Things to do in Langkawi, Kedah

Back in late July, I went to Langkawi in Kedah, Malaysia. This is a beautiful island... 

#1
WHERE IS IT? Dataran Lang, also known as Eagle Square, is one of Langkawi’s well-known attractions, a large sculpture of an eagle.


WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE? The square is a good place to watch ferries ply across the harbour and offering beautiful views of Kuah Bay. Do bare in mind, plan a trip here early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is at its least intense. Beside the square, there is Garden Lake, which you could take an amazing panoramic lake mirror view.

INFO: The reddish-brown eagle at Dataran Lang was built as an emblem of the island. According to folklore Langkawi’s name came from two Malay words – ‘helang’ (eagle) and ‘kawi' (reddish brown): hence lang-kawi.  

#2
WHERE IS IT? English Tea Room at Pantai Cenang. The owner, Annette, was super sweet and friendly. She will suggest the plan for the day, giving the ideas on which were the most exciting places to visit.

WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE? Great place for breakfast. The food was tasty and not expensive at all. Must try their big mug of delicious coffee!

#3
WHERE IS IT? Pantai Cenang a.k.a. Cenang Beach is Langkawi’s main vein – may not be as rowdy as the Las Vegas strip but it is Malaysia’s most developed west-coast beach; its shores are a gorgeous mix of white sand, crystalline turquoise-blue waters and verdant palms.


WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE? There are a few huts along the Pantai Cenang, offering activities such as jet skiing, banana boat, parasailing, kayak and even snorkeling and diving sessions. Also, the entire beach road is lined with shops and stalls on both sides. These shops sell mostly souvenirs in the form of fashion accessories, beads, handicrafts and merchandise but there are also many convenience stores.

INFO: Crammed with mostly budget to mid-range hotels.

#4
WHERE IS IT? The Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Melacca, about 30km++ south of Langkawi Island. It is a very popular tourist destination. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE? If you never dived before and not sure whether you like it, but you would like to know more. The "Introductory Dive" is the best solution. A diving master will take you a 1 on 1 trip, holding your hand and regulator, guiding you into the underwater world of fantastic marine life. However, if you do not have the courage to dive yet, you may also enjoy snorkeling there.

INFO: Spectacular reefs, Unusual underwater rock formations, and huge variety of marine life provide great opportunities for divers at all levels. 

 

#5
WHERE IS IT? Sunset Cruise....

WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE? Witness the glorious sunset and enjoy the free-flow drinks and BBQ dinner on board with friends and family. If you are lucky enough, you maybe able to see dolphins. Have fun and cool off in the famous salt water Jacuzzi with a cocktail in hand.

 

#6
WHERE IS IT? Tapaz Restaurant at Perdana Quay.


WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE? Enjoy the Mediterranean meal platter, Spanish tapas and drinks with beautiful scenery ... Their food is awesomely taste good, too!!!

INFO: Tapaz, founded and run by Austrian chef and owner Alex Mark, offers a selection of tapas and main courses that thoroughly express a fusion of Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of Asia.

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Cheers, xoxo

Staff Retreat/ Workshop @ Penang Rasa Sayang Shangri-La Resort

Someday in January 2012, my company has arranged a staff retreat aka workshop to Penang, Malaysia. Without knowing what it was the entire thing about, I packed my luggage happily and traveling excitedly....

Penang Bridge

While we were waiting to check-in, we got a very delicious welcome drink from their friendly hotel staff.


Once we entered our room....there was a lovely pressie being placed on our beds. I was quite impressed by their courtesy, making me feel like some VIP. *lol*

Overall, the room was clean and spacious. And a must mention about their pillow, it was so so so comfy!!! I had difficulty in wake-up every single morning during the entire workshop just bcoz of their comfy pillows!!!!

Very lucky, we got a corner room with a quite good view from our balcony.

On our way to an awesome dinner place....when I say AWESOME, it's really awesome!!

**secret routine that leading us to the awesome dinner venue**

 

Awesome Dinner Venue

(about 5 mins walk)

After dinner, we composed a company song by presenting with dance performance. Although we did not win at the end of the competition, but it was a great experience and we had lotsa fun!

