Island hopping can go direct to the jetty behind the Kuah mosque and also behind the Tourist Information counter. You can also book the tour from a motorcycle shop behind the CIMB bank in Kuah. The jetty in awana Porto Malai is nearer to the islands therefore the boat trip is short and the trip from Kuah jetty is longer hence the boat ride is more fun. Or you can contact Fuji Maru Sea Safari tours where they are the main BBQ food contractors and boating facilities. Maybe you can get a cheaper rate here. The BBQ is served in Pulau Singa Besar and this is the last island after Tasik Dayang Bunting and Pulau Bras Basah.

Enjoy yourself.

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Added on November 11, 2009, 12:47 amBerjaya Langkawi Resort is at the other end of the island from Kuah town and bear in mind the main Langkawi island is bigger than Penang island.

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Added on November 11, 2009, 12:55 amThere are 2 serviced apartments in Langkawi. One is Istana Condos in Jalan Penarak and the other is Century Apartments in Klebang. Both are in Kuah town. There's another near Traing which is just recently built and I have left Langkawi 2 years ago, I don't know much about it. Langkawi Lagoon Resorts has water chalets which has 2 to 3 rooms but very expensive.

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Added on November 11, 2009, 1:02 amMotorcycle rental is about RM30 to RM40 per day and can be found almost all over the island. For fishing trips I suggest one Pak Hassan. He's the best and can guarantee fish as he goes to a private tuas that is owned by the Triang fisherman folks. Other fishing in Kuah or Cenang are just 4 hours trip where they take you near some rocks and fish for lousy groupers. Pak Hassan is expensive but his boat can take about 10 pax although fishing is best done only with 4 pax. Remember to buy a lot of appollo hooks if you are going for Pak Hassan, definately fun fishing for kembongs at the tuas. Pak Hassan can be contacted if you go Sheraton Beach's bell counter. His rate is normally RM400 per trip for the whole boat.

This post has been edited by etigge: Nov 11 2009, 01:02 AM

My advise is to go for Langkasuka. Aseania is a lousy place. They have a good nightspot though, a popular disco. As for beach wise one is about 100 metres from the beach while the other has muddy beach so both are hopeless. The only hotel to find good beaches is The Datai which is way out of place, very isolated. Next is Berjaya Resort and The Burau Bay Resort. This is also nice as it is near the cable car, 7 wells waterfall and the Telaga Harbour Park.

The best seafood is all in Kuah town. Those in Pantai Cenang are not wallet friendly. Only 4 outlets in Kuah town serves pork and they are the best 3 restaurants on the island. They are Teo seafood, Orchid Restaurant (at night), Ruo Tian Restaurant.The seafood is good and always order for prawns in Langkawi. Prawns are fresh there.

If you are a Malay, go for Restoran Sinaran (lunch)opposite Bank Islam. Till today I have still not tasted good Malay food even in KL. Wan Thai restaurant serves authentic Thai Malay food.

For best prices for liquor, it is Wawasan in Kuah. They are a duty free store selling almost everything from gamat, cashew nut to chocolate. I have been staying there for almost 13 years and I can confidently say those I mentioned are the best. As you can see most of them are in Kuah town, it is not wrong to choose a hotel in Kuah town itself. Better choice would be staying one day at the beach and the rest in Kuah. One secret is a private hotel in Jalan Ulu Melaka opposite Taman Seri Aman just beside a car workshop and a nursery. For RM50 you get air cond. room with hot water and it is clean.

PM me if you need to know anything about Langkawi.

1st Jan. is a peak period but boats are aplenty there. Normally island hopping is about RM200 per boat which can take 10 pax but at times you will charge you by per head and at peak periods if you go thru hotel or agents they will charge RM60 per head. Normally if you go to the jetty, they will ask you for island hopping. If you go to the jetty one day earlier to book a whole boat you ccan bargain with the boatman. Normally they take you Pulau Dayang Bunting first and then Pulau Singa Besar where there is an animal santuary. They will take to to the third island Pulau Bras Basah) only if you want to go for water sports like para sailing or banana boat ride.

