dixonthum

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.”

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.

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.

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.

@dixonthum
Beautiful sunrise at Noba Resort Langkawi. #QttGroupTravel #BestTuba #JupeterHolidays #KembaRojak #NaturallyLangkawi #LangkawiBestWey #JomMaiKedah #NatureBasedTraveler #EscapeToBeautifulNature #Langkawi99MagicalIslands #NobaResort  @KembaRojak @QTT Group Plt @qttravelsgroup @resortnoba
♬ golden hour – minlee remix – JVKE & minlee

For booking or enquiry, check out Noba Resort Langkawi platforms:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/resortnobalangkawi
FB: https://www.facebook.com/Resortnobapulaulangkawi/
Website: https://nobaresort.com/

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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.

Travel

Exploring Tuba Island, An Unforgettable Adventure with BesTuba Langkawi

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 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

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.

Food & Drink

AVANTÉ Hotel’s Santapan Rasa Sayang 2024 Ramadan Buffet Dinner Returns!

March 16, 2024March 16, 2024 dixonthum

Great news, guys! The highly anticipated Santapan Rasa Sayang 2024 Buffet Dinner is back! Reminiscing the roots and origins of iconic recipes from all across Malaysia. Served at Chek’s Coffee House, AVANTÉ Hotel, guests can sample signature dishes handpicked by the hotel’s Chefs, featuring the diverse ingredients and flavors of each state.

Daily, a different variety of dishes will be served and rotated throughout the buffet period. This season’s signature dishes are presented by Chef de Cuisine, Chef Arih bin Ahmad and Junior Sous Chef (Malay Kitchen), Chef Yana — Daging bakar masak lemak, a Negeri Sembilan classic, harks back to Chef Arih’s fond memories of his mother’s cooking. Spiced with serai, cili padi and kunyit, the smoked beef tenderloin (‘daging salai’) is then paired with creamy santan, a combination that melds spicy, rich and smoky flavors, a traditional dish that whets the appetite.

Over from the East Coast, Sotong Sumbat Bakar packs a spicy kick with sambal belacan, dried chilli, creamy santan and serai, stuffed in fresh squid and grilled to crunchy perfection. For the first time, Chef Arih and Chef Yana have also taken on the challenge of combining their recipes to present a harmonious medley, the classic Rendang Tok. A Perak delicacy, beef tenderloin is marinated by our Chefs in a myriad of spices including coconut kerisik, lemongrass, kunyit, garlic, onion, star anise, cinnamon and more, slow cooked to maximise its burst of flavor.

Other signature dishes include Perut Masak Lemak Cili Api and Ayam Percik. With unmissable showstoppers of tender, juicy Kambing Kebuli with rice, sliced and served piping hot at the buffet, guests are welcome to sample all, from Rendang Ayam Hijau, Ketupat Palas, Satay, Sup Tulang and Murtabak, to Gearbox Soup, Kebab, Roti John , Udang Masak Lemak, Ikan Patin Masak Tempoyak, Nasi Tomato, Sup Kambing/ Perut, Pecal & Lontong, Kerabu, Ulaman and more!

A fine selection of international dishes will also be served: black pepper fried crabs, sushi, salted egg squid, BBQ steak, Hong Kong braised Yee Mee to name a few. Catch our chefs making crispy sizzling Apam Balik, or enjoy the ‘Goreng-Goreng’ stall – Pisang, Sukun, Keledek, Cekodok, Cucur Bilis and Cucur Manis. End the night on a sweet note, Dodol, Kuih-Muih, ABC, Bubur, assorted French pastries and fresh local fruits.

Santapan Rasa Sayang 2024 Buffet Dinner
12 March – 9 April 2024
6:30pm – 10:30pm
Chek’s Coffee House (Level G), AVANTÉ Hotel

Normal Price

Adult	RM198 nett
Senior Citizen	RM138 nett
Child	RM108 nett

UP TO 20% OFF FOR ONECARD / Maybank / UOB / CIMB / Avis Malaysia / BSN / AFFIN / Petron Miles / Hong Leong Bank / Alliance Bank
NOTE: 12 March – 18 March 2024 AND 9 April : 20% OFF
19 March – 8 April: 10% OFF
*Applies for adult price only @ RM198, with minimum booking of 2 persons

For bookings or enquiries:
Tel: +603 7681 7666 / +603 7681 7777
Whatsapp: +6016 302 7838
Email: cheks@avantehotel.com.my
*T&Cs Apply, dishes rotated on a daily basis

About AVANTÉ Hotel
AVANTÉ Hotel, Bandar Utama, located in the heart of Petaling Jaya, is connected via 10 minutes elevated covered walkway, to Bandar Utama MRT Station and one of the world’s largest shopping malls, 1 Utama. The hotel, which officially opened on 26 November 2021, has an impressive 610 hotel rooms; guests can pick from Superior, Deluxe and Suite rooms (including rooms configured for physically challenged guests), all furnished with curated designs. The Suite rooms also feature a Kitchenette, equipped with a microwave, fridge and induction cooker, making it especially ideal for business and/or longer-stay travellers. AVANTÉ Hotel also provides ample covered car parks, including valet service.

The Grand Ballroom comes with a state-of-the-art sound system, geometric chandeliers and a pillarless ballroom layout – a direct view of our 4 huge built-in LED Screens. Also available are 2 VIP holding rooms and a classy, ventilated smoking lounge. Across Level UC, G and 1, meetings, corporate dinners, conventions, exhibitions, romantic weddings and more, the hotel’s Grand Ballroom and 11 Conference / Function Rooms of various sizes are an ideal event destination.

On the level 15 facilities deck, guests can enjoy the saltwater infinity pool, connected jacuzzi and wading pool, CHXpress Fitness 24/7 (open 24 hours), Beauty & Wellness Centre and Kiddies Club. The hotel’s wide array of tantalising and affordable dining options include: Chek’s Coffee House (all-day dining), Poolside Bar, and SkyDeck rooftop dining.

Follow their Social Media for more updates
Website: https://www.avantehotel.com.my/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/AvanteHotelBandarUtama
IG: https://www.instagram.com/avantehotelbandarutama