruises include kayaking and Frisbee, and short jungle treks at some locations.

Langkawi Coral Platform Tel: 04 966 9140 / 012 426 3855 Email: reservation.lgk@langkawicoral.com Although Langkawi Coral’s floating platform package sells about RM 100 more that the beachdrop package at Pulau Payar, it’s really the only choice for snorkelling fans to get up close to massive shoals of coral fish. Moored about 100 meters offshore, the underwater scenery here is truly staggering. And if you don’t like snorkelling, there is a viewing gallery below deck where you’ll get a panoramic, fish-eye view of the incredible marine life under the platform. Those purchasing scuba diving packages have their own launch deck in the interior of the platform (beginner’s lessons available). Certified divers have the extra privilege of being brought to better dive spots in scuba diving boats. The platform package includes some basic luxuries that more than make up for the extra RM 100: a sumptuous buffet lunch, freshwater showers and clean toilets. You will also be dropped off at the beach after lunch for beach activities and conclude the day with a ride on the glass bottomed boat. The platform crew runs the exciting tours like a well-oiled machine, making sure all customers are safe, well-fed, comfortable and properly equipped. All things considered, the platform package is a much better value for money than the no-frills beach-drop package and highly recommended.

Crystal Yacht Holidays Tel: 04 955 6545 or 012 408 7866 Email: info@crystalyacht.com

Crystal Yacht was the island’s first yacht-cruise company, having started two decades ago. They are known for tightly-organized cruises with good food and excellent service at comparatively low prices. . Crystal Yacht were the first to offer what they call a Saltwater Jacuzzi, a rope net towed along the side of the boat. Lying on the net during the cruise with a cold drink in hand is unbeatable fun. Tiki is their flagship yacht, which is wonderfully spacious and comfortable with cushioned seats surrounding an elegant dining table. Crystal Yacht Holidays also caters for private functions, group bookings, fishing and team building.

For the best Ocean and Sunset View Dining

www.crystalyacht.com

CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT / HOTEL Blue Water Star Sailing Tel: Gerd 013 407 3166 Email : info@bluewaterstarsailing.com Their sunset cruises may cost a little more but they’re almost twice as long and you get an extended tour of the southern islands. They also serve higher quality meals, wines and spirits than most on the standard sunset cruise, so you’re getting real value for money. BWSS’s extra touch of luxury works best on their private cruises. If you’re on a honeymoon or planning a surprise proposal, they will do anything they can to accommodate special requests. Owner Eva Zimmermann also has a dozen neat tricks up her sleeve for private romantic and family cruises so be sure to ask her for suggestions. Their flagship yacht is a vintage, solid teak boat called Damai Indah. It belongs to a class of Indonesian cargo boat known locally as perahu lambo and is distinctly different from the modern yachts used for cruises. For one thing it is steered not by wheel but by a five-foot wooden tiller! You can ask the captain to let you steer for a bit, too. Those who prefer sailing with an extra dose of opulence, ask them about their ultra-luxurious cruises on the stunning 250ft, fully air-conditioned, 3-masted barquentine, the Lili Marleen.

Jet Ski Adventure Tours. Company: Mega Water Sports Tel: Said 012 200 2155/Hussein 012 389 0801 Email: sales@megawatersports.com If island-hopping with a boatload of camera-toting tourists is not your cup of tea, how about cruising the southern islands on a powerful 4-stroke jet ski? With this Jet Ski Island Hopping Tour, you’ll get to see a side of Langkawi that few tourists get to see and go snorkelling on secluded beaches. For more information, see the review of this tour in our Adventure Section, pg 20.

ADVENTURE Langkawi may be known as a beach resort island, but the real treasures here are the rainforests and geological formations. Please do not spend your vacation here without taking at least a morning or night nature walk with a knowledgeable guide, because the natural marvels that Langkawi offers are absolutely incredible. If you’re the really adventurous type, ask if there are any guides who can take you to little-known attractions in the geopark forest reserves like Langgun Lake or perhaps caving at the mind-blowing Pasir Dagang Cave. However, such trips usually require a minimun group of 3 or 4. Dev’s Adventure Tours Tel: 019 494 9193 Email: info@langkawi-nature.com

This dedicated group of nature guides has gotten consistent rave reviews on Tripadvisor over the years. They do an excellent job of introducing you to Langkawi’s natural wonders, but what really impresses everyone is the sheer passion for the environment that each Dev’s Adventure Tour guide shows. Each tour is also an in-depth lesson in nature conservation, not just wildlife viewing. Their signature tour is a five-hour kayaking expedition through the Kilim mangroves. It’s not as JetSki | Tours physically demanding as it sounds and is one of the most exciting nature tours you can experience. Less well known but equally satisfying is their 3 hour Evening Jungle Trek through the magical Mat Chinchang jungle behind Berjaya resort. The rainforest is a different world at nightfall and you’ll be astounded at the wildlife that emerges after dark. Your chances of seeing those fabulous flying lemurs and squirrels are almost guaranteed. Those interested in culture and history cannot miss their Untold Stories Tour, a 6-hour spiritual trek into the very soul of Langkawi locals of all races. The tour explores food, culture, architecture, legends, and daily Our Amazing 4 Hours Rated Tour: life of local Malays, Indians and Chinese. Dev’s Adventure Tours also offers the usual nature Three Island Tour tours like jungle treks, nature cycling tours, morning/ Dayang Bunting Island Tour evening walks and bird watching. Their Kilim boat tour Lunch @ Fishing Village Tour is conducted in a quieter area away from the frantic Private Tours On Request. speedboats at Kilim Jetty, allowing you to see more All rates include full comprehensive insurance. wildlife. The fun starts as low as Unlike many nature companies, they can do tours RM with a minimum of 2 people, and offer many flexible last012 200 2155 (Said) minute options, especially for single travellers. If you’re 012 389 0801 (Hussein) 019 316 4946 (Huffy) booking through your resort or an agent, please note that Dev’s tours are set at the same prices everywhere.

