Leaving Thailand, Arriving in Malaysia

An interesting part of our trip was the gradual change from Buddhist to Muslim culture as we moved from North to South. When we arrived in Krabi, an increase in head scarves (no offense intended if I called it by the wrong name) and more conservative behavior (less drinking, etc) by locals was very pronounced.

This was a trend that would become even more apparent when we entered into Malaysia. We left Krabi on a beautifully calm morning, with a glassy river interrupted only by the mangroves and limestone that towered out of the sea. Again it was typical travel 'nanigans. To get from Krabi to Satun, we took a van, then a car, then a van, then another van. Like normal, we had no idea what was going on and drivers were yelling things we didn't understand at us and amongst each other. But, like always we made it to the ferry transfer to Langkawi.

On our last van, we were joined by a group of Swedish travelers, Kristofer, Emmanuel, and Emmy and an American/British couple, Heather and Mark. We chatted it up about our home countries and travels during the car and ferry ride, and then ended up sharing a cab with Mark and Heather, who were on a elongated honey moon, traveling the world until their money ran out. We enjoyed their company and ended up eating lunch and staying at the same hotel (right on the beach might I add, just quietly) as them. See below.


It was unfortunate that we had to move along form Langkawi so quickly, because the food was the best we had had on the trip, the vibe was pleasant, and like I said we were right on the beach. It was also sad to leave travel friends, and would have been nice to continue to do some traveling in a group with our new friends from Sweden and AmeriKingdom.


Langkawi has a treehouse hotel... sweet as

Shortly after our arrival, we were treated to a gorgeous sunset that stretched out across the water and endless beach. The beach was buzzing with people (in a good way), the trees were sounding off with bird chirps, and the weather was just about perfect.



For dinner we ate at Telaga Arabic Cafe and Restaurant. The sea platter was perhaps the best of the trip, rivaled only by Padangbai and the Malay noodle dish was the best noodles we had had. We didn't think it was possible to beat Thai food, but it was done... hats off.


We rounded the night off with drinks on the beach and live music at Little Lyla's Chillout Cafe.



Why couldn't we have more time?

Well it turns out the ferry didn't leave until later, so we had a good chunk of the next day to enjoy Langkawi. We spent the morning on the beach outside our hotel, joined by Mark, Heather, Kristof and Emmanuel. While the boys shot the shit in the water and kicked a soccer ball around, Rachel and Heather, who turned out to be from Savannah, just a short distance from Beaufort, chatted. We were having a good chat and then I got stung by a jelly fish and we decided it was time to get out. We returned to Lyla's chillout for lunch before catching the ferry to Penang and Georgetown where Rachel needed to pick up a Thai visa for her volunteer work. Along the way, Rachel almost adopted the baby from the seat in front of us. The mother handed the baby over to Rachel without the request, she was happy to take the kid.



Again we stumbled upon a awesome night market, this one more of a food court with all the Asian food types you could possibly imagine and live singing and karaoke. Dim Sum? Get some!!! Sushi? Yes please. Shishkabab? Can I say yes? I can confirm that one of the many food paradises is located on Leith st and Penang Rd in Georgetown.