Honeymooning in Langkawi

Our dear friends Jack and Amy recently tied the knot in Hawaii!  Although not our honeymoon, we were able to ride on the coattails of the newly weds' S.E Asian honeymoon as they made their first stop in Kuala Lumpur and later to the beautiful island of Langkawi.We certainly couldn't be happier for Amy and Jack, and feel truly blessed that we had the opportunity to spend time with them over the Chinese New Year!
The first days we spent together were filled with Kuala Lumpur tourist hotspots (most of which I have written about before). However, since it was Chinese New Year, and most of the Chinese people in KL go back to their hometowns, our week was significantly less crowded, and by enlarge, coloured red.

Our week included a trip to the Batu Caves, the National Mosque, street-food on Jalan Alor, henna in Little India, a stroll around Chinatown and poolside days coupled with celebratory drinks. For me, particular standouts were our day at KL's waterpark and a Korean BBQ feast.
Korean bbq was really great (for obvious reasons including grilled kimchi, samgyeobsal and soju) as it made us reminiscent of a place in time. I know it has only been nine months since we left Korea, but after a summer in Canada and six months in KL, it seems pretty distant. For whatever reason, whether it was because it was our first country we lived in abroad, the first real risk we took together, or the friendships we bonded while there, Korea holds a very special place in our hearts. Although not actually in Busan, for two hours we grilled, cheers-ed, and had a Korean friend order for us in Korean. We even topped it off with 'Shark-pops' and a beverage from the mart while watching students trudge off to English academy. Although we often remind ourselves when we are 'homesick' for Korea that one can only move forward in life, it's always nice to be nostalgic.

 The day after Chinese New Year, we figured that the water park would be pretty dead, as many Chinese would still be fulfilling their New Year obligations and family time (perhaps one in the same?). Tyler had been really pushing for a trip to the water park for quite some time and since the prospect of less people presented itself, we jumped on it! Arriving ten minutes before the gates opened and leaving as they shut things down, it was a full day of water slides, wave pools, zoo animals and roller coasters. All was pretty awesomely run-of-the-mill amusement park fun...all accept the fact that Amy and I quickly realized when we stepped out of the change room that we were shamefully unaware, and scantly clad in our bikinis. Have you ever gone to a water park in a Muslim country? Me neither. Have you ever gone to a beach and felt like everyone was staring at you, but in actuality you were just being self conscience and paranoid? If so, our day at the water park would have been your worst nightmare. Wandering around a water park where 98% of women are covered from head to toe, sporting the ever fashionable and liberating 'berkini', we certainly stuck out like sore thumbs. We got the looks, finger-pointing, and the question 'Are you from Europe?" shot our way more than once. We did however, ride the waves like champions and made it out with, (thankfully) no wardrobe malfunctions that can commonly happen while shooting down a water slide.. that would have been just the icing on the cake!

 Midweek, Jack, Amy and I (Tyler joined us a day later due to work) headed to the island of Langkawi, in the Northern part of Malaysia, bordering Thailand. Not having visited any peninsular Malaysian islands, I really had no idea what to expect. Turns out, it was pretty darn great! All things desired and required for a beach vacation were present with abundance. Besides lounging on a beautiful unpopulated beach, throughout the five days we (over)indulged in the most amazing food, duty-free chocolate and beer (a huge welcomed surprise was that the entire island was duty free..30 cent beer, yes please!). Each day was spent dipping in and out of the ocean, building sandcastles, sipping on coconut cocktails and taking in the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen (rivaling only one other we had seen in Bali!). To say the least, it was a pretty lazy and relaxing time away!

By the fourth day we felt like we should pick ourselves up and actually do something, so we settled for an island hopping tour. Although super touristy, it was great to see Langkawi from the water's perspective. We got off the boat and swam in a fresh lake, and at a couple of other beaches...but by about 2pm we were ready to be back on the familiar beach we had made home for the last three days.

Finally on our last day we headed to another part of the island and checked out a cable car up into the mountains. The base of the cable car was conveniently located across from Jack and Amy's new hotel, so we dropped our stuff for the day...ultimately ending up at the beach (surprise, surprise) and coming upon an amazing resort where we enjoyed one last island cocktail and swim before heading off to the airport.

 Although disappointed to leave such a beautiful island, we have benefited, as our eyes have really been opened to the potential of travel in Malaysia! To add salt to the wound, we were saying goodbye to Amy and Jack, as they continued north to Thailand, being totally envious of their upcoming adventures! Nonetheless, Tyler and I will continue our adventures to Singapore for a Valentine's Day this weekend!