Langkawi: A Memorable Island Escape

The next morning (LANGKAWI SKY HIGH) was dedicated to shopping at the duty-free shops. One of those things I am not fond of? Shopping. It felt like an hour of wasted time before finally stepping foot in Underwater World Langkawi. Located in Pantai Cenang, this is one of Malaysia's largest marine and freshwater aquariums, offering a captivating journey through the wonders of the aquatic world. Spanning over six acres, this renowned attraction features a diverse range of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles and vibrant corals.

At first glance, it didn't win me over. I doubted its worth and wasn't sure if it was worth paying for. But once inside, ohlalala! The place was spellbinding with its bountiful, beautiful, and vibrant displays. My eyes almost popped out. Underwater World Langkawi proved me wrong and kept me thoroughly occupied. I loved every moment. I could have spent all my time leisurely exploring the strikingly colorful underwater creatures.

Langkawi (Kedah): Sky High and Artistic

Embarking on a road trip to Langkawi with a large group required two coaches. This was my second visit, the first being 25 years ago, leaving me curious about what had changed. Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, is known for its natural beauty and rich history. It has been a significant trading post influenced by Malay, Thai, and colonial cultures and is steeped in local legends like that of Princess Mahsuri. Now a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi's rainforests, beaches, and wildlife showcase Malaysia's heritage (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).

We arrived in Kuala Kedah and took a ferry to Langkawi. Once there, we divided into cars and headed to Oriental Village. After a walk from the car park, our first stop was the food court to satisfy our hunger before starting our exploration of the village.

Perak - Authentic Finds

The day to return home arrived, but with plenty of time still on our hands, the adventure continued. We began by joining the line outside Restoran Xin Quan Fang in Taman Jubilee, where anticipation built as we waited a good ten minutes before being seated and another ten before placing our order. The Curry Mee, a local favorite, was the highlight of our morning (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).

As one of the most sought-after dishes in Ipoh, patience is key. The small but tantalizing bowl of Curry Mee arrived, its fragrant, not-too-spicy broth perfectly soaking up the noodles, seafood, chicken, and pork, all garnished with fresh spring onions. Truly a delight, and nothing complemented it better than a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Perak: Stepping Back in Time

The first half of my day was pretty hectic but incredibly fulfilling (IPOH TEMPLE TREASURES). Despite being roasted under Malaysia's scorching hot weather, I loved every moment of it. After visiting Perak Cave Temple, our next destination was Gunung Lang Recreational Park. I must crown Gunung Lang Recreational Park as one of Ipoh's natural prides, especially for a nature lover like me. Surrounded by mountains and centered around a serene lake, the park offers a picturesque escape (RANAU SABAH ECO-TOURISM).

Ipoh, Perak: Temple Treasures Explored

Our next day began with a return to Ipoh town (PERAK DISCOVERIES) for breakfast. With numerous eateries to choose from, we opted for Paris Restaurant, Famous Mee Hakka, a place I had previously discovered as a must-try. And indeed, it was true. The noodles, a pride of Ipoh, offered in both dry and soupy styles, paired with fish or pork, were delightful. But the highlight? The sambal/chili dip. A powerhouse of flavor, it packed a punch that elevated the entire meal. Oh, how my taste buds rejoiced with this homemade, authentic Chinese spicy dip!

Perak Discoveries

Embarking on a road trip to Perak, my mother’s hometown, felt both sentimental and surreal. While most of my mum’s aunts and uncles are now in heaven and the rest have moved to Kuala Lumpur, I couldn't help but recall my childhood years spent in Ipoh, enjoying school holidays at my grandpa’s kampung house in Kampung Paloh. Though I can't remember my last visit to Ipoh, this trip was all about discovering Perak (KUANTAN SHIVAN TEMPLE. MALACCA TRAIL & KINABALU UNMASKING FOOD). 

Our first stop was lunch at Little House Café in Tapah, an unassuming kopitiam I had already discovered online. We indulged in Black Pepper Chicken Chop and Hainanese Chicken Chop paired with fries, along with Fish Soy and Petai Squid served with rice. The home-style, delicious Halal Malaysian fusion dishes were a delight, with generous portions that left us thoroughly satisfied. Even as a small eater, I managed to finish the Hainanese Chicken Chop.