Langkawi - Ready for the Island!

After many months on the road, we feel ready for an island. Thailand isn't for us; we prefer it quieter. We know the islands along the east coast of Malaysia: the Perhentian Islands, Redang, Tioman. Langkawi is the northernmost island on the west coast. It takes a quick flight of about three-quarters of an hour from Penang to Langkawi.

Since I generally avoid beach holidays, where I - unlike Anja - just end up getting burned, we choose LamanLeman, a homestay amidst rice fields. Sulaiman and Julita warmly welcome us. Sulaiman masters the art of making a perfect cappuccino; he teaches at the tourism academy. A scooter, the best way to explore Langkawi, is also waiting for us upon our arrival.

In the following week, we discover Langkawi on extensive tours that alternately take us to one of the tourist hotspots and one of the beaches around the island. A highlight in the west of the island is the Sky Cab cable car up to the Eagle's Nest Skywalk and the Langkawi Sky Bridge situated in the middle of a nature park. In the east of Langkawi lies the Kilim Geoforest Park: karst rocks and mangroves. The highest mountain on the island is Gunung Raya, which fortunately we do not have to climb on foot.

A week goes by in the blink of an eye!