You can try looking up a Mr.Ooi from Fuju Maru Cruiser in Kuah. His address is Pesiran Bunga Raya in Kuah and book island hopping with BBQ lunch in P.Singa Besar. Awana has limited boats for hire. Mr. Ooi is a better bet and if you want to, the boat can pick you up in Awana jetty. Don't ever commit yourself at the ferry jetty, very expensive!

have a nice trip.

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Added on November 14, 2009, 3:25 amRoom is OK for the beach. My guess is Underwater World is your first place and Zone Plus beside it for shopping. They are located along the the same road as your hotel. other places to visit is,
Cable car ride in Burau Bay ( recommended ), Horse riding at the same place , Eagle feeding and mangrove tour ( recommended ) Island hopping , Pulau Payar marine park ( alot of complaints though, because the ferry leaves at 9.00 am , reached about 10.30 and by the time you start to snorkel it's noon. Lunch and then at 3.00 pm you are asked to board the ferry back to main island ), Black Sand Beach, not anymore though , Crocodile Farm, Galleria where all souveniers and momentos presented to Tun Dr. M is displayed there, Bird Park ( lousy place to visit ) and the rest is boozing and makan.
One nice tip is, if you are renting a car, take a drive up Gunung Raya. You have to pay a small toll at the base of G.Raya. It's only 13 kms. to the peak and fantastic view at the top. Tourist usually don't go as it is not advertised.
You can also rent Go-carts at the Mofaz Go cart circuit near the airport.

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Added on November 14, 2009, 3:38 amDefinately Pelangi because it is a 5 star resort where else Frangipani is 3 star. Frangipani is chalet type of lodging . If you can afford Pelangi than definately Pelangi. Also along the same road is Casa something ( just beside Pelangi ),Holiday Villa , Federal Lodge (managed by Holiday Villa but cheaper than Holiday Villa ) and the last end is Awana Porto Malai.

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Added on November 14, 2009, 4:10 amSince so many are planning to go Langkawi this holiday, I might as well say it all. To some of you who are gamed, there's another fantastic activity. Ever heard of Pulau Adang & Pulau Lipe? It is noth-east of Langkawi island 1 hours fast boat ride from Pantai Cenang. One word of caution though, it is in Thai territory. There's one Ahmad Boating Services in Jalan Kedawang( near P.Cenang ) who used to do this trip. They leave in the morning and comes back in the evening and for some who wants to overnight there, there are basic chalets there and the boat will pick you up the next day. The sea is super-tastic there, beaches and sea are better than P.Redang in Trengganu. Once there, you have to hire Thai boats to do snorkelling or swimming there. fresh seafood can be found there. Reminder, it is at your own risk, talk to Ahmad first.

Scuba diving is actually fantastic there in Langkawi. If you have more than enough divers, you can speak to East Marine or Pro Dive to take you to Pulau Segantang which is also part of the marine park of Pulau Payar. Normally they don't take you there because it is another 30 to 40 minutes boat ride from P.Payar. Diving in P.Payar is also not bad if the visibility is good. Divers Den used to have their certification done in P.Payar when the Trengganu side is facing monsoon.

Fishing, if you are an ardent angler, there is a sunken wreck 10 nautical miles south of P.Singa. The depth is about 130 feet and if your luck is good, you can get barracudas, sharks , GT, groupers and sometimes Jenahak. What we did was we leave in the evening and scoop for squids all night with a little fishing by the side. The squids are left alive in the bait well. At dawn, we live make our way there and use the squids as bait. No guarantees though , we do encounter no bites at all. I think the only person willing to do such trip is Mr.Ooi of Fuji Maru Cruiser as he has the co ordinates for the GPS of the site.

This post has been edited by etigge: Nov 14 2009, 04:10 AM

I don't know whether you are asking Koh Lipe or Langkasuka is a resort. Langkasuska is definately a resort, although a bit run down now. It's still classified as 4 stars but 3 star pricing. No beach because muddy. Further 1 km further away there's Langkawi Lagoon Resort. It belongs to MK Properties and rated 5 stars and quite new. Don't know about the rates though but I have seen the room. It's nice and there are water chalets there.