Fun in the Sun Starts with

A JetSki Tour to see the Beauty of Langkawi.

500

THREE ISLAND TOUR DAYANG BUNTING ISLAND TOUR LUNCH @ FISHING VILLAGE TOUR

Advance Booking: RM100 to confirm reservation. Lot 31, Kompleks Pekan Rabu, 07000 Kuah Langkawi, Kedah DA, MY. e sales@megawatersports.com m +6 012 200 2155, +6 012 389 0801, +6 019 316 4946

www.megawatersports.com

Jet Ski Adventure Tours with Mega Water Sports Tel: Said Mokti 012 200 2155 Hussain 012 389 0801

This high-adrenalin tour of the southern islands on a 4-stroke 1500cc jet ski is one of the most inspired tours available in Langkawi. While regular island-hopping tours are limited to places accessible by boat, jet skis have no propellers so the guides on this tour can show you cliffs, caves or mangrove forests up close. They can also take you snorkelling at clear beaches known only to the locals. In fact, none of the places along their routes are the regular tourist areas, which means youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be experiencing par ts of the southern islands that few tourists get to see. The vessels used are Canadian-made Sea-Doos, which are top of the line jet skis. They are much more environmentally-friendly than the 2-stroke jet skis. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a licence to ride a Sea-Doo (Australians please take note) and children can ride comfor tably with an adult. The tour is licensed, insured and run with proper safety procedures. Snorkelling equipment will be provided. They have set tour packages but the company will do customised tours on request. Advance bookings can be made online at www.megawatersports.com or email: sales@ megawatersports.com

Seeman Watersports Location: Cenang & Kuah Tel: 012 919 9014 / 012 902 9014 / 019 336 9914

Menerokai Alam Semulajadi

The beautiful bay behind the Bella Vista hotel in Kuah may be un-swimmable, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for watersports like kayaking, jetskiing and banana-boating because there are no swimmers and the waters are very calm all year. Seeman Watersports, one of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most professional and safety-conscious watersports operators, has just started watersports at the Bella Vista, finally bringing to Kuah Town some much-needed recreational

KitaKitar Music & Arts Festival

Date: March 31 Location: Babylon Mats Lounge, Cenang Beach At press time (Dec 2011), we received notice of a Music & Arts festival called KitaKitar planned for Cenang Beach at the Babylon Mats Lounge on March 31st. Although the line-up could not be confirmed at that time, the organizers were working on booking international musicians and artists of various genres. The festival will also feature traditional Malay artists and have a strong environmental theme. Please check for updates on

Seeman Langkawi Enterprise KV - 0000833-T

www.kitakitar.com or call 012-481-7652 for more information.

fun. They have powerful 4-stroke Sea Doo jet-skis, which are way less noisy and polluting than the 2-stroke jet-skis. They even use these Sea Doos to tow the banana boats, making it much safer for riders if they tumble into the water (jet-skis have no propellers). Seeman watersports also operates out of Cenang. With their total commitment to watersports safety, they are the only operators at Cenang protecting swimmers with a roped-off passageway on the water for their jetski customers.

DAY TRIP TO AMAZING

Isolated and with hardly any tourist development at all, village life on Tuba Island has been little changed by modern technology. Tuba Travel & Tours now offers you a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating, unspoiled island.

Tuba Travel & Tours Location: Tuba Island Tel: 017 456 5613 or 012 593 4822

Tuba Island in the southeast waters of Langkawi has been isolated and untouched by tourism development for so long that it still looks like the main island of Langkawi before the first resort was built. The narrow roads are used more by water buffalo than by cars, and the villagers still look a little stunned when they see tourists. Tuba Travel & Tours advertises this 6-hour day tour as a “trip back in time,” and they’re not joking. It is your chance to experience this lovely, secluded island before more tourism development begins. Highlights include a trip to a fascinating bat cave and boat tour of the mangrove and limestone attractions in a fisherman’s boat.

Langkawi map

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For Reservations 604 966 1818 Ext 8192 / 8370

RM 35.00 (adult) nett RM 18.00 (child 4-12 years old) nett

SPA MASSAGE Top up RM50 for a Dragon Red Manicure just for the season.

Because Langkawi is a crossroads of cultures, you’ll find a wide choice of massage styles available: Malay, Thai, Indonesian, Chinese, Balinese and Indian. Here a very brief guide to various massage techniques to help you choose. No matter what style you choose, always tell the masseur or masseuse beforehand if you have an injury (especially neck or spinal) or, for women, if you are pregnant.

Thai Massage

USHER IN THE DRAGON The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. Regarded as a divine beast, it is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority. This Chinese New Year, renew your energy and usher into the year of the Dragon for good fortune.

Chinese believe events that occur at New Year’s Day can impact your life for the rest of the year. Hence, tradition of spring cleaning homes and wearing new clothes during new year is observed. But beyond the physical acts most importantly is inner purification. Book yourself a Dragon Year “Chi Nei Tsang” specially designed for the season. This award winning massage is rooted in ancient Taoist traditions to heal the body from within by removing unprocessed emotions that form energy blockages. Package includes: Dragon Fruit Juice Wellness Assessment Foot Bath 50 Minute Chi Nei Tsang Massage

Special Price MYR288 (Usual Price MYR388) Valid from 15 January 2012 – 7 February 2012 V Integrated Wellness’ other programmes include: Anti-Aging, Detox, Vitality, Deep Relaxation, Soul Connection (couples)

The Andaman. A Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi T: +604 959 1088 E: info@Vintegratedwellness.com www.Vintegratedwellness.com

Commonly described as the “lazy man’s yoga,” Thai massage combines a bit of massage with a lot of yoga stretches—only you don’t have to flex a single muscle. The massage therapist will use his body to twist, bend and manipulate yours into the various yoga postures and stretches. The pain level of Thai massage is usually low. No massage oil is used.

