Being a lush tropical island, Langkawi is home to rainforests, waterfalls and beaches, perfect to indulge in a wide range of recreational activities. At the same time, Langkawi’s duty-free policy means that travellers can purchase imported alcohol, cigarettes and chocolates at lower-than-average prices compared to mainland. Although according to legend Langkawi was previously cursed by the unjustly treated Mahsuri and had been unprosperous for seven generations, the island has bounced back to become one of Malaysia’s favourite tourist and vacation destinations, including as a hotspot for luxury travel.
Aseania Resort & Spa
Aseania Resort & Spa is a four-star hotel offering 217 spacious rooms located between the bustling Pantai Cenang and the more laidback Pantai Tengah. White sandy beaches, shopping and plenty of restaurants are conveniently within a short walk from the resort.
Considering that the Aseania Resort & Spa has been around awhile, it has undergone a few upgrades over the years, giving the resort a slightly retro hip edge to it.
Aseania’s strong point is in its food and beverage offerings. Mahsuri’s Kitchen, including the Pool Bar, offer diverse selections of delicious local and western cuisine! On Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights from 8:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., guests of Aseania Resort & Spa are treated to the colourful Aseania’s Cultural Extravaganza, showcasing traditional songs and dance alongside dramatic fire performance.
W: http://www.aseanialangkawi.com.my
A: Simpang 3, Jalan pantai Cenang/Tengah, 07100 Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman.
T: +6 04 955 2020
Luxurious activities with Naam Adventure
Luxurious boats by Naam Adventure bringing guests on a private mangrove tour
Luxury does not only come in the form of accommodations and gastronomy but also activities. Sophisticated travellers are able to indulge in the thrill of speed, riding waves of the open sea or following a guided jet-ski nature tour offered by Naam Adventure, the premier leisure and water sports company in Langkawi.
Sunset cruise
Catch the sunset in your own way in the middle of the Andaman sea on Naam Adventure’s sunset cruise
Essentially, the sunset cruise by Naam Adventure is indeed one of the highlights of all luxury travellers’ experience in Langkawi since it perfectly combines the chance to lounge on a contemporarily kitted out vessel while savouring dramatic sunset, hearty dinner, and exceptional service. Naam Adventure might arguably be the best sunset cruise provider on the island. Travellers can opt for Naam’s three-storey yacht complete with bedrooms and bathrooms, which takes off from the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. Throughout the cruise, while kicking back on the deck, sipping drinks that will be gently refilled by attentive staff, consuming comestibles and enjoying the scenery, travellers are also treated to live acoustic performance belted out by a band on board. Those who are intrepid may also dip and swim in the warm sea while waiting for the sun to set. Believe me: Langkawi’s sunset looks best when you witness it from the deck of a cruise!
W: www.naam.bz
A: Royal Langkawi Yatch Club, Jalan Dato Syed Omar, 07000 Kuah, Malaysia
T: +6 04 963 9200
Private mangrove tour
Another experience offered by Naam Adventure is the private mangrove tour. Travellers are provided with a private boat that they dock at Tanjung Rhu and cruise along Kilim River to take in the exquisite natural wonders of the lush mangrove forests, limestone rock formations, white-sand beaches and crystal clear lagoons, all part of the Kilim Geoforest Park. Throughout the tour, travellers get to learn a great deal about the importance of protecting the mangroves in Langkawi – the mangrove trees are said to have played an essential part in protecting the island from the tragic 26 Dec 2004 tsunami. Travellers will also be able to witness delightful wildlife, especially the birds like hornbills, Brahminy kites and giant sea eagles during the tour.
W: www.naam.bz
A: Jalan Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
T: +6 04 963 9200
Hole In The Wall restaurant
Take a break and refresh yourself at the Hole in The Wall restaurant
Before finishing their mangrove tour, travellers should take the time to stop at a floating restaurant and fish farm called Hole In The Wall. Travellers will be taken on a tour around the fish farm, including a series of pools filled with huge and amazing fish. Travellers also can feed the fish during the tour, as well as playing around with a couple of friendly stingrays that can be petted.
