Gunung Raya, Langkawi...Serenity at its best.

When we think Langkawi we think beach, we think island, we think sea..... but there is another part of Langkawi that is untouched and often a time unseen by many and thats Gunung Raya.
Despite me visiting Langkawi several times either on work or for leisure i have never been to Gunung Raya, i just never got the chance. So this time i decided that im going to make that trip. So along with my me i took my pal Feli and we drove all the way up to this beautiful place. She's been meaning to take me for a long time so we finally made the time.
 A four wheel car is always better choice. Instead of driving up there is also the option of walking up from the Book Village but of cos we were just too lazy for that.

It was a nice journey up to Gunung Raya and as we were heading higher and higher it was getting cooler and cooler. It was definitely a contrast from the sun sea sand concept at the foot of this mountain.
When we reached right to top, we were amongst the clouds... it was such a nice feeling a cool wind blowing around us. We found a spot where we were overlooking half of the island. It was breathtaking. The view was amazing.

I was speechless! I just sat there and took it all in for a couple of minutes. This place was serene and you would  just feel like your floating on a cloud.
We went to the tower where its suppose to be the view point and the highest point in Langkawi which is 900 metres. Its only RM10 per person and a drink is on the house ( coffee or tea only)

We went up and as expected it was lovely, cool wind blowing at you with a temperature of probably 20 degrees and sipping on a hot cup of coffee. That was all i needed. I could have stayed on forever.

There was something about Gunung Raya that was enchanting. The green mountains around me looked so pretty and i had a sense of freshness all around me. Nature was calling out to me.... we saw some dusky leaf monkeys on the way simply adorable.

It gave Langkawi a new meaning, seeing how natural the surroundings were i was so happy that i made the trip up here. It was definitely worth my time.

This was indeed naturally Langkawi... now i know why .....

Naturally Langkawi, it has everything to offer...

Langkawi.... what can i say.... its simply magical i dont even know where to start. I must say one of the better islands in Malaysia. 

Its beautiful, its serene, its lush, its rich with nature and it has amazing views and beaches all around the island. 

There is so much to do Langkawi and its perfect for any traveller that comes this island. You can be young or you can be old it doesnt really matter because this island has lots to offer. From just relaxing by the beach all day to mountain climbing you have it all.
I personally love the beaches here its extremely calm most parts of the year so you can take a swim anytime if you feel like. 

Langkawi was awarded its Geopark status in 2007 as a Geoforest. The magnificent limestones around the Klim river are amazing to look at.  One of the popular things to do is the eagle watching. We get to see many pretty eagles soaring their wings in the sky. A sight to see indeed. 

 The eagle and the cave system found in this area have also contributed to the myths and legends of the Island. The name 'Langkawi' is said to have been derived from the Brahminy Kite bird which is the most dominant faunal species in the area. The mangrove tours are not to be missed, it amazing how much we learn. 

Sailing is another must to do as i love sailing and will always love it. Be it just to relax and unwind or to do some serious dancing and having a ball it can be done with a blink of an eye. There was an option of a day cruise and sunset cruise. I did both!!!! 

If you like to get soaked in the sun go for the day cruise. I sailed while sipping on my favorite cocktail and taking the scenery in. We have a BBQ on our own little private beach... how special is that? Then we had a lazy swim... relaxing and light headed was how i felt.... if you are ever in Langkawi its a must do. 

I sailed one evening for a sunset cruise on a double deck catamaran and it was amazing as well. I had the best time of my life... Met people of different backgrounds and we started chatting and soon after it was like a family. Everybody was happy drinking and swimming in the salt water jacuzzi and dancing the night away... i almost didnt want to leave. The sunset was to die for...... i was lost for words .....

Jet Skiing tours are also available where you travel by jet ski to some parts. The pregnant maiden island is one of them. 

Seafood obviously is in abundance it being an island. Fresh lobsters are so delicious. Fish squids and clams to name a few... everything was good to eat. If you are not to keen on local food. There are plenty of choices for western, indian and chinese all equally good. 

The night scene is not a bore either... its actually pretty fun and Langkawi is a duty free island so the boos are extremely affordable. ;) hint hint....  there are clubs and bars by the beach and its really nice to sit watch waves rolling in and out....We sat on the beach one night listened to the sound of the frolicking waves and sipped on our wine.... magical. 

Next on the list was the cable car... a pretty view once we reached to the top.... thank god... otherwise i know i would have been upset having to que for so long.... :) 

There's plenty to do there too, if you have kids there horse riding and the elephant walk. 

All in all its just a really nice and friendly island and there is something to do for everyone. Its easy to drive around the island with a rented car and the hotels are as good as you want it to be depending on our budget.... 

Its indeed naturally LANGKAWI ..... 

Bangkok City for Food Lovers n Such

Bangkok the city that never sleeps!

I arrived 1st to this beautiful bustling city late at night thinking that everything would be shut. But to my surprise the city was full of live! Every little corner that I turned had food stalls and the smell of local flavours were just so inviting.

It's a common misconception by people that we can't eat by the road, but hey that's the best way to taste local delights. It's not dirty and everything is either grilled or boiled so I reckon it's pretty safe. Plus it was yummylicious.

It's a food haven!! Yes I mean it. You can find anything here and it's simply delicious.. .The local Thai food is to die for. I tried the Tom yam ghoon which is a prawn sweet n sour n spicy soup which was mouth wateringly delicious. It was so spicy and my nose kept running but it was also irresistible. I loved the seafood here as well ..... Squids, crabs, prawns and fish.... Fresh and tasty!! What more could I ask for.

There is also a Chinese delicacy that should not be missed.... The bird's nest soup.... Hmmmm.... In Chinese it's called when translated "swallow spit" ... Don't ask me why!! but it is tasty I must say....

If you are tired of Thai food there are so many options of Italian , Japanese , Chinese and Indian .... And it's all really good.

Bangkok besides the beautiful Buddhist temples,sanctuaries, markets and zoo's it also has a very attractive night life. From big discotheques, to little bars by the road is one of the many interesting nights i had in Bangkok. Just sitting by the road at soi 11 with one of those mini vans turn bar concept was definitely the best way to have a good night out local style!

Drinks came in buckets if you wanted a cocktail which was pretty amazing. We had a long list of cocktails to choose from, we could also get some snacks from the road side stalls as well.... Meeting and talking to people from all walks of life from locals to foreigners is the best travel memory one could ever get.

The Thai people were extremely friendly and polite. Everyone was very helpful and it was easy to communicate and get around. Taxi fares were not overtly expensive hence it was affordable to get to many places and you don't have to walk.

I loved Bangkok for its liveliness and it's food and it's people.

Sawadeekarp ......