Malay Massage

Malay massage uses deep thumb pressure more than any other style. It could be a bit painful but repairs injuries and gets out deep muscle tension if done right. Herbal massage oils are used. Generally they will look for tight knots in the muscles and work it out with straight or circular strokes using thumbs, palms and forearms.

Chinese Foot Reflexology

Chinese foot reflexology is one of the most painful massage styles and meant to heal specific ailments. Chinese foot reflexologists actually go out of their way to put you in pain, since the pain tells them what and where your health problems lie. They say the really good reflexologists can diagnose all your past and current illnesses or infections from the way you wince while being massaged.

Ayurvedic (Indian) Massage

Indians believe that well-moisturised skin is crucial for overall good health, so be prepared to be bathed in a river of soothing herbal oil during the massage. With the pain level at medium to low, most people find Indian massage invigorating but deeply relaxing at the same time. The most unique ayurvedic spa treatment is shirodhara, where a thin stream of warm fragrant oil is poured onto the centre of the forehead.

Enhance your mind, experience deep relaxation and reverse aging, with the latest brainwave technology, spa treatments and holistic massage

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Open daily 1pm to 10pm Transport can be arranged

Reservation Please call Tel+604 959 3959

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Lot H 22, Grd Floor, Perdana Quay 1, Harbour Park, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah Emai l amay as pa@gmai l .c om We b s i t e a m Ay a P a r a d i s e S p a . c o m

BEAUTY & WELLNESS

And We’re the Only Wellness Spa in town offering WAXING from RM 15 THREADING from RM 5

AYURVEDIC SCALP MASSAGE HENNA HAIR TREATMENTS (coming soon)

Bunga Chempaka

Herbal Foot Bath Full Body Aroma Rose Scrub Full Back Aroma Oil Massage Homemade Lemongrass Tea

Bunga Teratai

Herbal Foot Bath Foot Reflexology Full Back Aroma Oil Massage Homemade Lemongrass Tea

Bunga Orkid

Check Out Our

RM 98

1 Hour 30 Min

Opening Specials!

Herbal Foot Bath Foot Reflexology Revitalizing Spa Facial Homemade Lemongrass Tea

Operating Hours 11.30 am - 9.00 pm For Reservation Please call T: 04 966 7276 No. 50 Persiaran Dayang . Dayang Business Centre 07000 Langkawi . Kedah

Free Pickup in Kuah area

Book online at: cacisbeautyspa@gmail.com

Find us on Facebook under Caci’s Beauty Spa

CaCi’s Beauty and Wellness NEW! Location: Kuah, Persiaran Dayang Tel: 04 966 7276 Caci’s is a brand-new spa at Pekan Rabu that offers a few rare items on their menu. It is the only place in Langkawi where you can get Waxing and Threading done at affordable prices. Full legs wax is only RM 60 while eyebrow threading is a mere RM 10. Owner Kiran Lalchand is introducing in some exclusive hair treatments from India like Henna Dye (coming soon) and an Ayurvedic Scalp Massage that will bring you to a deep state of relaxation besides stimulating the hair and scalp. As part of their opening promotions, Caci’s is offering three 90-minute combo packages for only RM 98 each. The packages feature various combinations of full-body massage, body scrub, foot massage and facial. Reiki healing available by appointment.

amAya Spa NEW! Location: Perdana Quay, Telaga Harbour Tel: 04-9593959

V Integrated Wellness Spa Location: The Andaman, Datai Bay Tel: 04 959 1088

With their open-air treatment rooms overlooking the gorgeous Datai Bay at The Andaman, V Integrated Wellness (VIW) is not quoting an empty advertising cliché when they describe themselves as The Ultimate Pampering Experience in one of their leaflets. These cliff-side massage rooms offers stunning panoramic scenery (there are no walls) but you still have total privacy—a perfect setup especially for couples who want to try their 2-3 hour Rituals of Romance packages. And while other indoor spas soothe you with new-age music during your treatment, at VIW you are lulled by real sounds of waves and birdsong. If you need a good reason to make that long drive to The Andaman, this is it. As their name implies, VIW is into holistic wellness. According to VIW spa manager Yani, their extensive menu of spa treatments was carefully designed to promote optimal well-being in a variety of different individuals. If you’re unsure about what you need, just let their programme advisors recommend a therapy. VIW won this year’s Harper’s Bazaar Spa Awards for their Chi Nei Tsang massage and Holistic Gemstone Facial. Also unique is their Kahuna Wave massage, where the forearms are used like rolling pins.

Run by qigong instructor Thomas C. L. Song, this spa is ideal if you are into the energy-healing aspects of massage and spa treatments. All their massage therapists are trained in qigong, and their goal is to get your energy meridians unblocked and free-flowing. If you have any ailments like insomnia, anxiety or sexual dysfunction, check with Thomas for an appropriate healing massage. They even have brainwave entrainment sessions (using music) on their menu. The spa uses only topquality, 100% organic ingredients.

Bellis Kuah, Langkawi Mall Tel: 04-966 0089 Located in Kuah on the main road near Langkawi Parade shopping centre, Bellis is Kuah’s most wellknown spa, with a loyal local following especially for their wide selection of meticulous facial treatments. In keeping with their natural health theme, their signature ser vices are Herbal Detox Massage, Herbal Steambath and Traditional Malay Massage, all going for rock-bottom rates because of the price war going on between Kuah massage centres. These rates are incredibly good value for money, considering Bellis may have the most spacious and luxurious spa premises in Kuah (not counting the ultra-upscale one at Westin). Check out their great monthly combo specials. They’ve recently opened a new branch at the Bella Vista Hotel nearby.

