The
next morning (LANGKAWI SKY HIGH) was dedicated to shopping at the duty-free shops. One of those
things I am not fond of? Shopping. It felt like an hour of wasted time before
finally stepping foot in Underwater World Langkawi. Located in Pantai Cenang,
this is one of Malaysia's largest marine and freshwater aquariums, offering a
captivating journey through the wonders of the aquatic world. Spanning over six
acres, this renowned attraction features a diverse range of marine life, from
colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles and vibrant corals.
At first glance, it didn't win me over. I
doubted its worth and wasn't sure if it was worth paying for. But once inside,
ohlalala! The place was spellbinding with its bountiful, beautiful, and vibrant
displays. My eyes almost popped out. Underwater World Langkawi proved me wrong
and kept me thoroughly occupied. I loved every moment. I could have spent all
my time leisurely exploring the strikingly colorful underwater creatures.
It was utterly a kaleidoscope (PERAK AUTHENTIC FINDS) of
mesmerizing aquatic animals. They took my breath away and moved me in every
way. I made sure to see all of it - the Tropical Rainforest, Temperate, and
Sub-Antarctic zones, each designed to mimic natural habitats. The highlight was
the 15-meter-long walkthrough tunnel, providing an immersive view of sharks,
rays, and other marine creatures gliding gracefully overhead. The beauty of
Underwater World Langkawi was truly amazing.
Grabbing some food thereafter, it was time
for island hopping. We hopped into the boat, which sped off, making a stop to
see the eagles at Eagle Island/Pulau Singa Besar. This island holds significant ecological
importance in Langkawi. Named after the majestic eagles that inhabit the area,
particularly the Brahminy Kites and White-bellied Sea Eagles, these birds are
an integral part of Langkawi's identity, symbolizing strength and freedom (CAPE TOWN NATURE STUNNER).
The island is a protected wildlife
sanctuary, offering a chance to observe these magnificent birds in their
natural habitat during eagle-feeding sessions. Pulau Singa Besar is part of the
Langkawi Archipelago, a UNESCO Global Geopark, highlighting its ecological
value and commitment to preserving natural heritage. We viewed the eagles flying high and low,
though I couldn’t quite tell which species they were. Nonetheless, they inspire
a feeling as though you too can fly high.
Five minutes, at most, nothing much to do
anyway except eagle watching. Our water journey continued to Pulau Beras Basah.
Located at the western tip of Langkawi, it exudes tranquility, allure, and
captivation. I didn’t take a dip; instead, I was content with standing and
admiring the sea and sand. Pretty to look at, meaningful to admire, and calming
to the soul (KUALA PENYU SABAH NATURE). After spending approximately an hour at
Pulau Beras Basah, we boarded the speedy Gonzales boat for our final stop:
Pulau Dayang Bunting. The second-largest island in Langkawi, it is renowned for
its unique geological formation, which resembles a pregnant maiden lying on her
back, lending the island its name, "Isle of the Pregnant Maiden."
The
island's highlight is the freshwater Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Tasik Dayang
Bunting), a serene and stunning lake nestled among limestone hills and lush
forests. Local legend attributes mystical fertility properties to the lake's
waters. Pulau Dayang Bunting is part of the UNESCO Global Geopark, emphasizing
its significant ecological and geological value.
Upon disembarking, the stone walkway
leading to Tasik Dayang Bunting demanded considerable stamina. As we walked in,
we admired the beautiful surroundings and paused to gaze at the lake, where
visitors were enjoying the waters (VARANASI GANGES).
Time flew by, and after about an hour and a half, we boarded the boat once
more and headed towards Dataran Lang. The timing was perfect. As the sun set
gloriously against the backdrop of the captivating sea, you couldn’t miss the
majestic central eagle statue, poised as if ready to take flight for the
Langkawi marathon. With that, our time in Langkawi came to an end, and we
prepared to head back home the following day.
Zen
Journeys Langkawi Insights
This trip marked my first-ever bus tour
with almost 40 people, and I must admit, it wasn't quite to my liking. During
sightseeing, smaller groups formed, and some didn't adhere to the schedule,
which caused delays and limited our ability to visit more attractions in
Langkawi.
The trip coincided with a weekend and a
public holiday, resulting in long traffic jams and extended wait times at rest
areas for washroom use and food. This significantly reduced the time we had to
explore Langkawi on the first day.
The return journey was even more arduous,
with the bus crawling through traffic, causing us to arrive home only at 2 AM.
Langkawi itself was densely packed with
tourists, including large groups of foreign workers. Eateries were filled to
capacity, making the wait for food quite lengthy. The congestion at Pantai
Cenang made even walking a challenge due to the sheer number of people.
Despite finding moments of enjoyment
during the tour, I have realized that planning a holiday trip during weekends
and public holidays might not be ideal. For future travels, I'll aim to avoid
these peak times to ensure a more relaxing and enjoyable experience. And
perhaps, I’ll opt for smaller, more intimate travel groups to make the most of
the journey and truly savor the beauty of destinations like Langkawi.
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