October 5 (Tuesday), 2021 | Glengyl Umali
The Government of Malaysia opens the Island of Langkawi for tourists starting September 16, 2021 under a strict compliance through a travel bubble, please see guidelines below.
The pandemic had created a haul on everything people do, social gathering, mass celebrations, even non-essential work were not allowed and that has been the impact of COVID19 not just in Malaysia but all over the world. Malaysia is struggling to balance opening the economy and weighing the urge of many people and organization to impose lockdown to contain the virus.
But there was hope, achieving a whopping 90% herd immunity has been the gatekeeper for re-opening the economy, as of this writing there is 89.4% Completed Vaccination, thereby creating a huge possibilities of opening all sectors, and that should be very soon. Malaysia's recovery plan has also been tremendously helpful easing todays lockdown.
Living with the virus is imminent, it's just a matter of extreme protection and caution so the world can get through the life they're used to, hence, travel bubble were created.
Air Asia, the country's low-cost airline generously opens their flights on a discounted rate for as low as 12RM to 79RM each way (around 150-900 Php).
These guidelines are required for Langkawi Travel as posted on AirAsia website as of October 1st, 2021, please refer to your airline guidelines as it may change without prior notice.
Langkawi Travel Bubble
1. You must be fully vaccinated and completed the 14 days (Pfizer-BioNTech, Astrazeneca or Sinovac) or 28 days (Johnson & Johnson or CanSino) observation before travelling.
2. Make sure you have your vaccination certificate on MySejahtera app.
3. It's compulsory to take an RT-PCR or RTK-Antigen tests 48 hours before departure at any health facility or private laboratories for adults aged above 18 and children aged 7-17 years.
4. To minimize physical contact you're required to perform self check-in on Air Asia Super App or airasia.com. More on self check-in visit the Air Asia website.
Langkawi's Map courtesy of google maps, showing location pins, of all the places I've been to in the archipelago.
My journey to the Island of Langkawi all started with a simple phone notification from Air Asia Super App, a pretty low 12RM one way flight to Langkawi, 12RM each. I never really considered visiting Langkawi for I was only aware of its long stretch shore in Pantai Cenang which is comparable to the Old Boracay situation were beaches within the city receives wastes from the big establishment surrounding it and true enough Langkawi has that situation (Cenang).
This is the main reason that for almost two years I've been living here in Malaysia, I only went to secluded, private beaches, were there's peace and quiet, away from traffic, all you'd hear are the birds singing, waves repeatedly blast ashore and the morning call of roosters greeting you a "lovely day". See my adventure at Kapas, Island in Terengganu, Palau Besar Small (Mersing). This is apart from other states that I visited in Malaysia - I am just a budding vlogger not really a pro. Hoping to get your like and subscription. Thanks!
Going back, after securing my flight on the 29th of September and the return ticket on the 1st of October. A friend texted me for a huge discount offered by the Resorts World Langkawi via KKDay App. I've done my research and I told myself, there is no way I am letting this go. Closed my eyes and booked it. Tadaaa! I have my flight ticket, hotel booking and Island Activity confirmed.
I was pretty much happy and excited since I'm also celebrating my 37th birthday, so definitely this should push through. Days passed, reading some news that there were couple of tourist that has been denied travel because they were found to be Covid19 positive (High Temperature), hence the Covid19 screen test was added into the travel bubble.
And I was a bit worried since this could hinder my long awaited vacation, my oasis, my sanity destination, considering that the screen test would cost around 200RM (around Php2,200+), so I did call clinics and the nearest one from my area was the Klinik Alam, and gladly for local travel especially to Langkawi RTK Antigen will suffice and it would only cost me 80RM (around Php900+) a bit doable. and I was told to be there a day before my flight, and I said, "What a relief, this is it nothing can stop my vacation now!".
I went to the clinic the night before my flight, The attendees at the Alam Clinic were really courteous and attended my queries, and there I was, called for screening, It was just done in 5 minutes and then I got the result indicating that I'm negative in 15 minutes with the screen test certificate . The day after I got a text confirmation from MySejahtera that the result was negative and the update were reflected on MySejahtera App. It's an assurance that nobody can fake this and all should oblige with the guidelines.
