Tag Archives: vacation plans

99 East Golf Club

Posted on September 5, 2012 by | Leave a comment

Having grown up in Florida and California I’ve played my fair share of ‘miniature’ golf (Putt-Putt), had a few ‘professional’ lessons and I’m quite accustomed to the sight of visor wearing golfers. In fact, I think they actually started the American ‘vacation-wear’ fashion trend of colorful pastels and Bermuda shorts.

But golf is much more than just looking tan and fashionable, it’s a game of precision and skill.  Skilled golfers are a dedicated people who challenge themselves every opportunity they can, perhaps that’s why my own skill level is dismal.

99 EAST IS PICTURESQUE INDEED

But a recent Facebook conversation with my new friend Aliboy, revealed his employment at Langkawi’s 99 East Golf Club. I was surprised to find out it  this new golf venue had been open for over 6 months and I hadn’t even noticed. (I’m usually good at noticing).

So Aliboy invited me down for a personal tour, which I quickly accepted. I hadn’t been on a Golf Course in Southeast Asia yet, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I seriously wasn’t certain there wasn’t  local wildlife grazing amongst the whizzing golf balls.

PLENTY OF STAFF TO ASSIST GUESTS
ALIBOY 2nd FROM RIGHT

When I located the entrance, just off the main Highway to Kuah, I saw a different world indeed. The world of golf. They were quite busy with locals
and tourists arriving and departing. All looking quite content in their recent challenges.

Seeing 99 East Golf Fairways in the late afternoon really enhances the tiny little nooks and crannies. I suppose a well versed golfer would use this to their advantage, making me think that any particular course at various times of the day would be skill enhancing.

VIEW FROM THE CLUBHOUSE

I’m not one to refer to golf courses as picturesque, but as Aliboy took me hole to hole the view got increasingly more spectacular. Arriving at hole 5 it was difficult to pay attention to the detailed explanations and finer nuances of  birdie vs eagle, when looking at the panoramic view of  Mount Cincang to the west and Kuah Bay to the east.

And it’s very quiet on the fairways. I can see why golf helps decrease stress, especially when the course is in such a relatively natural setting. I could suddenly picture myself teeing off and being  part of the Langkawi community of golfing enthusiasts, so I made a mental note to sign up for refresher lessons. Ok, beginning lessons again.

ALIBOY EXPLAINING ‘STRIPED’ POLE, I SEE A ‘PATTERN’

The 9-hole course can presently be played twice around to become 18 holes, but an additional 9 holes are being developed to be opened later this year. Designed by Ross Watson, the course has influences from Australian and Scottish
courses, making it a unique challenge in Southeast Asia. You can read a
detailed descriptions of each hole’s characteristics on the 99 East Golf Club website .

In addition to a challenging and beautiful golf course, they have equipment available for sale and rent as well. So no need to pay that extra weight luggage fee if flying into Langkawi for a holiday. Lessons are available with an onsite PRO as well as The Yard Arm Restaurant , open 7 days a week 7AM-8PM. Where even if you aren’t a golfer, you can kick back and enjoy the surrounding scenery in a relaxed and un-rushed environment.

 

99 EAST GOLF CLUB
Jalan Bukit Malut
Langkawi
Tel: +6 04 955 1153
For Golf Club Bookings : bookings@99east.com
http://www.99east.com/index.php/99-east-golf-club


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Suriwathi Hotel: Kuta, Bali

Posted on August 20, 2012 by | Leave a comment

On my recent trip to Kuta, Bali I had planned to stay in a 15USD a night private room, found via web search. Arriving at 11pm and finding no one at the airport to meet me (as I had requested), I took it as a ‘sign’. So I negotiated with a few too eager taxi drivers and went looking for a place to stay.

BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS OF SURIWATHI HOTEL

Knowing that I was rather at the mercy of my taxi driver and his potential ‘arraignments’ with area hotels, I anticipated a late night tour of the city. But surprisingly he seemed to remember a particular hotel as an after thought and delivered me to Suriwathi Hotel . And surprisingly he had no commission arraignment,  just one of Bali’s many hospitable  people.

A SMILE LIKE THIS EVEN AT MIDNIGHT!

I was pleasantly surprised to find this small ‘resort’ had standard rooms  for 25-35USD a night, with aircon, hot and cold showers, television and breakfast included. Their upper end villas and bungalows  were also reasonably priced. Unfortuantely no WIFI is available in the rooms at this time, but it is fast, free and efficient  in their open air restaurant.

COZY BUNGALOWS WITH RELAXING GARDEN VIEW

The open air restaurant is next to the pool and bar and feels more like a lounging area than a ‘hurry up and eat’ stuffy restaurant. There’s free breakfast for guests and a choice of four set meals from 8am-11am. You can also order from the regular menu until 11pm at night: Western, Indonesian and delicious salads
(the chef salad is especially nice).

POOL CONVENIENTLY LOCATED NEXT TO BAR AND RESTAURANT

The staff at Suriwathi Hotel all  speak English and are eager to ensure guests’ comforts. Obviously a compliment to Manager Madi  Widane, who is quite a charming host as well. Any arraignments you need assistance with, they will do their best to take care of.  And with a genuine smile.

