Langkawi, Malaysia: Island Hopping & Mountain Top Adventure
Less than two months before the lockdown in 2020 due to the pandemic, my passport received its last stamp before the whole world was put to a halt. Equipped with personal protective items and safety precautions knowledge, my senses savoured the long desired vitamin sea in Langkawi.
As the borders remained closed for tourism even after a year, all I can do is reminisce the beautiful memories of this trip....
From the majestic beach sunset to the picturesque view on top of the mountain, there are plenty of activities to do in Langkawi. Home to scenic landscape of sprawling beaches, azure blue waters, pristine waterfalls and dense rainforest, there are endless of things to enjoy for both nature lovers and adventure-seekers while visiting this island.
Island Hopping Speedboat Tour
Perhaps the most popular activity to do in Langkawi is the island hopping. Plenty of tour agencies in town offer this service at almost similar rate, else booking online is another option to ensure the spot. Most packages include hotel pickup from certain areas but if the hotel is located outside, guests should make transport arrangement to a pickup point.
- Wet Rice Island
The first destination was the Wet Rice Island, also known as Pulau Beras Basah. It is just a small island a few minutes speedboat ride from the main island of Langkawi. The island remained non-commercial, retaining its laid-back ambiance.
The speedboat docked in a small port on the island. From a far, we could already see the white sand, lush green surrounding and the inviting warm waters.
Upon a closer look, the island is still indeed unexploited with a clean beach, powder white sand that offers relaxing feeling when stepped on barefoot and monkeys roaming around. Yes the island is inhabited by monkeys but I think they are errmm friendly (disclaimer: just my opinion) since they didn't go near the guests, except maybe if they see food.
On the area where the guests were told to stay, the water wasn't clear due to the muddy seabed. Yes I was a bit disappointed since I really wanted to go swimming. As I walked a few metres from the beach, hoping to at least feel the water up to my waistline, I started stepping on mud and rocks.
Slightly wet due to the sea water rushing in the sandy beach shore, the best thing to do was sun bathing. The sky was so blue with some cotton-like clouds but the scorching heat of the sun was peaking, not surrendering to the onshore breeze.
We spent an hour and half on the island; taking photos, savouring the serenity and soaking under the sun.
When it was time to leave the island, I noticed on the other side of the port the waters were crystal clear and I think the sand was milkier.
Anyway, it was time to go to our next destination. Overall, the Wet Rice Island is just a place to relax and take a dip but definitely not for snorkeling. Light swimming can be done but absolutely not possible to see anything in the cloudy waters.
- Eagle Watching at Big Lions Island (Pulau Singa Besar)
I haven't seen an eagle up close, so I was thrilled when eagle watching was part of the itinerary. Our next destination was the Big Lions Island, just a few minutes from the Wet Rice Island, but we didn't actually docked. We remained in the speedboat while the boatman throw some fishes into the waters for the eagles to pick.
We hang around for 20 minutes while the boatman feed an aerie of eagles, perhaps twice throughout our stay. Around 50 - 60 eagles tried to grab the fishes by diving into the waters. It was a pleasant experience seeing up close the action and meeting face to face the king of the skies.
- Island of the Pregnant Maiden (Pulau Dayung Bunting)
Our final destination was quite interesting due to the beliefs that encompassed it. And so we made our way to the Island of the Pregnant Maiden, or locally known as the Pulau Dayang Bunting. Why such a name?
The speedboat didn't go directly to the island, rather it stopped for a brief moment in the middle of some islets where we observed the Pregnant Maiden Island from afar. From a certain spot, the undulating hills of the island made it resemble a pregnant woman. And hence the island's name is derived.
Our speedboat then docked in a jetty with a long, colourful bridge that linked it to the main island. Just below the bridge, lots of monkeys were chillin', oh yeah.. thug life!... ^_^ The furry animals were eating, carrying their babies or looking for food. Some monkeys were on the bridge's baluster watching us pass by.
After passing through the bridge, we saw a few mini eateries where visitors remained to rest and had lunch while some of us proceeded to the main entrance of the Geo-Forest Park.
At the reception area, we purchased our entrance tickets as well as the tickets for different water activities on the lake. Oftentimes, they offer a package activity but some visitors just wanted to see the lake so they only paid for the entrance tickets.
And so we set off to the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. There are stairs leading up to the lake which might took around 20 minutes hike, depending on the pace and distractions. ^_^ As we walked, we saw more monkeys.... crossing in front, playing along with others in one corner, on the stairs, in a tiny hut, they were everywhere! ^_^ The sound of nature was music to the ears.. it was so refreshing to listen.
As we descended into the lake, people's laughter echoed between the hills surrounding the area suggesting that they were having fun. A platform was built on top of the waters where staff await to assist visitors in their respective activities. I opted to go kayaking while others chose the pedal boats or just swim on the freshwater. Some staff follow guests around to ensure they don't go to the forbidden spots of the lake. Yup they did whistle a few times at some guests. ^_^
Honestly, when I saw the green waters of the lake, I was a bit scared 'cuz my brain started messing with my imagination...what if there are crocs underneath the waters? Ahhh.. stop it brain! But again, it is just my wild imagination. Everything went smooth and fun.
