Malaysia, Langkawi -Day 2

The next morning, after a good buffet breakfast (hotel had continental and Indian/ Punjabi spread) we were picked up for the island hopping tour. The cabbie picked up another middle aged Punjabi couple from another resort near Berjaya and we set out for the tour listening to their squabbles. The Sardhar asked his wife where she put his goggles,she replied that it was in the bag unless he took it out...It went on with her asking him to pack his own bag next time and i couldn’t wipe the smile off my face, that’s deja-vu alright!

The tour starts from a jetty point where the pick up car drops us.From here we head off to ther various islands arround Langkawi. The panoromic view of the island cliffs covered with lush jungle and aquamirine waters of the seas as the boat cruises between uninhabited islands is stunning to put it plainly.



The boat takes us to Pulau Dayang Bunting, more commonly known as the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden Island. It lies to the south of Langkawi and the outline of hills and rocky outcrops of the island resembles the shape of a pregnant maiden lying on her back. According to local legend, there was a lovely fairy princess who married an earthly prince. Her first child died shortly after birth. She was so sad and depressed that she buried the child in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Before she returned to her celestial abode, she blessed the waters so that any childless maiden who bathed in the lake would conceive thereafter.


Can you see the preg woman?

As we head to Dayang Bunting Island the guide stops mid way and shows you how the island looks like a pregnant woman lying on the water. The smaller islands around it mostly rocky but with small streches of sandy beaches are breathtaking and remind you of stories from Robinson Crusoe.

Pulau dayang bunting Jetty

Inside the island is a large fresh water lake with its waters having magical properties. There is a small pond where there are fishes which clean dirt from your legs. The lady who came with us said that she has seen these fishes in a few SPAs too. The place was so crowded that we dint put our feet in the water but do try it if you get the chance, as you don’t come across an exotic spa treatment for free so often! Also please dont carry food items to the island if possible, if you do, keep it well wrapped up as the monkeys can really be a nuisance! i saw one pickpocket another tourist and if i hadn’t pointed out, it would have set off with his cell phone!

The lake inside the island

From here we take a boat ride to Pulau Beras Basah (Wet Rice Island).This island was so named when a boat carrying rice capsized on its shore in a terrible tropical storm. The storm is said to have been brought on by the sailors’ indifference to asking the blessing of Dayang Bunting, the pregnant maiden. The beach on this island is a popular picnic spot and its waters are calm and a clear blue, gradually getting deeper.



The Beras Basah Beach



The Beras Basah jetty

You are left here to cool off in the beach of the island and there is plenty of free time given. One can take a dip in the crystal clear water or simply relax on the white sand of the uninhabited beach. Sea sport equipment, such as a banana boat, kayaks and snorkeling equipment are for hire and there is also a small stand selling soft drinks and snacks. Or you could do some parasailing (if the heat is not too strong!)




The white sandy beach of Beras

After this we witnessed the eagle feeding exercise.The boatman took us to a designated area and threw pieces of meat into the water and before you know it there are hoards of eagles sweeping down to pick them up




We were then left at the jetty and our pick up car took us back to the hotel. We got down in the oriental village as we had seen a Thai restaurant there when we went for the cable ride. They dint have any vegetarian stuff but offered to make Thai red/green curry with vegetables and we had it with rice. Dint like it much but dint have much choice!
Went back to the hotel took some rest and headed off to the popular Chenang beach area in the evening. The entire strip of beach is very colourful with loads of shops on both sides of the road selling handicrafts and beachware. There are many eateries in this area and i even found two Indian restaurant there. We had dinner at Popadam, which is near the underwater world and headed back to the hotel after walking along the road for some time. We decided to do a mangrove tour the next day and take a car on hire to drive around in the morning.
To book one of the tours the best bet is to do it in the internet or you could get some good discounts at the Chenang area. The tour includes pick up and drop to the hotel.
Langkawi Day 1>>

Malaysia, Langkawi - Day 1

Its been 5 years since partner and i officially tied the knot and needless to say both of us felt it was a 'BIG' achievement! So to celebrate the achievement we packed our bags and set of to Langkawi in Malaysia for some quality time together.

