First time seeing Changi Airport T4. Everything is
automatic, so it takes a bit of getting used to. But I believe after a few
times, it should be convenient and fast. In Singapore, I usually prefer
automatic than being serve by people since I don’t find the service standard
something I look forward to.
Good that we are early, we get to go to the food court
without the usually peak hour crowd. Dim sum was pretty good. There is a nice
view of the planes. And also a seating area with low chairs for young children.
Nice.
For travelers without young children, you are expected to
use the automatic system to get thru the immigration. Otherwise you have to go
thru the immigration via the officer, which we did.
The departure hall is huge. Much more selection of retail
and food option as compare to the public area. We didn’t have enough time to
explore the whole area as much as we
The boarding gate areas is huge with high ceiling and full glass for plane lovers to enjoy great view of the planes. Also very spacious so you wouldn’t feel like cattles lining up to board plane. But the queue is again separate into those who using the automatic gate or manual method thru immigration officers.
Beware of mosquitoes. I couldn’t sleep the first night because of the itch and irritating buzzing sound from the mosquito. Luckily, Yui has a baby cot with mosquito net, so she is spared from the bite. We sprayed insect repellant on 2nd night and it was ok.
Jason family went to take the Cable cars. It was a crowded day and they took time to come and fetch us.
The skybridge is now open. Do note it’s quite a walk from the top station. There is an additional charge of RM5. If you don’t wanna walk. There is an option to take a ‘tram’. We opt to walk and was not aware of the charges. The Skybridge is also not suitable for those with fear of high. I don’t think the view from the skybridge is vastly different from the top station platform. Since the bridge is narrower, there is a feeling of “dropping from height”.
Gunung Raya
After boarding, Yui fell asleep, much to our relief. She only woke up when we arrive at Langkawi. The rest of the flight are uneventful
We arrive at Langkawi feeling abit hungry since we have an early lunch. So we check out the Starbucks which I hardly patronize in Singapore. But since SGD is so strong against MYR, it’s really affordable. Other than Starbucks, there is Marry Brown. Jason pick up the car first and then join us for tea break. He thinks he need a full meal and bought MB Nasi lemak. But later on at dinner, he was still able to eat a full meal.
Labu Labi Beach Chalet
As the name implies, it’s a chalet. Meaning everything is no frill service and quality. The best thing about this place is the really close proximity to the beach (20-50mts) and the beautiful sunset. We enjoy playing in the water and strolling by the beach. Fish and chip outlet is few meters away which makes staying here convenient.
Tanjong Rhu beach is quiet and undeveloped unlike Cenang beach. There are other chalet along the beach. I believe there are sea sports activity too but we did not explore.
Night Market
In Langkawi, there is a daily night market. Depending on the day, the night market is held at a different location. We went to 2 night market – one near Kuah and one near Cenang Beach.
There are plenty of food and drink option – Burger, Minjiang Kway, Satay, fried chicken, Nasi Lemak, Fried Noodle, lamb chop, snacks and more. I tried fish satay for the first time. You can also find fruits, fresh meat and seafood on sale. Typically, night market are crowded and hot. Perhaps a short walk thru to grab the food and drink is good enough.
Hiking
We wanted to hike up to the Top Station of the cable car via the Sky Trail. But there were no info about the trail start on the internet except those who took up a package. We arrive at the Sky Cab area and ask around. We were directed to a counter which was not our intention. We ask a guy how to get to the trail start and was shown a general direction. We tried and for 30mins, we were hiking in circles near the cable car structures. Then somehow we manage to find a trail. After a while, we have to cross a bridge and emerge on the main road leading to the seven wells. Well looks like we can try to climb Gunung Matcincang since we are here. We know we started late, so it’s quite unlikely to complete the trek in 2 hours. We plan to turnaround based on a fixed time. It wasn’t an easy climb. Some section are quite steep. We didn’t see anyone until 1 hour into the trek. We were told that the summit should be near. Nevertheless, we turnaround after 20-30mins. Descending wasn’t faster though. Due to the steep section, it took us effort to negotiate the gradient. We trek back to the Skycab area to look for our wife and child.
Leech
Jason found leech on his feet. I was then reminded that leech encounter are common in Malaysia mountain, although not all mountain. So after the first sighting. I pay attention to any itch or bite on me. Found 1-2 leech who made its way to my leg. I don’t find them scary but just dislike them for sucking my blood and leaving the area itchy.