Then it was time to go back... Overall, a nice walk through the Geo-Forest Park, the fun activities on the beautiful freshwater lake, meeting up close those playful monkeys and the relaxing scenery made up a wonderful experience.
Be warned, it is best not to bring any food or belongings that can attract the monkeys attention. They are harmless but visitors must be responsible enough.
What about the beliefs you say? Well, it is said that women with difficulties conceiving should drink from the lake.. that is according to the locals. And yes, it is due to this belief that the Island of the Pregnant Maiden became one of the most popular spots in Langkawi.
Langkawi Skycab Cable Car + Sky Bridge
After exploring the waters, islands and forest-ish for almost a day, the next day was intended for the mountain exploration...ermmm sound a bit exaggerated ^_^
Perhaps one of the most popular landmarks on the island, the Langkawi Sky Bridge is a never to be missed destination. But heading out to this spot on top of the mountain doesn't involve hours of rigorous hiking or driving. Nope!
To get to the Sky Bridge, visitors must take the Sky Cable at the main station which often involves long queues on peak seasons. However, there is an option to be on a priority lane for an additional cost on top of the ticket price. Also, visitors can opt for a glass bottom skycab which costs higher than the regular skycab.
After a few minutes of queueing, off we go to the top! The view of the island and its neighbours from the skycab was superbly mesmerising. The white sand shoreline stands in stark contrast to the turquoise water, making it a dramatic backdrop for insta-worthy snaps. At the bottom were filled with lush green forest and we saw a waterfall as well.
Okay... The first ascend was quite nerve-wracking cuz it's the highest compared to the rest, I think. We then reached the second station wherein all visitors must alight. The station is actually just a spot with platforms where guests can take photos with the ocean background or the final station.
We proceeded to the final station where the Sky Bridge is linked to through the sky cab again, since it is the only transportation. At a higher elevation, the view just gets more and more breathtaking. Yes the ride all the way to the top is a memorable experience by itself as we adore the panoramic sight of the Langkawi and its surrounding islands.
From station 3, there are 2 ways to get to the Sky Bridge: (1) Pay extra fee for a (less than 5 mins) tram ride (2) hike a trail which might take approximately 10 - 20 mins.
After a long queue for the tram, we finally stepped foot on the Langkawi Sky Bridge. The bridge seemed to shake a bit when the wind blew.. yikes, my legs were shaking a bit too.
Standing 660 metres (2,170 feet) above sea level at the peak of Gunung Mat Cincang, the bridge deck measured 125 metres long with a curved structure. In fact, it ranks among the longest curve suspension bridges in the world.
Again, our senses feasted on all things that the place had to offer. From the magical view to the cold wind that caresses our skin despite the scorching heat of the sun, everything was just unbelievable. At the other side of the station, there lies different levels of platforms where guests can get a glimpse of the bridge and the whole scenery from a much higher elevation. There were also a few cafes/eateries to feed the hungry stomach while savouring a stunning sight.
How did it feel standing on the suspended bridge? It was an effin' vertigo-inducing experience! Every time I looked down, I needed to grip tightly onto the bars as I feared I might trip. ^_^ And yeah, there were monkeys too.
Best option to and from the Sky Bridge is to hike instead of the tram. It is a lot faster.
And so, after more than 2 hours of soaking under the sun on top of the mountain... it was time to go leave.
Oriental Village
Was it really time to go back to the town? Nope, not yet... going on a little side-trip isn't really a bad thing.
Welcome to the quaint Oriental Village! Best known as the home of the Langkawi Skycab and Sky Bridge, the village is like an open-space complex with the cable car’s main station and other attractions such as the SkyDome, Skyrex and the 3D Art Langkawi. Yes no need to go far after hopping off the sky cab.
So... what can be found on this place aside from the ones mentioned above?
The village's name can indeed pique one's interest. Wandering around, you’ll come across rows of retail stores selling all kinds of souvenir items and apparel. Satisfying your hungry stomach while strolling isn’t a problem since a myriad of restaurants offering great food are everywhere.
Well, even if you are not taking the cable car, the place is still worth exploring especially when visiting with kids. Besides, checking out the establishments is a good excuse to escape the scorching heat. The interesting building structures and their striking hues as well as the lake in the middle of the village made the whole experience fun.
One thing that caught my eyes was the Subway fast food restaurant which featured a house design building that exudes a homey feeling.
Exploring the village requires a lot of walking hence it is best to wear a comfy footwear and keep yourself hydrated. Wearing sunglasses is also advisable while roaming around.
No admission is required to visit the Oriental Village, so anyone can visit from 9AM to 5PM.
Pantai Cenang
A short trip to this tropical island was worth every minute. The town's serene atmosphere rejuvenated not just the mind but has enliven the spirit as well.
The magical sunset on the beach, wildlife encounter, the awe-inspiring view from the top, great food and more! What more can we ask for?
Wishing to visit this exotic island again once the borders open..... and hopefully this time, I'll get tan lines. ^_^
'Feb 2020