Javanese Massage

A relaxing medium-pain massage, Javanese massage utilises deep thumb pressure just like Malay massage, but generally there are more palm presses and bigger strokes. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference between this and Malay massage.

Hot Stone Massage

Not an Asian massage tradition but wonderfully soothing despite the odd feeling of being massaged with smooth, heated stones. Some new-agey spas will align small stones around chakra energy points on your back. If the stones are too hot, tell the massage therapist. It’s not supposed to burn.

WHY WAIT TILL VALENTINES TO CONNECT WITH YOUR SOULMATE Amid the calm and tranquility of the Andaman Sea

Our Soul Connection Programme guides you and your loved one on a blissful journey, joyfully embracing one another and playfully exploring your partner’s inner world. With your heart chakras opened, senses heightened and energies aligned, you will be engaging your other half on a deeper spiritual level while strengthening the eternal bonds of love. V Integrated Wellness’ other programmes include: Anti-Aging, Detox, Vitality and Deep Relaxation RM6540 per couple 5 Days 4 Nights package includes accommodation, airport transfer and V Healthy Cuisine Valid from 1 Jan till 20 Feb, 2012 *Surcharge applicable during peak season. Terms & conditions apply

Yuan Spa Jalan Pantai Tengah, opposite Holiday Villa Tel: 04 955 2828. Open Daily 1pm-10pm A beautifully-decorated spa, Yuan is located opposite Holiday Villa in the middle of the Pantai Tengah strip. Despite the upscale atmosphere, their 1-hour traditional Malay massage is only RM 98 while their 1-hour aromatherapy or detox massages are just a bit more at RM 108. Most of their lengthier massage/ spa combos average out to around RM 100 per hour, an incredible value for such an elegant spa in the Cenang/Tengah area. With four special rooms for couples (romantic bath in each room), Yuan Spa also tempts couples in love with elaborate 4-hour honeymoon packages that include footbaths, massage, body scrub and wrap, face treatment, manicure and pedicure, and then a soothing soak in their rose and milk bath. Please call for current honeymoon package prices.

The Asia Pacific Hotel Awards 2011 in Association with Bloomberg Televison - Best Spa Hotel Harper’s BAZAAR Spa Awards 2011 - Best Healing Hands: Chi Nei Tsang Harper’s BAZAAR Spa Awards 2011 - Most Indulgent Facial Treatment: Holistic Gemstone Treatment World Travel Awards 2010 - Asia’s Leading Spa Resort Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Awards 2010 - Top 6 Overseas Spas

The Andaman. A Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi T: +604 959 1088 E: info@Vintegratedwellness.com www.Vintegratedwellness.com

HISTORY & CULTURE Before the tourism industry came and changed the face of Langkawi, the inhabitants of the island led simple lives as fishermen, farmers and rubber tappers relatively isolated from the outside world. The history and lifestyle tour can give you a quick glimpse into the lives of the local villagers, who have an amazing oral history, sophisticated knowledge of rainforest medicines and a big store of magical legends (not to mention countless spinetingling ghost stories). Three new culture tours have recently been introduced, each covering a different aspect of Langkawi history and culture. Untold Stories by Dev’s Adventure Tours

covers historically-significant sites in the back roads of Langkawi, like Bon Ton’s Temple Tree heritage houses and various temples. It is the only culture tour that highlights the history of Chinese and Indians in Langkawi. Touch of Kubang Badak by QQ Holidays focuses on the traditional Malay life at the northeast of the island. The Tuba Island Day Tour by Tuba Travel is listed in our Adventure Section but deserves mention here because the island is like a time capsule of what rural Langkawi was like 50 years ago.

A Touch of Kubang Badak Organisers Othman Ayeb and Ricky Chan promise you more interaction with local villagers on this culture tour than any other. It begins with a walk to a rubber plantation, stopping along the way to check out village houses, and then to a fruit orchard for a real hands-on tour of the farm. After that, it’s a van ride to Kubang Badak Jetty, where you’ll go for a scenic trip in a wooden boat and learn all about traditional fishing methods including oyster catching. The last visit is a trip to a mysterious charcoal factory believed to be a century old. The tour ends with tasty traditional Malay snacks and desserts (see ad below for contact info).

Check out our reviews on Tripadvisor!

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Face Refreshing Smoothy Body

Footy Foot

DINING EATING DISTRICTS IN LANGKAWI

Perdana Quay (Telaga Harbour) Perdana Quay is without doubt the most elegant dining district in Langkawi. This is THE place to come if you want a huge variety of great food accompanied by posh surroundings and fabulous scenery. Here you can get Spanish tapas, classy Italian, Chinese, Middle-Eastern, Japanese or Russian food. Put together, it’s like an ongoing international food fest. Perdana Quay was originally constructed to resemble a Mediterranean coastal town, so the architecture here has a European look not seen anywhere else on the island. Most people come here at night, when it comes alive with a laid-back party atmosphere. But it’s also a great place to stop for lunch, especially with that great view of the harbour during the daylight hours. Pantai Cenang/Tengah Cenang is the most well-known eating district in Langkawi with dozens of restaurants, bars and cafes jammed tightly together. There is a huge variety of food available here but your best bet is for Asian seafood, European meat dishes, Indian food and Italian-style pasta and pizza. There are great restaurants right on the beach where you can dine and booze while watching the surf. For some people, life just doesn’t get any better than that. The same continues over at Pantai Tengah, but everything there is more spread out and the atmosphere less frenzied. Golden Wok Live Seafood Restaurant NEW! Location: Perdana Quay, Telaga Harbour Tel: 04 956 1638

One of the few upscale Chinese restaurants on the island, the Golden Wok specialises in ultra-fresh dishes cooked from live seafood. Although there’s a selection of chilled seafood, we recommend you go with the live seafood. Their signature dish is Grilled Tiger Prawns in Butter Garlic Sauce but they’re also famed for their Mud Crab in a delicious chilli sauce, both dishes examples of Chinese-style seafood at its best. Make sure you go around 7pm so that you can take in that glorious Telaga Harbour sunset while you eat.

