Nothing beats being marooned on a deserted island with the love of your life! Especially if the two of you have just braved your own big, fat Indian wedding – and want to lose the crowd. An unusual choice for a honeymoon destination is Langkawi, an archipelago of 104 islands in Malaysia’s Kedah state. The Maldives is overpriced; Seychelles out of fashion; and the Andamans too close to home. Langkawi’s tropical forests, wooded hillocks, palm fringed beaches or remote uninhabited islands are better places to go missing. While you’re at it, don’t fret about subsisting on coconuts, love and fresh air because you could…
Turquoise sea, white sands and a warm breeze, Langkawi is a surreal experience waiting to happen
Take A Langkawi Cruise Instead
Tour operators in the region offer various kinds of cruises – sunset, day cruises to the UNESCO protected rainforest known as Geopark, overnight cruises to tourist attractions in other parts of Malaysia, or diving and snorkelling cruises to Thailand, across the border. Get on board a private luxury yacht from the most developed area, Pulau Langkawi. Take in the views from the deck-top Jacuzzi while sailing, enjoy barbeque lunches and spa-pampering on-board, get a thrill from snorkelling under professional guidance and end with a romantic candle-lit dinner before retiring to your private quarters. A cruise is the best way to discover Langkawi’s far flung islands leisurely - particularly Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Beras Basah.
Enjoy a cruise on the azure waters and marvel at the breathtaking views | Photo Credit: amrufm /flickr
Spoil Yourselves At A Luxury Spa Retreat
The South East is known for its exceptional spa therapies and Langkawi is no exception. Since the island is at the crossroads of major sea-trading routes, rejuvenation therapies of several cultures are practiced here. Beauty practices of the local aboriginal rainforest tribes, Orang Asli, leave the ladies radiant. Spa menus include Ayurveda from India, Shamanic traditions of Hawaii, Chinese treatments, North America’s hot-rock massage, local Buddhist monk therapies and Thai massages. Langkawi’s spa hotels such as the Frangipani Spa & Resort, Four Seasons and Rebak Island Resort capture spectacular views and sounds of the rainforests or sea. Discover their sensory treats at one of these hideaways.
Indulge in a range of spa therapies and natural treatments amidst beautiful surroundings
Check Into Your Private Villa
For lovebirds, hotel staff and the presence of other guests may intrude on this romantic interlude. Private vacation rentals in Langkawi are as luxurious, but offer more privacy. Several kampung vacation homes are built traditionally, panelled with dark-wood, and most have private pools on the property. Rentals vary from US$ 10 a night, to thousands – depending on your budget and tastes. Taxis in Langkawi are cheap, so getting into town from a vacation rental in a rainforest, wet land or desolate beach, is feasible. Some local families provide home-cooked meals to short-let tenants, but do venture out to eat at restaurants in Kuah Town, Telaga Harbour, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah. Cleaning staff come in periodically, and some rentals even provide basic groceries.
Spend romantic moments with your beloved in the comfort of a private villa | Photo Credit: Dave/flickr
Picnic In Style
With over a hundred islands to choose from, raise a toast to your love amidst surf and sand – with only turtles for company. If the touristy ‘Picnic Tables’ at Beras Basah aren’t your thing, take a speed boat to islands like Pulau Pasir and Sand Island for a champagne meal with chocolate-dipped strawberries, set out of designer picnic mats. Hotels like the Four Seasons even arrange these outings for their guests.
Enjoy a champagne meal with your loved one on a secluded island
Splurge Your Wedding Cash
The island is a duty-free haven for shoppers, so this is where you should buy designer handbags and electronic gadgets with cash gifts from your big day. Kuah town is a shopping hub with street-side markets and fancy malls. Be it high-street brands, perfumes or liquor – goods are sold at the lowest, tax-free rates.
Don't forget to shop in Langkawi's duty-free shopping haven | Photo Credit: Prayitno/flickr
The best way to access this island haven, is to fly to Kuala Lumpur, and speed-boat it to Langkawi. Save big with MakeMyTrip’s holiday package featuring both destinations.