Langkawi Island has many faces and even more islands. But whether you’re looking for thrills and spills or a quiet holiday, I have advises setting aside some time to commune with Nature

JUST 10 years ago, a holiday in Pulau Langkawi would have been very simple, with lots of time to hang out on the beach, swim, shop for duty-free items, drive around the island with stops at Mahsuri Tomb, Craft Complex, Crocodile Farm, Black Sand Beach and batik factory, and then gawk at the man-made eagle at Dataran Lang or Eagle Square — all done quite nicely over a 2D/1N stay.

This was a favourite laid-back island for many people and it still is today.

But now Langkawi has become more sophisticated with new roads, designer cafes and shopping malls bearing duty-free shopping neon signs sprouting up in its main town Kuah.

Hip joints have mushroomed along the popular Pantai Cenang stretch and are now creeping into Pantai Tengah.

Luxurious resorts dominate prime bays and beaches while hotels and chalets get whatever vantage points available.

Still, the beauty of the island remains largely untouched despite the increase in the number of visitors and more buildings popping up everywhere.

Certainly it’s more vibrant than before and tourists now have more places to visit and more things to do. You’d definitely need to stay longer now to enjoy all that the island has to offer.

But whatever you choose to do, don’t forget to include a quiet moment to appreciate the tranquility. There’s no lack of it — if you know where to look. It can be found in the other smaller islands where the waters shimmer under the sun and stunning geological formations command the seascape. Or on cruises along the mangrove-fringed river to catch a sight of soaring eagles and a breath-taking cable car ride that offers views of waterfalls and verdant jungle canopies below.

Langkawi is still where time stands still and where you can seek solace from Nature.

Sea & Islands

All around Langkawi, you can find long stretches of fine white sand and a vast expanse of sea. Swimming and sunbathing are tame options but water sports like sailing and jet-skiing as well as snorkelling and diving offer thrills.

Plan for an island-hopping trip. Langkawi is actually made up of a cluster of 99 islands (104 at low tide and only about 50 per cent have been named).

Except for the main island of Langkawi and Tuba, the rest are unoccupied, including the popular Pulau Dayang Bunting (Island Of The Pregnant Maiden) where operators at a lake on the island offer boating facilities.

As you approach Dayang Bunting, there’s no mistaking the silhouette of a pregnant woman lying on her back. According to local folklore, it is believed that barren women will be able to conceive after they bathe in the lake or drink its water.

One wonders if the alkaline properties of the limestone bedrock underneath the water have anything to do with it? While you ponder on the mystery, let your eyes take in the stunning karst landscape with the deep green waters of the lake. It’s a marvel because just outside the karst walls is the salty sea.

The lake is a shallow depression formed by continuous dissolution of limestone bedrock. The formation of a doline followed due to the collapse of an underground cave ceiling several thousand years ago. It filled with rainwater and eventually the lake was formed with a depth about the height of a four-storey building! Another special feature of the island is the fine quality limestone marble found here. Its unique geology has earned the island the name Marble Geoforest Park, part of the protected, Unesco-recognised Langkawi Geopark.

Spend some time too at other islands like Lima, Tuba, Bumbun, Singa Besar, Singa Kecil and Jong which looks like a ship. You can also liken the rock faces and shapes of most of the islands to things, people and animals and marvel at all the geological landscapes and formations that date back to more than 220 million years ago.

Show Of The Eagles

Hire a boat to cruise Sungai Kilim and its maze of mangroves. As the boat moves slowly along, watch out for playful otters or monitor lizards. If you are lucky, you’ll see frolicking dolphins.

Look up when you hear the cries of Brahminy Kites or White-Bellied Sea Eagles. Drawn by chicken skin thrown by boat operators or tourists, the eagles would swoop down, catch the feed and then fly away majestically. Langkawi is named after the Brahminy Kite eagle (helang or lang in short, while kawi refers to batu kawi, the brown stone found abundantly on the island).

The only drawback to eagle watching here is seeing tourists-laden boats with loud engines zipping fast along the river. Some boatmen make their engines roar loudly to get the attention of the eagles towards the chicken skin.

Try and use the services of registered nature guides who would coax boat operators to be mindful of the natural surroundings and to ply the river at a more leisurely pace.

These are guides who would go out of their way to point out the different mangrove species along the river and talk about their importance to the eco-system. They’ll also show you wild exotic orchids, blue and orange crabs on mud-banks, kingfishers perched on trees and even stop to watch colonies of monkeys and monitor lizards.

Along the river are several kelongs and one also serves as a floating seafood restaurant. Called Hole In The Wall, this is where you can have some of the freshest seafood on the island.

Sungai Kilim and the Kilim mangrove area are part of the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park with sea-caves, sea-notches, sea-stacks, arches and wangs as well as untouched freshwater and seawater lakes.

