A Wonderful Weekend in Langkawi

When I was working as an auditor previously, it was hard to go on long holidays so a short weekend trip from Singapore is relaxing enough for me. I usually plan my destinations according to what I feel like doing and this time round, I had the urge to snorkel and just laze the day away at the beach, making Langkawi the perfect place. However, I’m writing this article with a mix of bittersweet feelings as I’m no longer friends with the girls I’ve travelled to Langkawi with hence some pictures have faces which have been pixilated. Forgive me as some photos are not well-taken too as it’s not shot with the DSLR. Shall not dull this article with sadness so I’m just going to reminisce and share all the great moments with you!

We departed Singapore at 10.45am on a Friday morning and took approximately 1.5 hours to Langkawi. After checking into our resort, we ventured out to explore Langkawi. I don’t remember the name of the resort we stayed in but we had direct access to the beach from our patio. Since cabs are cheap in Langkawi and we were in a group of 4, perfect for sharing just one cab, we took one to Panorama Langkawi SkyCab but don’t be mistaken. It isn’t just about cable car rides but there are other attractions and activities you can do in that area. It’s a place for the adventurous, the nature-lovers, and the ones, like us, who just want to chill and take in the wondrous view of Langkawi from above.

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PANORAMA LANGKAWI

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Langkawi is very proud to offer visitors the SkyCab ride as this cable car is located at the oldest part of South East Asia, hovering over jungle and climbing over 550 million years old rock. It departs from the Base Station located at the foothill of Machincang Mountain and you can choose to alight at the Middle Station or the Top Station. There are some stalls at the Base Station near the carpark where you can get drinks and snacks.

We alighted at the Middle Station first, which is 650 meters above sea level. From the viewing platform, we had a spectacular view of the main island, as well as, the many surrounding islands. After that, we proceeded to take the cable car up to the Top Station, which is 708 meters above sea level. If you follow the stairs up, there are two viewing platforms at the top of Machincang Mountain, and you’ll even get to see Southern Thailand if the weather is good – a clear sky with no fog. Langkawi SkyCab is open from 9.30am to 7pm daily and starts even earlier during school holidays and public holidays so do check their website for updates on their opening hours.

At the Top Station, you’ll also be able to walk on the SkyBridge, a suspended bridge atop Machincang Mountain which hangs at about 100 meters above ground and measures at 125 meters in length. It’s impressive when you hear about how the entire bridge, with all its elements, is being lifted to the top of the mountain by helicopter and was later assembled to its current position. Unfortunately, it was under maintenance during the period of our travel. Do note that you won’t be able to walk on the SkyBridge if the SkyCab is not in operation as that’s the only mode of transport to get to the SkyBridge.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the cable car up and do a little hike down. It takes about 3 hours from the Top Station to the Base Station. Included in the purchase of each SkyCab ticket is the entrance fee for SkyDome and SkyRex. The former offers 360 degrees of 3D image projections while the latter immerses visitors in a simulated 3D environment produced on curved surround-screen combined with a range of 4D effects as you journey through a thrilling adventure on a “tram”.

Besides the activities mentioned above, there are also kids-friendly and fun things to do such as the 6D Cinemotion, F1 Simulator, 3D Art Museum, SkyAdventure Park, activities along the lake and many more. It’s possible to spend the entire day feeling entertained here!

Here’s some advice
Apply plenty of sunblock and take mosquito repellants along. Bring a cardigan as the wind can get very strong on top of the mountain. If you’re trekking up, remember to hydrate frequently and bring some food along. Wear comfortable and proper footwear as the tracks might be steep and slippery.

Details on Panorama Langkawi
Address: Cable Car Station, Oriental Village, Burau Bay, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysua
Telephone Number: (6)04 959 4225 / (6)04 959 1225
Opening Hours: I’ve stated the operating hours for the different activities above.
Website: http://www.panoramalangkawi.com/
Email: info@panoramalangkawi.com
You can find all the pricing information here: http://www.panoramalangkawi.com/tickets/

How to get there
You can just grab a cab either from Kuah town, which is about 40 minutes away or from Langkawi International Airport which is about 20 minutes away. If you’re unsure, just look up “Langkawi Cable Car” on Google Map for the directions.

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LANGKAWI NIGHT MARKETS

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We ended Friday night at one of Langkawi’s night markets. There are many night markets held daily at prominent locations in Langkawi. They usually start from 5.30pm till late night and are a great place for bargain hunters. These markets offer a plethora of inexpensive clothes, fresh produce, trinkets, accessories, pirated DVDs and many other knick-knacks. Do note that most of the items are imitation goods. The favourite part of night markets for me is the FOOD! You’ll be able to find grilled seafood, satay, murtabak, and many more. Each food item is priced between 2RM ($0.66 SGD) to 4RM ($1.33 SGD).

