Langkawi, Malaysia
We've been to Langkawi twice before and flown in both times. It's a lovely island and the landscape is beautiful. There is no doubt about that. But.... to appreciate the full beauty of this archipelago you really need to arrive by boat.
Langkawi archipelago is made up of over 90 islands. You could spend a month here and still have islands and beaches to explore. We had just 4 nights.
We sailed into Chawi Beach on the southern end of Pulau Dayang Bunting and enjoyed a calm peaceful overnight anchorage with lovely clean waters for a swim.
Chawi Bay, Pulau Dagang Bunting
The next morning we made our way up the channel between Dayang Bunting on our right and several small islands on our left. What an awe-inspiring sight and what a heavenly way to start the day. We seemed to be encased in islands with no visible passage through. The limestone cliffs towered above us as we slowly motored through them. The peace and tranquillity was broken only by the birdsong and the buzzing of the cicadas. And the boat engine quietly ticking over. Oh to have had some wind to push us through in silence.
Our main reason for being here was to check out of Malaysia and continue north to Thailand. For that we had to head into Kuah, the main town on Langkawi island. Kuah was a nice surprise. Our previous visits have involved bus tours of the island but to actually walk the streets opened our eyes to so much more.
There's a huge statue of a White-bellied sea eagle right on the waterfront. These majestic birds are a common sight as they soar through the skies with their massive wingspan, always searching for prey.
Also along the waterfront is an awesome, beautifully maintained park called Legenda Park with avenues of trees, manicured shrubs and large sculptures depicting the history and stories of the islands.
There are night markets on Wednesday and Saturday nights and we were lucky to be here on a Saturday evening to enjoy the local street food.
Legenda Park
the giant white-bellied sea eagle
street market time
Then there is the new Maha Tower which is a 138 metre high architectural delight. From this beautiful tower's Skydeck you can see 360° around the islands as well as straight down through the glass floor. If you're game. This intricate structure lights up at night with changing colours. Quite the sight to see.
and by night
Check out process done and our last day was spent at the northern end of Langkawi in the Kilim Geopark river at the well known 'Hole in the Wall'. This anchorage is most definitely aptly named. As you come through the gap between rock walls it opens up to a lagoon surrounded by lush mangrove forest, with the same towering cliffs of limestone you see through the whole archipelago. The beauty and serenity takes your breath away. I've never really mastered the art of meditation but this is one place that inspires one to try. But then again, just sitting, breathing and admiring the splendour laid out before you is calming in itself.
Add a sundowner of rum and pineapple juice and maybe we just found heaven.
Until next time, Watusi Woman - serene sailor, out.
Nature taking back
taken from Kuah
