Did you know that the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Thailand is located in Satun? I’m thrilled to share my unforgettable experiences exploring this natural wonder of Ao Toa Ba and Prasat Hin Pan Yod at Ko Kao Yai during my trip to Pak Bara via a long boat ride that braved through Andaman Sea.
Ao Toa Ba Our adventure began with a long boat ride from Pak Bara in La-Ngu District to Ao Toa Ba beach. The highlight here is the nautilus fossils embedded in the limestone rock mountain, dating back to the Paleolithic Age. From here, I learned that the nautilus was actually a squid that morphed into a ‘shelled’ squid throughout its evolution and ended up being a fossil on these rocks after so many years. Seeing these ancient fossils up close was nothing short of fascinating.
But it wasn’t all about the history and geology. We had a delightful picnic on the beach, enjoying local dishes prepared by our guides. The tranquil surroundings, combined with good food and great company, made for a perfect day.
Prasat Hin Pan Yod Next on our itinerary was Prasat Hin Pan Yod, an incredible limestone pinnacle rising majestically from the sea at Ko Khao Yai. The only way to access this natural fortress is by kayak, as the route is narrow and dotted with low-hanging rocks.
Paddling through the serene waters and navigating the cave-like passageways felt like an adventure straight out of a fantasy novel. Once inside, the view was absolutely breathtaking. The open roof of the limestone fortress allowed sunlight to filter in, creating a magical atmosphere that I’ll never forget. I could actually find tiny seashells on these rocks which I find miraculous. Imagine a shell clinging on to the rocks for thousands of years and still firmly attached to the surface despite being washed by waves and strong currents.
Exploring Satun’s Geopark was an enriching experience, blending the awe of ancient natural formations with the simple joys of picnicking on a pristine beach and kayaking through unique limestone structures. If you’re ever in Thailand, I highly recommend adding this hidden gem to your travel itinerary!
You may reach out to this 8Mile Travel Agency at +66 89 298 4549 for more information about this 1-day trip package.
Recently, I had the pleasure of staying at Navakiri Boutique Resort in Satun, the first boutique resort in Satun, and it was an experience I won’t soon forget. Located in the Chalung district, this resort offers a perfect blend of luxury and local charm, making it an ideal retreat for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life from as low as THB2,200 only!
Facilities & Amenities From the moment I arrived, I was served with a welcome drink and snacks; a small gesture which I appreciate very much. I was impressed by the resort’s stunning panoramic landscape as well! Surrounded by mountains and lush trees, Navakiri Boutique Resort provides a serene and picturesque setting. The highlight of my stay was definitely the long saltwater pool, complete with a floating bar. Whether I was swimming or lounging by the pool, the experience was incredibly relaxing.
The on-site restaurant was another standout feature. I indulged in delicious local cuisine that truly captured the flavours of Satun. My breakfast (which was complimentary that came with the room) was a delightful culinary journey, perfectly complemented by the beautiful natural surroundings.
Room & Amenities I stayed in a Deluxe room, which was beautifully designed to reflect the local stories of Satun. It was located on the second floor which came with a balcony, which oversee the salted water pool and beautiful view of hills and mountains. The room was spacious, comfortable, and provided all the amenities I needed for a relaxing stay.
Some of the amenities in the room include: Wi-Fi, bathtub & shower, bath robes, slippers, fridge, complimentary snacks & drinks, hair dryer, work desk, balcony with pool view, TV, towels, toothbrush and toothpaste, cotton buds and more.
About Navakiri Boutique Resort Navakiri Boutique Resort is truly a hidden gem. The exceptional service and attention to detail made my stay unforgettable. The resort is perfect for those seeking a luxurious and peaceful getaway. The serene environment, combined with the stunning mountain views and top-notch facilities, made for an incredibly relaxing and enjoyable holiday.
The resort also offers Wi-Fi in public areas, which allowed me to stay connected with family and friends during my stay. The combination of great hospitality, affordable prices, and luxurious amenities make Navakiri Boutique Resort an excellent choice for anyone visiting Satun.
My stay at Navakiri Boutique Resort Satun was everything I hoped for and more. From the beautiful setting and luxurious facilities to the delicious cuisine and exceptional service, every aspect of my stay was perfect. If you’re looking for a memorable and relaxing getaway, I highly recommend Navakiri Boutique Resort.
Penang has always been a place rich with culture and tradition. Peranakan, also known as Baba-Nyonya, is a cultural group commonly found in Penang, originating from Chinese immigrants who settled in the region and intermarried with local Malays, Indonesians or Thais. This fusion of Chinese, Malay, and sometimes European influences has given rise to a distinct hybrid culture characterized by unique language, cuisine, attire, and customs.
To understand better about the Peranakan heritage, we went to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, located in the bustling streets of Georgetown, Penang. It is also fondly referred to as the “Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum,” an enchanting destination beckons travelers and locals alike to embark on a captivating journey through the annals of Peranakan history.
Entrance fee listEntrance ticket/sticker
Finding the Mansion Located on Church Street, the mansion is easy to spot with its grand facade. Getting in won’t break the bank either; the entrance fee is pretty reasonable, making it a great stop for anyone curious about Penang’s past.
