by Irfan Redzwan
Langkawi is an archipelago consisting of 99 islands on the west coast of Malaysia. Surrounded by the blue sea, the interior of the main island is a mix of beautiful rice fields and forested hills. If you intend to dispose of alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate tax free, then this is the place to be. Still, nature lovers will find the island just as agreeable as the shoreline is fringed by powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees.
The journey from UNISEL Bestari Jaya to Kuala Perlis Jetty takes about 9 hours. The journey starts at 10pm on a bus provided by the University. The entourage to Langkawi is accompanied by 28 students and a lecturer from CVAC Faculty. The delegation was led by the head of the delegation, Hana Munasif.
We arrived at the Kuala Perlis jetty at 6 am and stopped at a mosque for prayer and clean up. Exactly at 7 am, we boarded a ferry to Pulau Langkawi and it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to get to the Island pier. Before starting our first activity in Langkawi, we had breakfast in the appetite field. Exactly at 10 am, we arrived ni Oriental Village.
Oriental Village is known as Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge houses. It is an open complex with a large lake in the middle and art galleries, the exhibition of animals, clothing, souvenirs and handicraft shops scattered around it as well as several local and international restaurants. Located on Pantai Kok to the west of Langkawi (past the airport in Padang Matsirat), Oriental Village is usually busy with visitors. Most island tours include trips to the complex, especially as it is a ticket exhibition venue for Cable Car and Sky Bridge.
While in Oriental Village, we were split into several groups. Each group is given a task in itself, it's like an adventure game. Assignments have been setup by our lecturers. There are some specific checkpoints that test our emotions and mentally. However, our group managed to overcome and resolve in a timely manner. Despite finishing second, but this adventure game is really fun and challenging as it involves energy and quick thinking.
Our activities on the second day Island Hopping is as early as 9am. Among the islands we visit are "Pulau Beras Basah", "Pulau Dayang Bunting" and "Pulau Singa Besar." Pulau Beras Basah, located 25 kilometres southwest of Kuah, features expansive sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and clear blue waters against a verdant mountain backdrop. Pulau Dayang Bunting, Langkawi’s second largest uninhabited island, is easily accessible via a 15-minute boat ride from Kuah Jetty. Its name literally translates to ‘Isle of the Pregnant Maiden’ as it resembles the silhouette of a reclined pregnant lady from afar. Locals also believe barren women will become fertile after swimming in the freshwater lake on the island. Pulau Singa Besar is a massive wildlife sanctuary 17km off the Langkawi coast that’s filled with unique rock formations, mangrove plants, and tranquil beaches. Those on an island-hopping tour may not be able to explore the island, but they can witness an eagle-feeding session at Pulau Singa Besar. While the eagle-feeding session at Pulau Singa Besar only lasts for several minutes, it makes for unique photo opportunities, especially for budding animal photographers. Island Hopping session ended at 1 pm.
In the evening, we visited "Haji Ismail Group (HIG)". Haji Ismail Group (HIG) is a duty free Malaysia's company engaged in importing and exporting duty free goods such as variety of kitchenware, furnishing, luggage, home decor and chocolate in Langkawi. There are different types of sweets and chocolates in HIG that can be found at a very cheap price as it is tax-free.
At night, we spend free time in the beach. There are a variety of stalls and shops selling souvenirs to tourists. Nightlife in Pantai Cenang is widely known as Langkawi's busiest, with rows of bars and lounges set along its expansive stretch. Offering great views of the Andaman Sea as well as extensive food and drinks menus, Pantai Cenang is an ideal venue for visitors looking to unwind after a long day of exploring Langkawi’s lush rainforests, historical landmarks, tranquil waterfalls, and neighbouring islets. Pantai Cenang nightlife is diverse and plentiful, consisting of funky Asian-styled bars, classy Mediterranean-themed pubs, and lively Irish bars that promise a fun-filled night out in this popular tropical destination. Visitors can spend a cool evening lounging on the beach with their choice of ice cold beer, strike up a conversation with fellow tourists or locals, listen to some good music, catch the latest match on LCD screens, or simply enjoy the sunset with while sipping on a delicious cocktail.
The last day in the House, we visit public places, the Eagle Square. Known as Eagle Square, Dataran Lang is one of Langkawi’s best known manmade attractions, a large sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight. A sight that greets visitors to the island via ferry, the 12 metre-tall statue is one of the island’s most instantly recognizable monuments. Located at the southeast corner of Pulau Langkawi, besides offering beautiful views of Kuah Bay, Dataran Lang has beautiful miniature fountains, terraces and bridges, making it the ideal place for those postcard-perfect holiday photos. The square is a good place to watch ferries ply across the harbour but plan a trip here early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is at its least intense.
We boarded the ferry at 10 am and moved back to Unisel by the same bus provided by the university when we reached Kuala Perlis. We arrived safely to Unisel at 11pm. The end of my word is Langkawi very entertaining and will be a very enjoyable tourist destination.
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