The Malaysian airlines flight from Mumbai supposed to take off at 11.50 PM was 40 mins late. It landed in KL at 8.00 AM and we made a mad rush to take the connecting flight to Langkawi which was to leave in less than half an hour.We managed to take the shuttle train to the domestic terminal clear immigration and customs and board the flight in the nick of time.On reaching Langkawi (1 hr flight)the first thing that hit us was the laid back touristy atmosphere at the airport.This was in stark contrast to the busy KL airport.

A Malaysian airlines flight at the airport

Shops in Langkawi airport
We were met by the cabbie(came with the package) who doubled up as our tour guide. He told us that Langkawi derives its name from the Malay word 'Helang' meaning 'eagle' and 'kawi' ' meaning 'reddish brown'. Pulau Langkawi (‘Pulau’ meaning ‘island’ in Malay)is the largest among 104 islands in the Kedah region .The only other inhibited island apart from Langkawi is Pulau Tuba among 104 island. In June 2007 Langkawi obtained international recognition when it was awarded a World Geo park status by UNESCO.

Map of Langkawi island, Malaysia

We headed to our hotel, the Berjaya Langkawi Resort which is nestled within Burau Bay on the northern part of the island. The resort is a 15-minute’s drive from the airport. The cabbie left us at the lobby after informing us that he would pick us up for the 'island hopping tour' (came with our package again)the next morning at 8.00 AM.

The Berjaya lobby

The Berjaya resort sprawls across 70 acres of forest and comprises of more than 502 rooms set like chalets.The entire resort is built in traditional Malay architecture set amidst lush greenery. Each chalet has a balcony and one can choose from the basic superior chalet to the deluxe and premier chalet on land/water. The best rooms are the however the premier chalets on water. While the superior rooms have a forest view and are not at all bad, the deluxe and premier chalet on land are sea facing with nice a view of the sea. We had booked two days in a superior chalet and two days on a premier chalet.

We freshened up and went to the 24 hr coffee shop Dayang Cafe for a brunch. While Langkawi is a haven for sea food lovers and non vegetarians, vegetarian food is not easy to find. If you are a vegetarian then its safer to eat the food limited choice of food in your hotel. You can find Indian hotels in the Pantai Chenang (‘Pantai’ meaning ‘beach’ in Malay) area which serve vegetarian food. We managed with the scrupulous breakfast spread, and stocked up on biscuits, buns and fruits.

After taking a stroll around the resort (to check out the whole resort would take you more than a couple of hrs I think as the place is huge!) we took the shuttle service to the room. After chilling out in the room we decided to take the cable car service (walking distance from the resort but shuttle service is available) in the afternoon.

Oriental Village and the Cable car
The cable car is situated inside the Oriental Village which is in the northwest of Langkawi Island, near Pantai Kok. The Oriental Village itself is not a village but a nice garden(oriental style) set around a pond with fishes and a fountain with souvenir shops bordering the pond. We browsed through the shops which have jewelry, beach ware and handicrafts made of shells. If you are a non vegetarian there is a food court where you can sample some Malaysian street food.

The entrance to the cable car is inside the village. The ride takes you all the way up to Mount Mat Cincang, Langkawi’s second highest peak.

As the cable-car ascends, you get a magnificent view of the rain forest below. You can also see the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls from the car.

View from Cable car


View of forest and skyline


View of sea and landscape

At around 600 meters there is a station to disembark and look around. You can take another car from here to a higher station .The best view of the Langkawi bays from all direction can be seen from the second station.

View of the first station on the way to the second station


View from the cable car

The sunset viewed from here is said to be breathtaking (i.e. if it’s not misty!).We went in the afternoon and while we ascend there was a thick mist so I guess we were lucky!

There is a set of steps which leads to an suspension bridge which works like an observation deck .The bridge is built across two cliffs. The steps are steep and bring your lack of exercise to the forefront but the view of the forest, skyline the island landscape and the seas beyond are a sight you must not miss!


The Suspension Bridge from the cable car


A scary view down below!

We came back to the base station loving the ride and imagining situations where we were stuck in the car at such high altitude and had to get out dangling from the cable with all sorts of wild animals in the forest and the sheer height frightening you from below( I know, see what bollywood does to you!)