There are no tables and seats for you to enjoy the food so you can either stand while eating or take away the packed food. However, do be careful when taking away packed food due to hygiene purposes. Make sure the food vendor prepare the food fresh right in front of you as sometimes, cooked food kept in the open idling for awhile might turn bad and cause stomach problems.

Here’s some advice
You MUST bargain for the best prices! If you’ve seen something you like, don’t buy it first. You should walk further down the strip and check out other stalls to see if there might be the same item being offered at a better deal. If not, you can simply head back to the original stall and bargain for the best rate. A good gauge will be half the price that’s originally quoted. Take extra care of your belongings as it can get very crowded.

Details on Daily Night Markets
Mon: Ulu Mekala Market at Jalan Makam Mahsuri Lama, Ulu Melaka, Langkawi, from 5.30pm to 10pm.
Tue: Kedawang Market near Pantai Cenang, from 5.30pm to 10pm.
Wed&Sat: Kuah Market at Kuah Town, from 5.30pm to 10pm.
Thu: Temoyong Market at Kampung Temoyong, Mukim Kedawang, Pantai Cenang, from 5pm to 10pm.
Fri: Air Hangat Market at Padang Lalang, from 5.30pm to 10pm.
Sun: Padang Matsirat Market at Kampung Raja, Mukim Padang Masirat (opposite the Field of Burnt Rice), from 5.30pm to 10pm.

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SNORKEL AT PULAU PAYAR MARINE PARK

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We spent the whole of Saturday snorkeling. We booked a snorkel package which leaves in the morning and returns in the evening, with lunch provided. Our meeting point was at Dataran Lang (Eagle Square), just a stone’s throw away from Kuah jetty. This 12-metre tall reddish-brown sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight is the island’s most instantly recognizable man-made monument. It is built as an emblem of the island because according to folklore, Langkawi’s name came from two Malay words – “helang” (eagle) and “kawi” (reddish brown) – hence, Lang-kawi. It’s recommended to catch the sunset here as the view is beyond amazing.

From Kuah jetty, we took a 45 minutes’ boat ride on a speedboat to Pulau Payar Island, just 30km south of the main island. Everyone will be given a life-vest aboard the speedboat. This is a popular site for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Pular Payar Island is the largest island within the Marine Park, with three smaller islands, namely Pulau Kaca, Pular Lembu and Pular Segantang. None of these islands is inhabited and they are strictly regulated by the Fisheries Department of Kedah to maintain their pristine conditions.

We chose snorkeling as it’s not as exhausting and thrilling as scuba-diving. We just wanted to relax and get a glimpse of the colourful underwater life. It’s so simple and all you need are fins and a mask! If you book with the tour agencies, snorkel guides will give you basic instructions on how to handle the snorkel equipments. You can spend a day snorkeling, sunbathing, play in the sand (if you have kids) and best of all, FEED THE SHARKS! Don’t worry, they aren’t harmful as you’ll be snorkeling beside these small sharks that only feed on bread.

Here’s some advice
Apply plenty of sunblock and wear a T-shirt as it’s easy to become entirely engrossed and fascinated by the marine world and forget about the tropical sun overhead. Do note that all visitors are required to obtain a permit and pay a conservation charge that will be used towards the management and maintenance of the Marine Park. Your local travel agent or the resort where you’re staying will be able to provide the necessary assistance.

How to get there
You can take a speedboat or catamaran from Kuah Jetty in Langkawi, which takes about 45 minutes. It’s recommended to sign up for a snorkel package and join a day tour.

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ENJOY LANGKAWI’S BEACHES

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Since it’s our final day in Langkawi before we catch the plane back home, we decided to spend the morning lazing around at the beach that’s right outside our patio. It’s good to have some iced tropical juices and just lay on the fine sand and immerse yourself in your latest novel, without worries nor stress.

Here’s some advice
Apply plenty of sunblock and hydrate yourself frequently. Look out for warning signs before you enter the waters.

We had a smooth travel on board Air Asia and enjoyed the view from above as you’ll be able to see many islands across the ocean. This is the end of my weekend guide in Langkawi. There are other attractions such as the Underwater World and Wild Life Park, just to name a few. Hope my guide will be useful if you’re heading to Langkawi soon! Have a great weekend!