Languid in Langkawi
I would love to say that I did lots of exciting things with my 2 nights and 3 days on the beautiful Malaysian island of Langkawi.
However, what I actually did mostly was rest.
After almost 2 weeks of working through my nights and sightseeing with my days, I am spent! And since it seems the #1 thing to do here on Langkawi is relax, that’s exactly what I decide to do.
When in Rome, you know!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to book through these links, I receive a small commission, which I will undoubtedly blow on more flights (it’s a vicious cycle). All of this internet voodoo takes place at no additional cost to you.
Where to stay on Langkawi
For my two nights on the island, I couldn’t decide between two equally beautiful Marriott properties – the Westin and the Sheraton.
So, what to do when you can’t decide? Try them both, of course!
I spend my first night at the Westin Langkawi. And the second at the Sheraton Resort Langkawi. Since they are on opposite sides of the island, I figure this will allow me to see more of Langkawi during my short stay.
Arrival in Langkawi
Arrival into Langkawi from Phuket is painless.
Though the airport only has 4 gates, it is very modern and has all the shopping and amenities you would expect in a larger airport. I change some money and head to the taxi stand.
The taxi process here is simple: fixed (and reasonable) rates, no meters, prepaid at the taxi desk. My 20-minute ride to the opposite side of the island to the Westin only runs me about $8 US. Not bad at all.
The Westin Langkawi
When I arrive at the Westin, the dreamy views from the lobby alone are enough to make you want to sit down with a cocktail and never explore any further.
The suite they upgraded me to is lovely, but on too low a floor to have much of a view. So, I set out to explore the resort a little before ultimately crashing on a lounge chair at the “Boulder Pool” for the rest of the afternoon.
Unfortunately, the Westin is located on the eastern side of the island so the sunset isn’t much to speak of. But I do enjoy a great dinner at the hotel restaurant and it’s nice to finally have something other than Thai food!
I love Thai food, but 6 days of it was more than enough to hold me for a while.
Since it’s Friday (and still a work day), I’m up most of the night working so the next morning I sleep in a bit. I drag myself to the pool again around 11am and lazed around for a few hours.
Then, it’s time to make the move over to the Sheraton and check out the western side of the island.
The Sheraton Langkawi
The Sheraton Langkawi Resort was built in 1991 in the middle of a still well-preserved animal sanctuary.
The resort blends with its natural surroundings and animals can be spotted throughout the property. I didn’t know this until I was sitting in the lobby waiting on my room to be ready. A monkey literally walked right across the balcony about 20 feet from me.
I inquire at the front desk what type of monkey that was? At which point I’m given an entire brochure detailing the types of animals found on property and where they are most likely to be seen. Excellent!
According to the brochure, I’m likely to spot everything from a Bengal monitor lizard to a flying lemur to the macaque monkey (check!).
When my room is finally ready, I’m taken in a golf cart to my “villa” for the night. Thanks to my recent villa stays in Thailand, I’m really starting to think of myself as a “villa” kind of girl!
It’s more like a small house and very well-appointed. I adore the villa. Unfortunately, it’s a single story building with another villa right in front of it. So it basically has no view of anything. But it’s definitely huge!
On the golf cart ride, I spot a ton more macaque monkeys just hanging around like they own the place. The wildlife around here does seem to be comfortable with the hotel staff and guests wandering about.
I spend some time walking around the Sheraton’s vast property searching for more animals before retiring to the pool for a while.
That evening I enjoy an excellent sunset from the hotel’s beach followed by a great meal in town.
It’s been an extremely relaxing couple of days. Though I do feel a little bad that I didn’t get out to see much of the island. I know there are plenty of things to see and do on Langkawi.
Oh well, sometimes you need a break…even from being a tourist.
Next up, an overnight layover in Kuala Lumpur before heading on to Cambodia. Back on the tourist trail!