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Sunday 24 July 2016

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

In April I went to Langkawi, an island that is also known as the Jewel of Kedah, in the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. I went there with a few other bloggers and media folks at the invitation of Tourism Malaysia Kedah who hosted us for the 3D/2N stay there, and Firefly, who flew us to Langkawi from Subang Airport on the outskirt of Kuala Lumpur, and back.


I’ve flown with Firefly quite a number of times, especially when flying back to my hometown of Kuala Terengganu. Subang Airport is convenient for me, as it is closer to where I live, as well as Kuala Lumpur, compared to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). For our flight to Langkawi, we flew on board an ATR72-600, a propeller aircraft, with a 2-2 seat arrangement.


While many might have some reservation about flying with a smaller aircraft and prefer to fly on an Airbus A320 or a Boeing 737 series even on a short haul flight, I can assure you that a flight with Firefly’s ATR72 series can be a pleasant experience too. The free snack options on offer on board are not bad (they usually offer 3 types of snacks to choose from) and I have no complaint at all about the leg room despite being a 6-footer.



Upon our arrival in Langkawi, we were whisked off to Royal Langkawi Yacht Club to get on with our Langkawi Sunset Cruise. 

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

I didn’t know what to expect of the cruise but the excitement was building up as we lounged about at the Yacht Club, watching the boats and yachts down below while we drank our welcoming drink.

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

It was soon obvious that it would fall under the latter category – luxury – as we boarded our 55-feet 3-en suite-bedroom yacht, and were welcomed by a live band as well as free-flowing drinks. 

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

As we took our place on board the yacht (everybody chose to be on the top deck) and sipped our drinks, we received a safety briefing by the captain of the cruise. It wasn’t long before our yacht started to leave its berth and headed in the direction of the open ocean.

But first, a photo opportunity on the waters just off Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) to remind us how Langkawi got its name. J

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander


Trivia:
Did you know how Langkawi got its name?
There are many stories to this but the most popular one is that the name was made up of a combination of the names of Brahmini eagle (or Helang in Malay) and Kawi, the name of red stones used as a chalk to mark goods.


It was smooth sailing for us afterwards as our yacht left the main island of Langkawi, crossing the waters for about an hour or so alongside other smaller islands of the archipelago before the captain found a spot to drop the anchor. Any worry about getting seasick was long gone by then.

We were not exactly in unchartered waters as there are still a few islands around us although they are mostly uninhabited. There were also a few different types of boats and yachts anchored probably a few hundred meters from us, enough to give each other some privacy. 

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

While the idea of the cruise was to “chase” sunset, it was not meant to be. The sky was mostly overcast towards sunset time and we only managed to get a glimpse of the sun for a few minutes at sunset. This however didn’t damper our spirit as we chatted around and enjoyed the live music on board the yacht. Nobody really used any of the 3 ensuite bedrooms available on board apart from when we were changing clothes for the “water spa” activity.

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

Water spa activity was probably the highlight of the cruise for most of us – probably because we were travelling in a group rather than as couples, heh! – but I can imagine romantic moments to be had with your other half or loved one(s), just having a drink and munching on tit bits whilst watching the sun goes down the horizon.

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander

The evening was capped off with a simple dinner which was filling enough before we started to head back towards Langkawi’s main island.

Malaysia: Langkawi Sunset Cruise | Ramble and Wander


Further Information
Langkawi Sunset Cruise is offered by Naam Adventures, a local premier water leisure sports company that specialises in adventure and luxury tours around the island. The cost of the 3-hour cruise is MYR350pp, with a minimum of 6 persons sharing/to go. Tips: Even if you’re just a couple, do check with them as you might be able to share the cruise with some other couples too. If you however prefer to have a private cruise instead, you can get the whole yacht to yourself (at least for 4 hours, anyway) for MYR12,000. The fee includes the use of the yacht, free flow drinks, tit bits and dinner. Note: Normally there is no live band on board the cruise.



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Have you been to Langkawi and/or on Langkawi Sunset Cruise or something similar? What was you experience like?



Going to Langkawi, Malaysia? Do check out these hotels for your accommodation requirements there.

For other blog entries on Malaysia, click here.


23 comments:

Comments and feedback are always appreciated. So do leave one or two if you have the time. Thank you!

  1. Lankawi seems fun. Have been to Malaysia only for 2 days so spent it in Kuala Lumpur only. Cheers!

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    Replies
    1. It was quite a fun trip but it was too short to my liking. Definitely need more days to explore this island.

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  2. insyaAllah nak pergi lagi langkawi next month. last time, we take parasailing package also with Naam, kebetulan dah petang and became last customer. brader2 tu bawak kitaorang layan sunset guna speedboat parasailing tu. dekat 2 jam jugak la diorg bawak pusing2. free je hehehe..

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    Replies
    1. Ooh! Untung gila! I guess ni boleh dikira sbg tips dia lah ni kan? Haha! ;)

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  3. Looks like an amazing way to explore the islands and see a spectacular sunset, fabulous!

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    1. We didn't really explore the many islands during this cruise. However we did something like that on a mangrove cruise tour, also with the same company, and it was no less awesome!

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  4. I am some risk of being seasick sometimes, but it almost completely disappears when I sit on the top deck and feel the wind on my face. The Langkawi sunset cruise looks great!

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    Replies
    1. Ah-ha! It's the same with me. Sometimes I get seasick, sometimes I don't. I guess it depends on the condition of the water too. But that hasn't deterred me from trying out or going on activities like this, although truth be told, I had some reservation about it at the beginning ;)

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  5. Great article and some very good information about getting here! I want to go to Langkawi!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! Langkawi is a popular destination in Malaysia and is on some top-10-in-the-world lists. Personally I'd love to go back there again soon and explore more.

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  6. Wow. It took my breath away. I really want to be on cruise some day. You have motivated me again. Great shots and great write up!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you. I don't mind going on another round myself ;)

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  7. My friend visited Langkawi in June with his family and said he loved it. I was in Kuala Lumpur at the same time, but didn't have time to visit other areas of the peninsula. I'm glad you had a nice time in spite of the cloudy skies!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, I do see Langkawi as more of a family holiday destination so am glad that your friend enjoyed his time there with his family.

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  8. This is such a beautiful and fun trip! Langkawi is a nice place, but i heard they are starting to charge tourist a fee based on the hotel they stay.

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    Replies
    1. You're right! They recently introduced a tourist fee starting from early this month. It's not that bad though considering that it's just RM1 per room per night for 1- and 2-star hotels while it's RM5 for the 5-star rated hotels on the island.

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  9. What a beautiful sunset cruise. The food looks amazing too! I've only been to a cruise once in Hawaii and I loved it!

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  10. photos of these places looking awesome and statue of eagle is looking so good. food is looking so delicious and yummy.
    Same Day Taj Mahal Tour

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  11. I love the photos! The place is fun for swimming and other marine activities! Hope to see more of your adventures!

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  12. A relaxing sunset cruise is something I'd appreciate now that I'm older (compared to speedboats!). I'll be sure to check this out next time when in Langkawi.

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  13. What a fun and relaxing experience! I can totally imagine sharing this yacht with other couples and enjoying an evening on the water. Even better when the sunset turns the sky orange. :)

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  14. oh langkawi.. bila la dapat jejak kan kaki ke sana lagi hehehehe

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  15. Malaysia is an awesome place and it have so many good things to enjoy. i really like beauty of that palce.

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