Sunset along Cenang Beach
I managed to score cheap tickets to Langkawi thanks to Air Asia’s sale back in April this year. Advance booking almost always helps!
Despite a rather gloomy weather forecast before we set off, the weather was pretty great with only occasional showers now and then, so our moods weren’t really dampened.
Accommodation
I was a bit skeptical when booking Dayang Bay Service Apartments due to it’s rather remote location in Kuah town, which is a 20 minute drive from Pentai Cenang. But, the spacious rooms and lovely sea view definitely made up for the location. Plus, we hired a car so getting around wasn’t too much of a hassle.
Travel Tip: There is no need to advance book to rent a car. When you touch down at Langkawi Airport, you’ll be greeted with MANY companies offering you car rental services. I managed to rent a Honda City for RM 240 (additional deposit of RM 100) for 3 days through Geopark Tours Pte Ltd.
Activities
1. Skycab
Langkawi’s skycab ride is one of the world’s steepest cable car experience you can have. So, this is definitely a must try! Located in the southwestern coast of the main island, this attraction is within the compound of Oriental Village. This 15-20 minute is the world’s largest free span for a single rope cable carat 950m. Tickets costed us RM 30.
As you can see from the photo, maintenance is ongoing on the Skybridge. Was a pity we weren’t able to have a ‘stroll’. It is however expected to reopen in February 2015.
View from middle station (elevation of 650m from sea level)
For more information: http://www.langkawi-online.com/pages/places-of-interest/langkawi-cable-car.php
2. Underwater World
The Underwater World in Langkawi is the largest aquarium in Malaysia housing a large collection of over 4000 aquatic lives. We didn’t initially plan on making a visit down to The Underwater World but since we had some time to kill (i.e. digest our lunch) before our massage, we decided to pop by. Tickets cost RM 40 for non-malaysians. I managed to sneak myself in as a ‘malaysian’ for RM 30.
For more information: http://www.underwaterworldlangkawi.com.my/
3. Island hopping on jetski
Littered along Pentai Cenang are many tour operators so booking a 3 island tour would not be a problem at all. Activities include Pulau Dayang Bunting (Preganant Maiden Island) for freshwater swimming, Pulau Singa Besar (Big Lion Island) for eagle watching and Pulau Beras Basah (Wet Rice island) for swimming/snorkelling/suntanning.
Most companies offer about the same services so go ahead and book with a tour agency that offers you a good deal. I managed to get a offer for RM 500 (double rider) for a 4 hour jetski experience. Should you prefer not to jetski, you can have the option of doing this tour via speedboat (definitely costs much less). But, I assure you, the jetski experience was awesome (despite the rather steep price).
Things to note:
1. Make sure jet skis are in good, working condition before you set off.
2. Apply hell lots of sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
3. Reef shoes are provided so not to worry about slippers flying off.
4. Try to wear long sleeved clothings if possible.
5. Bring your phone to get photos from your guide after the end of the tour. (We left all our belongings in the car so didn’t manage to get hold of any photos the guide took for us.)
4. Massage
After a good body workout (i.e. 4 hour jetski experience), having a body massage would definitely be a good idea. I recommend Teratai reflexology located just next to The Underwater World. 1 hour full body massage costed RM 88. Was slightly expensive but service was excellent, so no regrets.
5. Laze in the beach
If you’re looking for a secluded beach to enjoy a quiet moment, Tanjong Rhu is a perfect spot for you. Located far north of Langkawi, this beach is quite untouched by tourists as most people naturally flock to Cenang beach.
Seafood!
This rather unassuming shop along Persiaran Mutiara, in my opinion serves the most value for money seafood. I had 2 meals here and 1 at the probably the most famous seafood shop in Langkawi – Orkid Ria. For Rm 270, I’ll do a comparison of what I ate at Wonderland and Orkid Ria. So, you do the math yourself.
Orkid Ria Wonderland
1. 4 Tiger Prawns 1. 2 Tiger Prawns (size of 4 Tiger Prawns in Orkid Ria)
2. 600g Garoupa 2. 500g Red Snapper
3. 2 Mud Crab 3. 2 Mud Crab
4. Hotplate Beancurd 4. Claypot Beancurd
5. Tom Yam Seafood Soup 5. Baby Kailan
6. Sambal Kangkong 6. Sambal Kangkong
7. Omelette with onion
8. Chilli Clams
9. Sambal Squid
RM 275.10 RM 236.10
Definitely worth a visit to Wonderland. Another seafood shop, worth trying would be Aquarium Seafood Garden in Taman Seri.
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