Langkawi, Day 3

Today we elected to hire a car from the hotel. Not an ordinary car, but a very smart mini cooper convertible. It was quite expensive compared to what we could have hired, but worth each penny for having our own funky, comfortable, lockable transport with which to discover the island.

We set off to circumnavigate the island as best we could, taking in the cable car and the other beaches. Langkawi is the most relaxed of asian ports that I have discovered. It's quite a bohemian place. There's a european yachtie fraternity, living the 70's lifestyle. There's a beautiful, blonde, backpacker set. There are dread-locked travellers, enjoying the cheap lifestyle.

Navigation is a little difficult with poor maps and road signs in Malaysian (what else?) but going by direction alone, we found our way. The island seems quite poor, but not really wanting for much. Our hotel appears to be the pick of resorts on Langkawi. We didn't go around to the Datai or the Sheraton, however.

We made our way to the cable car and while Dom stood in line for access, I stood in line for tickets. Once I made my way to the front of the line I realised that there was a better way - an express line. An adult ticket to the top was $10, and a VIP access ticket was $25 each. I took the VIP ticket, collected Dom from about 9 feet further on in the line, went to the front and boarded the cable car. We saved about an hour of waiting in the heat, at the very least.

There were two towers and we naively exited the car at the midway station. It was already a brilliant view from here, but we had to re board for the top station. Unlike us, most people knew to stay in the car. Being VIPs helped us get back in and continue the ride to the top. This is a magnificent chair lift with long legs between the supports. At the top were two viewing decks, with cloud threatening to envelop us at 700m above sea level. The views were breathtaking.

We travelled the same road further into the range to find the Seven Wells Waterfall. It was 600 steps to the top but I can't confirm that. Legend has it that the fairies would bathe and frolic in these pools. It was a lovely place for a cooling dip, and again the view down the ravine was spectacular. We saw (well behaved) monkeys and many locals enjoying the public holiday.

Further on we came to the Craft Complex, which was interesting in the display of newly created batiks and the museum quarter.

On through the rubber plantations and limestone quarries and jungle, back to the resort. I was very happy to step into the luke warm pool under the blazing sun and order beers from the friendly pool bar attendants.