Langkawi...The Trip...

I'm back from my 3D/2N vacation @ Langkawi Island, Malaysia. While this is not my first trip, it is one of my more significant trip to remember. You see, I have a very short term memory capacity. One could say my memory runs only on RAMs, not ROMs(for those computer geeks). I only remember what was stored while they are fresh, and I find it a really hard time recalling anything older than a couple of years.
Anyhoo, I shall break this trip into 2 posts, this one being an information post for those who are considering going to Langkawi in the near future.

ONE: Transportation - Renting a car in Langkawi is a good idea, as the vacation hot spots are spread out across Langkawi, taking about a good 20 minutes drive in between places. Renting a car cost about RM50/Kancil or RM60/Iswara(mid-size sedan).

TWO: Accommodation - Pantai Cenang is one of the more popular place to be, where the nice combs of beaches are located. You can find motels and hotels here, although I wouldn't put too high hopes in staying in a great 4-5 star Hilton, but most likely you'd have to rough it out a little. I stayed in a little place called Charlie's Motel, along Jalan Pantai Tengah. It's off the road from Pantai Cenang, and it is a difficult place to find, although not difficult to get to.
For RM85/nite(supposed to be Peak season only), we got a "family room" with 2 queen-sized bed, with a TV that barely works, and an attached toilet. The wooden room has terrible sound proofing characteristics, you can audibly distinguish word for word your neighbor's discussions from the TV program they are watching. The washroom has no heater for shower, and is built in such a way that you feel you're sharing the washroom, only with a brick wall segregating you and your neighbor. Toilet papers are NOT included. Oh...1 important note: The room breeds more mosquito than the fishes at Underwater World. I personally caught and killed over 5 mosquito with my bare hands.
We literally had to keep the lights on while we sleep to avoid being sucked dry while we sleep.
Charlie Motel however is located in a rather strategic place, just off a nice beach where sunset is absolutely fabulous.

However, i would recommend you to look for other alternative motels along Pantai Cenang if you're on a tight budget, such as AB Motel nearby. Alternatively, Helang Hotel seems to offer a pretty good deal with their Hot Wheels package, where it only cost RM140/nite with a car

THREE: Attractions - I would personally recommend a trip up Mount Machincang via the Cable Car. Entrance fee is RM25/person, with a RM10 discount if you hold a My-Kad identity card. The trip consist of 2 observation deck. The view there is absolutely fantastic. A good picture paints a thousand words. So here, I shall let the breath-taking photos do the talking...



Underwater World is a major disappointment, the ultimate Hall of Shame being the so-called 3-D movie. It was obvious right from the start that management had no control or proper direction for visitors to queue to get into the theater. Hordes of barbaric Malaysians cut queues climbing over the dividing ropes to get in. Once inside, you're to help yourself with the ever-so-run-down 3-D glasses.The moment the "movie" started, it instantaneously felt like an mid-term project from an undergraduate Malaysian college student. The good news is, the animation didn't last more than 10 minutes.

Besides that, we went on a Island Hopping trip (costing RM25 if direct from providers, and RM35 if from travel agencies) which covers the Island of the Pregnant Maiden, Beras Basah Island and a stop-over at a lagoon where eagles feed. If you love nature, this is where it is all worth your while...to watch the eagles swoop down for a meal. You can get relatively close to the action, but don't put your hopes up if you intend to catch them on camera. Here's my best shot of a majestic eagle in mid-flight.

Over all, Langkawi is a pleasant place to visit, if you don't mind the heat. All the hyped up duty free discounts are really not that attractive, perhaps unless you are into cigarettes or alcohol.

Well, here ends my list of info...hope it is helpful and informative.

Watch out for my next post on Blessings Langkawi...

Cheers...