Malaysia
Exploring mangroves & chasing sunsets
Day 1 started with an exciting kayak adventure through the serene mangroves, surrounded by nature’s calm beauty. Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious meal at our hotel, which turned out to be a lovely spot itself, the Bayou Hotel. Later, we took a short walk from the hotel to witness a breathtaking sunset, a perfect end to our first day on this vibrant island.
Stay at the Bayou Hotel
We stayed at the beautiful Bayou Hotel in Langkawi, which impressed us with its stylish design and relaxing atmosphere. The swimming pool was definitely a highlight, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. We also enjoyed dinner at the hotel’s restaurant; the food was delicious, though a bit pricier than what you might usually expect in Malaysia. The hotel is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Pantai Cenang, one of Langkawi’s most popular beaches.
Paddling through the mangroves
Our kayaking adventure began bright and early at 9 AM when a shuttle picked us up from the hotel and brought us to the main meeting point, where all tours (boat trips, kayak tours and more) start. Soon after arriving, our guide joined us and explained that our group consisted of just six people, which was great! A small group means more personal attention and plenty of time for detailed explanations. From there, we were taken by boat to a floating platform, where the kayaks were kept. This platform also served as a holding area for some marine animals, including stingrays, sharks, and crabs. This facility is part of the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, a UNESCO-recognized nature reserve known for its stunning mangroves and unique wildlife. At the floating house, we received waterproof bags for our personal belongings and a thorough briefing before setting off on our kayaking tour. We paddled through wide stretches of river as well as narrow, winding mangrove channels, a truly beautiful and peaceful experience. Our guide was very enthusiastic, noting that our group paddled quickly, which kept the pace up but unfortunately left less time for spotting wildlife. To make sure we didn’t miss out, my husband and I sometimes stayed a bit behind to watch more carefully. This paid off, as we spotted an otter swimming in the water and even a snake among the branches. The guide was happy to share interesting facts about the animals we encountered. For lunch, which was included in the tour, we returned to the floating platform and enjoyed a meal before heading back. After lunch, a boat took us back to the main meeting point, and from there, the shuttle brought us safely back to our hotel. It was an unforgettable morning filled with nature, adventure, and great company.
Watching the sunset @ Tengah beach
Tengah Beach is a beautiful stretch of beach with strong waves, perfect for enjoying a stunning sunset. As you watch the sun go down, you’ll see surfers riding the waves, paramotors gliding above the water, and jetskis zooming by, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere. Bring a towel to sit on and simply soak in the view. If you want to have dinner at Hidden, be prepared to wait, as it’s very popular and there aren’t many bars around this area, so seating fills up quickly. We decided to skip the wait and had dinner back at our hotel instead. In the evening, there’s also an impressive fire show right on the beach, adding a magical end to the day.
