Lovely Langkawi – 99 island paradise

We escaped our partners and kids for a week, starting with 4 days to unwind in Langkawi before heading off for a couple of days in Kuala Lumpur for some big city fun. My childhood friend was flying from Brisbane so I was meeting her at KL airport before heading down to Langkawi together. We boarded the domestic flight, not really sure of what to expect as neither of us knew that much about this part of Malaysia, but as we were responsibility free, carrying a total of 6 books and had pre-booked a massage for that afternoon, I was looking forward to whatever lay ahead.

We’d booked the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa because it looked lovely on the website, the day spa had great reviews and figured it had lots of dining options if we were feeling lazy. The Westin has both private villas and hotel style rooms, so great accommodation options for families and larger groups (It also has plenty of activities and a Kids Club, for those with a tribe to entertain). We were in an ocean view room, which was spacious, ready for our 10.30 am arrival and with a little balcony that looked out towards some of the nearby islands.

Langkawi is not one island, but ninety nine tiny islands. The largest is 478 square kms, and easy to get around by car or taxi. It hasn't been massively overdeveloped and still has a sense of a real rural community with traditional kampungs, yet the bars and restaurants have an international feel, with cool music from around the globe.
We had lunch at what would become our favorite spot – Breeze has great views and the best lounges – you could sink into one with the fabulous fresh ginger Asian Mojito, and waste the afternoon away while you pondered what to do next.

Langkawi offers a great many tourist attractions, nature tours and island hopping excursions, but the food is good and so are the sunsets, so it was hard to maintain the motivation to do anything after lunch and in the heat. A lot of our sightseeing was built around our sunset drinks and dinner plans around the island, as every morning for us started with a decadent massage in the Heavenly Spa, and some relaxation by the pool. Once the weather began to cool, and having changed for dinner, we’d head off, in the late afternoon.

The food at the Westin is great, and there are four restaurants so plenty of options, but it is also very easy to jump in a taxi and travel across the other side of the island to try other places. The vibe of the island differs greatly, depending on where you are, so it’s worth exploring.

Patai Cenang is the busiest beach, and there are many restaurants both beach side and on the ‘tourist’ strip. We went to the Yellow Café for pre dinner drinks on the sand, lounging in beanbags for a couple of hours, watching the beach goers enjoy the last of the sunshine (too scared that if we tried one of the hammocks we might never move from there). I adored this little beach bar, and could have happily spent the day there. The vibe is so welcoming and relaxed, yet funky and cool at the same time.

photo courtesy of Yellow Cafe

My favourite restaurant in Langkawi was The Cliff, which is perched at the end of that beach with open balcony dining, so you hear the waves lapping while you feast on a tasty Malay fusion menu. After dinner we strolled the streets, which seemed so busy compared to our sleepier side of the island.

A definite must is to head up to the stunning Tanjong Rhu, and have a drink on their breath-takingly beautiful expansive white sand beach, sheltered by the limestone islands. There was hardly another soul in sight when we turned up, and I was honestly at a loss for words at the beauty as I gazed out to sea.

The Night Markets are on most nights, but they travel round the island, so work them into your post dinner plans, or include them for your dinner plans. The piles of noodles in massive woks are constantly in demand, as well as produce, clothes, shoes and toys. Both locals and tourist turn out for these nightly events.

Langkawi is a great beach holiday destination. It’s laid back and easy going, and it seems a little unspoiled by the tourist trade, while still offering high standards in both accommodation and restaurants. You can do as little or as much as you like. We only had four days, and they went too quickly and left us a little short on time to explore the outer islands. We left relaxed, lamenting our lazy days were over,  and regretting that we’d had our last Asian Mojito.

Practicalities:
See more detailed reviews of restaurants here: http://www.weekendnotes.com/langkawi/
and Breeze: http://www.weekendnotes.com/breeze-lounge-the-westin/

Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=283

The Cliff: http://theclifflangkawi.com/

Yellow Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Yellow-Cafe-Langkawi/78364825991

Tanjung Rhu Resort http://www.tanjungrhu.com.my/

Langkawi is a short flight from KL (about one hour).

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