Monday, December 23, 2013

Top 7 Things to Do on Langkawi, the Island of Legends

Langkawi, Malaysia is rarely traveled by American tourists. It's not your typical westerner honeymoon destination and you won't find it on the Banana Pancake Trail. It's therefore no surprise that every time we told people we came from the US, they had a curious look and a million follow up questions with our favorite being, "Why Malaysia?"
"People ask why; I ask why not?"
- Anmol Virk 
Langkawi was our favorite place to visit in Malaysia.  Here are the top seven things we enjoyed doing in Langkawi:

1. Sailing the Andaman Sea through the fiords along the 99 islands (or 104 if you count the dodgy ones that sink at high tide).

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia


2. Island Hopping. Many of the islands are uninhabited and unspoiled.

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia

3.  Learning the Legends

Langkawi is called the "Island of Legends" for a reason. We enjoyed many of the myths and tales that are shared like the one of the Pregnant Maiden Island below, which looks like a pregnant woman laying on her back. Legend has it that the lake around these hills has mystical powers because a princess who lost her child blessed it with fertility leading to the development of the hills. Locals still believe that any woman can get pregnant by just sipping the water.

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia


4. Bar Hopping

Our favorite bar was Ruang Bar, which is a small 10-seater street-side bar in front of a minimart. The bartenders were very entertaining and creative with their cocktails. The "Bob Marley" is a must try. Langkawi is a duty free island which translates into cheap alcohol relative to the rest of Malaysia.

5. Sliding down the Seven Wells that flow through natural springs and a waterfall overlooking steep mountains with lush green vegetation.

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia

6. Trying new foods. The country has a very ethnically diverse populace which leads to a nice smorgasbord of Malay, Chinese, Indian and other cuisine on the island.

7. Riding around on our scooter and discovering deserted white sandy beaches with clean turquoise waters.

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia






Of course, as you enjoy Langkawi, always be aware of the monkeys around you!

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia


2 comments:

  1. I'm certain everyone is wondering the same thing, "So, do you think Jan drank any water from that lake?" :-)

    You guys look like you are having so much fun. Keep it up!

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    Replies
    1. haha I did not even step foot near that lake! :)

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