Phoenix Restaurant Location: Bayview Hotel, Kuah Tel: 04 966 1818 Ext 8192/8370

The Phoenix Restaurant located at the Bayview hotel is the most spacious and upscale Chinese restaurant in Kuah. Like all big hotel restaurants, it doesn’t serve pork, a fact which may disappoint some. But that is especially good news for Muslim and Jewish travellers looking for an elegant Chinese meal. The Phoenix offers a Steamboat buffet Thur to Sun for only RM 28 per person (RM 14 for kids 12 and under), and it’s an all-you-caneat buffet, not the standard fixed Steamboat dinner. The buffet also comes with a big choice of 4 different soups and 7 dipping sauces. They currently have an all-you-can-eat special on Teochew cuisine. If you’re around during this Chinese New Year period, call and ask about their CNY specials.

Red Sky Restaurant Location: Pantai Cenang Tel: 04 955 8736 Located at the south end of Cenang, across the street from Underwater World and next to the big Casa Fina billboard, Red Sky is a chic, up-and-coming restaurant and bar with a truly international menu. They have dishes that cover almost every continent: braised lamb shank cooked Moroccan-style, Italian pastas, Cyprus chicken pita, an assortment of Mexican fajitas and burritos, American jumbo-burgers and club sandwiches, Indian appetisers and SE Asian curries, fried rice and noodles. While the food is great, Red Sky is also gaining quite a reputation for their unique drinks menu, which features many original recipes, especially for their cocktail/mocktails and their alcoholic coffee beverages. One particularly stimulating concoction is their Buzzing Kiss, a mix of Galliano, lime juice and hot coffee—a very flavourful method of getting both an alcohol and caffeine buzz at the same time. Red Sky is also a very vegetarianfriendly place with lots of meatless dishes marked clearly on the menu.

The Langkawi Coral Reef Platform

Reservations T: 04 - 966 7318 HP: 012 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 426 3855 or Contact Your Travel Agents or Hotel Tour Desk W: www.langkawicoral.com E: reservation.lgk@langkawicoral.com

Trimula (Kuah) This is the nickname for row of restaurants along Jalan Persiaran Mutiara, which is the road across the canal from the castle-like Bella Vista hotel. There is a Malay-style burger place and a Chinese vegetarian restaurant serving mock meats, but the main attraction here is cheap seafood and cheap beer (available everywhere except at the Muslim restaurants at the east end). There are many Thai restaurants on the west side and a couple of Chinese places across the street that serve exotic dishes like wild boar curry. Pekan Rabu (Kuah) Pekan Rabu was meant to duplicate the incredibly success of the original Pekan Rabu in Alor Setar, a food and shopping mall reserved exclusively for vendors of traditional Malay products and food. Located next to al-Hana Mosque, Pekan Rabu is actually the big blue building housing a just few clothing stores, folk medicine shops and a very cheap food court. Most of the shoplots here are vacant but there are some eateries outside the main building worth checking out. There’s Aji at the jetty administrative building by the marina for good western and local food. In the 2-storey buildings on the west side, several casual dining restaurants like Artisans Pizza, JD Cafe and Green Elephant have opened up along with one low-budget Indian restaurant called Al-Aiman. In the main building facing the road is Amanda’s Coffee & Tea, a popular local hangout for both residents and yacht community.

Aji Restaurant Location: Pekan Rabu Marina, Kuah Tel: 012 489 9462

A budget restaurant that serves some surprisingly good Western dishes, in particular their panfried seabass or salmon steaks in Cajun cream sauce for only RM 15 or RM 20 respectively. Some months ago, they even introduced exotic rabbit burgers to their menu for adventurous diners. Aji is hugely popular with the local crowd for their fat, juicy satay and their RM 7 jumbo-plate Malay fried rice dishes. The Nasi Goreng Aji is their most popular jumbo-plate dish, which comes with deep-fried chicken, fried egg and prawns. They can also cook up an assortment of fresh seafood for you in 4 different styles. Located by the marina at Pekan Rabu, Aji has great sunset views. Open daily from 6 till midnight.

Charlie’s Place Location: Langkawi Royal Yacht Club, Kuah Tel: 04 966 4078 If you’re in Kuah, there are a few nice places for elegant casual dining, but you’re not going to find a better combination of food and waterfront view than Charlie’s Place. Westin is fine dining at twice the price while the other waterfront restaurants in Kuah can’t match the food quality or the serene harbour ambience here. Located smack in-between the Westin and Jetty Point, Charlie’s Place serves both Malaysian and Western cuisines in a great al fresco setting where you can see the lovely marina from every table. Don’t miss the sunset if you’re coming for dinner. There are several meatless entrees on the menu for vegetarians. The bar is a popular hangout for the yachting community, making this a great place to meet new friends if you’re the social type. It is one of only two bars in Langkawi perched above the water.

