Travel – Page 13 – dixonthum

On my recent adventure to Tuba Island, a secret spot just a short boat ride from Langkawi, I had a blast exploring with BesTuba, a travel service provider managed by Koperasi Komuniti Kepulauan Tuba dan Selat (KOPTUBAS). Let’s dive into the fun stuff we did:

Braved through the forest before reaching the peak

Hiking to Wang Buluh Cave Geosite (Geotapak Gua Wang Buluh)
I’m really proud of us for hiking through the mountains again, this time on Tuba Island. Remember our adventure in Baling, Kedah? Well, this time we explored the island’s forests to reach Geosite Gua Wang Buluh, a fascinating cave full of ancient limestone and natural formations like stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, and pillars.

There’s even one formation that looks like the Chinese deity, Guanyin Goddess! Wang Buluh Cave sits about 110 meters above sea level in the northern part of Tuba Island. It was formed millions of years ago, during the Ordovician-Devonian period (490-390 million years ago). During our hike, we even saw bats flying around the cave’s entrance, adding to the excitement of our journey.

A villagers demonstrating the weaving technique

Visiting Local Artisans
We went to a village where folks craft lovely bags from mengkuang (screw pine) leaves. The villagers were super friendly and demonstrated us how they weave these leaves into all sorts of things like handbags, clutches, bookmarks, and more. They sell these items in nearby local markets or specialty shops to make a living. It was really cool to see their talents and hear about their cultural customs.

Enjoying Traditional Performances
During our visit, we enjoyed watching a local group called Kumpulan Seni Budaya Harapan perform. They sang, danced, and played music that shared tales from the past. Some were about love, while others were about their own experiences. It was a blast dancing along with the rest of the group!

Island Hopping
We hopped on a boat to check out nearby islands around Tuba. Each island had its own unique beaches and sights. We saw tall cliffs, mysterious caves, and even spotted some wild animals like monkeys, eagles, and hornbills. We visited islands like Pulau Ayam, Pulau Lima, and Pulau Dua, among others. One stop that got me really excited was Batu Reban on Pulau Dayang Bunting. Our guide, Abang Alias, explained that “Reban” means collapsed in Malay. Legend has it that there’s hidden treasure in the cave, but it’s blocked by collapsed rocks. It was awesome exploring the wild from the sea and learning about the island’s stories.

Buggy Ride and ATV Tour
Apart from motorcycles, we have the option to rent a buggy or ATV to get around the island. There are different packages available, so you can choose the one that best fits your group. We decided to add some excitement to our trip by taking a buggy and ATV ride around the island. Despite the hot sun, we had a blast exploring various interesting spots and experiencing local life. One of the highlights was visiting Lekoshow, where they make a popular snack called keropok lekor. It was fascinating to see how they cook and prepare it. We also had the chance to visit a padi field where we snapped some photos with a group of water buffalo!

Squid Jigging at Night
One night, we tried squid jigging. We went out on a boat with fishermen who taught us how to catch squid using a simple fishing string. They used colourful lights like red and green to attract the squid. The sea sparkled with tiny lights from other sea creatures, making the night feel enchanting. When we caught squid, everyone cheered! After doing this, I really admired fishermen for being so patient during the whole thing.

These are just a few of the cool things we did on Tuba Island. Just think about how much fun you could have experiencing them for yourself! Check out the packages BesTuba offers by visiting their social media pages.

BesTuba ferry rides are available daily according to this schedule (to date of posting).

IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_bestuba
FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/Chalet-Terapung-BesTuba
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebestuba

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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.

Food & Drink, Travel

Unwind in Nature: Tuba Island Cottage Offers Serenity in Langkawi

March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 dixonthum

To truly experience Langkawi, you’ve got to spend a night or two on Tuba Island. It’s just a quick 20-minute ferry ride away. Tuba Island, also called Pulau Tuba, sits right next to the main island of Langkawi. The distance between the two islands is pretty short, usually just 1 to 3 kilometers, depending on where you are. Getting there is easy-peasy—just hop on a ferry from Langkawi, and you’ll be there in no time. The ride usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the waves and where you set off from.

Take a ferry from Jeti Pelancongan Kuah to Tuba Island

My own ferry trip with Bestuba took around 20 minutes, from Jeti Pelancongan Kuah to Jeti Pulau Tuba. And guess what? It only cost RM5 per person.

