Tag: weekend getaway singapore

6 Experiences At This M’sian Island Paradise – And It Costs Less Than SGD100 To Fly There

When we think of an island getaway in Singapore, Sentosa immediately pops into mind. But let’s be real—with themed attractions and man-made beaches, is it really the natural beach getaway that we sometimes crave for?

While there’s Bali and Phuket, another little known paradise is Langkawi, also known as the Jewel of Kedah, Malaysia. Merely a 1.5 hr flight from Singapore (and usually less than SGD100 for return flight tickets), Langkawi is a duty-free island that receives more than 3 million tourists annually.

Lucky for us, another world-class hotel has joined the western coastline of Langkawi just recently. That hotel is none other than Aloft Hotel Pantai Tengah, which adds to Aloft’s fleet of over 150 hotels open in over 20 countries.

Having said that, the location of Aloft Hotel Pantai Tengah and personalised features of the hotel to its landscape helps it to stand out and hold its own charm and uniqueness.

On top of Aloft Hotel Pantai Tengah’s aesthetics and facilities, there are also other experiences that will make your trip to Langkawi a memorable one. 

1. Sail on a yacht out onto the Andaman sea and have a sunset dinner cruise

Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah collaborates with local tours such as Crystal Yacht Holidays to provide guests with a chartered yacht experience, at a lower packaged rate.

The package is all-inclusive, with a BBQ buffet dinner, free flow drinks, and a salt water natural jacuzzi. The cool sea breeze and beautiful sunset is sure to melt your worries away and give you the recharge you need.

Tip: Be careful not to run on the yacht as it can get a little slippery. And try to get a good seat in front of the yacht for an unobstructed view of the horizon.

2. Experience a 4-hr jet ski adventure

If you haven’t hopped onto a jet ski before, you’re missing out! It may look (and sound) scary at first, but the guide from MegaWaterSports (another partner of Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah) is very assuring.

He tells us that there’s nothing to worry about, as long as we maintain our speed and ride fast through the waves. The slower you go, the easier it is for the waves to jerk or knock the jet ski. But then again, who would want to go slow on such an adventure?

Our top speed on the jet ski is about 60km/hour, which is more than enough to keep that adrenaline rush, but also safe enough for you to not completely lose it.

We make several stops throughout the 4-hour ride with our guide leading the way and also keeping watch on us to make sure we’re all comfortable on the jet ski. 

Each stop has a special experience, such as eagle watching, swimming in a part of the Andaman sea with an unusually high salt concentration, getting up close with the limestone formations, walking along a private beach, and more. 

Tip: Bring along sunblock because you’ll definitely be needing it! And don’t worry about getting your gadgets wet, your personal items can be kept in a waterproof bag in the jet ski’s front compartment.

3. Take a dip in the largest freshwater lake in Malaysia

Dayang Bunting Lake is one of the stops during the 4-hr jet ski ride and it’s too interesting to not mention it as a separate point. The Island of the Dayang Bunting (Pregnant Maiden) is the second largest island within the Langkawi archipelago (fancy word that means group of islands) and it contains the largest freshwater lake in Malaysia.

The location of the lake is extremely unique because it’s right next to the sea, and only separated by a thin ridge of limestone. 

The name of the lake is inspired by a local legend of a fairy princess who married a human prince and got pregnant after drinking the water from the lake. The outline of the hills around the lake also resembles the shape of a pregnant maiden lying on her back.

Visitors can swim in the lake, rent a kayak or paddle boat, or just sit by the deck and dip your feet in the cool water. And we were extra, extra careful to not swallow any water from the lake. You know, just in case.

Tip: You have to climb up about 100 or so steps to get to the lake. It’s not too physically tiring and will take about 10 minutes.

However, there are a lot of wild monkeys along the steps who are curious and not afraid to grab your personal belongings, especially if you’re carrying food. They’re not aggressive, but it’s best to hold your things close to you and do not engage with them.

4. Dine on Malaysian heritage and Western favourites

Nook at Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah is tastefully designed with an array of geometric patterns and bold matching colours. More importantly, their all-day dining offers a selection of Malaysian cuisine and some classic international favourites.

For dinner, we got to feast on some authentic Kelantanese dishes and I still occasionally have cravings for their white percik chicken (broiled chicken in sweet coconut gravy).  

Tip: Instead of taking cordial juice during breakfast, look for the fresh juice bar where they will mix fruits of your choice and you can have a customised fresh drink!

5. Chill at the only elevated infinity pool in Langkawi

Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah currently happens to be the only hotel along the Langkawi Western coast that has an elevated infinity pool. There’s also a sunken pool lounge area and jacuzzis (inside large water features).

Tip: Order a signature cocktail from the Splash bar to complete your sunken pool lounge experience. We tried the Passion Portion, Absolutely Fabulous, and Mojito Mix Berry—each priced about SGD6—no regrets.