CHARISMATIC MANAGER MADI WIDANE

The gardens at Suriwathi are beautiful and quiet, although adjacent to a rather popular street. It is within walking distance from an ATM, money changer, mini markets and a variety of restaurants. It’s also only a few blocks from the beach, where there are plenty of people renting or selling anything from cold beers to Indonesian kites.

ONE OF THE GARDEN SHRINES

Kuta is  one of the nearest stops after landing in Denpasar,Bali. For me it’s an excellent base camp. Although it may seem like crazy chaos to a new arrival, after a few days in town you can feel the balance of a solid community. The people of Bali are helpful and genuine, being respectful to them will indeed get you respect back. And my best tip? Although tempting as it is to immediately start ‘shopping’, wait a few days when your newness isn’t so apparent.

 

Suriwathi Hotel
Sahadewa Streat No 12 Legian – Kelod
Kuta Bali – Indonesia
 Tel: +62 361 753162
Fax:  +62 361 758393
suriwathi@yahoo.com

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Posted in Bali Places to Stay, Indonesia

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Oriental Village, Langkawi’s ‘Magic’ Kingdom

Posted on August 16, 2012 by | Leave a comment

I recently read a BLOG that compared Oriental Village to Disneyland, but not really in a flattering way. It seemed offensive to me, because I’ve always enjoyed the ‘village’.

ENTRANCE TO ORIENTAL VILLAGE

I’ve usually been there with friends or a group and that often makes these kinds of outings more festive, so maybe I missed something. So I decided to revisit Oriental Village by myself and take a second look.

CABLE-CAR-VIEW OF ORIENTAL VILLAGE

It was a quiet Monday and, having no one to distract me, I wandered around and absorbed the sights and sounds. I was told that the original plan for  the village was to be more…”oriental”, but it has more or less morphed into it’s present day incarnation.

LOTS OF SHOPS

At first glance it may look like a typical tourist ‘trap’ touting ‘stuff’ and it does have its fair share of knick-knack and souvenir shops, but if you look carefully you may see more. What I realized on this quiet Monday was how pretty and peaceful it is there.

LAKE AT ORIENTAL VILLAGE

I wandered around and watched people. I watched people watch other people. Tourists and locals alike enjoying Langkawi’s “Disneyland”. People from all over the world were there not only for the Panoramic Cable Car but for Oriental Village. They may have been as surprised as I was to find there was more to it.

VISITING FAMILY

The Anjung Spa and its Doctor Fish, is an interesting experience and not available in some countries, such as the United States. There is also a resident Tiger to get up close and personal with. Zanah was actually  bred from a special conservation program at the London Zoo, and not captured in the wild.

ANJUNG SPA DOCTOR FISH

The Duck tour is a recent addition to the village and even the most uptight traveler will find themselves smiling as they go from land into the Andaman Sea in a large motorized Duck. It’s funny to watch and fun to do.

DUCK TOUR AMPHIBIOUS ‘VEHICLE’

Oriental Village recently added pony and cart rides too. And if you think  people don’t like having an experience like this? Well they do. In fact those ponies are so cute you can’t resist!

VILLAGE PONY

There’s also an Elephant Ride and  maybe not affordable for all, but honestly do you think it’s cheap to feed an elephant?  Bragging rights alone are worth the few extra bucks. It took me 45 years to have an Elephant Ride experience in another country and it’s a wonderful memory.

THIS ASIAN ELEPHANT IS HUGE!

There are plenty of shops selling everything from ice cream to wind chimes to quality clothing. OCAS, recently opened their high end yet reasonably priced clothing store. Their unique concept showcases traditional yet contemporary Malaysian designs.

OCAS MALAYSIAN DESIGNS

But I think the thing that really embraces Oriental Village is seeing happy people. Strangers taking photos of other strangers so their whole group can get in the shot, genuine smiles , people from all over the world mixing and mingling makes me feel good, personally. Like this group from Korea, who let me join them just for fun. Maybe it is a bit like “Disneyland”, but in a good way.

MEETING NEW PEOPLE!

There’s even more things to do at Oriental Village than I mentioned, but I’ll let you discover them for yourself. And please feel free to share with us your own experience about Langkawi’s ‘Magic Kingdom’. Located at the foot of Gunung Mat Cincang, and the entry to the Cable Car. Open daily  DIRECTIONS

 
Oriental Village
Burau Bay,Langkawi
Tel: +604 959 3099

 

 

 

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Tubotel? Don’t Be Square Lah!

Posted on August 9, 2012 by | Leave a comment

The Tubotel is located just north of Pantai Cenang out on the base of the breakwater for the Langkawi Lagoon.The original Boat Quay building is still there but simply renovated to offer the budget traveler a comfortable and welcoming environment. It’s also within walking distance of Pantai Cenang across the river bridge and through the small kampung.

WELCOME TO TUBOTEL!

You don’t notice the accommodation ‘tubes’ until you enter the open-air lobby. The large round 7.5-ton concrete pipe sections are lined up facing the small harbor and the sea beyond.