One of the places to stay in Tuba Island is Tuba Island Cottage which offers a serene escape for couples or groups who want a peaceful getaway with comfy vibes and a special atmosphere. This cozy place opened its doors in 2018 and has since become a hit with travelers who want to escape the busy city life and just chill.

Tuba Island Cottage is all about peace and coziness, offering a variety of rooms to fit your needs. There are 10 rooms in total, each equipped with essentials like bed (either single or double), bathroom, air conditioning, TV, and kettle. Among them, six spacious Superior Rooms feature extra perks like fridge, sink, and more space, while the four Standard Rooms provide a simpler but still comfy stay. Plus, there’s a standby room available for last-minute bookings, making sure everyone can enjoy this serene retreat.

From my personal experience, what sets Tuba Island Cottage apart is how close it is to nature. When you’re here, you’re not just visiting—you’re really part of the island’s natural beauty. You can hear the trees rustling and even the chickens clucking. Every moment on the island is a chance to feel connected to the world around you.

Just a short ride or a quick walk from Tuba Island Cottage, you’ll find Warung Pokok Asam, a restaurant that’s only a minute or two away by motorbike, or about a 5-minute walk. They serve up a bunch of tasty dishes, especially prawn noodles like Mee Udang, Nasi Goreng Udang, Beehoon Goreng Udang, Kuetiau Kungfu Udang, as well as Nasi Goreng Ayam, Nasi Pattaya, and lots more, all at really good prices. The restaurant is open every day from 11 am to 11 pm.

This restaurant is a mere 5 minutes walk away from Tuba Island Cottage

If you want a quiet escape surrounded by nature, Tuba Island Cottage is the place to be. To book a stay, just give Puan Watie a call at 019-831 7810. And if you need a ride to the island, they can arrange transportation for a small fee, so you can relax and enjoy your trip without any worries.

@dixonthum
Love the natural vibes here. The cottage is so close to nature, with 2 room types to choose from: Standard and Superior. Not many knows about this place but it’s definitely one you would want to stay in when you’re in Tuba. Contact Kak Watie for booking & enquiry (catch the number in the video 😀) #QttGroupTravel #BestTuba #JupeterHolidays #KembaRojak #NaturallyLangkawi #JomMaiKedah #NatureBasedTraveler #Langkawi99MagicalIslands #NatureBasedTravelers #TubaIslandCottage  @BESTUBA @qttravelsgroup @QTT Group Plt @KembaRojak 📍Tuba Island Cottage, Sungai Teluk Puyuh, Pulau Tuba, 07000, Langkawi, Kedah
♬ Hanya di kau – Tan Sri P. Ramlee

📍Tuba Island Cottage
Sungai Teluk Puyuh, Pulau Tuba,
07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Booking: 019-831 7810 (Puan Watie)
FB: https://www.facebook.com/p/Tuba-Island-Cottage-100057236508135/

QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.

Food & Drink, Travel

Dangau Langkawi: A Hidden Gem of Langkawi’s Traditional Malay Culinary Scene

March 16, 2024March 18, 2024 dixonthum

As soon as I stepped into this restaurant, I felt like it was something special. It’s a place you should definitely visit at least once, if not more, because it’s not just about the yummy food, but also the great vibe. Dangau Langkawi is like a hidden treasure in Langkawi, surrounded by beautiful nature and a really nice atmosphere. It’s tucked away behind Makam Mahsuri, so it’s a peaceful escape from the busy city life. The restaurant’s location lets you enjoy the lovely scenery of Langkawi’s rice fields and traditional village vibes. One cool thing about Dangau Langkawi is that the staff all wear traditional Malay costumes, like what Hang Tuah would wear. It adds a special touch to the whole experience!

At Dangau Langkawi, you can enjoy delicious Malay food that’s full of flavours. They offer a variety of traditional Malay dishes, from tasty ikan bakar (grilled fish) to rich gulai ikan (fish curry) and udang sambal petai (prawns with stink beans in chili paste). You shouldn’t miss trying the siput retak seribu masak lemak (clam cooked in coconut milk), sotong goreng kunyit (turmeric fried squid), and fresh ulam-ulaman (Malay salad) with assorted sambal belacan. The prices are fair and won’t break the bank, making it a great value for the tasty meals they serve.

What makes Dangau Langkawi special is its lovely atmosphere that takes you back to nostalgic village life. The restaurant’s main attraction is the ‘dangau,’ a traditional Malay hut where you can dine surrounded by peaceful padi fields. With the gentle breeze and beautiful sunset over the mountains, it feels like you’re in a picture-perfect scene. That’s why Dangau Langkawi is so popular among Instagrammers who love taking selfies and the beautiful nature around them. Absolutely aesthetic!

