Life On Langkawi

By Author: Caron Fontelroy
Total Articles: 10
Comment this article

One of Malaysia''s most popular domestic tourist locations is Langkawi Island, located of the north west coast, near Thailand and the Andaman sea. Long ago, Langkawi earned itself a firm place in the hearts of many Malaysian travellers, but now it begins to be discovered by a more international market.

There are already many expatriates living on Langkawi Island, seduced by its long stretches of unspoiled sand, its friendly native population and its convenience. Langkawi is small enough to traverse in a day or two of sightseeing but big enough to have plenty of wonderful restaurants, natural beauty spots, night life attractions and daytime entertainment.

If you are thinking about making a trip up to Malaysia''s north west coast, here''s a few of the best ways to spend your time on this enchanting island.

1. Relax. Langkawi is a fantastic place in which to unwind after a few weeks of heavy travelling. Book yourself into a beach hut and claim your own personal sand space. Gaze out towards the azure sea as you sunbathe and when the heat gets too much, take a quick dip in its shallow waters.

2. Indulge. ...
... Langawi is also home to many fabulous spas and health retreats. For a fantastic massage in the most beautiful jungle surroundings, head to Ishan spa for a rejuvenating treat. If you like to keep fit, why not reserve a place on one of Dorothy Ang''s yoga retreats? You will practise gentle yoga on the beach at sunrise and sunset, whilst also meeting some fantastic people and seeing another side of island life.

3. Explore. One of the best ways to get around Langkawi, as there is no public transport available aside from taxis, is on a motorbike. Malaysia''s laws on international driving licences are fairly lax, but you should be aware that your travel insurance company might have something to say about it should you try and make a claim without one. Motorbike hire is cheap and convenient, but accidents are common so always wear a helmet.

4. If you like to find out more about the place that you''re visiting on holiday, book yourself onto one of Dave''s Eco Tours. Unlike the other tour companies functioning on the island, Dave''s does not promote eagle and monkey feeding which are liable to upset the natural functioning of the local habitat. They will, however, provide a morning or afternoon of enlightening information either on foot through the mangrove forests or upstream towards the Andaman Sea.

5. Enjoy. Langkawi is unlike anywhere else in South East Asia, in that it serves up many different kinds of international cuisine, catering for its growing tourist industry, without that soulless feeling that comes with many other tourist hotspots. Of course this is subject to change as the industry gets bigger and bigger, but for now Langkawi remains that elusive commodity - accessible but full of character, tourist friendly with plenty of soul. Caron Fontelroy never travels without a good annual travel insurance policy.