As for Koh Lipe. it is a fishing village. When you say 'Koh' I assume you know about this place. There's an island there where the beach is full of uniform sized black rocks. Looks tempting for aquarium or garden but don't pick it back. I don't know but a lot of tourist fall sick after doing that.

You seem to have a lot of free time. Since you have already made a yacht charter so sea activities are considered done. The rest of the tours can be done within a day. Nothing much to do except relax and drink and drink and drink. LOL. If you are there, try Belvedere Vodka
The bottle is also nice. Too expensive here in KL so long time never drink liao. Also long time never drink Corona beers. Only RM5.40 there. Started drinking when it was only RM2.40 then RM3.20, then RM4.80. Also avoid Marlboro Light and Dunhill there. Lots of fakes.

Awana wanted to operate cineplexes there and they give 1 week free viewing first week. After that tapao and now becomes a bowling alley liao. No cinema there! The only way to differentiate fake cigarettes is smoking them, lol. too bad.

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Added on November 20, 2009, 12:22 pmThe only other way I know how to go Koh Lipe is through Pak Bara or Che Milang in Satun, Thailand. You can book a fishing boat to take you there. Journey is a 4-5 hours agonising trip and if it rains on the way, susah liao. Best bet is still from Langkawi. If you want to know more you can have your breakfast in "BREAKFAST BAR" in Pantai Cenang. It is on the left a few hundred meters from Pelangi Beach Resort. Most tour operators hang out here to get to know tourist. Ask the barman if you want to know anything. ( I don't know it still exist though, the owner Moktar died and his German wife continued operating it) This place is listed in the 'Backpackers Guide'.

This post has been edited by etigge: Nov 20 2009, 12:22 PM

You must be talking about the triangle table there.LOL Sad actually, he is the soul of the whole Breakfast Bar. Irony is he died trying to curb his drug addiction, so I heard. I knew him since 95 when I first went there.

The car rental guys always waits for the last plane or ferry before they call it a day, so you are covered there. It's not Christmas yet, my guess is, it's not a problem. Hotel wise, there are a lot of rooms in Langkawi, you only have to wander around searching. If you face the worse, these are the few unpopular ones which I think have rooms most of the time.

Hotel Eagle Bay, Seaview Hotel (actually not by the beach), Tiara Langkawi, Hotel Baron, Panorama Hotel etc, etc.

Lanai was formerlly called Federal Lodge (if I am not mistaken).At that time it was managed by Holiday Villa (just side by side) and maybe they have found their own management team to handle the operations, hence the name change. It's quite a good resort, nice beach front and can just hop over to Holiday Villa and use their pool if the Lanai's is not nice ,LOL. Remember Jackie Chan's 'Police Story 3' where there's a scene Maggie Cheung and Samantha Schubert was pushed into the pool. That is Holiday Villa's pool.

Streamyx and Celcom broadband is quite good there because of the Lima exhibitions ( tau mahu malu mah! so many foreign exhibitors) and the broadband penetration on the island is quite low so congestion is pratically non existant.
Sometimes in town you can buy 3 bars for RM10 and I found out that it is selling almost 6 bucks here. Stop eating chocolates eversince I left the island.

I don't know about now but during my times, Black & Henry Pub in Sheraton Beach was the in place for drinks and entertainment. Others like Barracuda and CocoJam was also quite popular. Both of this is situated near Pantai Cenang. Liquors are definately cheaper than mainland. Cheaper still is buy a crate and jam at the beach, LOL.

Night time Orchid Restaurant in Kuah town. It is in the Kelana mas area beside Toto.(there's only one toto shop in Langkawi).Daytime it is a coffee shop but night time it becomes a 'tai chow'. Try his fish and prawn dishes also. Velly velly nice!

It's a tourist attraction, of course it will be open. It's close only on VERY windy days.

I never seen single bedded rooms before, most are twins or double. No worries larr! If it is really single (chances is they are not) , separate the mattress from the divan lorr. Get extra pillows and most of the hotels have spare pillows in the wardrobe. Langkasuka reception area also not visible from the room entrance.