Apart from the yummy food and beautiful views, Dangau Langkawi is known for its excellent service. They make sure every guest has a great time. The staff are really friendly and welcoming, and you can even play traditional game like congkak while you wait for your food. We were told that they even have live music on Wednesdays, which adds to the fun atmosphere. It is all about making your dining experience special and memorable!

Based on my experience, Dangau Langkawi shows how simple things and Malaysia’s culinary are really special. The delicious dishes, breathtaking views, and friendly service make it more than just a place to eat. It feels like you’re experiencing the true essence of Langkawi.

📍Dangau Langkawi
Lot 70, Mukim, Kampung Mawar, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Operations hour: 12.30PM to 7.30PM daily (except Tuesday)
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dangau_langkawi
FB: https://www.facebook.com/dangaulangkawi

🗓️ Notice: Dangau Langkawi is taking a break from 5 March to 16 April 2024 due to Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Business resumes as usual from 17 April 2024 onwards.

@dixonthum
Such an amazing experience dining traditional Malay food by the padi field. A must-try at Langkawi! QttGroupTravel JupeterHolidays KembaRojak NaturallyLangkawi LangkawiBestWey JomMaiKedah NatureBasedTraveler EscapeToBeautifulNature Langkawi99MagicalIslands DangauLangkawi  @KembaRojak @QTT Group Plt @qttravelsgroup @dangaulangkawi 📍 Dangau Langkawi, Lot 70, Mukim, Kampung Mawar, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
♬ Tari-Tari Wau – Mohram

QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.

Travel

Experience Pak Raja Villa’s Serene Ambience for Luxury Staycation in Langkawi

March 15, 2024March 15, 2024 dixonthum

I didn’t realize there was such a lovely spot for a relaxing vacation in Langkawi with peaceful views of padi fields and mountains. Discover the tranquil beauty of Langkawi and enjoy a truly relaxing stay at Pak Raja Villa. This cozy place has everything you need for a comfortable and luxurious getaway. Let me tell you why Pak Raja Villa is the perfect choice for your Langkawi vacation.

Accommodation & Facilities
There are 10 houses within the vicinity of Pak Raja Villas, providing guests a peaceful place to stay in the lively atmosphere of Langkawi. These houses are nicely decorated with wooden furniture and classic touches, making them feel luxurious and cozy. Our house has 3 rooms, each with its own bathroom. You can relax and watch your favorite TV shows in the living room. The kitchen has everything you need, like a microwave, toaster, kettle, fridge, and utensils. There is also an iron and ironing board available. Plus, the rooms have air conditioning to keep you cool and comfortable after a long day outside. Parking is easy with a big yard where you can park your car.

Swimming Pool
One great thing about Pak Raja Villa is the swimming pool outside. It’s surrounded by lots of green plants and gets plenty of sunlight. This makes it a peaceful place where guests can relax and feel refreshed. Whether you want to swim or just sit by the pool with a cool drink, it’s a nice break from the busy day. It’s also a good spot to chat with family and friends, especially the kids, while enjoying the fresh air and pretty views.

Accessibility
When it comes to traveling, convenience is really important, and Pak Raja Villa is great for that. It’s only a short walk, about 25 minutes, from the historic Makam Mahsuri and just 20 minutes from the lively Ulu Melaka Night Market. This means guests can easily explore Langkawi’s cool stuff. And of course, you can always Grab or drive when you do not wish to walk. Plus, the villa is close to the city center, about 8 kilometers away, so it’s easy to get to other attractions and things you need. If you’re flying to Langkawi, Pak Raja Villa is just a quick 10-minute ride from the airport, so getting there and back is super easy and stress-free.

Surroundings
I loved the beautiful views at Pak Raja Villa! You can see the island’s natural beauty, like the rice fields, mountains, and blue sky. There’s also a pond with pretty lotus flowers and water lilies. It’s a view you don’t want to miss, especially in the morning.

To me, Pak Raja Villa is the one of the perfect spots for a Langkawi getaway, blending luxury, convenience, and natural beauty. From the comfy rooms to the cool swimming pool surrounded by greenery, everything here is designed for a great stay. Plus, it’s super easy to get to all the cool places around. Whether you’re into chilling out or exploring, Pak Raja Villa has something for everyone. Time to plan for a trip to Langkawi and see for yourself why Pak Raja Villa makes it memorable!

