07.-09.07.2016: The better alternative: Langkawi

As on Tioman Island I got so heavily bitten by sandflies and as the healing and itching was taking really long, I decided to change our plans. 

Instead of flying from KL to the North-East Kota Bharu to go Camping in the Jungle of Perhentian's Kecil Island, I had decided to book flights via AirAsia to the North-Western part of Malaysia. On the early afternoon, we flew one hour to Langkawi Island, which turnt out to be the better choice after all. I would have loved to go Camping with Kjell and spent three days in the Jungle and on a beautiful beach with fluorescent plancton. But with my whole body itching because of the heat, no AC in sight and therefore difficult nights to be expected - not to mention the mosquitos and further East coast sandflies - Langkawi was to be the more comfortable option. 

Via Agoda.com I had quickly found a nice and pricy Motel on Pantai Cenang beach. Not two hours after we had left KL we were enjoying a wonderful bug-less beach in a backpackers atmosphere. Good decision!

The next challenge? Staying up until 3 am again to watch the European Champions Soccer game France : Germany. We found a really crowded place, packed with French tourists and many Malayian Germany fans. Unfortunately, we lost.... ;-( But on the other hand, for the rest of our trip we would get to bed at normal times again. 

The next day, we planned to go up one of the biggest hills on Langkawi Island. We took the taxi to Gunung Manchinchang to the basis of the Cable car, bought the tickets to go up and got a slot three hours later - insane. It was boiling hot and one was hardly able to move. So, we just sat in the shades and waited for the time to pass by....

The 20min ride in the cable car up the mountain was thrilling and fascinating. The view was spectacular and worth the long waiting.

Arrived at the summit we went to get the tickets for the famous sky bridge. A single-span suspension bridge, 100m above old-growth trees. 

They even had a glass bottom where one could see downwards for about 100m into the Jungle.

I was glad when we were back at our Motel and had survived the heights. 

The next day we had booked an Island hopping tour and if I have to come up with a wasted event during our trip: this would be it. 

Ok, it was cheap with 60 RM for the two of us but now I know why: We were picked up by a small van the early morning and driven to a pier. Here we would end up in a herd of tourists, being squeezed by 20 pax in appr. 40 boats waiting for us. In a row, we would speedboat to diverse Islands, hopping on and off, trying to remember the drivers face when hurrying back after an hour not to miss our boat. 

We got to see an Island with a rainwater lake (beautiful spot but totally cramped with Asians in life vests), heading off to some eagle feeding place and swimming at some "Robinson Crusoe" island. 

A trip we could have missed.... But the afternoon we were back at our beach and enjoyed the waves and pee-warm water. 

Eventually, Kjell even persuaded me to go on one of those nasty banana-rides. And, I have to admit, I had a blast! And, I am glad no pictures exist from this event. 

The evening we went out for a fancy dinner at a fish restaurant and for small money this truly was a gourmet highlight.

Langkawi - Pantai Chenang? Wonderful place, would love to be back !