Adult
RM25/pax
Child (6 to 12 years old)
RM12/pax
Child (below 6)
Free
Entrance Fee to Pinang Peranakan Mansion
Mr Stanley, Tour GuideThe sitting ‘Fu Lu Shou’
Guided Tour I lucked out and joined a guided tour led by Mr. Stanley! He had a knack for storytelling, turning the tour into a mix of history lesson and stand-up comedy. His jokes had us chuckling while we learned about the mansion’s past. Guided tour is free, but it is scheduled according to batches. You may check with the counter for the full schedule timing.
Costume rental at the entrance
Dress-Up Time If you are feeling adventurous, you can opt to rent a Baba Nyonya costume. It wasn’t very pricey and it add-on value to the whole experience! I saw many lady visitors wearing the traditional Nyonya costume that day, and that’s definitely a pretty sight. More info here.
TV drama location
A Scene from TV Drama Here’s a fun fact: ever watched the internationally-acclaimed Singaporean TV drama, “The Little Nyonya”, that featured Jeanette Aw, Joanne Peh, Qi Yuwu, Pierre Png, Yao Wenlong and Dai Xiangyu? Well, guess what? Some scenes from this popular drama were filmed right here! Walking through the mansion, you might feel like you’re in the show, adding a cool twist to your visit.
Preserving History More than just a tourist spot, the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is like a time capsule, preserving the stories and traditions of Malaysia’s Peranakan community. It’s a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that makes Penang so special. There are many replicas and real antique items, like furniture, costumes, vase, treasure boxes, accessories, and paintings, to name a few, on display in the huge mansion.
Lady is always rightDisplay of vases from LondonThe bridal room with 2 chickens
Lady is Always Right In the Peranakan culture, there’s a traditional practice where during photographs, men typically sit or stand on the left side of their wives, symbolizing leadership or power. However, in one particular photograph on display, this convention is reversed. The couple chose to do so because it was believed that the man had married into the woman’s family, a practice known as “入贅” (rù zhuì).
This is pricelessKingfisher feather jewelry are made strand by strand
Kingfisher Feather Jewelry There was a set of stunning accessories—a headdress, earrings, and necklace—that are noteworthy. Kingfisher feather jewelry, a traditional adornment, features the iridescent feathers of the kingfisher bird crafted into decorative pieces like hairpins, earrings, brooches, and pendants. Originating in China during the Qing Dynasty, this style gained popularity across East Asia and beyond. The vibrant blue and green hues of the feathers add a luxurious touch to the pieces. However, modern versions often use synthetic materials to mimic the feathers, addressing concerns about wildlife conservation. Mr. Stanley, our guide, mentioned that typically only 2-3 feathers were used per accessory, ensuring no harm to the birds.
Antique shop
Overall, my wife and I had a pleasant time visiting this mansion and learned new things about the Peranakan culture from this visit. I would suggest you to pay a visit in your next trip to Penang and join in the guided tour for a more wholesome experience.
Have you ever imagined going on a big adventure surrounded by nature’s beauty? Well, that’s exactly what I got to experience at Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi, and let me tell you, it was amazing! The entrance fee was RM15 per Malaysian adult and RM8 per Malaysian child. For international visitors, the price is RM40 per adult and RM25 per child.
Adult (13 years old and above)
Children (4-12 years old)
International (without MyKad)
RM40
RM25
Malaysian (with MyKad)
RM15
RM8
Entrance fee
Buggy TourEntrance ticket
We were welcomed by the officers there and the day kicked off with a super fun buggy ride through the park. Along the way, we saw all sorts of plants like pomelo trees, mango trees, durian trees and flowers like sunflower, lilies, hibiscus, each one more colourful than the last.
One of the coolest things we did was planting trees. Our reps got their hands dirty digging a little hole and popping in a tiny tree sapling. They told us it was a “miracle fruit” tree, which sounded pretty magical to me! Apparently, it makes sour things taste sweet. How cool is that?
Then came the hiking part. We trekked through the forest, crossing streams and walking up hills. It was a bit tiring, but totally worth it for the amazing views and all the cool plants we saw, like tongkat ali and some wild mushrooms.
Flying FoxFish feeding
Upon exiting the forest, we reached Mirror Lake. You could see fish swimming around and we even got to feed them, which was a lot of fun. They splashed around and gobbled up the food—it was like they were having a little party!
For those looking for a bit more excitement, you should try this flying fox. Basically, you get to zip-line 150 metres through the trees and over the Mirror Lake. I didn’t try it myself, but watching others soar through the air was pretty cool. The cost is quite reasonable, and you can purchase tickets in advance at the entrance counter or directly at the flying fox station.
Adult
Children
Local
RM30
RM20
Tourist
RM40
RM30
Adventure Flying Fox
Fruit buffetDifferent kinds of local fruits
After the activities under the sun, we were serve with a fruit buffet! Imagine a table filled with all kinds of delicious local fruits like watermelon, starfruit, jackfruit, mango, and papaya. It’s all you can eat, all included in the entrance fee! During durian season, there’s even the chance to savour this exotic fruit, though a small additional fee applies for those opting for durians.