From here, it was back to the room at Berjaya. We had our dinner at the beach café which thankfully had some vegetarian dishes to offer. The setting was itself beautiful with candlelit table and old English songs sung by a live band.


The beach cafe

If you do stay at Berjaya I suggest you have your complimentary breakfast here at the beach cafe, rather than in the crowded Dyang café. After walking around to digest the heavy meal, we retired to our rooms to get some rest before island hopping the next day.

Superior challet @ berjaya

Tokyo - Day trip to Hakone

Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, outdoor activities, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji

Direction :

Tokyo ->Sinjuku ->Odawara-> Hakone-Yomoto -> Gora -> Sounzan ->Owakudan-> Togendai -> Hakone-Mache -> Moto Hakone-Ko -> Odawara ->Sinjuku ->Tokyo

We traveled from Sinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto by Odaku line.We took the express train but you can also take the romance car for the novelty value! The ride from Sinjuku to Yumoto passes Tokyo country side and is a good opportunity to take some nice pics. This journey takes around 2 hrs by normal express. Once you reach Hakone-Yumoto it’s a good idea to take the Hakone Free Pass by Odakyu Railways.

Tokyo -Country side houses

Country side - Mt Fuji in the background

Alternatively if you want to use the romance car this pass can be taken from the sinjuku station itself! Refer link for more details http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2358_008.html

Famous 'Romance Car'

From Hakone-Yumoto we took the Hakone Tozan Train, a delightful, mountain-climbing two car electric streetcar that winds its way through forests and over streams and ravines as it travels upward to Gora,making several switchbacks along the way.The train takes a leisurely 40 minutes to cover the 15-kilometer distance to Gora but it’s a beautiful ride on a narrow track through the mountains.

Inside the hakone tozan train

Just a short walk beside the tracks located on the steep slope above Gora Station is the Hakone Gora-koen a French style park with a fountain, rock garden and several green houses. We had our lunch (packed) in this park amides lovely flowers and cherry blossoms.

Hakone Gora-Park

The Fountain -Hakone Gora-Park

Packed Lunch at Hakone Gora-Park

Next we took the Hakone Tozan Cablecar covers the 1.2-kilometer distance between Gora and and Sounzan Station in 9 minutes. The Swiss-made cable cars have large windows through which visitors can enjoy ever-changing scenic panoramas throughout the four seasons. The difference in elevation between Gora and Sounzan is 214 meters.

Hakone Tozan cablecar

Inside the cable car

From Sounzan we took the Hakone Ropeway service and embarked on a 30-minute journey to Togendai Station, which nestles on the shore of Lake Ashi. The views from the ropeway gondolas is spectacular as one sees the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Ashi, the rising volcanic fumes of Owakudani and the grandeur of Mount Fuji.
The Ropeway

Gondolas with a capacity of 18 passengers operate at approximately one-minute intervals from each station. You need to take a break at the Owakudani station and switch over to Togendai station.
Inside the Gondolas

Owakudani is the area around a crater created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone some 3000 years ago. Today, much of the area is an active volcanic zone where sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers can be experienced.

Sulfurous fumes in Owakudani-from Ropeway

A short walking trail (about ten minutes one way) leads from the ropeway station into the volcanic zone, where you will find a number of steam vents and bubbling pools. Here you can purchase eggs, cooked in the naturally hot water, whose shells are blackened by the sulfur and which are said to prolong one's life by seven years.

Owakudani- from Ropeway

We just to pictures from the station and headed to Togendai.
Lake Ashi- from Ropeway

Togendai is located at the northern shore of Ashinoko which is a large crater lake. Mt. Fuji can be viewed in clear weather.
Mt Fuji view from the ropeway

Fuji-san

From here one can take a boat cruise down lake Ashi using Hakone Kankosen boats which are modeled like colourful pirate ships. These boats are operated between the Togendai Pier and the the Hakone-machi Pier and then continue to Moto Hakone-Ko.

Kankosen- Pirate ship

The ride to Hakone-Machi takes around 40 mins. We got down there and then walked to Moto Hakone-Ko, a 30 minutes walk going past an ancient cedar tree avenue.
Lake Ashi from Hakone-machi

Cedar Tree Avenue

From Moto Hakone-Ko bus stop we took the bus directly to odawara(I think from bus stop 1,not sure though!) and then the train back to Sinjuku.

