Langkawi in a Whim

Langkawi, Jewel of Kedah

A last minute decision to go on a short vacation in a short time frame and in a short budget :p Well Langkawi was chosen because Air Asia had a promotion to fly for two at RM 258 and that translates to RM 129 per person! We had about like less than two weeks to plan our trip including accommodation. This is what cheap thrills do to people :p

After deliberating a while, we decided to book the place called Casa Fina which was great except that it was not right next to the beach. It was clean and pretty comfortable and Wifi signal in every cabin! It was just across the road to Pantai Cenang and needed about 5 to 10 minutes walk to the beach. The good thing about staying in Pantai Cenang is that it is the most happening places and you can get most things within walking distance. It has bars, restaurants, souvenir shops, shops selling clothes and knick knack stalls. Here you can watch sunset at the beach.

The Room

However, I did spot a roach on one of the nights and thankfully it wasn't the the flying type and didn't see it thereafter. Moreover, the price was really reasonable which was RM 138 per weekday nights and RM 158 for weekends. The staff was friendly and helpful too. Was glad that we managed to get the cabin room as we could get good sleep as I heard another guest who spent the night at one of the rooms above the shop units complaining that he couldn't sleep as it was too noisy!

View of the Sun on Pantai Cenang

However, Pantai Cenang can be a little dangerous as they had all these vehicles on the beach, speedboats and jet skis skimming over the water where people actually swim as well. Also, the beach was a little busy.

Some Iron Rods

Prints of the Waves and Foot

Pantai Pasir Hitam literally translated to Black Sand Beach was not really black. There are only spots of it. There were some stalls that actually sold key chains that contain the black sand. I guess the black sand is getting lesser and lesser as it gets harvested for this :(

Fishing Boats Moored by the Beach

There is something unique about Pantai Pasir Hitam as there are fishing boats nearby and a wooden bridge. I even saw a makeshift hut that guts fish.

Wooden Bridge

The cable car ride to the top of Gunung Mancincang gave us a panoramic view of Langkawi Island. Along the way to the top of the mountain, you can see the texture and wonderful rock formations, greenery, the Telaga Tujuh waterfall, parts of the Straits of Malacca and parts of the Indian Ocean :) The view is so breathtaking and so well worth our RM 15. Foreigners get charged RM 30 instead. There is also a hanging bridge to walk on near the top of the cable car station.

Supporting Beams of the Bridge

Nearby the cable car station, there is the Telaga Tujuh trail to go up to three different waterfalls. Only went to the first fall which was a 10 minute walk as my sprained ankle has not healed yet. The path consists of steps but is pretty steep. Even then, the waterfall looks good.

First Fall

The Loaf is such an excellent place to chill in. Great bread, great food, great service and best of all, get view. The view of yachts and the blue sea couple with cozy environment was really relaxing. Another plus point that the restaurant is not too busy. Thus, we enjoyed our time there slowly and went there twice! Yes, it was that good :)

Jalur Gemilang

Enjoying a Cuppa

Quiche, Matcha Almond Bread and Galete

Overall, Langkawi is quite a nice place to just relax and hang out. The beaches are not superb but reasonably clean. It's easy to get around in rented car as traffic is pretty free and the road systems are simple. Saw quite a number of tourist renting motorbikes and scooters to get around but be prepared with loads of sunblock!