langkawi magazine
Reviews SECTION
Langkawi, Datai Bay and The Andaman Hotel
Langkawi is an island situated off the coast of western Malaysia, not far below the border with Thailand. It is home to people from many cultural backgrounds, all of whom are friendly and charming and cannot do enough to help.
Our two week holiday in early May 2004 began with a direct flight to Langkawi with Malaysia Airlines from London Heathrow. The 21.00hrs flight was virtually full, but leg room was better than average and the flight crew were attentive and anxious to please. This direct overnight flight takes around 11.5hrs. A note of advice on the food though, it was curry curry all the way, even at breakfast time! Entertainment was excellent with individual control over TV/video/games/radio programmes.
Due to the time difference, Malaysia is 7hrs ahead of the UK (summertime) we arrived at our resort in the early afternoon of the following day. After much advice taking and surfing the net, we had chosen to go to the Andaman Hotel which is situated right on Datai Bay in the north western corner of Langkawi. Our package, booked through ebookers included a private transfer to the resort. This lovely hotel has a four star rating it thoroughly deserves, and is the sister hotel to the five star Datai, which is situated just along and above the bay. Both hotels are built within the jungle and this has been left as intact as possible to preserve flora and fauna habitats. Wildlife is abundant, and monkeys, Gekkos, lizards, butterflies and bugs galore abound.
Guests at both hotels can share the facilities at each, along with utilising the extensive dining options available at either hotel. Your first impression of the Andaman is of space and quality - along with heat and high humidity! You are greeted with cold towels and a cool drink, given a precis on what the hotel has to offer and where to find it, and in our case introduced to the assistant manager. You are then given the keys to your room and escorted there by a bell boy where you find your luggage has already arrived.
A word of advice for the not so mobile. The Andaman is a multilevel property and some rooms can be quite a distance from the main areas. The multilevel design may also make it challenging for less mobile guests. Because of the hotels location and the desire to preserve the jungle, the majority of rooms have no sea view as it is obscured by the luxuriant growth. we were, however, fortunate enough to have a fabulous view of Datai Bay and the Andaman Sea.
Rooms are large and tastefully furnished, with more than adequate storage and hanging space, and plugs where you need them! The bed was enormous and comfortable. Linen was changed daily, and the towels were changed in the morning and the evening. All rooms have potted orchids that are changed weekly, and there was fresh fruit each day. Bathrooms are also large with a bath and a separate walk in shower which is powerful, not the pathetic dribble often encoutered. Hot water was always plentiful and there were no interruptions to the electricity supply, although we had several major thunder storms. Guests are provided with candles just in case. Our minibar was well stocked with branded drinks and local beer, and local bottled still water was provided free of charge. We discovered that if we ran out more could be obtained from the fridge in the gym!
The pool at the Andaman is simply stunning. It is a large, fairly shallow, very safe and hugely enjoyable pool designed to convey a feeling of seclusion. It has several small 'islands' with luscious vegetation and a water slide for kids big and small! The resident Monitor lizard could often be seen swimming across the pool to one of the islands for a change of scenery! The wooden sunbeds are heavy and comfortable, and beach towels are provided free and are in plentiful supply. There is a poolside cafe for lunches and drinks, and a beach bar where you can watch the spectacular sunsets, but ask for a mosquito coil to keep the bugs away.
The beach itself is stunning, although the water is not as clear during the rainy season (April - Sept) the sand is clean and white, and the sea gentle. There are however, areas of rock and coral submerged fairly close inshore and you need to watch your step. In the heat of the midday sun, there was nothing better than to relocate from the poolside to the beach, to lie under the trees, watch the monkeys and listen to the lapping of the sea. You also catch more of a breeze on the beach.
Dinner can be taken at any of the restaurants at either of the two hotels, although you do need to book a day or two in advance. A particular favourite was the Gulai House. Situated in the middle of the jungle between the Andaman and the Datai, you can either walk through the jungle, over a wooden bridge and arrive at the Gulai House on foot, or opt to be taken by golf buggy. The walk through the jungle is lit by paraffin lamps, but perhaps is not for the faint hearted, or bug freak! The food and hospitality are wonderful. Traditional Malay or Indian dishes served with fantastic attention to detail. Average cost is $30 for dinner for two with two courses and a bottle of wine.
We discovered that it was actually cheaper to eat in our room, and to select from the extensive room service menu. Room service was extremely prompt and very well organised with special trolleys that converted into dining tables that kept the food warm on the way to your room. Again, everything was beautifully presented.
Although you are encouraged to visit the night markets, unless you have a burning desire to experience the sights sounds and most unpleasant smells, my advice would be don't bother. There is nothing worth buying. Similarly, Kuah, the main town has nothing much to offer except electronics and luggage. It is relevant to note that Langkawi is a duty free port, and as such if you are after that new digital camera you could do a lot worse than to buy it here. Although, since you can't fly home direct from Langkawi and have to go via Kuala Lumpa, you may as well save your money for the shops in the astoundingly beautiful airport.
A word of advice. Give yourself enough time to experience Kuala Lumpa airport and its shops properly. We ended up in a rush.
All in all definately the best holiday we have had. The Andaman is fabulous. Family friendly, but not the best choice if you are not too mobile. The climate is hot and very humid (depending on season). Nov, Dec and Jan are the least humid. Rainfall is high, but most storms are short lived and don't spoil your enjoyment. If you have an aversion to bugs or 'strange' wildlife this may not be the place for you. Leave your french windows open at your peril - you'll come back to find monkeys wearing your Prada!
Langkawi 19/06/04
