Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is an island located at the border of the state Kedah and Perlis. To reach this paradise destination you can either take a plane to Langkawi International Airport or you can take a boat to there from either Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis or even from Penang.Well,let's begin the story. Since I am from Penang, I bought an air ticket from AirAsia for round ways to Langkawi for only RM 48. From Penang International Airport it took only 30 minutes to reach Langkawi International Airport.
Once I have reached there, my best friend was there earlier, waiting for me. We are both from different states of Malaysia and so we planned to meet up at Langkawi to enjoy the vacation together.
Langkawi International Airport as the other international airports,they have Taxi booth to ease the taxi service system. The taxi counter is right at the main arrival gate entrance. The taxi fare is base on the location desired. Our taxi fare was RM 22 as we travelled down to Pantai Tengah's, T-Star Cottage.
T-Star Cottage
How would you feel if cold breeze slowly blows directly to your face, cooling down your sweat and plays with your hair. This is exactly how it is when your step into this peaceful hotel which is in walking distance from the famous Pantai Cenang. We booked this hotel via Booking.com. This trip to langkawi and to this hotel was the second time for this year,2015 . For per night,we paid RM 55, in total it cost RM 275 for 5 days including weekends. We got this flat rate for booking it early. For deposit ,we have to pay RM 100 as it is compulsory in majority hotels and they have return it once we have checked out.
These are the images of T-Star Cottage's room and exterior.
Living in this peaceful and serene hotel room for 5 nights gave me and unexplainable feeling. It was too cosy and comfortable. Firstly, as we entered the hotel room after the registration process at the lobby,it felt hot since the hotel room we took was the room WITHOUT air conditioners. Now you would know why the room price is cheap. Well, it might be necessary during the hot climate but it wasn't for us, because we were usually out during the day and we are back only after sunset and dinner . By that time ,it was already raining which kept the place really cold at night.
We had some issues with the toilet sink ,in the hotel room but it was already 11.45 pm (local time). As I was enjoying the nature by resting at the balcony of our room, I saw the hotel receptionist was walking down the corridor, I quickly reached to him and told him about the problem occurred. Personally, I thought he would arrange the hotel's hospitality service person in-charge the next day but no! He came in immediately after collecting his tools from their store room ( I guess) and yes, he solved it. This definitely gave me a good impression on their service. Plus,they have special rates for their hotel occupants to rent their scooters, motorbikes and cars. The best part is, their rental service is the cheapest one is town. We took scooter rental for only RM 16 for 12 hours!
Now let's talk about the pros and cons of this hotel:
Cons
- There is no house keeping service throughout the staying period.
- Hotel room is small because it is cottage. (T-Star Cottage)
Pros
- Cheap .
- Good hotel standard .
- Extremely good hotel service.
- Beautiful view and interior.
- Comfortable bed .
- Walking distance to taxi platform.
- Walking distance to Pantai Cenang
- Cheap bike rentals
- Presents of sundry and laundry shop nearby.
- Good offers and deals for snorkeling and diving in islands surrounding langkawi.
Sagar Restaurant, Pantai Tengah
As my buddy and i was walking down the road from T-Star Cottage to the highly popular Pantai Cenang at about 7 p.m. we heard a man calling us from the opposite. "Hello, come in come in!", as he was smilling warmly while inviting us have our dinner in his restaurant. He was wearing a white shirt with a black tie smartly as for a man in his late 40's. My buddy and I have no other idea where to hit for our dinner, and so we didn't think twice, we walked into his restaurant. We were both mesmerize with the interior. They serve Indian cuisine.
As we looked down the menu, the prices were all high , RM 25 and a above per main dish ( normally in other states of Malaysia, the food in a local Indian shop would cost less than RM 10 for chicken dishes ), we saw Roti Naan (plain naan) at the price of RM 5. We, each took a set of naan and ordered for one plate of chicken tikka masala for RM 25. As we both were waiting for the food to arrive, we understood that it's not a normal Indian restaurant, it's considered as high end. The service and standard is way higher than any other normal north Indian restaurants around.
As we looked down the menu, the prices were all high , RM 25 and a above per main dish ( normally in other states of Malaysia, the food in a local Indian shop would cost less than RM 10 for chicken dishes ), we saw Roti Naan (plain naan) at the price of RM 5. We, each took a set of naan and ordered for one plate of chicken tikka masala for RM 25. As we both were waiting for the food to arrive, we understood that it's not a normal Indian restaurant, it's considered as high end. The service and standard is way higher than any other normal north Indian restaurants around.
Here comes the dishes. Fuhhh... what an aroma, wow wow wowwwww, me loveeeyyy! Since we are both Indians, we whack the chilly out of the spicy food! It was heaven. We asked the chef to make it really spicy,which add double kick to the chicken tikka masala. Plus the naan set, came with three pieces each set. It was really satisfying .
( we came to the same restaurant to eat the same dishes for 3 times out of 6 days. ) =P
It is awesome. The lake is deep, definitely it has to be more than 5 meters deep because of the term- lake. The tourism officers of the island set up a booth by the platform of the lake to rent safety life jackets for those who wants rent it. Definitely it is necessary to rent them even if you know how to swim reallllllllyyyyy well because there are some cases where the forest officers told us that they found few dead bodies of victims on the lake surface due to unpredictable strong internal water current. Personally I don't know whether it's business techniques, encourage people to rent the life jackets but definitely you don't want to risk your life for RM 5.
( we came to the same restaurant to eat the same dishes for 3 times out of 6 days. ) =P
7 Wells and Waterfall
Skycab and these 7 wells together with the waterfalls are just approximately 800 meters away. Many people would walk into Skycab to witness the beauty of Langkawi from a extremely high peak.
