Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi in a week!

“Every man can transform the world from one of monotony and drabness to one of excitement and adventure.”

On a trip over to the UAE to visit friends I decided to take an extra bit of time for myself and go on an adventure to Malaysia. I had never been before and heard such amazing things so I just couldn’t resist! I decided to spend a few days in Kuala Lumpur and then a week on the beautiful exotic island of Langkawi, - and boy was I glad! Here are my favourite bits that I would like to share, and as always I would love to hear your comments and answer any questions I can!

“Life is a journey, and only you hold the map…”

Kuala Lumpur – my first impressions, - busy. I got a taxi out of the AMAZING airport (where you really wouldn’t mind being stuck on a layover) and I headed straight into the city centre. It was definitely very different to Nepal, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, or any of those countries I had previously visited. But I could’’t quite put my finger on what it was yet…then it it me. It was the daunting Petronas Towers. They follow you everywhere!!!

As I got to my hotel and checked in, -there are so many no recommendations are needed, but I stayed in the Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur. This four star hotel seemed very “out of budget” for my solo trip,,but I was SHOCKED at how cheap it was for the facilities it had. Definitely do not sell yourself short and go straight for hostels especially in South-east Asia where you were be amazed at how far €50 can go. I checked the place out and found a fabulous pool with a view of the Petronas towers and thought, - sorted. I was in the middle of studying my postgrad at the time so thought it would be a perfect place for some essay writing later. Typical me, I dumped my bags, got changed, and legged it out the door. I am not one for sitting around so I had to go explore. Camera in hand I found some of the most intriguing markets I have ever discovered before…

My Top Places

Central Market

Built in 1928, this well mapped out market place consists of an amazingly artistic enclosed area with more market stalls than you physically take in. This cultural landmark is a major tourist draw, and you could get lost in there easy enough. Just when you think you have seen it all, you walk a short distance to Petaling street and find an outdoor market!!

Jalan Petaling – Chinatown street market and Jalan Alor Market- the cultural heart of the city’s local cuisine

You will never have to eat in a restaurant in Malaysia, and if you do, - SHAME! The market food is cheap, DELICIOUS and authentic. Watch your meal being prepared and just soak up the atmosphere. Night-time rambles are the best, and if the locals are flocking, then it has to be good!

Petronas Towers

These amazing bridged structures stand at 88 floors high. They provide sprawling views of Kuala Lumpur and are deemed as the main attraction of the city. Even to just stand under the steel twins is a sight in itself. 175m above the ground you will spot the sky bridge which you are allowed cross at certain time. Make sure you book ahead or get there early, it is quite difficult to gain access without booking as it sells out fast!!

Aquaria KLCC

I am a sucker for an aquarium, especially in exotic countries. This aquarium I fell on by pure chance and I was delighted that I did. While wandering around the park I noticed its entrance, - which is not actually that obvious. It is in the concourse level of the KL Convention Centre. Well worth trying to find Nemo!

KL / Menara Tower

421m-high stands the Kl Tower, another impressive structure in which, at present, stands as the world's fifth tallest structure. Even though you may elect the Petronas towers over this more moderate structure. It is definitely a good back up if you happen to miss out on the Petronas tickets during high season.

Next time – As I had a limited amount of time in the city, next time I visit I plan to visit the amazing Batu Caves and the Perdana Botanical Gardens

Next Stop – Fly to Langkawi island. It is only a 1(ish) hour flight with Air Asia and even though a smaller aircraft/airport it is an experience! Landing in Langkawi I thought, -where in gods name did I just go. I literally stuck a pin in the map with this one, and at the end of the day, it was one of the best decisions I ever made as a solo traveller. I got a lovely taxi man who brought me to Pantai Cenang. After a small bit of research prior to landing I picked Pantai Cenang as I was off peak and thought it might have the lingering tourist trade as a central area. I was right! The 15 minute drive from the airport left me witnessing a lot of wetland, farming areas, outlines of market places and homesteads. It looked like a place that the tourism trade swept through and left behind its scraps. Once I landed at my hotel, things started to look up. I was dropped off at a beach side hotel, which was in the middle of the town. Local tourist shops, cafes, and restaurants stood out initially. My hotel, -“Best Star Resort” was a 2 star functional bed-space which the pool made up for! It was beach side was the main attraction to me as this part of trip was all about relaxing. Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast and is surprisingly green! In contrast, the white sandy beach of Pantai was something to be amazed at. Once again, I dumped my bags, tried not to look too closely at the ants, and went exploring straight away!!

It was obvious that I had hit the area at the end of the season, - which is my favourite time as you get to actually see the place for what it is and enjoy it in its own natural habitat. I walked down the beach, exhausted from the last week of running around and connecting flights, and I spotted the most adorable beach shack, which as it turned out was a beach bar. (Really I was attracted to the family of cats who were living their best life on the beach in front of it.) I wandered over, interested, and realised that the entire beach was filled with beach bars ranging from our little local shacks to high end 5 star looking resort bars (one even had Jameson!) This is the life I thought! I walked off the beach, picked a bar stool, and within 5 minutes made a friend. A lovely girl from the USA who was an air hostess and on a break herself. My solo trip suddenly turned into a girls rendezvous of like minded people and we cheersed to that!

Top Places - Langkawi

Langkawi Sky Bridge

A 125 metre-long curved pedestrian bridge with a view of the verdant Gunung Mat Cincang, Telaja Tujuh waterfalls, and several islets surrounding Langkawi it is one of the main attractions for tourists and definitely draws a crowd no matter the season.

Langkawi Cable Car

A 15-minute ride to the top of mount Mat Cincang, offering breath-taking views of Langkawi’s rainforests, islets, and waterfalls. The journey starts out at the Oriental Village where you’ll pass several stops fitted with open-air view decks along the way. It brings you all the way to 708 metres in a glass bottomed cable car, so maybe not for the faint hearted!

Pantai Cenang Beach Bars

The nightlife on the island speaks for itself. It is a very safe place with friendly and helpful locals. Just start on one end of the beach and walk to the very end. It will be the best pub crawl you will ever do in your life. Don’t forget to find a good beanbag along the way and enjoy the settling sun in style. If you need to completely unwind, forget your life, your phone, and all your problems. Find Langkawi, - and let it find you.

The best breakfast on the strip, - The French Factory

The pictures just speak for themselves.