Beach Garden Restaurant Location: Pantai Cenang Tel: 04 955 1363 Beach Garden has been around for two decades and is still hugely popular for one simple reason: it’s the only restaurant in Langkawi where you get served gourmet Asian and Western favourites right on the beach. In fact, it is one of the very few casual dining restaurants on the island that has a trained European chef. They are also known for being one of the best breakfast places in Langkawi. Their home-baked European breads are especially tasty. Their breakfast menu is à la carte only—no buffet—and runs from 8am to 1pm. Note to lovers of good German beer: they have Paulaner and other great brews.

Treat your senses to a multi-national cuisine

Mastering in Western, with a Mexican touch and not forgetting the delectable Asian dishes rich in local spice

A meal with us will have you coming back for more! specialty includes:

Cocktails are not to be MISSED!

Moroccan Lamb Shank Asian Delights

is simply the best way to start your day with! From Herb Sausages to Eggs the way you like it, to Apple Pancakes! We have it all!

Scarborough Fish ‘n’ Chips (NEW!) Location: Jalan Tanjung Rhu Tel: 04 966 4078

English Tea Room NEW! Location: Pantai Cenang, in front of Landcons Hotel Tel: 017 556 1573 Having been pressured for years to start a café by friends and relatives who thought she was the best baker on the island, Annette Simpson has finally launched The English Tea Room to give Langkawi the most authentic experience of English afternoon tea possible. Notice the low English tea tables, bone-china tea sets and lace tablecloths at the café. Even their scones are served the proper English way: with homemade jam and a very buttery double cream. The café serves great homemade cakes and sandwiches, but Annette’s scones and apple turnovers are real standouts. There’s a huge range of teas, as you might expect, but they also have a high-tech coffee machine for lovers of good coffee.

One tragic aspect about Langkawi is that virtually every restaurant here offering fish and chips coats the fish in breadcrumbs. But F&C connoisseurs can rejoice: a new beachside restaurant at Tanjung Rhu beach offers your choice of dory, snow fish, mackerel, red snapper or halibut fish cutlets coated with authentic English fishand-chips batter—and they’re all fried to golden perfection. Besides their signature fish and chips, they also offer tasty rib-eye beefsteaks, pan-fried fishsteaks, and chicken chops or schnitzels. Dishes are accompanied by a fresh salad and a terrific pickled vegetable side dish(a secret recipe created by owner Dhillon). With the great view, this restaurant is highly recommended for a scenic sunset dinner. The restaurant also offers the only shower and changing room facilities (for customers only) at the beautiful public beach at Tanjung Rhu.

Home of the Famous Devonshire Cream Tea

Open 8am to 8pm everyday

Golden Wok

Live Seafood Restaurant The freshest-tasting seafood on the island!

Prepared from Live Seafood

Cooked in authentic Chinese Style

KUAH GUIDE WHERE TO HAVE FUN IN KUAH

Kuah does not always appeal to everyone. It has the atmosphere of a sleepy Malaysian town back in the 1970s, something which some people find charming but a few might find terribly dull. However, almost everything is cheaper in Kuah than the rest of the island. In fact, we recommend that you shop in Kuah first and then shop elsewhere on the island later. If you saved the trip to Kuah at the end, you may find the exact same items you bought selling for up to 20% cheaper. This is true even if you shop at the malls. Kuah is also a fabulous place to eat, especially in the evenings, with lots of excellent seafood restaurants that are cheaper than the ones at Cenang and Tengah. For non-Muslims, Kuah is the only place in Langkawi where you can find lots of Chinese restaurants serving pork. Beers here go for as low as RM 2.50. Besides shopping and dining, Kuah can be quite a fun experience if you are curious about local culture and don’t mind some low-key excitement like talking a walk at Eagle Square or Lagenda Park in the late afternoon. And thanks to Seeman Watersports, Kuah now has jetskiing, banana-boating and kayaking at the beautiful bay behind the Bella Vista hotel. Langkawi Parade/Langkawi Fair/Jetty Point These malls aren’t as chic as big-city megamalls but take your time and you’ll find some very good discounts for clothes, shoes, jewellery and souvenirs. You’ll also find fast food franchises and a nice café or two. Langkawi Fair is the most elegant of the three. What this charming mall lacks in glamour it makes up for with a huge selection of unique gifts, souvenirs and clothing for both low-budget and upscale shoppers. The Jetty Point Complex has the island’s only bowling alley (if you can’t live without that). It also has 3 popular franchises: KFC, Kenny Rogers Chicken and Starbucks. The Banking District (Pandak Mayah) Although most banking districts are very upscale places, the one in Kuah does not fit that description. Come here if you enjoy Third-World urban charm or if you want to score some good discounts on the items

bar & restaurant The best choice in Kuah Town for elegant casual dining, Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place offers a truly laid-back harbourfront setting thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perfect for meeting friends and enjoying great meals. Savour a mix of local Malaysian delights and international dishes while taking in the breathtaking views of the marina. Afterwards, chill out with one of our signature cocktails at our popular sports bar, a favourite haunt of yachties and local lounge lizards. Our kitchen is open daily from 9am till 10.30pm (last order) for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Jalan Dato Syed Omar . 07000 Kuah . Langkawi . Kedah T: 04 966 4078 F: 04 966 5078 E: office@langkawiyachtclub.com W: www.langkawiyachtclub.com

Aji Restaurant

like chocolates, suitcases, cigarettes, booze, cheap tableware, cashew nuts and dried fish snacks. The souvenir shops here generally have cheaper prices than the rest of the island. There are a few popular non-halal Chinese food courts (pork and booze galore) around the intersection before the bridge at Langkawi Baron hotel. One is called Water Garden (it turns into Rootian restaurant at night) and the other is Langkawi Sunrise. There are a couple more within this district. Plaza Langkawi This is a shopping mall next to the banking district. From the outside it looks enormous but there are only about three floors of shops selling mostly textiles and folk medicine. The rest of the building is office space. If you need a miracle tonic for an ailment, you’ve come to the right place. Also there’s a big selection of Thai and Malaystyle shirts, blouses and caftans at pretty much the lowest prices on the island. Langkawi Mall Mainly a business, clothing and dining area for the locals. Unless you’re interested in how the locals live, there’s not much to