On the day of my flight I arrived two hours early, making sure no issues will emerge and if there's any, it should be resolved prior to my flight. I was at KLIA2 (Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2) 1pm, and I've gone through multiple temp checks and scans (MySejahtera).
The first instruction when you get to the second check at the terminal is to proceed to Y Counter were screen testing are normally done, at this counter only RTPCR is available, since I'm already done with RTK - Antigen, I was advised to go to U Counter for bag Check-in. and that's just it, It was smooth and easy.
You can also watch my whole experience at my YouTube Channel below:
Staying at Resorts World - Langkawi gives you a feel of tranquil and serenity, were most sounds you hear are bird's tweets, waves, away from street noise, and most importantly a perfect sunrise view. It's also were the Marina is, were island hopping activity takes off, Sunrise Cruise, and Yacht Party
RW Langkawi is the perfect hotel destination, see why:
10 minutes from the City Centre and Pantai Cenang,
15 minutes from the airport
The Marina itself is the kick-off for Island Hopping, Sunset Cruise and Yacht Activity
You can get a Grab Car right away compared to other high-end resort far from the City
Apart from their great amenities, the view facing the Island Forest Park is superb!
Just in case I wouldn't be one sided with what I have to experience in Langkawi, after my stay at RW-Langkawi for three (3) days and two (2) nights, I stayed at Pantai Cenang at the AB Motel for four (4) days and 3 nights. As soon as my "upper east side" experience ended, I had the "lower east side" experience (I thought I could save but for safety and Covid19 protection purposes) I chose AB Motel for 80RM/night. It wasn't actually economical but their spacious air-conditioned queen-size bedroom with own toilet and veranda says it all. Its not connected to any room, nor you can bump-in with anyone renting the other room, I must say it's likened to a small house - cottage-like.
To be honest, I was hesitant to take the AB Motel because most Filipinos including me, the term "motel' are usually associated with "Short Time" motels, common for short-lived "sex capades". So, I spared myself from ignorance and judgement and gave it a try. I was pretty much happy because I feel safe and the staff were friendly, it's a decent one - just don't use their towels hahahaha, it looks old and untrustworthy but note that AB Motel is a beach front Motel. A perfect view of the Cenang Beach.
Pantai Cenang transforms at night, actually I must say their day starts at 5pm - Normally from 8am to 4pm ish you won't see like a lot of people on the streets compared at night were great music plays in every streets, live bands, and most activities were alive in Cenang beach, Great Sunset, Beach Volleyballs, Jet Skis, Parasailing, Banana boat, Candle-lit theme dinner, Firedancing, Bubbles flying at night, like there are a lot of people, crowded really. I didn't do all that, it doesn't really excite me. as always extreme activities like this needs a young heart.
Probably one of the reason, there are not that many people in the morning, most of them are probably at Sky Cab, Island Hopping, Country-side tours, etc. And speaking of activity here are the list of activity I would recommend when you visit the Island of Langkawi.
DAY 1
I would really recommend taking the earliest flight from KL to Langkawi, so you can still rest and freshen up at the hotel when you arrived and used-up the rest of the day and with that you would still have time for Sky Cab on your first day and country side tour!
Rent-a-bike or car is common in Langkawi, you can definitely stroll alone or with your gang owning your time by yourselves. If you need to book a tour car you can contact Faiz - 019-493-7436, he owns a tour van (6-7 people) or small one (3 people), the rate I got was for 100RM for 8 hours for one person, you can definitely haggle with Faiz.
01:00PM - 04:00PM
Sky Cab, Sky Bridge (43RM) However you may find a better package only which combines all activities then much better (Shoppee and Lazada sells activity in Langkawi) When on top, take your time, take as many videos and photos you want. There is no rush there. You can have lunch either on site (were the fogs and cold wind is) or at the receiving area before you go up but be careful, you might throw-up.
