Trip to Legendary Island

Langkawi island is an archipelago of 104 islands lying in the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The exact location of these tropical islands is at the site where the Straits of Malacca meets the waters of the Andaman Seas.

The largest of these islands is called Langkawi Island and is bigger than the Penang Island.The other islands in this group are Island of Pregnant Maiden (Pulau Dayang Bunting), Lion Island (Pulau Singa Besar) and Beras Basah Island.The smallest of these islands are atolls roughly the size of an ordinary house!


Langkawi is coined from the Malay words Lang and Kawi. Lang is a brown eagle and Kawi is a local manganese stone.The ancient fishermen must have seen eagles flying clutching the manganese stones! A giant monument of a brown eagle clutching the manganese stone greets all visitors to Langkawi near the Kuah Jetty.


The main tourist attractions of Langkawi Island is its virgin white sandy beaches.The beaches have very gentle continental slope and the water is crystal clear.


This island is unique in the sense that it has so many legendsand myths associated with it.Langkawi Island is therefore also called Pulau Lagenda or Legendary Island.


The most talked about legend is that of Mahsuri who is said to have laid a curse on this island for seven generations.Luckily the period of this curse is over now and Langkawi Island is fast becoming an internationally recognised tourist destination. 

The government of Malaysia has declared the entire Langkawi Island as a duty free zone. Hence this island is also termed Duty Free Island.All goods sold in this island are exempted from government tax.Therefore this Legendary Island is a haven for the shoppers.You only need to stay in Langkawi for a minimum of 48 hours to take back home a reasonable amount of tax free goods.

Red Vacation

Surrounded by lush greenery and fronting one of Malaysia's largest 7,000-acre freshwater lake, the resort is only a 3 hours' drive from Kuala Lumpur and easily reached just off the Bukit Merah toll exit along the North-South Expressway.

Being one of Malaysia's premier eco-tourism destination in the northern region, the resort offers a wide variety of excitement with its Waterpark being the main attraction, the only conservational Orang Utan Island in Peninsular Malaysia and the unique Eco Park with its educational walk-in enclosures, where you can experience nature by interacting with some friendly animals.

Bukit Merah Laketown Resort offers a variety of accommodation all at one location. From hotel rooms to serviced apartments, as well as the luxurious 'Kampung' chalets by the lake. For the more adventurous, you can even try out a camping holiday at the lakeside camping ground.

ACCOMODATION:

1. Kampung Air (Water Chalet)

   Room Category:
  - Studio Suite
  - Executive Suite (1 Bedroom)
   -Family Suite (2 Bedrooms)
   -Sri Andalan Suite (2 Bedrooms)

   Facilities Include:
   -Air Conditioned
   -Telephone (STD & IDD)
   -Mini-fridge
   -Television
   -Satellite Pay-TV Network
   -Coffee & Tea and Hair dryer

2. Laketown Hotel

    Facilities Include :Air Conditioned, Telephone (STD & IDD), Mini-fridge, Television, In-house Movie, Coffee & Tea, Hair Dryer and Swimming Pool.

3. Suria Service Apartment Hotel

    

Get More Excitement Right at Your Doorstep

What's a holiday without some fun? Now at Suria Service Apartment Hotel, you can enjoy exciting activities to make your holiday a memorable one.

Located within Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, it has 384 units of studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments, and provides affordable accommodation, dining and recreational facilities to its discerning guests.

Fun activities:

Colours Restaurant
Groove Sport Café
Swimming Pool
Jacuzzi
Gymnasium
Sauna
Steambath
Video Game Room
Karaoke Lounge
Mini-Theatre (Panggung Suria)
Retail Outlet
Children's Playground
BBQ Area (outdoor)
Meeting Room
Recreational Activities
- Ping Pong
- Water Polo

THEME PARK:

1. Orang Utan Island

    Tucked away on the 35-acre Pulau Orang Utan, Orang Utan Island is the world's first and only 5-acre rehabilitation and conservation facility where Orang Utans roam free. The unique island serves as a breeding sanctuary as well as a conservation, research and education center to better understand this endangered species.

Venture from the main jetty at Marina Village and wait for the ferry to take you to the Orang Utan Island. It's just a 10-minute boat ride across. The ferry departs every 45 minutes.