6. Take advantage of Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah’s world class facilities

After a long day of activities, Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah has the right facilities you’d need. With complimentary high-speed WiFi connectivity and 49” Smart TVs, you can choose to rest in your room (all of the hotel’s 208 rooms have its own balcony).

Or head down to the Re:mix^SM lobby for a game of billiards and get a drink at the W XYZ^SM bar. If you’re hungry for a midnight snack, you can also grab something from the 24/7 grab-and-go Re:fuel^SM. There’s also the fully equipped, 24-hour fitness centre, Re:charge^SM. 

Tip: If you’re travelling with kids and you want some alone time, take advantage of the hotel’s Kids Club that has board games, toys, art supplies and daily movie screenings.  Don’t worry, your kids will be under the supervision of trained talents there too.

Itching for your island paradise retreat? Get more information about Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah here, or email [email protected].

Header Image Credit: Discover SG

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10 Stunning Beaches Near Singapore That You Must Explore

We bet you haven’t heard of these hidden beaches that are conveniently located in our neighbouring countries! Expect gorgeous views, soft sand, and crystal clear waters- minus the crowd. Note: You might get a serious case of wanderlust after reading this.

THAILAND:

1. Nai Harn Beach

Flanked on both sides by mountains with dense jungles, Nai Harn Beach is a peaceful beach at the southern end of Phuket. Snorkel, dive, or surf the afternoon away, and as the sun goes down, dine in one of the restaurants along the beach while enjoying the sunset.

P.S. For a bird’s eye view shot of this secluded beach, head to the Windmill Viewpoint.

2. Railay Beach

This beach is a short boat ride away from Krabi’s town of Ao Nang. It is surprisingly tranquil considering its proximity to the popular and often crowded tourist destination of Krabi – and we hope it stays that way. Apart from chilling out with an ice cold beer, the rocky limestone formations around the beach make it a great spot for rock climbing too.

3. Lao Liang Beach

Head north to Koh Lao Liang, a small island that’s one of Thailand’s best kept secrets. The island is where the quiet and idyllic Lao Liang beach is hidden. Explore nature at this beach with rock climbing, snorkelling, and kayaking. Or just take a relaxing dip in the waters and spend an afternoon suntanning along the beach.

MALAYSIA:

4. Pulau Lang Tengah

On Malaysia’s East Coast, between Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian, lies the lesser known beach of Pulau Lang Tengah. This often overlooked island offers a peaceful retreat with nature. Trek through the tropical jungle, swim among the coral reefs, sit along the jetty to watch the sunset, and laze on the beach with the occasional squirrel keeping you company.

5. Pulau Sibu

Pulau Sibu is located off the west coast of the nearby Johor, and is even closer to Singapore than Pulau Tioman, making it a great spot for a quick getaway. Clear turquoise waters to snorkel and dive in is a given, but Pulau Sibu also has a rocky shoreline and mangrove swamps for you to explore.

6. Pulau Tiga

With unspoilt nature and a beautiful stretch of beach, this is the first ‘secret’ location where the Survivor series was shot. Take a dive in the waters, have a bath in the island’s natural volcanic mud, and don’t be surprised to meet the resident snakes of the island while you’re there too.

7. Pulau Mabul

Who knew a former fishing village would make such an awesome beach getaway? Stay in one of the water bungalows and wake up to the sound of the lapping waves. Plus, the sloping reefs and crystal clear waters are a diver’s dream. And if watching the sunset isn’t enough, Pulau Mabul is an excellent spot for stargazing as well.

BALI:

8. Green Bowl Beach

Referred to as Green Bowl Beach due to the moss-covered reef that appears when the water recedes, this beach in Ungasan is hidden some 300 steps down from a tiny road. This secluded beach paradise is worth the journey though, with its fine sand and some of the best waves for surfing. Oh, and the caves are a great photo spot – just don’t wake the sleeping bats inside.

9. Atuh Beach

This beach is surrounded by rocky cliffs and mountains that provide the perfect vantage point to admire the spectacular scenery. Located on the island of Nusa Penida, southeast of Bali, Atuh Beach is just a bike ride away from Nusa Penida Harbor. Venture away from the blue waters of this beach and you’ll find natural caves that house swallows’ nests as well.

10. Karma Beach

You can’t get more exclusive than this private beach at Karma Kandara. Did we mention that former guests include supermodel Kristy Hinze and actor Jeremy Piven? This is the perfect place to indulge in a relaxing getaway with world-class Mediterranean cuisine and fresh seafood. As night falls, lounge by the beach with a cocktail in hand.

We’ve got so many beaches to add to our bucket list now. Which of these are on yours?

(Header image credit: original image by Dennis Keller, edited by author)

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