GOASIAPLUS December 2017

Luxury Langkawi
This northern island of West Malaysia returned
to my periphery after many encounters with
European tourists that gushed over the appeal
and serenity of this coastal gem. I remembered
Langkawi as a childhood playground thanks to my
grandparent’s affinity for its beaches and island
hospitality. 16 years since I visited, I have heard stories
of Langkawi’s glorious New Years celebration and a
recent revamp to turn this lazy seaside town into a
luxury escape.
Introduction To Luxury
It began when Datai Beach began to gain traction as
the getaway hideout for celebrities that crave for some
privacy. Then wealthy golfers started flying in when The
Els Club Teluk Datai received a complete fancy overhaul
that nabbed them the ‘World’s Best New Golf Course’
at the inaugural World Golf Awards. Before you know it,
the Four Seasons, St. Regis and the latest Ritz Carlton
opened its doors on the shores of Langkawi.
Affluent Activities
Driving around Langkawi (it's the best way to get
around) you will notice several marinas and ports like
the one near the main town of Kuah or the secluded
marina near Kok Beach are parked with immaculate
yachts of all sizes. If one does not own a yacht (at least
not yet), the cruises at Langkawi are a favourite activity
among locals and tourists.
I disembarked on a lovely catamaran manned with
an amicable staff serving delectable grilled dishes and
a continuous flow of alcohol to catch the mesmerising
Langkawi sunset.
The Crystal Yacht Holiday company offers such
sunset cruise package on top of others like their
geopark day cruise. This roughly 3-hour sail offers
activities like a ‘floating jacuzzi where one can sit on a
net at the back of the vessel and feel the water from
the propellers emulate a jacuzzi setting.
Exploring Nature
Waterfalls are a majestic part of Mother Nature and
Langkawi is no short of it. Though some are harder to
reach than others, I tested out my body for a 30-minute
hike up to the legendary Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls or
Seven Wells Waterfall. The name refers to the seven
pools that are formed from seven different waterfalls of
Mount Mat Cincang.
It is roughly a 35-minute drive on the snaking road
up Mount Mat Cincang from Cenang Beach to the
carpark of Telaga Tujuh. Food stalls and convenient
stores near the carpark will help prepare for your
ascend up the 700 steps to reach the top. But do not
fret as the cooling cascading water and breathtaking
view will make it all worthwhile.
Crystal Yacht Cruise
Price starts at RM280
+604 955 6545
www.crystalyacht.com
Alternative Activity
From the sea to the
skies, helicopters tours
are the best way to view
the beauty of the island.
Elevate yourself with
tours from proprietors
like Bin Ali Holidays that
offer helicopter rides up
and down the Cenang
coastline.
Price starts from RM299
Contact +6019-492 1927
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