Cute bunny
To top it all off, we visited Bunny’s House—a place where kids could play with bunnies and hares. It would be adorable seeing the little ones laughing and petting the animals.
Photo credit: Max Lim
From my visit here, I learnt that Agrotechnology Park MARDI Langkawi isn’t just a fun place to visit—it’s also doing some really important work to promote sustainable agriculture and planting. Sustainable agriculture is all about growing food in a way that’s good for the environment, the people who eat the food, and the people who grow it.
One of the things they’re doing at the park is planting lots of trees. Trees are like the superheroes of the plant world—they help clean the air, provide homes for animals, and prevent soil erosion. By planting trees, MARDI is not only making the park more beautiful but also helping to protect the environment.
They’re also big on something called agroforestry, which is a fancy way of saying they’re growing crops alongside trees. This helps make the soil healthier and more fertile, which means better crops and less need for harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. Plus, it provides habitats for all sorts of creatures, from birds to bugs.
So, the next time you’re munching on a juicy mango or taking a stroll through a shady forest, take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that goes into making it possible—and maybe even think about how you can do your part to support sustainable agriculture too.
I’m doing my part with sustainable planting and helping the environment by growing herbs like aloe vera and oregano at home. We use them for cooking and making soap. What about you?
The Replanting (Green Tourism) Program for Langkawi Green Week 1.0, organized by MARDI Langkawi, will take place on May 26, 2024. This program is open to everyone and offers various exciting activities related to agriculture and environmental conservation. One of the highlights is the opportunity for individuals to create lasting memories in Langkawi by contributing to reforestation efforts buy purchasing a package starting from RM150 only. Your name will be immortalized alongside the tree you donate. Imagine the satisfaction of showing your friends and family the tree you helped plant when you visit Langkawi again. Let’s all participate in greening our planet once more. Replanting, Go Tourism for Langkawi Green Week!
_____ Like what you read and intrigued to incorporate nature-based travel, immerse in Malaysian cultures, and embark on thrilling adventures into your itinerary? Reach out at 017-407 9734 or 019-303 6008, or email qttgroup.management@gmail.com for additional details and quote referral code QTTNBT-07.
QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.
A day before we bid farewell to Langkawi’s tropical paradise, we indulged in a night’s stay at the exquisite Noba Resort Langkawi. Tucked away on the tranquil shores of Pulau Dayang Bunting, about 15 minutes ride from Jeti Pulau Tuba, I felt irresistibly drawn to the enchanting ambience of the resort. As the sun gently ascended above the horizon, casting its comforting glow upon the serene waters, I sensed that I was about to embark on a truly unforgettable experience, steeped in the nostalgic charm of Malaysia’s cinematic history. The sunrise view from our haven was truly captivating, standing out as one of the most mesmerizing I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing so far.
Stepping into the whimsical atmosphere of Noba Resort Langkawi, I couldn’t help but be greeted by a warm smile at the sight of the brightly coloured chalets, each bearing the name of a classic P. Ramlee movie or song. Whether it was “3 Abdul” or “Madu Tiga,” every chalet felt like a page lifted from a beloved childhood storybook, evoking feelings of happiness and nostalgia. The room I had the pleasure of staying in was aptly named “Ibu Mertuaku.”
Ibu MertuakuLabu & LabiMadu TigaChalet Noba
This cozy chalet provided me with everything essential for a comfortable stay, from a refreshing hot water shower to a television for evening relaxation. Additionally, the resort offered amenities such as BBQ pits and a vast outdoor field for recreational activities, ensuring there was never a dull moment to be had. Moreover, a serene swimming pool was available, ideal for a refreshing dip while admiring the picturesque surroundings.
Swimming poolKapal Layar Bahtera SamuderaInside the roomBathroom
Notably, nestled at one of the seaside decks, there was a striking red-coloured boat named “Kapal Layar Bahtera Samudera,” which is available for overnight bookings! This boat comes fully equipped with all the necessary amenities. I couldn’t help but wish I had the opportunity to stay aboard for a night, adding an extra layer of excitement to my Langkawi experience. In fact, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to witness the sunrise from the “Kapal Layar Bahtera Sahmura”. It was a genuinely tranquil and serene experience, as I patiently waited and observed nature’s magical moments unfold before me.
Good morning sunshine!Beautiful skyLove this view of the sea
In summary, my time at Noba Resort Langkawi was nothing short of enchanting. From the charming P. Ramlee themed chalets to the serene natural surroundings, every moment felt like a dream realized. Noba Resort Langkawi provided me with an unforgettable experience that I will treasure for years to come, particularly the captivating sunrise just outside my chalet.
_____ Like what you read and intrigued to incorporate nature-based travel, immerse in Malaysian cultures, and embark on thrilling adventures into your itinerary? Reach out at 017-407 9734 or 019-303 6008, or email qttgroup.management@gmail.com for additional details and quote referral code QTTNBT-07.
QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.
dixonthum 