At the island, you will be taken through a 100-meter steel walkthrough 'cage tunnel' to come up close and personal with these primates. In a twist, you will be enclosed in a 'cage' as you observe the Orang Utans roaming free in their natural habitats.

2. Waterpark

  

Straddling an area of 11 acres, it is one of the largest in the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

The 14 Attractions in the park : Boomerang, Giant Wet Bubble, Sandy Beachfront Wave Pool, Water Speed Slides, Body Slides, Giant Tube Rides, Activity Pool, Lazy River, Perak Mining Company, Kids Adventure River, Jumbo Shower, Water Pillar, 'Mandi Timba' and Waterfall Bridge.

The Boomerang has become an exhilarating ride and the first and only one of its kind in this country and in South East Asia.

Bubbles Restaurant located at the Waterpark serves fast food favourites.

If you are a regular visitor, then be a smart owner of Laketown Waterpark Splashdown Pass - a 'license' to swim and ride at the Waterpark as often as you want for the whole year, at an unbeatable price of RM100 for children and adults.

3. Ecopark

   Welcome to Mother Nature's favourite holiday attraction - the Bukit Merah Laketown Ecopark. A 3-acre eco-friendly sanctuary, the park features three large enclosures - Nature Trail, Reptile Park and Tropical Trek, with a variety of reptile, primate, mammal, bird and fish species in an environment as close to their natural habitat. In addition, there is a Pets Park and daily animal shows.

The Ecopark is an educational tourism facility where visitors get to experience close encounter with the animals. Visitors are encouraged to interact with some of the animals for an educational and fun experience.

Animal Show
Come see intelligent exotic animals respond to their keeper's commands.
Show times: 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, 4.30pm.

Skycycle
Hand pedal our colourful Skycycle and take a unique 200m mid-air tour across the tropical rainforest. Take in the breathtaking view and a closer look inside the Pets Park.

Nature Trail
See the colourful Japanese carps and the huge arapaima. Observe the colourful peacocks and spot other birds.

Tropical Trek
Observe the agile gibbons, playful otters, capuchins and sugar gliders.

Reptile Park
Get acquaintance with iguanas, cobras, vipers, mangrove snakes or feed the African catfish.

Pets Park
Feed and pet some small and domesticated mammals at the Pets Park - rabbits, guinea pigs, deer, pet mice and sheep.

Leisure At Its Best!

Island getaways? Camping under the stars? A jungle escapade? How about doing it all at Bukit Gambang Resort City, specifically at the Caribbean Bay Suites. It is made up of over 578 units of inviting suites, consisting of 140 Studio Suites, 420 Family Suites and 18 Deluxe Suites to suit your preference.

Bukit Gambang Resort City (BGRC) is located within the greater Kuantan - the capital city of Pahang state. It is the natural gateway to the East Coast states of Peninsular Malaysia. Kuantan radiates a feeling of an exotic beach town waiting to be re-discovered by the East Coast city dwellers due to the opening of the East Coast Expressway.

Accomodation:

Each unit comes with a private balcony and furnished with natural looking solid timber-strip floor, while offering a living and dining area with comfortable wooden furniture to ensure comfort with a touch of nature. All suites come with air conditioning, dining and living room, hot and cold showers, pantry, mini bar, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Enjoy also our concierge services and lobby shop.

Food & Beverages:

Caribbean Coffee House - Have a feast amidst the cozy ambiance, with a choice of both international and local cuisines from our ala carte menu. Or if you prefer unlimited access to a wide variety of food, there is always the buffet spread prepared for your gastronomical adventure. Serving you breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks and beverage in between, the Caribbean Coffee House operates from 6.30am till 12.00 midnight.

Caribbean Bistro - Excellent wines, great food and spectacular entertainment are to be expected at the Caribbean Bistro. Sip on your favourite drink while snacking and enjoying a film show or watch a live show on stage, setting out the perfect evening before you retire for the day. Opening hours are from 6.00pm till 2.00am.

