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An Adventure Lover’s Guide to Langkawi.

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We’ve made it our mission to explore as many of Malaysia’s islands as possible and this time, it was Langkawi, Malaysia’s biggest West Cost island, that got our full attention for a long weekend.

We’re all about discovering the more adventurous side of any place, so here’s our guide on what to do in Langkawi if you’re interested in more than shopping and lazing on the beach.

1. Parasailing.

This is an exhilirating experience to get the blood pumping and the wind blowing through your hair.  Pregnant at the time of visiting, I was not allowed to paraticipate due to any associated risks.  But this was a first time for Vaughan who loved every minute.  The boat will take you out from Tanjung Rhu Beach and out onto the open waters.  You’ll get strapped into the harness securely before the boat picks up speed and you’ll be safely lifted off high into the sky and suspend peacefully above the boat in the air.  The best part is that you can share the joy with one or two other friends or family members and parasail together in groups of maximum 3.

For more info contact Naam.

Feeling crazy excited!

Vaughan and his new best friend on Langawi, Yusuf from LADA 🙂

Feeling on top of the world!

2. Jetskiing.

Zip along Tanjung Rhu Beach and Cenang Beach, in one of Langkawi’s most scenic bays, on the back of a jetski.  If you’re keen to ride one alone, you can go wild post safety briefing from the instructors.  Else hop on the back with a highly instructor and see the tiny outcrops of land in the bay at high speeds.  Please call ahead to check on water conditions, if the water is too choppy or the wind too strong, you will not be permitted to take the jetskis out.

For more info have a look at Naam’s 30 minute jetski package.


Image by: Pixabay.

3. Snorkeling and diving off Pulua Payar.

This time Vaughan took a break from diving and joined me a bit closer to the surface for snorkeling.  Pulau Payar ( Coral Island) Marine Park is known as Malaysia’s oldest sea sanctuary and holds countless amounts of underwater treasures.  After reaching the island by ferry ( from Kuah Jetty) and we stayed in the water most of the day coming up only for lunch and drinks.  Black tip sharks( harmless), raccoon fish, turtles, parrot fish, clown fish, needle fish and a kaleidaskope of anemone and coral were just some of the creatues keeping us entralled beneath the surface. If you’re not strong in the water, you can snorkel in a lifejacket and a goggle and snorkel are also provided.

Visit Langkawi coral>

Leaving Langkawi in a ferry.

Stunning anemone fish, turtles and sharks to be seen at Payar!

Turquosiy green, but clear at Payar Island

4. Trek or SkyCab up Mount Mat Cincang.

For the very fit and experience trekkers with sturdy hiking boots, climb from base to peak of Machincang mountain in 3 hours or less stopping at Seven Wells (Telega Tujuh) Waterfall for a break on both the ascent and the descent.  If there’s rain, the waterfall is a perfect place to swim and get refreshed.

For the families and less fit among us, Panorama’s SkyCab, is the next best thing and a thrilling experience all in itself.  Located in the oldest part of South East Asia and said to be the first to emerge from ancient sea and estuary, is MachinChang mountain and its fertile jungle.  We took a glass bottom gondola SkyCab all 708m above sea level to the Top Station and admire Langkawi from above.  Through the glass, we could see the top layer of the dense rainforest slowly changing to sparse vegetation on the craggy peak.  The breathtaking views all along the way are something to behold so make sure you go on a clear day and take a camera.

Visit Panorama Langkawi.

Despite the clouds and rain this was a stunning trip.

5. Guided Coral Reef Walks and Coral Transplanting.

Some of the earth’s oldest coral can be found in Datai Bay and this exact coral is what saved much of this part of the island from the Tsunami of 2004.  The coral took most of the impact and as a result 80 % or more of it was destroyed. Much of the world’s coral has been destroyed and damaged resulting in catastrophic consequences for underwater eco-systems and marine life.

Resident Marine Specialist at The Andaman, Dr Gerry Goeden is working together with volunteers and students doing their masters to rescue ‘dead’ coral, transplant it onto new materials, allow it to flourish in the  coral nursery before returning it to the ocean.  Any time spent with Geoffrey will be fascinating as he is a wealth of knowledge and you’ll be able to say that you have done something to heal the earth.  Companies can book a stay at the Andaman and enjoy CSI projects through the coral nursery and all guests can enjoy these activites for free and contribute to this ongoing project.

Contact The Andaman for more details.

The coral nursery.

Lessons on how to re-transplant coral. (with super glue!)

Fact of the day 🙂

6. Mangrove Eco-Safaris.

To catch a glimpse of Malaysia’s Mangrove wildlife such as crocodiles, tree crabs, moniter lizards, bats and macaques, hop on a boat and float through this lush haven for birds, animals and vegetation. Feed eagles, see limestone rock formations which have formed from the floor of the seabed, visit Gua Kelawar bat cave and have lunch at a floating restaurant.

Find Koperasi Kilim Langakawi on Facebook.


Image by: Pixabay.

7. Beach Bootcamps and Sunrise Yoga.

If you need to shock your body to produce fast results in developing strength, stamina and agility, then get into shape with the V Boot Camp offered at V Integrated Wellness at The Andaman in Dati Bay.  You’ll get body analysis, meal plans, a customised workout plan and lifestyle assessment.

For those wishing to work slowly on their balance, harmony within the body, toning and stretching, try one of the yoga packages offered.  Start your day with sunrise yoga, 70 minutes of Internsive Yoga stretching or even private couple tantric yoga.  Add chakra balancing massages or a detox program to this and leave Datai Bay feeling fit and renewed.

Visit V Integrated Wellness for more info.

8. Cruise around the island at sunset.

In most parts of South East Asia, sunset really is the best time of day.  It’s the only time the  temperatures drops slightly, the sunlight’s bright glare subsides and some of the best sunsets can be enjoyed over the ocean.  Sailing between Dayang Bunting and Tuba Islands is really no exception and for those who love to move a bit slower, the sunset  is even more superb while enjoying drinks and snacks on aboard the Naam’s Sea Falcon.  Glide past the Five Islands ( Pulua Lima), the secluded Chawi Bay and the little-known coral beach at Pulau Intan Kecil.

Contact Naam for more on their cruises.

Stunning sunsets abound from Langkawi!

9. Refuel your body at Seashells Restaurant.

You really don’t want to leave the island without sampling the Malay lunch buffet at Seashells Restaurant on Jalan Pantai Cenang. Before you’ve even tasted the food, the bright green rice paddies, palm trees and pink buffalo grazing nearby will bring you utter delight. You do have the option to order a la carte but often you’ll be served a dish of everything. And believe me you want to sample all they have on offer. We enjoyed ikan bakar( grilled fish), spicy daging(beef), mixed vegetables, chicken curry, nasi(rice) and more. Before or after lunch venture out from beneath your pagoda to venture through the rice paddies and beside the scarecrows.

Lunch in rice paddy? Yes please!

Delicious!

Find Seashells Restaurant on Facebook.

What did you get up to on the island of Langkawi? Any other outdoor and adventure activities worth trying?

Our weekend on the island was sponsored by LADA, visit their website for more details on things to do on the island.

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