Pekan Rabu

interest tourists except perhaps the Malay, Chinese, Thai and Indian restaurants—and there are a lot of them here, some midpriced but mostly very cheap. The famous Wan Thai Restaurant is located here. The Malay restaurants are buffet-style nasi-champur restaurants and that open during the day for breakfast and lunch. The Chinese restaurants are mostly at the front facing the main road and are open till late. The Kamdar department store at the east end of the cobblestone street Continued on page 42 ALL YOUR Local Favourites and Western Dishes at

GREAT PRICES!

Fantastic Sunset View Great selection of Fresh Seafood nightly, cooked in style of your choice: BBQ-grilled, Steamed, Sweet & Sour or 3 Taste.

Aji 012 489 9462 Rusnah 013 529 2445 Operating Hours 5 pm to Midnight

Try our Signature Dishes: Nasi Goreng Aji (RM 7)

Our most popular Malay dish! Fried Rice with deep-fried chicken wings, fried egg and prawns

Chicken Satay (RM 0.70 per stick)

We use only plump, juicy pieces of chicken. Langkawi’s best satay!

Pan-fried Seabass (RM 15) or Salmon (RM 20)

Premium Fish Steaks with Cajun Cream Sauce, sauteed vegetables and mashed potatoes

Langkawi

The Ideal Vacation for Everyone 'BNJMJFT

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Upcoming Events 10th Royal Langkawi International Regatta One of the most popular regattas in South East Asia, this race will see more than 50 yachts competing in 9 exciting categories. 9-14 January

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T: 04-966 4078 www.langkawiregatta.com

Ponggal Festival This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Padi Harvest Festival celebrates the art of traditional rice cultivation. Held at Laman Padi at Cenang. 14 January T: 03-7948 5303 www.worldagritrade.com

9th KFC Langkawi International Regatta Perdana 2012 Sailors will compete in 9 challenging categories, including Optimist, Lager Full Rig, Laser Radial, Laser 4.7, Int 420 & Wind SurďŹ ng, Byte and Big Techno 8-12 February T: 04-966 3099

E: sailmalaysia_mas@yahoo.com.my

15th Asian Sailing Championship The 15th Asian Sailing Championship will be held at the National Sailing Centre 16-25 February T: 04-966 3099 E: sailmalaysia_mas@yahoo.com.my

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Langkawi Squid Challenge 2012 Squid-catching is a big sport in Langkawi, and this popular annual tournament brings all the best squid-catching teams in the region together in ďŹ erce competition to win big prizes 17-18 February T: 04-966 7186 www.lada.gov.my

/BUVSF -PWFST www.lada.gov.my/tourism Langkawi Tourism

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(the interior part of Langkawi Mall) has a great selection of Indian-style clothing at bargain prices. Jalan Persiaran Mutiara This road running in front of the Bella Vista Hotel (across the canal) is flanked by a string of popular seafood restaurants that open only at night. What they lack in décor they make up for in good food and low prices. If you don’t mind the flimsy tables and plastic chairs, this is the place to go for a cheap seafood dinner to be washed down by lots of cheap beer. This eating district is called Trimula (see Eating Districts). Pekan Rabu Located next to al-Hana mosque, Pekan Rabu is an up-and-coming shopping and dining district. Less than half the stores are rented at present but there are still some nice restaurants and cafes. The west entrance to the lovely Legenda Park is by the parking lot next to the marina.

Amanda Coffee & Tea Location: 37 Pekan Rabu, Kuah Tel: 04 966 0037. Open 3pm-1am. Closed Wednesdays A favourite evening hangout with the locals and yacht community, Amanda has the largest non-alcoholic drinks menu on the island: gourmet coffee, teas, amazingly good hot chocolate, ice-blended drinks and dozens of premier Monin soda syrups from France. Owner Amanda Zulkifli and her brother Fakris compulsively experiment with new drink recipes. After Fakris saw The Green Hornet movie, he’s been coming up with variations on Kato’s foam-leaf latte. Our advice: don’t just order from the drinks menu. Ask them for recommendations. They now serve simple pastas, soups, burgers and sandwiches. AC&T is a bit hard to find. It’s in the blue building on the side facing the road. Look out for a place with red walls.

kuah shopping Spotlight On: Truly Batik

Location: Langkawi Fair, Kuah Tel: 04 966 2188. Open 3pm-1am. Closed Wed. If you’re tired of the low-quality, mass-produced batiks and fashionwear sold everywhere on the island, check out Truly Batik, a boutique carrying some of Langkawi’s most elegant selections of traditional Malay clothing and accessories. Much of the collection is tailored to suit Western tastes. The super-chic batik scarves, shawls and sarongs are guaranteed to make you the envy of your friends back home. The embroidered blouses and dresses are painstakingly sewn by hand, most of them by local designers on the island. Prices are very affordable for the hand-painted batik fabrics. Even the heirloom-quality silk batiks selling for close to RM 1,000 are great value for such high-quality fabrics. If you are hunting for a really special vacation memento that was handmade in Langkawi, this is the place. Truly Batik is connected to the Truly Asian Café, which serves authentic local favourites like Penang Assam Laksa and Kampung Fried Rice in a casual, air-conditioned bistro setting.