The river opens up to the sea where islands — home to ancient limestone rocks with exotic cycads, slipper orchids and colourful begonias — fringe the shores.

Nearby Pulau Langgun has a camping site and a lovely lake (Tasik Langgun) formed through years of accumulation of rainwater in a limestone sinkhole.

Opposite Pulau Langgun is a lovely unnamed bay in an isolated part of the main Pulau Langkawi. A small opening in the karst wall on the bay allows seawater to flow into a sinkhole on the other side. The sinkhole is surrounded by almost vertical karst walls and the trapped water forms a hauntingly beautiful blue-green lake called Tasik Langsuir (Banshee Lake).

The scenery is so breathtaking that your hair will stand on ends. From a walkway on stilts on one side of the lake, you will be able to see exposed fossils and several species of mangroves including kurap, minyak, berembang and nyireh. The bay is not far from the Kilim rivermouth.

Just across the river from the Sungai Kilim Jetty is Gua Kelawar (Bats Cave). Walking to the cave will take you through a boardwalk fringed by mangrove forests where myriad birds thrive. Look up and you’d see hundreds and hundreds of bats clinging on to the cave ceiling.

Dating back to more than 400 million years, Gua Kelawar has spectacular limestone formations and ancient oyster shells attached to parts of the wall just above the sea level.

Above The Fray

Imagine soaring in a gondola hanging precariously to cables over ancient ridges and forests. You hear the wind whistling through the small opening of the fibre-glass bubble and feel the air getting cooler as your gondola makes an almost vertical ascend to the peak of Gunung Machinchang.

The Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park is where you can find the country’s oldest geological formation (550 million years old) with unique sandstone ripples.

The cable car ride from the base station in Oriental Village near Burau Bay to the peak takes 15 to 20 minutes, a 2.2km route that is absolutely thrilling especially when you pass over the seven-tier Telaga Tujuh waterfalls. You will feel the tingling, dizzying sensation once more when you stand on the highest platform (about the height of a 180-storey building!) and extend your arms to embrace tiny islands, green lowlands and the vast expanse of tranquil ocean against the blue sky. That’s the magical, mystical Langkawi that you’ll never want to let go.

THE reason why Malaysia has succeeded as a tourist destination is because it is truly Asia. Our culture comprises all the Asian elements be it Indian, Chinese, Arab, Indo Chinese or indigenous Malaysians. You will find pieces of Asia in this beautiful land and they meld into each other with ease.

Therefore, I feel that the Tourism Minister should not remove a piece of our Malaysia Truly Asia element by stopping barongan and endang dances in its promotions simply because Indonesians claim these “belong” to Indonesia. I also hope the Chinese lion dance and the vibrant Indian dances don’t suffer a similar fate for “fear” that they have originated from other countries.

Of late, Indonesia has been quite vocal in its claims that we have been using its culture, especially music and dance, for tourism promotion activities. Reog Ponorogo (barongan in Malaysia) activists even demonstrated outside the Malaysian Embassy in Indonesia against the performance of Barongan.

The Tourism Minister has been pressured to strike out these performances, which I think is not a really wise thing to do.

Culture is one thing which is never original and never will be. Go Japan and you will hear Chinese elements in its music, songs and dances. Go to Indo-China and you will experience Indian or Chinese elements in their culture. Go Latin America or even The Philippines and you will see Spanish elements in their culture.

All over the world, people influence one another and there is no one culture that is truly original. Should we all give up our cultures then?

The English language that we use, sometimes to promote our culture, is not ours too. Should we stop using it then?

If we start striking out performances or music with foreign-perceived roots, then we will have to strike out lion dances, the zapin, bharata natyam and so forth. How then are we going to justify our promotion tagline of Malaysia Truly Asia?

Even if certain performances had their roots in Indonesian culture, I am sure these would have evolved to acquire a Malaysian identity, especially in the costumes as well as the way they are presented.

Moreover, haven’t historians on both sides of the Straits tell us both Indonesia and Malaysia grew out of the same mother — the Johore Empire?

Culture is something reflective of a country’s people. As we are a multi-racial country, our culture will always reflect elements of Asia.

WHAT a way to start the New Year!

I’m still smiling..

3 days ago, I told you that Malaysia was selected as a World class holiday destination. Still remember this..?

Today, once again Malaysia was selected as the “2008 Asia and Australasia Golf Destination of the Year” by the
International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). (big smile) ))..

The award was given at gala dinner..held at Grand Melia Hotel in Cancun, Mexico last December.

The award was a significant recognition of Tourism Malaysia’s accomplishment in promoting Malaysia as a premier golf destination.

With more than 210 courses found in a variety of settings around the country, Malaysia is set to be a popular year-long golf-friendly destination in the Asia region.

