I Heart Langkawi

I've realized that a lot of you reading my blog from home are using it as a sort of virtual-vacation, living vicariously through me, if you will. I write this post especially for all of you, something to fuel your daydreams while at work.

I'm currently on Palau Langkawi, an island off the coast of Malaysia near the Thai border. It is an absolute paradise! White sand beaches, jungle interior, laid back atmosphere, friendly people, great food. It all just goes to show that you can't always trust the guide books! I almost skipped it completely because the LP pans it as being too expensive and full of artifical tourist attrations (which is true). However, it made for a logical border crossing point from Thailand - the easiest and most pleasant crossing I've ever had actually - so I decided to swing through. 3 days later, I'm still here, planning on another full day tomorrow.

If the islands of SE Asia were Hawaii, Langkawi would be Kauai. Most of Thailand would be Waikiki. Although I didn't get time to go to them, from what I have been told, the majority of the islands of Thailand are pretty much overrun with people, and you have your choice of hanging out with rich old people in Speedos, or wild, barely legal backpackers listening to bad music on shitty speakers. I have almost no interest in the backpacker party scene anymore, does that mean I am an old fart? Give me a place like this any day - most of the people who come here are families, couples, or groups of Malaysians and Thais on vacation. It's a much more mellow vibe and I'd go so far as to describe the place as wholesome. Gasp! I love it!

Granted, it is a bit expensive, but there are ways around that...

Here is what you do when you are a budget traveler and find yourself in a place that is not geared for budget travel: 1) Get the cheapest accomodation possible. My room has no sink and cockroaches, but it's steps from the beach and very cheap. 2) Skip the artificial tourist attractions, such as Underwater World and Crocodile Farm. 3) Rent a motorbike!

The motorbike is absolutely essential, it is the main reason why I have had so much fun here. I can go where I want, when I want. I've spent the last 2 days cruising around the entire island, exploring, swimming in waterfalls and laying on the beach. It's a tough life, I know, please don't pity me.

The riding...ah...the riding is the best! Roads here are perfect and smooth, many of them running alongside beautiful beaches or curving through lush jungles. There is not a lot of traffic either, and Malaysian drivers are used to passing so it's totally alright to go slow if I need to. It's been a perfect chance for me to practice riding on something other than the straight roads I was on before. Ever since renting my first motorbike a month ago, I've been tossing around the idea of getting one when I get home. After today, I think I'm pretty addicted. The feeling of mobility and freedom you get on a motorbike is incredible. I've only ridden little ones so far, I can only imagine the rush from riding something that actually has power. And I can't get "Unknown Legend" out of my head :-)

Here is a sample of what I've been riding through.

The essential self-portrait!

I was also thrilled to find that there are stables on Langkawi - very professional ones with excellent horses - that offered jungle /beach rides. Horseback riding is what I call an "unpersued passion," and I go riding every chance I get. This morning I took an hour ride through jungles and on the beach.

Getting ready for the ride, with Fatima the stable assistant, and Tufah, my horse. Me, Tufah, Rudy, and Sarah, the guide, after cantering on the beach.

There are tons of monkeys running all over the island, and they are cheeky little bastards! I caught this one trying (unsuccessfully) to break into a car. I guess I got a little too close for his comfort, but the photo was worth it.

One of the better tourist attractions is a cable car going up to the second highest peak on the island, with some spectacular views. Cable cars that are really high up scare the shit out of me, but I did it anyways.

The view of Langkawi Island from 710 meters.

At the peak, there was a really wicked curved suspension bridge, perched along a jungle covered ridge. I have never seen anything like that before, it was incredible. I'm clueless when it comes to engineering, but it seems to me that something like this is quite a feat to design and build, and to make it safe. I know some of you reading this are engineers -- fill me in here, is it really as difficult as it seems to build something like this?
So that's my life right now. I have finally reached a point where I am close enough to the end of my trip (Feb. 8) to stop worrying about reaching all my destinations and just slow down and really enjoy. Spend another day riding the motorbike and laying on the beach? Alright, if I have to....


(When rereading, I noticed there are TWO occurences of British slang in this post. Can you find them? There are way too many Brits in SE Asia, they are rubbing off on me, help!!)