Langkawi: The Legendary Island
It would be a lie if I said I didn’t enjoy sun/beach holidays. I probably enjoy this kind of holidays more ever since living in the cold London and I do suffer from winter blues! My sister picked us up from KL. We were then in Ipoh for a day before cruising further north to my hometown. The stopover in Ipoh allowed me to have the chance to eat one of their famous dishes – Ngah Choi Kai (Chicken with Beansprouts). It has been years since I last had this hawker’s dish!
Ipoh is another heaven for food. There are so many things that are yummy and popular that people travel all the way from other states (especially Kuala Lumpur) to Ipoh to buy its famous Egg Tarts, Tau Fu Fa/Dou Hua,andYim Kok Kai (salted chicken – the chicken is baked in salt in such a way the skin and meat is so delicious when you eat it and you will finished it all. Whole chicken are wrapped in “oil paper” and then baked in large woks filled with heated salt). Obviously my favourites are Egg Tarts and Tau Fu Fa. Ah, I didn’t forget to buy the famous Chicken Floss (could be pork).
I felt so pampered and lucky when I had my first bite of the freshly made Egg Tart. The pastry was so light; the egg mixture was soft that it melted as soon as I put into my mouth. How delicious! (Try those from Nam Heong Restaurant in Old Town Ipoh, they are extremely good!)
We had wonderful time in my hometown – practiced golf at one of the nicest courses nearby (Ah, I got hole in one … yeah right, in my dream!), had nice local food and most of all great homemade food. I have been wanting to have Steamboat (Shabu-Shabu equivalent) for a long time, so my mom specially made a steamboat feast one night! All I could say is that I got so much of cooking inspiration after eating all the good food!
Since we were so near to the paradise, how could we miss this golden opportunity? We spent 3 days 2 nights in Langkawi at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa. (Yeah, Westin again!) The hotel was previously called Sheraton Perdana. Just a few years ago, Starwood group bought over and refurbished everything and turned it into a paradise?
I couldn’t explain more how great the service was at the Westin Langkawi. They made the customers feel the importance of their existence. The moment we stepped in to the spacious lobby, we could see the endless Andaman Sea, so turquoise and calm. At the Westin Langkawi, the design approach is a mix of Balinese, Thai, and Malaysian. Hence, make it really elegant and special.
Just a few minutes away by golf buggy was the Westen Heavenly Spa. Very well decorated and I think it’s fair to say it has good standard as The Datai Langkawi. I don’t need to elaborate on the deco, you can see it for yourself. That makes you want to stay there forever.
If you want to do nothing but just to relax and enjoy the sun as that you have been to Langkawi Island and done the touristic stuff, I’d advise the following:
1. Book a good hotel with spa facilities;
2. Obviously to have easy access to the beach;
3. To have breakfast included in your package (as you wouldn’t want to even step out from the hotel);
4. To have at least one buffet dinner included in your package;
5. Of course, don’t forget your swimwear and bring plenty of sunscreen.
First time to Langkawi Island? And plan to stay there for 3 days and 2 nights. You may want try the following:
Day 1
Rent a car/scooter to go around the Island. Check out some places of interest:
Tanjung Rhu Beach – relaxed and soothing, perfect for a therapeutic getaway Visit The Datai Langakawi – probably book a massage at the Spa OR if you are a golfer, don’t miss playing at the 19-hole Datai golf course; Langkawi Cable Car ride; Waterfalls (Seven Wells Water and Temurun Waterfall); Enjoy the Sunset and Dinner at Bonton Resort & Restaurant.
Day 2
Sun bathing at Pantai Cenang & Pantai Tengah and check out the shops around the area;OR Book a half day snorkeling tour to Pulau Payar; Learn to cook some delicious Malaysian dishes at the cooking class with Shuk (Cook with Shuk) in the evening at his charming Malay house.
Day 3
Last minute soaking up the sun. Shopping in Kuah town.
Time passed so quickly and it was the time when we had to leave the legendary island unwillingly and wished that we could extend our stay. However, good things always end beautifully. We couldn’t wait for the next destination!