Travellers are then treated to a lunch consisting of freshly caught seafood including prawn, crabs, red snappers, groupers, lobsters, sea bass and even squid, prepared in Malay or Thai style. Other than fresh fruit juices and cold drinks, the establishment also serves beer and wine. Travellers are welcome to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of the surroundings from the floating restaurant, including several unoccupied yachts that are moored here.
W: http://www.holeinthewall.com.my
A: Kilim River, Kilim Geoforest Park, 07000, Langkawi
T: +6 012 527 0001, +6 04 968 1301
Snorkelling & scuba diving at Pulau Payar Marine Park
The Pulau Payar Marine Park, an hour’s ferry ride from Langkawi island, is well known for its rich marine life and colourful coral reefs located in the Andaman Sea, thus become a popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving, which should be experienced by all divers since it can be done all year round, especially between March and November when the water has good visibility. The provider of the scuba diving service at Pulau Payar, The Real Cruise Coral Island, brings divers to dive sites located nearby to see rich marine life like manta rays, seahorses, sweetlips, angelfishes, barracudas, and snappers. For novices or non-certified divers, The Real Cruise Coral Island also offers Discover Scuba Dive or Introductory Dive package, which provides one-on-one guide underwater.
Getting pampered at the Danna Spa
Rest your mind and pamper yourself at The Danna Spa
What is luxury without any form of pampering? Due to the hectic and fast paced lifestyle that most of us lead today, we all deserve some ‘me’ time to recover and recharge. One undoubtedly luxurious place for travellers to do so when visiting Langkawi is the Danna Spa, where its experienced therapists dispenses efficacious and luxuriant spa treatments inspired by tropical Langkawi using the finest natural botanical and marine nature products, delivered with Asian grace and finesse. For the ultimate spa pampering, travellers are recommended to opt for the Spa Indulgence package for couples that lasts for three hours and a half, which includes body massage, polish, wrap and bath. However, those who prefer less elaborate treatments may opt for the rejuvenating Traditional Malay Urut or Traditional Balinese Massage, which are only 60 to 90 minutes long. Travellers are bound to feel reenergised after their experience at the Danna Spa.
A: PO Box 236, Telaga Harbour Park, Pantai Kok, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
T: +6 04 959 3288
Panoramic view of Langkawi from above by riding the VIP Gondola
One of the most popular attractions in Langkawi and a definite must-visit is the Langkawi Cable Car – Gaya Travel team never gets tired of it even though the members have rode on it countless times! Our team really adores the chance to hover above the lush tropical rainforest canopy while being whisked in a gondola that comes in three categories: normal, glass-bottomed and VIP. For a luxurious experience, of course travellers should opt for the VIP gondola, an exclusive cocoon that comes with food, drinks and music. In 10 to 15 minutes, after passing the middle station at 650 metres, the gondola rises further to a height of 708 metres above sea level at the final station, which is at the peak of Mount Matcincang.
The gorgeous 360° view from the final station consisting Langkawi’s forested landscapes and geological formations, the drop down below, the Andaman Sea and islands would surely take travellers’ breath away. Travellers should also not forget to ride on the newly added attraction called the SkyGlide to take better look of Mount Matcincang’s surroundings. The ride looks like an elevator but runs on tracks. The ticket to ride on the SkyGlide is sold separately from the cable car, costing RM10 per adult and RM7 per child.
W: http://www.panoramalangkawi.com
A: Cable Car Station, Oriental Village, Burau Bay 07000, Langkawi Kedah
T: +6 09 591121/4121
How to get to Langkawi
Langkawi is currently served by five airlines: Malaysia Airlines Berhad (http://www.malaysiaairlines.com), AirAsia (http://www.airasia.com), Malindo Air (http://www.malindoair.com), FireFly Airlines (http://www.fireflyz.com.my) and Silk Air (http://www.silkair.com).
Through the sea, travellers can opt to reach the island from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang and Satun in Thailand using the services of Langkawi Ferry Line (http://www.langkawiferryline.com). Langkawi Ro-Ro Ferry Services (http://www.langkawiroro.com), which depart from Kuala Perlis, allows travellers to travel on the ferry along with their own automobiles to Langkawi.
Filed in: island / Langkawi / Luxurious Langkawi