WALKING DISTANCE FROM PANTAI CENANG

They are unique and simple. Each has a glass front and large double doors to let in the sea breeze and frame the fantastic view.

NOT JUST A ‘PIPE’ DREAM

Each ‘Tube’ room has a lot of ventilation and there is no need for air conditioning as the thick concrete walls keep the interior cool all day round.
This is about simplicity, location and, well, recycling abandoned materials into
a functional environment. 

ROOM WITH A VIEW

The three saltwater pools reflect the environmental philosophy of the hotel. Water is pumped into the pools from the sea and drained back into the sea when not in use. No chemicals, no recycling pumps and filters.

ECO JACUZZI, A LANGKAWI 1ST

The Tubotel has a restaurant and bar that offers a simple and affordable menu with soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas and pizza along with the option of a set meal. With live music 3 nights a week and it becomes a relaxed gathering place for hotel visitors and locals alike.

ANYONE FOR A GAME OF POOL?

The common toilets and showers for hotel guests are clean and pleasant, but not ‘En suite’, so it may not be for the traveler that wants his or her privacy. But simplicity, value and quality with great attention paid to recycling and conservation of energy and water make the Tubotel a unique and intriguing accommodation choice.

 

Tubotel
Jetty Pelancongan Chenang
Kuala Cenang, Langkawi
Tel: +6012 329 4094

 

 

 

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Satun Bound!

Posted on July 13, 2012 by | 4 Comments

My feet need to move, to travel, to explore. It’s not for everyone and I admire those who find home and hearth their comfort, the steadfastness that they
need. It just doesn’t work for me, maybe it’s in my genes. My parents were consummate travelers and out of us three siblings I seemed to have inherited
the traveler genes like a favorite pair of old Levi’s.

SATUN WELCOME WAGON

QUIET BEACH IN SATUN

Now my traveling pants have lured me off to Thailand for a short visit. Just 4 or 5 days. A quick fix for my wanderlust. Destination: Satun, Thailand. Not an entirely new destination, having been there before on a short day trips looking for boat parts with some yachty friends.

To be honest I hadn’t given Satun much of glance as we sought out parts and had a quick lunch before heading back to Langkawi. This time I planned to see what Satun was really like.

LANGKAWI FERRY, SATUN BOUND!

I caught the Langkawi to Satun Ferry in the morning from the Ferry Terminal in Kuah. There are 6 ferries a day offered by 2 ferry companies. The short ferry trip takes you in amongst some of Langkawi’s eastern most islands before hitting open water.

SATUN FERRY BUILDING

As Langkawi slips behind the Thailand coast immediately comes into view. Once you arrive at the Satun Ferry Building you clear immigrations and customs. The next task is getting the 15 km or so into the town of Satun.

JAEBILANG TOWN SOUTH OF SATUN

There are taxis, motorcycle taxis and the bus. Traveling alone I chose a motorcycle taxi. The official motorcycle taxi drivers can be identified by their orange numbered vests. For 60 baht or about 6 ringgit I was dropped off at my hotel, the Wang Mai, a little past the town center. It’s very reasonable with clean rooms, all with new air cons and nice views.

I set off on foot for the town center past the Polis Station, the colonial style Governor’s Mansion and towards the central mosque. I immediately noticed how clean and orderly the town is, indeed a sign of community pride.

DOWNTOWN

Coming down the main road through town I recognized On’s Living Room, a small restaurant and bar that I’d had lunch at on my previous trip. It was closed but just down the street a new On’s had opened.

ORIGINAL ON’S

ON

More of a Bistro with live music Thursday through Saturdays it also has 3 guest rooms available upstairs, all with aircon. On and Trevor are repairing the roof on the original On’s Living Room and it’ll soon be reopened. On and Trevor are just 2 of the great people you’ll meet on a visit to Satun.

ANGYEE GUEST HOUSE

I stayed 2 nights at the AngYee Guest House later in the week. This art café and guest house is absolutely beautiful and comfortable and you soon feel right at home. Mam and Cheah treat their guests as old friends and garden is a cool and relaxing place to hang out on a hot day.

MAM AND FRIENDS

MY HOST CHEAH

There’s so much to see and do in and around Satun that I’ll be back to explore some more. There’s a local beach, Spirit Rock, the central market, the Satun National Museum, 2 wildlife reserves, waterfalls , hot springs and even a National Park all within an hour of Satun!

SATUN NATIONAL MUSEUM

SPIRIT ROCK TEMPLE

I hired a scooter from Cheah and spent two relaxing days exploring only part of the surrounding area. Beautiful Thai countryside, beaches and villages to stop and check out. And of course there’s the Satun night market that offers all sorts of Thai treats to eat.

SEAFOOD RESTAURANT AT THE BEACH

JUST A GLIMPSE OF SATUN NIGHT MARKET!

 Satun is a beautiful and quiet town just across the sea from Langkawi. It’s a great place to spend a few days but I’d recommend a week. The slow pace of life, friendly people, great food and lots to explore make it a true destination town.

 

 

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Posted in Satun, Thailand

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