Malaysia's "Party" Island: Langkawi!

After talking to a few other travelers in Kuala Lumpur, we decided to adjust our travel plans and spend a few days on Langkawi!!

Lonely Planet's description of Langkawi being a "tropical paradise: swaying palms, a cool colour contrast of jungle green and ocean blue (of set by the brilliant blood red, rich purple, and golden mellow come sunset)" sealed the deal, we headed north to the Malaysia/Thai border to check this place out!   Lonely Planet also went on to say that Langkawi is the party island of Malaysia.  To be honest, that made our decision to go easier.  However, LP failed to mention that its only a "party island" when its not low season, which happens to be... right... now.

UKers:  Personal observation.. I have noticed that often the most fun/cool people I've met while traveling have been from the UK, and my theory didn't fail on Langkawi! We shared a cab to the backpacker beach with an amazing couple from England, they worked, saved money, and sold their cars in order to take a 10 month backpacking trip around Asia together!  Hearing about where they've been and where they are going truly inspires me to keep on traveling.  We met up for dinner later that night and swapped stories and travel tips.  We met another UKer and answered all his questions about American lingo and culture.. "What exactly is a frat party?!"

Island Hopping: Fiona and I decided to sign up for an island hopping afternoon tour.  Langkawi was a little more dead than we expected so not only were we hoping to spice up our day, but we were looking to meet more travelers and thought this tour was our break.  We showed up and quickly realized that we were the only westerners on the tour, as well as probably the only non-romantic couple! We still had a blast and visited three different spots: Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, an eagle feeding spot, and some beautiful beach.

  

See the pregnant woman??

At the lake

Legend of Pulau Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Lady):  The story of this island began when a beautiful fairy princess – Mambang Sari and Mat Teja, a man who fell in love with the princess from the moment he saw her. Mat Teja met Mambang Sari at the lake and he was attracted by her beauty. Getting advices from a wise old man, Mat Teja finally managed to win the heart of Mambang Sari.  Living happily on earth, Mambang Sari bore Mat Teja a son. However, their happy moment did not last any longer as their baby died seven days after birth. Undergoing such a traumatic and tremendous pain, Mambang Sari decided to lay her child to rest in peace in the lake. At the same time, she blessed all the childless and infertile women to be conceivable after bathing themselves in the lake.  This legendary and idyllic lake lies embedded between jungle-covered mountains. In one place it is separated only by a few meters high rock from the sea.  Some people believe the water in the lake possesses mystical power of helping barren women to bear children.  As if to confirm the legend, the shape of one side of the island resembles a reclining pregnant woman.

 

Eagle Feeding: This experience was a little interesting.  Our boat basically stopped short of an island shore and our driver threw handfuls of chicken bits into the water near our boat.  Still air for about seven seconds then we watched as dozens of wild eagles swooshed down from the sky and snatched the chicken out of the water. In my opinion, this definitely teaches these wild eagles to be dependent on humans for food as well as gives them the opportunity to be more comfortable around people which could get dangerous.  Although it was cool to see, I'm not sure I 100% agree with what the "eagle feeding" concept.

Pulau Beras Basah: Our last stop was to a beautiful beach island! We had an hour just to relax and enjoy the sun and water.  And of course snap a few pics.. and swing on a rope swing.

Fiona and I went from wanting to leave Langkawi a day early to staying as long as we originally planned.  Not quite as crazy as the Thai islands (I would like to see what Langkawi is like in high season! However, we did manage to stay out until sunrise!), but I approve, Malaysia.  It probably has better food than the Thai islands!  Langkawi, you win on the food front. And it was pretty beautiful!