My days in Langkawi
- Nivasini Rachai
- May 15, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 16, 2019
Langkawi (reddish brown eagle) rich in enormous amount of attractions to visit. Located on the West-side of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi has tragic story of the most beautiful maiden, Mahsuri whom laid a curse with her last breath upon the island for seven generations of bad luck. You might be wondering what the small island has to offer: beautiful beaches, fascinating legends, duty-free shopping and world class infrastructure.
Langkawi trip was my very first unplanned trip. As I was on budget travel, I used public transports to travel all the way from Kl to Langkawi instead of taking flight which is more convenient option. A day before moving to Langkawi, I travel by bus to my hometown, Taiping. The next day, I took train from Taiping – Perlis (Arau) and took cab from Arau to Kuala Jetty, Perlis. The travel was quite exhausting, and it took me almost a day just to reach Kuala Jetty, Perlis. Somehow, I managed to take the last Ferry to Langkawi and reached the island by 7.30pm. If you are on budget travel, taking public transport is advisable. Taking public transport, you can’t expect to reach on time as there might be some changes in schedule which can delays your entire journey. It always a good practice to move early to avoid this kind of circumstances. If you are solo traveler, bring backpack and avoid carrying hand bag which can seek attention from theft to make your travelling more pleasant and safer. However, if you want to save on time, taking public transport is not recommended.
TIPS: Display your IC (for Malaysians) to get local price upon purchasing ticket for ferry or other activities.
Located in Kuah town, the 12 metre sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight is one of the main attractions of Langkawi island. As you approach the Jetty, you will see this tallest statue greeting you. Eagle square (picture on the right hand side) was taken at Night where the sculpture is illuminated with lights.
A beautiful park located next to Eagle Square, Kuah to explore romantic pathway, landscaped gardens with several sculptures describing legendary story, many local fruits and trees. You will find a large map of Langkawi on the Gondowana stone wall at the entrance.
A beautiful cafe with touch of arts and varieties of food including vegetarian options available in bigger portions at reasonable price. You can find impressive acrylic art pieces by local Langkawi artist hang on the wall which is available for purchasing. Overall love the ambiance.
It was high season when I planned to visit Langkawi. However, I managed to get car rental for 2 days at good rate after bargaining. The driving from Kuah to crocodile park took me almost one hour. Oriental village is about 12 minutes away from crocodile park. There are several other attractions nearby but I couldn't manage to visit due to heavy pouring and insufficient time.
Crocodile adventure land is the largest crocodile and alligator farm in Malaysia. You will get to see nearly 1000 crocodiles of different species and ages in different ponds. At crocodile show, you will be stunned to see the highly skilled trainers perform dangerous stunts with the crocodiles which lasts about for 20 minutes. You can feed juvenile crocodiles with food selling at nearby counter.
Oriental village is an open air complex hosting wide range activities, retails stores, souvenir stores and stalls selling all kind of items include food and beverages. Located in Pantai Kok, oriental village is home for cable car and sky bridge with a large central lake. You will need to allocate a full day to enjoy all the offerings available here. The oriental village usually crowded with visitors or tourists.
SkyRex provides dynamic experience projecting 3D film to the front and both sides of tram. It wasn't extraordinary but was a good experience.
Located within the oriental village, the art museum known as Art in Paradise with more than 100 amazing 3D artwork. The largest in Malaysia and second largest 3D art museum in the world. One of the most Instagram friendly places in Langkawi which features 3D interactive paintings painted by a group of talented international artists to provide new experience to visitors. The projection mapping show will be performed daily at the Central Hall every hour.
Definitely worth your time and money.
Black sand beach (or known as 'Pantai Pasir Hitam') makes an ideal spot for photography due to black colour sand.
Located near to Pantai Cenang, underwater tunnel is a home for varieties of marine and freshwater species. Explore the largest marine and freshwater aquaria in South East Asia that has been built aimed at raising awareness on the importance of preserving our precious aquatic species to create deep connection between human and nature.
If you are at Langkawi, you shouldn't miss the most popular and cheapest boat tour, island hopping. You can purchase the ticket for island hopping either to move from Kuah or Cenang depending on your convenience. It covers three different islands including main island and eagle feeding.
I took Uber from Kuah to Pantai Cenang ( RM50 - one way). I dropped by Pantai Cenang to go for island hopping. the As it was still pouring on the day, I have decided to go for island hopping on the next day. I took the mangrove island hopping package cost at RM35 (each person) covering 3 different islands. I didn't book any hotel prior to my visit to this place. Thus, I had to overnight at McD which is not recommended. It wasn't a pleasant experience but gain a new experience. The next day morning, the agent fetch us at McD, Pantai Cenang.
Note: Carry small water bottles in backpack as the weather tend to be very hot and might makes you thirsty.
BEWARE: The islands full of wild monkeys. Do not feed monkeys or bring along any hand carry bag or plastic which could seek attention from monkeys. Also, do not leave your backpack at places that not crowded by people.
Dayang Bunting, lake of the pregnant maiden will be the first island you will be visiting. The island was named after the mountain forms the outline of a woman lying on her back with belly bulging out like a pregnant woman. There is a strong belief within the locals that those women having difficulty in conceiving a child will be blessed and would become pregnant once they take a dip into the lake water. You will be given a total of 1 hour to spend here.
The next stop is eagle feeding at Pulau Singa Besar,"Island of big lions". You have to remain seated in boat as you get to watch group of eagles diving down in circular motion trying to claw up the chicken pieces throw by the boatman.
The last stop is Pulau Beras Basah ,"Island of wet rice". A great place with beautiful view, beach with soft white sands and excellent spot for snorkeling . If you are beach lover, then this place for you. Probably, the allocated 1 hour wouldn't be sufficient for you, thus arrange your time accordingly.
You wouldn't want to leave the duty free zone Langkawi without shopping. Find some of places below where you can for duty free shopping.
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