In Jalan Ulu Melaka, in front of Taman Seri Aman, besides a plant nursery there's a motel. (Beside the Customs & Excise quarters) No signboards but a yellow/beige building. Nice and clean rooms, only RM50 per night with air-cond and hot shower. If you cannot locate the motel, go to Grand Continental Hotel in Kuah. Opposite Grand Con. there is one electrical supply shop (not Pin Radio), the one selling wires, plug etc. Beside there's one shop selling lubricants and they are the owner of the motel.

People go there because of no happenings there! ha, ha

This post has been edited by etigge: Dec 27 2009, 01:13 PM

Don't know what mode of transportation are you planning on but as a guide, here goes:

Ferry tickets to and fro for 2 pax - RM 72.00 (from K.Kedah)
Car parking in K.Kedah - RM 30.00 ( for 3 days covered)
Car rental - RM120.00 (for 2 days)
Petrol usage in L'kawi - RM 40.00 ( pump RM20 at one time so if you don't use, no wastage)
Motorcycle rental - RM 60.00 (with smelly helmets )
Hotel - RM250.00 ( for a decent hotel )
or - RM120.00 ( for the one I mentioned in my last tread)
PLUS toll to Alor Setar - RM 120.00 (to and fro)
petrol to Alor Setar - RM200.00

Mentioned above are safe estimates so 1K budget is still a bit tight! There are cable car tickets, underwater world tickets, makan, chocolate shopping to think of !). If you have been to Aquaria in KLCC then can forget Underwater World there ! For 2 person more economical to take bus to Kuala Perlis ( direct ) but you will spend longer time on the road (save RM180 - no parking, no car toll/petrol and ferry tickets save another RM6). If you have 4 then easier on the toll and petrol. You will save more if you rent a motorcycle in Langkawi (save RM80).
Bus from Puduraya leaves at 10 pm and reach K.Perlis about 5 am and always check the schedule for bus to come back to KL.

Hope the above info can help you plan.

This post has been edited by etigge: Dec 28 2009, 08:23 AM

Earliest ferry is about 7.00 am to 7.30 am. If you are taking a bus from Ipoh, the bus normally comes from KL and it will reach Medan Kidd( I don't know if they still use this station ) at about 12.00 midnight to 1.30 am. If you take direct Langkawi they will take you to Kuala Perlis and not Kuala Kedah. Might as well take Kuala Perlis because if you reach Alor Setar at 5.00am no point loitering at the jetty. Might as well endure another 45 minutes and save another RM3.00 on ferry fare and endure less time on the ferry. Ferry services is torturous!

Most car rentals are illegal and they are the norm rather than exception, just be careful when you rent it. If you really want legal ones, only Kasina Car rental is available but I don't think they have vans.

No culture difference lah! They are all accustomed to tourist. Theya re still Malaysians.

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Added on January 1, 2010, 8:35 amAwana Porto Malai is rated 4 star so rooms are OK. They are under Genting group. No beach but the hotel got it's own marina and boardwalk. You need car rental though because it far from makan place ( nearest is Pantai Tengah and Pantai Cenang ). Car rental is in Kuah jetty. Fuji Maru Cruiser or Sea Safari Tours (same co.) Mr.Ooi can be contacted at 012-4981001 or if it is wrong check with telecoms.

Good seafood dinner, I only recommend Kuah town. Teo Seafood, Orchid Restaurant.
GPS works worldwide larr! Satellites are located in space. One person , 1 litre of liquor and 200 sticks of cigarette for 48 hours visit (at least 48 hours).Remember to keep your ferry tickets for proof! Don't buy beer as they allow only 4 cans ( approx. 1 litre )

This post has been edited by etigge: Jan 1 2010, 08:35 AM

The oldest trick to take out double if you are flying. Buy a litre of alcohol and 1 carton of ciggy of your choice and pack them into your luggage. Once at the airport, go throught he customs checkpoint and get it stickered. Check in your luggage. So that is through. Then at the airport duty free shop buy another litre and 1 carton of cigarette and hand carry it in. That's what they all do.

When JPJ stops you and check, say you borrowed from a friend. Remember the hirer's name and ALWAYS, remember your car registration no. At times, they are caught because they don't even know the no.plates of the car they are driving.

The JPJ officers tend to intimidate you. Don't get scared because it is not an offense and there is no receipt issued, so they cannot prove that the car is rented unless you say so.