It has been 13 years since my last visit to Pulau Langkawi, islands of the Kedah state, 30km off the northwestern coast of Malaysia Peninsula. In 2003, joined my university faculty field trip to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibitions, a.k.a. LIMA (a biennial event, one of the largest exhibition of its genre in Asia Pacific). The recent visit in March by the way, was a family trip organized by my brother. So why not?
Day 1, 29th Mar: On Arrival, SkyCab & Sky Bridge
▲Turboprop domestic airliner
Instead of tormenting long-journey by bus and ferry some 13 years ago, we opted for a more comfortable option this time: an 1-hour domestic flight from Sultan Aziz Shah Airport, Subang to Langkawi Intl. Airport. Round trip with domestic airline cost approx. RM300 per pax, incl. travel insurance.
The best way to get around the island is to rent a car, and you may get one from any of the counters in the airport's arrival hall. We hired a 7-seater MPV for 3D/2N for about RM150. There are also cheaper options from many illegal touts outside the building, but I wouldn't recommend it for the obvious reason.
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After checked in to our resort, we went to the Langkawi SkyCab located at the Oriental Village for the cable car ride to the peak of Gunung Machinchang. Prior to the cable car ride, we were guided to the SkyDome, a panorama screen dome theatre for a show (inclusive in the cable car ticket). I would skip the show if given a choice, as it was nothing really interesting.
At the peak, you may enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding hills, forests and sea from the observatory platforms and the Sky Bridge. One of the articles I read suggested that the air on the peak is cooler due to its altitude and you may need a light jacket to beat the chill. Well, we certainly didn't need it on that sunny day.
In the morning, we set off to Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. At first, we struggled to find our way to our destination due to GPS error, as it did not indicate the precise location of the jetty. After driving around for some time and re-calibrating our phone's GPS (arghhh...), we finally found our way!
At the peak, you may enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding hills, forests and sea from the observatory platforms and the Sky Bridge. One of the articles I read suggested that the air on the peak is cooler due to its altitude and you may need a light jacket to beat the chill. Well, we certainly didn't need it on that sunny day.
▲Sky Bridge
▲View from observatory deck
▲Directional signs of other famous gondolas around the world
▲Love locks at the peak of Gunung Machinchang
Day 2: Nature, Marine & Beach
The 3-star resort where we stayed was quite a decent experience. A pool view (pic below) twin-bed deluxe room for 2 nights cost about RM600, breakfast included.
In the morning, we set off to Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. At first, we struggled to find our way to our destination due to GPS error, as it did not indicate the precise location of the jetty. After driving around for some time and re-calibrating our phone's GPS (arghhh...), we finally found our way!
At the jetty, we booked a speedboat tour which brought us to the mangrove forests, amazing view of limestone rock formations, cruising through cave on the water, and bat cave visit. The boat also harbor at the floating fish farm restaurant for visitors to take a rest or have lunch.
Our next destination was Underwater World Langkawi, which showcases many different species of birds, animals, and marine lives from the tropical, temperate and Antartic regions. The place is divided into several sections based on the animal's habitats.
An island getaway won't be complete without going to the beach, right? We had a relaxing evening at Pantai Cenang nearby our resort, which is one of the famous beach strip in Langkawi. Indulge yourself with sunbathing, and water sports i.e. jet skiing, speed boat ride, banana boating, and many more!
Day 3: Corcodile & Goodbye
▲At the jetty - Kilim Geoforest Park
▲Natural formation of cave column
▲Into the bat cave
▲Mangrove forest
After having our lunch in Kuah town, we stopped-by briefly at the Eagle Square (known as 'Dataran Helang' by locals) for some photo-snappings. To me, there are nothing much to see here during day-time besides the huge eagle sculpture and harbour front view.
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▲Flamingos in Tropical Rainforest Section
▲Penguins in Sub-Antartic Section
▲Alaskan crab
▲JAWS!!! - Marine Life Section
▲JAWS!!! - Marine Life Section
An island getaway won't be complete without going to the beach, right? We had a relaxing evening at Pantai Cenang nearby our resort, which is one of the famous beach strip in Langkawi. Indulge yourself with sunbathing, and water sports i.e. jet skiing, speed boat ride, banana boating, and many more!
▲My little nephew enjoys himself with the sand and water
Day 3: Corcodile & Goodbye
On the last day, we visited Crocodile Adventureland. Taking a long walk in the park, you can see crocs of different ages, sizes and species in separated ponds, with informative placards displaying facts about the reptiles.
▲Croc juniors
▲Hunchback croc
▲Croc senior
That pretty much summed up this trip, before taking our flight back home in the afternoon. Despite it was just a short trip, we did spent some quality times and had lot's of enjoyable moments together.
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