IAGTO is a global trade organisation for the golf industry. Its Golf Destination and Golf Resort awards are voted by its specialist golf tour operator members based on standard criteria of customer satisfaction, quality of golf courses and accommodation, value for money, support from suppliers, tourist boards and airlines, professional conduct of suppliers and accessibility to tee times.

Till see you then..

CONFIRMED…Malaysia, World’s BEST Holiday Destination!

3 days ago, I read a local newspaper. I shocked and excited. You know what? Read this..

Malaysia was selected as the Best International Holiday Destination by the Global Traveler’s magazine for the second time.

WOW!! What a great news.. The award giving ceremony was held at New York. Malaysia has ‘defeated’ the other big..big countries in the world.

I’m so proud of this ’victory’ and I want to share it with you. The government has spent a lot of money just to make sure..not me but YOU..100% enjoy and satisfy when you’re on holiday to Malaysia. In short, all we have done is for YOU.

So, come to Malaysia now, and feel the different.

The last thing you need when on holiday is to be mugged or robbed. Taking certain precautions will definitely make your holiday a happy one.

I think and 100% sure, this is what you are to going to avoid from happen to you.

A HOLIDAY is a great time for relaxing with family and friends but it will turn into a nightmare if you are mugged or robbed. To avoid being a victim, you should take the necessary precautions.

Ensure that your personal belongings like cash, credit cards and travel documents are safe by keeping them in a pouch or backpack with the zipper locked and keys tucked safely into your front pocket of your pants.

If you are staying in a hotel, it is advisable to leave important documents and some cash in the hotel safe.

Sling your handbag across the shoulders and don’t leave handbags, pouches, mobile phones and other personal belongings unattended at the table. It only takes a split second for a thief to snatch them away. If you have to step away from the table for a few minutes to get food at the buffet counter or to order your food, make sure there’s someone to keep on eye on your belongings.

Don’t leave bags or luggage unattended. Get another adult to keep an eye on the bags if you have to attend to children or something.

Always count the number of bags you are bringing on your holiday and make each family member be responsible for his or her own bags.

Don’t accept packages from strangers or volunteer to look after their bags. Be watchful of those who leave their bags, including back packs, and wander off.

Don’t bring your house keys with you on holiday. Instead, leave them with a family member, a friend or a neighbour.

Wearing lots of jewellery is not advisable for travellers. Leave them in your bank deposit box or somewhere safe before leaving home.

Also, leave a copy of your travel itinerary with a relative or a friend and regularly keep in touch with them to tell them where you are and which hotel you are staying in.

Make a list of the things you’ve brought on your holiday and give copies to every member of your group.

That’s all for today, and I will come back with more tips.

See you soon…

Nobody likes falling sick when on vacation. Eating properly is one way to avoid food poisoning.

What I’m going to tell you now is very..very IMPORTANT. So, read carefully!

NEVER take your health for granted, especially if you are travelling or planning to go on a vacation.

There is nothing more miserable than falling ill and having to spend the holidays recuperating in hotel rooms, hospitals or even cutting short their stay.

Nutritionists and dieticians will advise you to eat healthy when on holiday to avoid food poisoning and other problems. Instead of gorging on oily food or snacking on unhealthy tidbits, choose your food carefully.

Hotels buffets are always a healthier option and they would usually have local favourites too. Start your meal with salads or fruit and then move on to main courses before taking a little dessert.

If you’re dining outside, choose to eat at places that are clean and which offer freshly cooked food.

Watch what you’re drinking. Make sure the water is properly boiled. Otherwise, choose bottled water instead.

As for your medication, do not forget to bring along that prescribed by your doctor. Also, don’t forget to bring your health supplements and medications for food poisoning, diarrhoea, migraine (the hot weather is known to trigger headache in some people) and motion sickness. Over-the-counter allergy medication can come in handy too.

It is also important to get enough rest. Just because you are on holiday doesn’t mean you can do with fewer hours of sleep.

Doctors say if you have a really good rest during your break, you will come back rejuvenated.

Enjoy yourself and see you later…

Travelling with children can be fun but only if you get things organised well

Hi.. Last night I walked with my friend at town. We stop for a while  to take a photograph. Then..someone come to me and ask me something. He is a new tourist to Malaysia with his big family. Actually he was lost. You know why..? He said that he cannot remember where he begin because his children ask him to go here and there in ONE day. Oh my God. That’s impossible ..man.

So.. in short, when I’m going back, I try to write down some tips for you before travelling as a guide. Here it is..

The Vacation

* Keep it simple. Don’t try to fill each day with too many activities. Have a flexible, child-friendly itinerary. Plan one major activity per day with allowances for breaks or an afternoon dip in the hotel swimming pool or the beach.

* Be realistic when you plan the travel schedule. A one-hour drive is a lot easier to manage than an eight-hour drive, especially with restless children.

