Langkawi - The Andaman Langkawi

Aug 28

Aug 28 Langkawi - The Andaman Langkawi

Two weeks ago we shipped the entire family over to Langkawi Island, the largest of the isalnds making up the Langkawi archipelago in western Malaysia. Known for its pristine beaches, warm waters and romaticized history of priates in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi was a chance for us to get some much needed R&R.

Langkawi is a beautiful island, which is probably the most frequented in Malaysia for family vacations from Singapore as it is a short 1.5 hour flight. For reals, our door to door travel time was only 5 hours! Two kids? PIECE OF CAKE. Let's not also forget the super family friendly resorts, like The Andaman Langkawi.

Our island paradise as seen from the hilltop spa.

In 1986 the Malaysian government dedicated resources to transforming Langkawi Island into a tourist destination. The place may be old news to many Singaporean expats that have been there and done that nowadays, but my husband remembers living in Hong Kong in the 90's and the excitement and novelty of going to Langkawi, an otherwise unknown destination at the time. We expected huge crowds of tourists, but actually, it was really quiet and rural feeling arriving in Langkawi airport. Apparently, it is the busy season at the moment, but we felt that there was the perfect balance of having other people around, but also being able to have solitude at the same time.

Always keeping an eye on Alfie bombing around somewhere in the background.

The resort, which is a Starwood property, was unbelievably accommodating towards families with young children. The rooms, which were clean and spacious, each came with a large seating area that could have doubled as beds for the tykes but we opted for adjoining rooms to attempt at having some privacy (wishful thinking). There was an extensive kids menu and a Young Explorer's Club that Alfie and Teddy both thoroughly enjoyed on rainy afternoons. All the staff remembered Alfie's name and made him feel really comfortable in a new environment, which really was sweet.

The best though, was the kitchen staff approached us and offered to make daily baby food for Teddy. Any mom knows what a pain it is when traveling to even attempt making fresh food. I can't even begin to describe the contraptions I purchased when Alfie was starting solids in an effort to make sure he ate a good meal while traveling. The sheer amount of food both my boys ate at 7 months was also frightening and Ella's squeeze pouches just didn't cut it anymore. So this was a literal Godsend and I was able to meal plan for the little babe to make sure he received all the proteins and veggies his growing little bod needs.

For adults, there was a wide selection of restaurants, and a boozy breakfast with champagne and Bloody Mary's included every day. But let's be real, when you're awake half the night with a baby and a toddler the last thing you want to do is drink. Well, in the morning for me, at least. So I just sat staring longingly at the ladies with older children that were clearly enjoying their bubbly. The Malaysian fare was superb and I would totally recommend choosing those offerings. There was a barefoot seafood restaurant on the beach which was really romantic and you could choose fresh local catches sold by the kilo and we had a lovely date night there. But avoid the Japanese restaurant at all costs if you want seafood. I can't speak for the teppanyaki but the sushi was not up to par.

Even though we tried to spend at least an hour or two in the sea everyday, it's quite tough for little Teds as he is so small and the sun was very strong. Luckily, the coastline was lined with big shady tropical trees that gave his sensitive skin some respite while still being able to get that fresh sea air in. On top of that, both baby boys were able to get in loads of fun at the resort pool, which had multiple sections for children at different depths and a slide. Even a 6 inch baby wading pool for Teddy, which he absolutely loved having the freedom to crawl around in independently.

All in all it was an amazing trip, our first of hopefully many short holidays exploring the region around Singapore. We were able to have a good mix of loads of quality time with the kids, dedicated adult time and also spa time for mama (better massages elsewhere but nothing beats the sounds of the waves crashing beneath you while you are having a treatment!). We will definitely be back, Langkawi, you truly are the "Jewel of Kedah."