@dixonthum
Imagine waking up surrounded by fresh air, mountain, padi field and bright sky. Loving this place! #QttGroupTravel #JupeterHolidays #KembaRojak #NaturallyLangkawi #LangkawiBestWey #JomMaiKedah #NatureBasedTraveler #EscapeToBeautifulNature #Langkawi99MagicalIslands #PakRajaVillas @KembaRojak @QTT Group Plt @qttravelsgroup @pakrajavillas 📍 Pak Raja Villas Lot 690, Paya Keli, Kampung Padang Gaong, Mukim Ulu Melaka, 07000 Ulu Melaka, Kedah
♬ original sound – Fasha_Ariana_Official – Fasha_Ariana_Official

📍Pak Raja Villas
Lot 690, Paya Keli, Kampung Padang Gaong,
Mukim Ulu Melaka, 07000 Ulu Melaka, Kedah
IG: https://www.instagram.com/pakrajavillas/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/pakrajavillas/

QTT FAM Trip to Langkawi is organised by QTT Group Plt in collaboration with LADA, Jupeter Holidays and supported by KembaRojak.

Travel

Tropical Escapes: Discovering Paradise in Lion Marine, Pulau Singa Besar, Langkawi

March 14, 2024March 18, 2024 dixonthum

Have you heard of Pulau Singa Besar (Singa Besar Island)? Pulau Singa Besar is situated southwest of Langkawi, and well-known for its pristine tropical beauty, boasting sandy beaches, dense jungle, and rugged limestone formations sprawling across 1,572 acres (636 hectares). Serving as a wildlife sanctuary, it shelters a diverse array of creatures including macaques, mouse deer, hornbills, peacocks, lizards, and eagles. I am so lucky to be able to visit this island via the arrangement of Lion Marine Agency. By a chartered ferry ride from Teluk Baru Jetty to Lion Marine, we reached this pristine island in just 10 to 15 minutes, with the boat docks at Lion Marine, granting passage to a realm of natural splendor.

Nature’s Welcome: The Beautiful Beach
As we landed on the beach of Lion Marine, we were welcomed by the beautiful view of Lion Marine’s clean beach. The sand on this half acre land was soft and the water was a sparkling blue, reflecting the sunlight. The peaceful atmosphere invited us to relax and unwind, with the sound of the waves soothing our minds.

Activities to Embrace the Island’s Charms
At Lion Marine, there are plenty of things to do to make your visit unforgettable. For example, this is the best place to take a leisurely walk along the coast while snapping pictures of the peaceful scenes.

@dixonthum
Discover this amazing island, Lion Marine in Pulau Singa Besar! Add this to your to-go list. You won’t regret it. #QttGroupTravel #JupeterHolidays #KembaRojak #NaturallyLangkawi #LangkawiBestWey #JomMaiKedah #NatureBasedTraveler #EscapeToBeautifulNature #Langkawi99MagicalIslands #LionMarineLangkawi  @qttravelsgroup @QTT Group Plt @KembaRojak 📍 Lion Marine, Pulau Singa Besar, Langkawi
♬ Under the Sea – Michael Hanley & Disney Peaceful Piano & Disney Peaceful Guitar

As we were feeling adventurous, we tried snorkeling to see the coral reefs and amazing sea creatures underwater. It was my first time snorkeling and it was pure joy and excitement! I took some time to get used to breathing through the snorkel, but it was all part of the fun! Oh, and a handy note – there are two restroom facilities equipped with showers available, ensuring convenience for cleaning up after our aquatic adventures. Please be aware that while these facilities may not be the cleanest, they are still functional and suitable for use.

There’s a café on-site where you can savor delicious food and drinks. Picture yourself sipping fresh coconut water right by the beach – it’s truly a blissful experience! Moreover, Lion Marine Agency arranges beachside barbecues upon request, just like the one we enjoyed. It was wonderful having the staff assist with the barbecue while we enjoyed a variety of dishes including grilled squids, prawns, chicken wings, sausages, satay, and fried rice.

A Haven for Team Building
Besides its stunning environment, Lion Marine is an excellent spot for fostering teamwork and friendship. If you’re a corporate company or part of a large group, you can organize team-building activities here, strengthening bonds among your colleagues that extend beyond the island. Whether it’s enjoying beach games, tackling challenges together, or collaborating on group projects, Lion Marine offers opportunities for shared experiences and personal development.