04:00PM - 06:00PM
No Entrance Fee - Free Access - Plunge at the Seven Wells Waterfalls - This waterfall is visible from the Sky Cab, you can even hear the waterfalls flashing from top to bottom. The waterfalls is 10-15minutes walk, there's two waterfalls the first one with just one well or pool like and the one on top which has seven wells, You may have to bring water and be careful with your things Monkeys are everywhere, no food on site, but you can buy at the entrance before heading to the waterfalls.
06:00PM
Head to the Hidden-Langkawi - A perfect sunset dinner can be set here - visit this blog for more information - https://journey.com.my/story/a-hidden-gem-in-langkawi/, unfortunately when I went there all my cameras and even my phone are empty bat. but of course I had the best sunset dinner experience!
IF YOUR FLIGHT IS AT 1:00PM-3:00PM (Rest is needed, at least an hour)
4:00PM - 6:00PM
Head to the Underwater World Langkawi, if you are into big aquarium or if you have kids with you. It would be perfect marina education
6:00PM
You can definitely have the Hidden - Langkawi or Enjoy the Pantai Cenang Sunset View, your choice! Take a lot of rest you need it on your Day 2.
DAY 2
09:30AM - 1:00PM
The Island Hopping Activities are best in the morning remember photographers bestfriend is when the sun is up, it starts at 9:30am until 1:00 pm, make sure to be there 30 minutes early, if you are at Pantai Cenang normally the meet-ups are in McDonalds in front of Cenang Mall. Bring water and something to nibble, you'll be hungry. There are food sold at Pulau Dayang Bunteng and refreshment at Pulau Beras Basah
Island Destination
- The Sleeping Pregnant Maiden
- Pulau Dayang Bunteng (Geo-Forest Park) Lake Activities (Pedal and Kayaking)
- Langkawi Eagle Feeding
- Pulau Beras Basah
After Island hopping you can rest an hour or two since it will be tiring, You can stroll and enjoy Sunset at Pantai Cenang and walk the streets of Cenang with live music in different genre, live bands starts at 7:30pm, may it be at the beach side or near Cenang Mall.
02:00PM - 6:00PM
Or if you still have the energy to explore Langkawi, head to the Skull Beach, Temurun Waterfalls, and enjoy your sunset dinner at Scarborough Fish and Chips, just be there before 6:30 in the evening to make sure you get to see the beautiful sunset.
DAY 3
Spend time resting and shopping for wines and chocolates at their Duty Free Store. Langkawi is called a Duty Free Island for a reason, to attract more tourists.
- Cenang Mall
- Warisan Duty Free
- Cha Cha Duty Free
- The Zon Duty Free
- Duty Free Sport City
- Loyal Maxim
The SkyCab
- The Zone Duty Free Shop
Langkawi International Airport
- PHB Duty Free Langkawi
- Skymall Duty Free Shop
- Jetty Point Duty Free
- Sky Duty Free
- TS Duty Free
and there's a lot more.
There's a lot to visit in the island, you can also insert Langkawi Wildlife Park and feed Flamingos, Mouse Deer, Peacock, Porcupines, Monkeys, Hornbills, and take a picture with Langkawi Eagles. Though the entrance fee costs 45RM, it's still worth it and you get to enjoy the place. You can insert this on your Day 2 itinerary on Day 3.
Mode of Transportation:
- Rent-a-motorcycle / car is better, since you can own your time exploring the island, and go to places you need to go unrestricted by the Driver's availability
- Get a driver and haggle for a price. Faiz was really helpful, you can contact Faiz - 019-493-7436 and arrange your trip with him. its 100RM per 8 hrs for a single person, you can probably haggle for group travel
- Langkawi is just a small island. See Grab Fees below:
- RM12 Airport to Cenang 15minutes
- RM30 Cenang to SkyCab 30 minutes
- RM8 RW - Langkawi to Cenang 10minutes
Food
- There are a lot of Restaurants, Makan-makan, BBQ-Satay, KFC, McDonalds, Subway, Pizza Hut is also in the area, there's a lot to choose from. Affordability depends on your chosen places to eat.
Accommodation
- Book Early, School break is coming definitely it will be a local destination and if you plan to extend, just plan your vacation well, so you would know the allocated time you needed.
Book in advance, Shoppee and Lazada offers activity booking
- KKDay App
- AirAsia App
- Klook App