Art Café

Location: Langkawi Fair, Kuah Tel: 04 966 2188. Open 3pm-1am. Closed The Art Café is one of Langkawi’s most unique cafés. Located near the main entrance of Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall, the exterior is a cool duplication of a typical Western sidewalk café but the interior is a gallery of eye-popping modern art by some of the best artists in Langkawi, Kedah and Penang. The café is a favourite hangout of local expats, not a surprise since they serve some of the best coffee and cheesecake on the island. They also serve great pizzas, salads and smoothies. There’s wine and beer on the menu. If you’re visiting Kuah, don’t give miss this café. All artworks are for sale.

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Cenang Beach Area Reservation Please call

(Town Centre) tel : 04 966 0089 (Bella Vista ) tel : 04 966 3089 (Fave Hotel) tel : 010 5170089 Transport can be arranged !! bellisspa@yahoo.com

DIRECTORY OF ADVERTISERS The following businesses would love to tell you more about their products and services. Give them a call today for info and directions!

R E S TA UR A N T S

KUAH

Aji Restaurant Pekan Rabu Kuah Tel: 012 489 9462 Malaysian and Western cuisine Amanda Coffee & Tea 37 Pekan Rabu Complex.Tel: 04 966 0037 Bistro food, cakes, gourmet coffee, ice-blended drinks and sodas Art Cafe Langkawi Fair Tel: 04 966 2188 Western cuisine, gourmet coffees and desserts Charlieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place Between Westin and Jetty Point Tel: 04 966 4078 Malaysian and Western cuisine Elephant Cafe Langkawi Parade, at supermarket entrance. Tel: 04 966 0037 Gourmet coffee and desserts. Selection of Western dishes. The Phoenix Restaurant Bayview Hotel, Kuah Tel: 04 966 1818 Ext 195 Cuisine: Chinese Truly Asian Cafe Langkawi Fair Tel: 04 966 2188 Local Malaysian food, drinks and desserts.

PANTAI CENANG

Beach Garden Resort Across from Rice Museum. Tel: 04 955 1363 Cuisine: Western and Asian. Open for breakfast English Tea Room In front of Landcons Hotel Tel: 017 556 1573 Cuisine: English snacks and beverages Red Sky Restaurant & Bar Opposite Underwater World. Tel: 017 472 1225 Cuisine: Western/Asian Fusion

TELAGA HARBOUR

Golden Wok Perdana Quay Tel: 04 956 1638 Cuisine: Chinese Seafood

BURAU BAY Mizumi Restaurant Oriental Village Tel: 04 959 1888 Cuisine: Japanese Oriental Pearl Berjaya Langkawi Resort Tel: 04 959 1888 Cuisine: Cantonese, Szechuan Scarborough Fish& Chips Tanjung Rhu Beach Tel: 04 966 2188 English-style fish & chips, beefsteaks, chicken, beer and wine.

R E TA I L

Truly Batik Langkawi Fair Tel: 04 966 2188 Handpainted batik scarves, shawls, sarongs. Hand-embroidered Malaystyle clothing by local artisans.

T OUR O P E R AT OR S

Blue Water Star Sailing Tel: Gerd 013 407 3166 Email : info@bluewaterstarsailing. com Private and sharing yacht cruises Crystal Yacht Holidays Tel: 04 955 6545 or 012 408 7866 Email: info@crystalyacht.com Private and sharing yacht cruises Devâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Adventure Tours Tel: 019 494 9193 Email: info@langkawi-nature.com Nature walks, treks, cycling, kayaking, bird watching Langkawi Coral Tel: 04 966 7318 Pulau Payar snorkelling platform, scuba diving. Mega Water Sports Tel: Said 012 200 2155 / Hussein 012 389 0801 Email bookings: sales@ megawatersports.com Island-hopping tours on jet-ski QQ Holidays Tel: 04 966 8019 / 04 966 2089 Website: www.langkawitour.com Culture tours, fishing, diving. Seeman Watersports Tel: 012 919 9014 / 012 902 9014 / 019 336 9914 Kayaking, Banana-boating, Jetskiing at Cenang Beach and Kuah (at Bella Vista)

Happy Chinese New Year Tropical Charters Tel: 04 955 3407 or 012 588 3274 Email: info@tropicalcharters.com. my Private and sharing yacht cruises Tuba Travel & Tours Tel: 017 456 5613 or 012 593 4822 Sightseeing, nature and fishing tours at Tuba Island.

S PA S

amAya Spa Tel: 04 959 3959 Email: amayaspa@gmail.com Massages and spa treatments for relaxation, healing and energy realignment. Fish spa. Bellis 41 Jalan Kelibang, Kuah. Tel: 04 966 0089 Spa treatments, traditional Malay massage, organic foods store. Yuan Spa Lot 1697 Jalan Pantai Tengah, opposite Holiday Villa Tel: 04 955 2828. Open Daily 1pm-10pm Massage, Spa Treatments, Special Couples Rooms for Honeymooners. V Intergrated Wellness The Andaman Resort, Datai Bay Tel: 04 959 1088 Email: info@vintegratedwellness. com Totally private cliffside treatment rooms with panoramic views of Datai Bay. Unique luxury spa treatments.

C O C K TA I L B A R S

Rimba Sports Bar Berjaya Langkawi Resort Tel: 04 959 1888 Big screen sports, Karaoke, Games Room, Internet, Juke Box Woodpecker Lounge Bayview Hotel, Kuah Tel: 04 966 1818 Full bar, Live Band, Karaoke Rooms, Wine Cellar & Cigar Store.

Visiting Hours 8.30 am - 5.30 pm Daily 8.30 am - 6.00 pm

School / Public Holiday

Adult: RM 10 Child (6-12): RM 4

MyKad holders half-price admission Kilim. Kuah Langkawi T: 04 959 1498 / 959 1863 F: 04 959 1819