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?"
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).
2. Island Hopping. Many of the islands are uninhabited and unspoiled.
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.
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.
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.
"People ask why; I ask why not?"
- Anmol Virk
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).
2. Island Hopping. Many of the islands are uninhabited and unspoiled.
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.
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.
7. Riding around on our scooter and discovering deserted white sandy beaches with clean turquoise waters.
Of course, as you enjoy Langkawi, always be aware of the monkeys around you!