* Prepare the children in advance. Show them the route, travel brochures or books on the destinations. Built-up anticipation can sometimes be a good motivation. It can also train the children to do more research on the destinations.

* Help them save some pocket money for the holiday. The experience will be more meaningful for them if they get to choose and shop with their own money.

Touring

* Action holidays are always good for families with school-age children. But do consider others too. Plan activities for them as well.

* Lost children is a possibility. Plastic hospital bracelets written with necessary information will help ease the worry. Alternatively, write a “I am lost, please call my parents at… “ note and make sure the child always has it throughout the holiday.

* Invest in a cheap camera for the older children so that they can capture the trip through their eyes. Anyway, don’t children just love playing at being adults?

* Buy an exercise or scrapbook and start a new culture of writing a travel-diary among the little ones.

Checking-In

* A service apartment is a better solution than staying in a hotel. Its roomy and homely ambience give children more room to run around.

* Check if a hotel has child-friendly facilities like baby-cot, stroller, baby-sitting service, nursery facilities or day-care centre for toddlers or a club for older children.

* Bring your own crib sheets, blankets or pillows – something from home to make the children have a good night’s sleep.

* Make a safety check of the flooring, furnishing, railings, electricity and telephone cables or connections, balcony, sliding doors, etc. A roll of masking tape is essential for securing telephone/electrical cables and shortening pull cords on blinds and curtains.

 So..I hope these tips can help you for your next vacation…

5 days ago, I gave you the great video about the overview picture of beautiful beaches and a little bit of culture in Malaysia generally. It might give you some view of wonderful Malaysia…isn’t it..?

Today, I have one more thing for you. Guess what..? Hmm..it’s not a video but a great..great song composed specially for you. Yeah..I mean YOU who are planning visiting my country. The songs will be sing by two great singer in Malaysia. They have a beautiful and powerful voice.

In short, this song is all about some of the flowers of Malaysia, an extension of the renowned naturally colourful, warm and attractive facet of Malaysians.

And I believe, after listening to this songs, you’ll surprised and your decision to choose Malaysia as your perfect destination for holiday is 100% correct. Don’t wait anymore! Sit properly and click play now button below to listen and feel the amazing Malaysian musical. Enjoy yourself……

PLAYNOW

Hi everyone. See you again..

Today I just stay at home. Nothing to do. It’s raining here, in Malaysia especially Kuala Lumpur..normally in the evening between 3pm to 5pm. It’s raining almost everyday. But, don’t worry my friend..you still can walk around the city in the morning or at night.

So..I just watching TV and my stomach start to ’singing’. Help me!! I’m hungry…

I cannot wait any more. I have to find something to eat. But..nothing in my kitchen. Arrghh!!! NO..NO. Some body help me please!

And then..”blink”. Idea is coming. I start to remember something. One hundred meters from my house, there is a stall selling my favorite food. It’s ‘NASI LEMAK’. (Malaysian no. 1 favorite). I know, some of you who are not Malaysian and first time planning travel to Malaysia do not know what is nasi lemak.. right? I will tell you..

Nasi Lemak is a popular Malay dish breakfast. It’s spicy and fragrant meal of rice steamed in coconut milk served with a selection of curried chicken, beef or squid, cucumber, fried anchovies and ’sambal’ all neatly served in banana leaf.

It’s a compulsory meal for Malaysian. You can find it easily around the city. Some of the hotels also providing this meal to their customers. If you’re first time come to Malaysia, try this nasi lemak. If not, your holiday in Malaysia is not completed. Yeah..it’s true. Try it first…and I’m sure you will like it. It’s very cheap. Only MYR 2.00 per meal.

To make it more delicious, eat nasi lemak and drink ‘teh tarik’ (pull tea). I guarantee, you will 100 percent satisfied. Trust me!

So, don’t wait any more. If you’re already in Malaysia, go to the stall near you right now. If you’re planning travel to Malaysia maybe next week or next month, remember this meal and find it out soon. It’s cheap, tasty and absolutely delicious.

Hi all..see you again.
Oh my God man. I don’t know what happened to me. I plan to tell you this earlier. But..hmm I forgot! Sorry friend.

I don’t want YOU to missed this big..big chance. I want you to get it..grab this golden opportunity NOW! Here it is..

What I mean here is, Malaysian Airlines System (MAS) offered the ‘boom’ price in history for those who wanted travelling to Malaysia. This offer is starting..RIGHT NOW till 23rd January 2008.

The special price is only available for domestic flight and ASEAN countries. For domestic flight, the price starting from MYR39 for one way and MYR79 for ASEAN countries, MYR199 to China and MYR399 to India.

This special promotion is only for holiday in Malaysia from 14 January 2008 to 21 March 2008 (domestic) and ASEAN countries from 9 January to 15 March 2008.

This is your time now to come to Malaysia for holiday. It’s very..very cheap. So, get it now!