On the next day, we have to go back to the dumb dumb dull boring workshop. I and my fellow of colleagues, saw a few deck chairs nearby the beach. So, we decided to ....... spend time or maybe even more suitable term should be laidback over there.

Oh ya, btw, the Punch Juice from the breakfast was great. The content was so thick, it freshen me up right away!

Morning workshop, afternoon workshop, evening workshop....

During the end of the workshop, we were asked to create a Paper Plate Award to pre-selected colleague by the trainer. Rachel, my closet colleague in my company...but soon, she gonna be my ex-colleague. Sob sob.... :(

This was to show a token of appreciation to our colleagues.

Though it was quite tiring, but it beneficial to me. Not least, enjoyed during the entire trip besides the long-winded sessions. *Trollolollo*


Cheers.

摸鱼之旅 Batu Pahat, Johor

I have been visiting this town for X times. Now I've only discovered the exciting spots. Before this, I used to think that this is a dumb dumb boring place. Having a week-off, mom planned a day trip to this town called Batu Pahat, Johor (southern Malaysia).

The sis & I, didn't really look forward to this trip initially.

1st Spot: 四海龙王大伯公庙

Surprisingly, there were lots of people. Unexpected.

We were suppose to rinse our hands with this delicate miniature fountain before entering the temple.

Beside the miniature fountain, there's a statue of 貔貅王 (King of Pi Xiu). The temple keeper is really thoughtful. They actually provides the description beside the statue & also have the emcee to do the elaboration.

There's lots of Goddess Statues in this temple. A circle though small, yet is complete.

Had our little model demo on making wish to Laughing Buddha. *grin*

Steps:
#1: u gotta have a very sincere face. *lol*
#2: touch on Laughing Buddha's tummy.
#3: ring the bell & make a wish.

 

龙泉井 LongQuan Well
Well water can be used for to wash the car plate, house plate & shower.

太岁府 Jupiter House
Believe if you go through the altar, you will get to change your fate.

善财童子 Zenzai boy

Zenzai boy is that accompanied on both sides of the Bodhisattva.

the White Alligator
It is said that before, you will see a white alligator at Batu Pahat Riverside. 

According to the legend, whoever sees the white alligator, will get wealthy in life and goes up the ladder in your career. Therefore, feel free to touch this white alligator that will bring us good luck.

Beside the lake, there's a Match Maker 月老 (Chinese Cupid). A lot of people come here to pray for their love/relationship. They will either tie the knot with the red string or lock the "love lock" at the Valentine's Bridge & throw the key into the river as a sign of in love forever.

 

Other scenes in the temple...

2nd Spot: Pantai Minyak Beku

A great venue to do BBQ party at night. During day time, you may do your fishing over here or strolling.

 

3rd Spot: 石文丁Segenting - the Fish Village

The final destination & also what we're looking forward for the entire trip--摸鱼 (touch the fish).

A lot people coming to the temple for fortune & blessings for the beloved. During holidays or weekend, you will see busloads of tourists visiting to this temple. Most of them are here to strike their luck.

You can see there was a lot people jostling for the pool just to get near the fishes.

But what so special about the fishes & what kind of fishes are they?!
See! So many people desperate about it! I can't even get myself in! Just bcoz the people believe that once you touch on the fish, you will be able to strike your TOTO or 4D or any gambling stuff.... =.=||

 

Well, they are the Lake Monster - Arapaimas. Yes, lake monster not any giant coil fishes. *lol*


They are South American tropical freshwater fish and also a living fossil of the largest freshwater fish in the world. They can grow up to 5m long.


Sorry that I have no guts to touch the Arapaimas. They looked rather scary to me though they kept on swim near to me. I've only managed to take a picture of these desperate people pounding on them.

There is also an altar of the Dragon King facing to the Straits of Malacca. They named it as Crystal Palace. Usually are the fishermen here to pray before they set their sail out for fishing.

Frankly speaking, I find this trip benefited me a lot. I'd never thought that it could be so interesting till I had experienced it. It's worth to tag along your family to pay a visit.