Personally, I feel that it is necessary to witness the nature's beauty without disturbing it. We have to feel the wonders without modifying or destroying it. For an example, 7 Wells and the waterfall nearby it is gives us, a magnificent view with an exceptional good experience. I don't want to drag much, let me show you. ;)
The best part of this island visit is, it is well maintained. Pulau Dayang Bunting is under Malaysian Reserved Forest, fully protected. This island has it's own virgin lake. To explore this island we have to pay RM 2 to purchase the entrance ticket. The boat stopped there for an hour time period to let us enjoy the place.
We have to hike for about 100 meters to reach the lake. It is not so risky as it has steps built till the lake.
Check out the view.Personally, I feel that it is necessary to witness the nature's beauty without disturbing it. We have to feel the wonders without modifying or destroying it. For an example, 7 Wells and the waterfall nearby it is gives us, a magnificent view with an exceptional good experience. I don't want to drag much, let me show you. ;)
*breathless*
Island Hopping for RM 35 per person
This price is the cheap and specially for T-Star Cottage customers. My bestie and I went to the hotel reception and booked our seats for the island hopping activity for the next day. The receptionist explained to us that we can do the booking even at last minute which is 30 minutes before the programme of the day starts but we played safe. The payment have to be done on the day of booking before the trip. They will provide us a receipt and a sticker for each person as a recognition during the 4 hours trip.
Early morning at about 8.45 am ( erhhmmm not so early though), we were all ready to leave to the port from our hotel. The driver was there waiting for us at the hotel entrance before we went, but we were supposed to be there at 9 am.They greeted us and immediately took off. That's another thumbs up!
At the port, we waited for the boat for a pretty long time. I was abit stressed up because we didn't manage to have our breakfast but thank God, they have small stalls around waiting area where we could get well packed nasi lemak ( coconut rice with gravy - famous Malaysian breakfast) for RM 2 each.
After gaining back our energy, here we are !
The ferry departure and arrival jetty
Pulau Dayang Bunting
They have some weird legends for this island. The locals believe it was cursed ( I don't know ** ) well,the hills there have the shape of a pregnant lady, so that's when this legends came up with ( maybe ).
The best part of this island visit is, it is well maintained. Pulau Dayang Bunting is under Malaysian Reserved Forest, fully protected. This island has it's own virgin lake. To explore this island we have to pay RM 2 to purchase the entrance ticket. The boat stopped there for an hour time period to let us enjoy the place.
We have to hike for about 100 meters to reach the lake. It is not so risky as it has steps built till the lake.
It is awesome. The lake is deep, definitely it has to be more than 5 meters deep because of the term- lake. The tourism officers of the island set up a booth by the platform of the lake to rent safety life jackets for those who wants rent it. Definitely it is necessary to rent them even if you know how to swim reallllllllyyyyy well because there are some cases where the forest officers told us that they found few dead bodies of victims on the lake surface due to unpredictable strong internal water current. Personally I don't know whether it's business techniques, encourage people to rent the life jackets but definitely you don't want to risk your life for RM 5.
Eagle Feeding
Compared to the earlier island, this I
Eagle feeding activity was a little boring. There were many eagles flying here and there catching fishes from the surface of water. Their feathers were huge and they were very brave. They didn't bother or be afraid of the boats and the strangers in it. Maybe the eagles are very used to these environment. The eagles can only be fed at this island where it is located in a isolated area.
Pulau beras putih
Here comes my favorite island! Fantastic view, white Sandy beaches with Crystal clear water! That's a major plus point.
There you go...
I just love the way it is, so natural and untouched. Wow wow wow.
We spent about an hour there, which was definitely not enough. An hour felt like a seconds. For food and beverages, they have few stalls selling junk food and canned drinks which are doubled in price. As we walk a little further from the arrival area, there is a private residence, most probably they are being rented for tourist who would like to stay over on the island for a night or two depending on their demand.
Let's come to the conclusion of this island, I have to let you all know that his island is full of monkeys and they are really fierce. While walking down to the arrival area, a bunch of monkeys snatched my little plastic bag which I placed my phone and purse in. Thank God, I had a good grip over the bag and courage to fight back by pulling the bag away from the monkeys. Right after getting the bag, I made some stupid scary noise to scare the monkeys away. Pheewww..
And that's how my island hopping trip around this beautiful islands end.
Pantai cenang sunset
Pantai cenang is well-known for water sport activities. Parasailing, banana boat riding, jet skiing and etc, the place just doesn't sleep,there is always something happening there.
View of Pantai cenang beach
Trip's conclusion and tips
That's all about my fantastic langkawi trip, I did miss out some fabulous food we had around cenang area.
I would definitely recommend all of you to try the local ( malays) 'ikan bakar' - fish barbeque and other dishes around Cenang area but please do look for simple looking restaurants, as the grand ones throws us the huge bill.
Ones you are in langkawi, the duty free policy allows your wish list fly high. Yea, the alcohol beverages is in the must bring back list. If you planned to bring a bottle back home, remember you can only bring 1 litre of it in international planes but they are a little lenient if your taking domestic planes. I brought back 5 litre of Vella white wine (which comes in box) through hand carry. Yes I manage to check it in without any hassles. I can't promise you about this, because the rules are there, I just got lucky, that's all. You might not want to take risk. If you are planning to take back few bottles of liquor which totals up more than 1 litres, pass it to your buddy who don't carry any liquor. An individual can bring back 1litre of any alcohol beverages and one carton of cigarettes (200 sticks).
Remarks
All the photos above are taken using Huawei's Honor 7.
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