We were tiered alright, but what fun!

Places to see in Tokyo

Tokyo - Kamakura Beach:

Kamakura lies at the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Once you get out of the kamakura station, rather than crossing from once side of the track to the other side of the track, with a hundred other people walk the opposite way to the beach. If you follow that road it will take you straight to the curb and then you hit the beach. There still is no a direct staircase to the beach, so you will have to walk for about five minutes along the road. There is no side walk but not a lot of cars go by so if you just watch both sides then you’ll probably make it to the beach

The beach is average but is still a nice to sit in the evenings and munch on a snack or sandwich before leaving back to Tokyo.

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Tokyo - Hachimangu Shrine

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is Kamakura's most important shrine. It was founded by Minamoto Yoriyoshi in 1063, and enlarged and moved to its current site in 1180 by Minamoto Yoritomo, the founder and first shogun of the Kamakura government.

The shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the patron god of the Minamoto family and of the samurai in general. The sacred spirits of the ancient Emperor Ojin who has been identified with Hachiman, Empress Jingu and Emperor Chuai are enshrined in the main buildings of the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine can be reached from Kamakura Station either through the busy Komachi-dori shopping street, or along the Dankazura, a pedestrian path in the center of Wakamiya Oji Street that is lined with several hundreds of cherry trees. The walk from Kamakura Station takes about 10-15 minutes.
We went to the shrine through the shopping street and walked back from the shrine through the Dankazura. It was beautiful as we were lucky to visit in April during the cherry blossom season!

Temple Timings and admission fees: (rates subject to change)
Hours: 6:00 to 20:30
Closed: No closing days
Admission: Free

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Tokyo - Zen temples of Kenchoji and Engakuji

Kenchoji and Engakuji are the main temple of the Kenchoji school within the Rikai sect of Zen Buddhism. KenchojiIt is the number one and Engakuji is number two of Kamakura's five great Zen temples.

Kenchoji was founded by Hojo Tokiyori in 1253. It is one of the oldest Zen temples of Japan, and the first one built in Kamakura. Its first head priest was Rankei Doryu, a Zen priest from China. Behind the main hall (Hojo), a nice zen garden can be found. The temple bell (Bonsho) has been designated a national treasure.

Engakuji was founded by Hojo Tokimune in the year 1282, one year after the second invasion attempt by the Mongols was reverted. One purpose of the new temple was to pay respect to the fallen Japanese and Mongolian soldiers. The Shariden, a shrine where a tooth of Buddha is enshrined, is located on the temple grounds, but it is not accessible to visitors during most of the year. The building has been designated a national treasure. Another national treasure to be found at Engakuji is the temple's large bell (ogane).



Directions:
Engakuji is a few steps from Kitakamakura Station on the JR Yokosuka Line, one station before Kamakura Station when arriving from Tokyo.
Kenchoji is a 10-15 minute walk from Kitakamakura Station.

Temple Timings and admission fees:
Kenchoji
Hours:8:30 to 16:30
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 300 yen
Engakuji
Hours: 8:00 to 17:00 (until 16:00 November to March)
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 300 yen

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Tokyo - Kamakura - Hasedera

Hasedera (Hase Temple)
Hase Temple is a temple of the Jodo sect, that is most famous for its statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The statue shows Kannon with eleven heads, each representing a characteristic of the goddess. The 9.18 meter tall, gilded wooden statue is regarded as the largest wooden sculpture in Japan, and can be viewed in the temple's main building.

You can pack a small picnic basket and enjoy a great view of the coastal city of Kamakura from the terrace next to the temple's main buildings.

Next to the temple garden and the pond stands the Bentendo, a small hall that contains a figure of Benten (or Benzaiten), a goddess of feminine beauty and wealth.

Directions:
Hase Temple is located a 5 minute walk from the Enoden Railway Hase Station, the third station from Kamakura main station.
Temple Timings and admission fees: (rates subject to change)
Hours: 8:00 to 17:30 (until 17:00 in winter)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: No closing days
Admission: 500 yen

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