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>>