After a rather uneventful and quick flight we are in Langkawi. About an hour from KL and it definitely didn't seem even that long.
Turns out Langkawi is the holiday destination of the Middle East. Still getting used to seeing all the women in habai, I'm still bemused by how they eat in them and also the fact the husbands are in really western clothing and tote large cameras. I do wonder if the women uncover their faces for photos.
After finding a Starbucks . . Yep sad I know but it was pretty much one of two options. . and breakfast is was off to Berjaya Langkawi Resort.
Set back in the jungle apparently (will get back to that later) but also on the ocean it's supposed to be great, however I think tripadvisor may have let us down slightly again.
Amelia of course did her usual trick and fell asleep five minutes from the resort and as we were super early our room wasn't quite ready. A welcome drink later and off to our room in the mini carts that take you around the resort.
As it turned out we really could have walked. Unfortunately I think we managed to jag quite possibly the worst 'chalet' on the place. I don't recommend 4103 to anyone. Set literally on the corner where all the carts and traffic pass plus one road back from the main road and car park not exactly what you expect for $200aus a night! Really couldn't say it was set back in the jungle either.
Needless to say (and hate to admit it) we had to complain. I think they were a bit surprised but after a couple of hours they moved us to a better chalet. Well at least one not set directly behind the main road in. Now Phil and I have stayed in some pretty poor places in our travels (admittedly prior to munchkin) so we don't need a lot of comfort but even Phil wasn't going to accept that room.
So once we decided we weren't waiting in the initial room while they worked it out we decided even though the rain had started we should venture out to the Oriental Village for lunch. We caught a taxi (turns out is literally a couple minute walk - will be doing that tomorrow!) and headed in. The oriental village is where you catch the cable car up to the sky bridge. Due to the rain we decided we would leave that until tomorrow to get the most out of it.
Onto lunch. Well quite possibly the most underwhelming food we have ever had in Malaysia. Satays and Roti at Sole Cafe. After a ridiculously long wait it arrived. Not going to go into it but not worth the money we paid and if it were Australia it would definitely have gone back. Luckily didn't cost much about $4 aus.
A quick trip to the supermarket and we headed back to our new chalet. Were still somewhat surprised by the customer service or severe lack of it. After speaking to the same person somewhat amused when it was like it was the first time you asked!
Attempted to put Amelia to sleep (absolutely no luck) and an almost catastrophe, won't go into that here, we headed down for tea.
Here's where it got good. As we were walking down to the cafe we spotted not one but four speckled monkeys. Gorgeous and so close. We had seen the macques on the way in on the fences surrounding the resort but so didn't expect to see the speckled as they are much rarer.
I think our little friend even posed for me.
We then went to the cafe for tea. Beef rendang for me and the Langkawi fish curry for Phil. Both were amazing. Amelia decided the pappadums were great and as usual made lots of friends out of the waiters. We even had entertainment in a band while we ate. Amelia was rather taken by them. I think we will definitely be returning there and the waiters were wonderful.
Walking back saw a squirrel glider. I don't think I've ever seen one jump from a tree and glide before. I think I want one it was so cute.
So our day, although didn't start at the resort has definitely improved. I don't know that at this stage we would recommend it for the price we have paid but it may surprise us yet.
So now we are sitting out on the deck drinking Hoegarden at about $1.30 a pop (thought you'd like that Carol :) ) in about mid 20s at 9pm. Got to be happy with that.