Although once upon a time, the National Culture Policy officially defined Malaysian ‘culture’ as based on one society, Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. There are substantial influences from Chinese and Indian cultures that stem back from those early days of foreign trade. In the Malaysia of today, the traditions and cultural events of […]
Barkat Bed & Breakfast
After several years of visiting Langkawi, it wasn’t until recently that I’d actually made it to Tuba Island. Though quite surprised to find out it was only 15 minutes away from Kuah, I was even more surprised to find it attached to Dayang Bunting Island via a rather sturdy auto passable bridge. Yet another place […]
Birdwatching 101 in Langkawi
One becomes accustomed to the birds of their own country and the chirping can eventually become background sounds competing with the cacophony of modern times. Perhaps in the quiet hours of the approaching day they get front stage. But with Langkawi bird watching the diverse population of birds makes it possible to see and hear […]
Langkawi’s Ishan Malaysian Spa
There are spas, and then there are spas that are head and shoulders above the rest…literally. Ishan Malaysian Spa is located up a steep winding road surrounded by the lush foliage of a tropical rainforest. That may sound brochure cliche, but it’s actually quite true. Overlooking the Andaman Sea, Ishan has absorbed their natural surroundings […]
Langkawi’s Tuba Island
Having heard very little about Tuba Island, but having seen a few intriguing photos I’d been interested to know more. Especially about the island’s community. My previous information sourced, in general seemed sketchy at best, so the idea of being dropped there by boat alone wasn’t exactly what I’d had in mind. Tuba Island sounded […]
Kraft Komplex or Cultural Center?
Another recent Langkawi discovery for me was the Kraft Komplex (Komplex Kraft) in Mukim Bohor. I’d never even thought twice-about going to this sightseeing venue before, because I’d seen a few advertisements and photos that basically screamed “Tourist Trap!” And of course the word: craft has me flashing back to all those do-it-yourself ‘projects’ I’ve […]
The Art of Cuisine @ Art Cafe
Spending much of my time in Langkawi, I was initially drawn here by the beaches, rainforest and the simple ‘island’ lifestyle. It was easy to leave behind the bustle of a cosmopolitan lifestyle of San Francisco in exchange for new adventures in Southeast Asia, but I soon found out a few things were missing… one […]