Day 11: Langkawi -> Koh Lipe

Review: Besides the longest mono cable car in Langkawi and a spectacular view from the Skybridge, which bends around an 80-meter-high pillar, the morning starts at Oriental Village. This is a kind of amusement park where the aforementioned cable car station and many other stands and attractions are located. Despite the early hour, the park is well attended and long queues are already forming at the ticket counter. In addition to the mountain view, I also visited a 5D cinema, where we were briefly trapped in Jurassic Park, and a 3D art museum.

After a short stop at the waterfall, where there was an exciting battle between humans and monkeys over a bag of chips, it was time to cool off. The so-called Skull Beach glowed in a very inviting atmosphere, contrary to its name. White fine sand, turquoise water, and a few palm trees providing shade. After a long swim in the water, we returned to the hostel to plan the rest of the journey.

With a fresh fruit bowl and a mango lassi, the next destination chosen was Koh Lipe. The appropriate ferry was quickly found and the selection of hostels was very limited due to the late booking date. Nevertheless, I found a nice bed in a hotel complex where the pool and breakfast were included.

The next morning, we went to the mentioned ferry. Since you had to be at the pier 1.5 hours before departure for the international trip, I had enough time to have a relaxed breakfast at Starbucks and pass the time. The ferry was similar to my first ride, closed from all sides and it was hard to look out. With many people in a confined space, you feel like you're trapped in a tin can.

But it served its purpose and we arrived in Koh Lipe, or rather on a floating ferry terminal, 100 meters from the island. From there, we took longtail boats to the immigration counter. After passport and fever checks, I went on foot to the hostel. However, since check-in was only at two o'clock, I went to change clothes and go to the beach in the neighboring building. A quick sunscreen application and it was time for a refreshing swim. However, it turned out that being alone while traveling brings out the first real problem. There is this one spot on your back that you simply can't reach. Of course, the sunburn didn't miss that.

After a small snack, I went snorkeling on the other side of the island with my snorkel equipment. Unfortunately, due to strong winds and low tide, only a dive in shallow water was possible. Nevertheless, it was fascinating to see the many different fish and almost scary how friendly they were. In the evening, we went to Sunset Beach, where the name says it all and crowds of people gather on the beach to watch the sunset. Once it was complete, everyone jumped up and ran away. Only a few stayed at the beach bars.

For me, it was time for a Thai dinner in one of the many restaurants. I had fried rice with vegetables and chicken. In the hostel, I met almost the entire room community in the hallway and we got to know each other and exchanged stories. Overall, very nice people from all parts of the world: Chile, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Argentina.

I really like this island, even though it is crowded with tourists at the current time of year. That's why I will extend my stay here by one day, so I now have two full days on the island. I'm curious about what they will bring.

PS: There is a small super bakery here with very delicious freshly baked sweets. Besides fresh fruit, I will definitely stock up there tomorrow.