Penang Island and Langkawi Island are two totally different types of places, despite only being 110 kms (68 miles) away from each other. Langkawi Island is more of relaxed vibe, and more touristy. Also, Langkawi Island is totally duty free, so it's much cheaper.
We could have taken a half hour flight that runs between the two islands. But it would have cost about $65 USD ($87 CAD) each, so we decided to take the land route. Much cheaper, and more interesting. Besides, we had all day and we're not in any rush.
We said goodbye to our homestay hosts CB and Summer.
They were great, and we really enjoyed our stay there.
We got a Grab taxi that took us to the Penang ferry port to the mainland, and got our tickets at RM2 (50 cents) each.
On the ferry looking back at Georgetown.
There is a cruise ship in Georgetown Port.
We made it to the mainland at 10:15am and walked the short distance between the ferry port and the train station. The next train from Butterworth to Alor Setar left at 10:35am, and we managed to get our tickets and get on board just in time.
Tickets were cheap, RM7.1 ($1.53 USD, $2.05 CAD) each for the one hour and ten minute ride.
No photos from the train.
We got off there and got another Grab taxi to the Kuala Kedah ferry port. Bought our tickets to Langkawi for RM34.5 ($7.45 USD, $9.95 CAD) each for the hour and a half trip.
We chuckled at this couple in front of us at the waiting area.
The smaller blue bag for him, and the larger pink bag for her.
Boarding the ferry.
No photos from the ferry either. It's airplane style seating with no outdoor area to enjoy the views. Dirty windows didn't make for any decent photos.
Fishing boats in the Kuala Kedah harbor.
Arrived at Langkawi at 2:45pm.
To this point, all of our transportation had happened seamlessly. Everything very efficient. Then for whatever reason, our Grab taxi from the Langkawi ferry port to the hotel messed up. Two different drivers cancelled on us. First time we've had any real problems using Grab. Anyhow, a third driver finally arrived, but it took another twenty minutes of waiting, and even then he didn't pick us up in the right spot. Just a glitch, we suppose.
Oh, and the total cost of all of our modes of travel yesterday? 120RM ($25.85 USD, $34.60 CAD) for the two of us!
Anyhow, we arrived at our accommodation. There are a ton of options here on Langkawi. Anything from dorm rooms to five star resorts. We chose one step above the dorm room option. A newly renovated budget hotel with new owners. Seems they are bending over backwards to make a name for themselves, and the recent reviews were good... so at RM52 ($11.20 USD, $15 CAD) per night, I booked us in for an 8 night stay! Super cheap!
We realize that you typically get what you pay for... so we have a view of a busy road, and the room is pretty sparse. But we are low maintenance and we'll make do. However the bed and the pillows are super comfy!
And, the location isn't great. But we're planning on renting a car for at least a few days of our stay, and possibly for the entire week. So the location becomes somewhat irrelevant.
We walked the 2.5 kms down to the waterfront.
The Maha Tower was completed in December 2021.
We walked around the base of it.
But we decided against the RM46 ($10 USD, $13.25 CAD) senior admission price.
We walked to a waterfront bar and had a drink.
This definitely feels like we're on holiday.
View from the bar.
Because Langkawi is duty free, alcohol is much cheaper here.
My beer was only RM7 ($1.50 USD, $2 CAD) but Ruth's fancy margarita was RM20 ($4.30 USD, $5.75 CAD).
Yeah, I think we'll enjoy a week relaxing around the island.
Looking back at the bar.
Interesting flower.
Kuah main street.
So, I think today we'll find ourselves a car rental. The manager lady here says we can get a small car for only RM50 ($10.75 USD, $14.50 CAD) per day, so if that's the case we'll get one for the whole week!
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Great deal on this Lasko Oscillating Space Heater.
And in Canada...
Can't say I'm a fan of the architecture of that tower - too busy-looking.
ReplyDeleteI agree...kinda looks like an air-traffic controller tower covered with a poor replica of the Eiffel tower. My architect father would roll over in his grave!
DeleteWe thought it was interesting looking but there is no way we were paying to go up in it
DeleteEmily, it made me think of the Eiffel Tower as well. Actually when I first saw it I thought it was a fancy looking lighthouse, minus the house part!
It's a spider lily.
ReplyDeleteThanks Chris!
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