On the descend, I found an itch in my crotch area. I assume it must be abrasion since I am wearing a pair of underwear to trek for the first time. I found the itch earlier on the ascend but dismissed it. Then it dawn on me it could be a leech. I reach out my hand into the crotch area and found it. Well, it must have been feasting for at least an hour. Yucks. Now it looks fat and full. I should have check earlier when I first felt the itch/bite.
When we got back to Skycab, one of the thing on our mind is to find a toilet so that we can thoroughly check our body for leech. I did not find any but Jason found one. I heard him shouted and wonder what happened. We both came out of the cubicle and he told me a leech has drop into the toilet bowl and it’s nowhere to be seen. I check and found it after a few second. I catch it using my fingers then we use soap and wash it down the basin. Immediately, a man walk into the toilet and use the cubicle that we just remove leech from. I can’t imagine if we just left the leech there… We better go soon before we hear someone screaming.
Ranis Lodge
Ranis Lodge is really remote, deep in a kampong area. Everything about this place is perfect except for the mosquito.
The swimming pool was wonderful, especially so on a hot day like today. We had fun dipping in the water. So nice to see the girls interacting and enjoying each other company.
However, the next morning we had to bid goodbye to the Ongs. The girls enjoy each others’ company, we wish we had more time together
Yuan’s Spa
We look up Tripadvisor for cheap eats and found one in Tengah Beach. By the time we arrive at Boat Restaurant, Yui is already asleep. She continued to sleep even after we finished the food and drink.
We decided to let her sleep in the pram while we stroll around the area. Just a few meters away. We saw a feet massage center. Since it was such a hot day, we decide to check it out. Foot massage for RM78/hr. We highly recommend this Spa. They have other service which include body massage and more. The rooms are private, quiet, well decorated, dimly lit, nice soft music. All condition for having a relaxing time. It’s not the Chinese tradition massage but more of a relax massage.
Cable Car
This is the 2nd time we came here during this trip. Langkawi is hot. Even without exerting energy, we were sweating while seated. We are glad to come on a weekday. There is hardly any crowd. We walk straight to the board the cable car without having to wait. The cable car interior is warm. I am not sure if we could open the windows on the side. I didn’t notice the windows on the ride up but on the ride down, the cable car’s window is open and so much cooler. We got off the mid station and realize is quite a small look out platform with already quite a lot of people. So we walk back to the cable car queue and ride up to the top station, this time just the 3 of us in the cable.
The top station has been upgraded. The look out platform is much bigger and has plenty of space. The view of the forest, mountain and sea is quite spectacular.
The skybridge is now open. Do note it’s quite a walk from the top station. There is an additional charge of RM5. If you don’t wanna walk. There is an option to take a ‘tram’. We opt to walk and was not aware of the charges. The Skybridge is also not suitable for those with fear of high. I don’t think the view from the skybridge is vastly different from the top station platform. Since the bridge is narrower, there is a feeling of “dropping from height”.
Underwater World Langkawi
Located right in Cenang. We are not the most keen visitor. But to keep Yui in the resort with no program was our main reason for filling up the morning with some activities, in the hope to keep Yui occupied.
We arrive at the time of opening. I believe we are the first to arrive. Honestly, this place is quite forgettable. I do remember the Penguin enclosure and Penguin feeding. There is a Typhoon and Earthquake experience which we couldn’t go as Yui was too young. Also there was a place there you can colour your own sea creatures and release them into the ocean created by the projector. It was quite fun.
Wildlife Park
This park is quite different from the zoo in Singapore. My idea of zoo is watching animals from afar in their enclosure and from animal shows. In the Wildlife Park, you can buy food to feed the animals. Not all animals but most. There are ample signs put up to tell you what to feed. I am not a fan of touching animals especially their mouth and saliva. But still it was interesting to be able to interact with animal in such close proximity. There are also official feeding time and most of them are narrated by the staff. I enjoyed watching the White Belly Eagle and Otters feeding up close. The deer feeding was ok as the deer are quite aggressive.
Also, we came at a time where there is hardly any visitors. Not quite used to it as Singapore is perpetually crowded but definitely nice to be alone.
We also confirm that Yui is afraid of touching animals, even the harmless one like rabbits. She’s ok to see them in the enclosure and from afar.
We have a couple of hours to spare so we decided to drive up to the peak. During our honeymoon almost 3 years ago, I have great memories of us enjoying the ride up to the summit. We spot the native monkeys which we are so excited about. Also on the descend, we pull over at the side and doze off on a lazy after. Today is very different because we have a toddler with us.
On the drive up, I kept a look out for the monkeys but they were nowhere to be found. When we got to the peak, we took a short walk around the area to enjoy the view. The hotel/resort is now closed. Haha. I really wonder who would want to stay up here.
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