Other Resort Activities:

1. Jungle Farm -   What does it feel like to live in a farm? Or better yet, live in a jungle farm. BGRC’s own Jungle Farm showcases the everyday lives of settlers in an authentic farm environment with displays of animals such as snakes, rabbits and peacocks to name a few. See how they cultivate the land for food. Take part by helping out in the chores. Experience the life of a farmer in its most original setting.
2. Jungle Trekking -  Adventure junkies are in for a treat here. The BGRC jungle trek is a test of endurance and mental fortitude for those who love testing themselves against Nature. Opt for a lukewarm trail or choose to go hardcore, the choice is yours. But be prepared. This is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
3. Tram Ride -  Tired of walking? We have just the thing for you. The BGRC tram goes about in a picturesque loop around the development. So hop on the tram and continue being mesmerized by Nature’s alluring scenery as it trundles slowly along. You’ll be glad you did.
4. Pony/Horse Ride -  YeeHa! Let your inner cowboy out and experience travelling on top of these specially trained magnificent beasts of burden. There are plenty of ponies and horses, in all shapes and sizes so even the little ones can get in on some riding action. Our professional animal caretakers are around to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride for everyone.
5. Horse Carriage -  It used to be when only royalty got to ride in horse carriages. But not anymore. Our horse carriage service will transport you back into the days when travelling was an event in itself. Go romantic as a couple or pack the entire family together for a memorable ride. Even Cinderella didn’t have it this good.
6. Paintball Target Shooting -  In a game where accuracy determines winning and losing, you had best ensure that you are a sharper shooter than the rest. Improve on your aim at this shooting range before heading over to the actual paintball playing field. Practice, practice and more practice until you become the MVP for paintball teams.
7. ATV Fun Ride -  What combines the ruggedness of a four-wheel vehicle and the maneuverability of a two-wheeler? An ATV of course! Get on this everywhere go-about and zoom your way into all types of terrain. Wet, dry, up the slopes, down the creek and just about anywhere you can think of. Be prepared to have the most fun you’ll have in your life!

Nature Calling!!!

During September 2011, I went for a camping trip at Endau Rompin National Park. This camping was organized by my batch in order to complete our task for Sport and Recreation subject. There were almost 90 of us take part in the camping including the lecturers. We went there for 3 days and 2 nights. For me, it was the best nature travel ever!!!!

Image 1: The students are given a detail briefing by the lecturers in front of the Hal Ehwal Pelajar Department.

Endau-Rompin National Park is the second designated national park in Peninsular Malaysia. And rightly so, as it contains the one of world's oldest rainforests and the volcanic rocks there date back 240 million years. Its name is derived from the two rivers through the park; the Endau River in the south in the state of Johor and the Rompin River in the state of Pahang in the north. It also has some unique flora and fauna, including the endangered Sumatran Rhino. It has some of Malaysia's best waterfalls namely Buaya Sangkut, Upeh Guling and Batu Hampar all within 2 hours trek of each other. Also I got a chance to meet the indigenous peoples of Peninsular Malaysia, known locally as Orang Asli at Kampung Peta. The major tribe that call the park home is the Jakun.

A proper trip to see all the major highlights of Endau-Rompin National Park should take 3 days. Of course it's not hard to spend a week to get lost amidst the breathtaking rivers and forests. Unless I’m an experienced jungle trekker, it's best to stick to the packages offered – the Johor National Parks Corporation organises the most reasonably priced ones.

There are 3 entrances to the Endau-Rompin National Park. We can either enter through Johor (East or West) or through Pahang. A different entrance would mean a different adventure as the Johor National Parks Corporation manages the Johor portion of the park while the area encompassed by Pahang comes under the Pahang National Parks Corporation.

The Johor Endau Rompin East approach (Kampung Peta) is the more popular, time saving and easier approach. If you are driving, it's best to take a 4WD, as there are no tarred roads for the last 20km of the journey, only mud tracks.

We need to inform the Johor National Parks Corporation at least a week prior to our departure. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru or Singapore, use the National Highway and exit at Air Hitam. Turn right at the exit and drive on for another hour to Kluang. But for our trip, the bus drivers use shortcut path which we pass by oil palm estates and some jungle.  Whatever last minute supplies we need would be best bought here. From here another 40km along the route to Mersing and we reach Kahang, where the last petrol station before the Park can be found. About 3km from Kahang, turn at right at the park sign. The first 35km will be through oil palm plantations, a rather uneven and bumpy track in the beginning, followed by tarred roads and finally through a laterite track. Then the last 22km will run through uninhabited rainforest. This is a mud track with a lot of protruding rocks, potholes, and wooden bridges that don't allow room for mistakes. (Please note currently, 31st of July 2008, the main bridge giving access to the park over this road is broken.)