Langkawi - archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea

[Presea]

The thing about the "non-official" car rental is that it does not include the typical "official" things like insurance, ... although I'm sure if the car broke down, he would be able to supply a replacement vehicle quite quickly.

The Premacy I drove was an auto.

I suspect most are autos (they have cars from Kancils [likely a manual] to perdanas to 11 seaters!).

 

But if you're not comfortable with the lack of coverage, Kasina is your best bet.

 

At night, I encountered only 1 road terrorist.... me. My wife was struggling to follow me, and in most places around the west side of the island, there are no street lamps, so if you're not used to driving in the dark (except for your headlights), it's a little daunting. For me, I like it!

 

I'm actually driving to Port Dickson in January (with 7 adults and my 3 kids). Intend to take my fairly new car for it's virgin trip... and to test certain "aspects" of the car. This time, it's basically my family, my parents and my in-laws!!!! It's the second time we're doing driving up together.... becoming an annual tradition I suspect.

We're actually going there to check out how good the Avillion is.... Hope the Villas are worth the price.

 

 

cheers

[Siewss]

That's the whole trouble with shady businesses that's particularly prevalent in Malaysia. You are only certain that you've have not been taken advantage of only if you bother to do your homework and be prepared to do some hard bargaining.

 

I'll try my luck with other rental firms 1st and will turn to Kasina if nothing favorable can be had - worst case I'll just have to settle for taxis, which probably means even more bargaining.

 

I've done quite a fair bit of pitch dark driving, but the wandering livestocks is still a major concern. I probably will stay off the night driving if I can help it.

 

And yeap, Avillion is great, but don't go with high expectation for the water. It's murky and green. Unless you have a penchant for hotel food, you needn't sign up for the full board package. There are plenty of eateries around PD.

[Dwoon]

When will you be in Langkawi.....

 

I might be there too.... if I manage to get the accomodation..... I'll be spending Christmas there if the accomodation works out .....

[Siewss]

Tentative date is 17~20 Dec. Accommodations are still plentiful if you book today. Booking direct from the hotels in Langkawi turned out to be more expensive than discount hotel sites. I've tried a couple of them, and so far pinganchorage.com and malaysiahoteldiscounts.com quite reasonable. Are there any that you're using?

[Tanzy]

Avillon was a let down. The hotel wasn't too bad as a whole but the rooms are simple by "water bungalow" standards. They were more like "deluxe kelongs". The water was terrible. Worse than our East Coast muck. You can see the factories and industrial buildings in the distance further down the coast. The food was only so so and not exactly cheap. Hotel parking is safe since my car was not stolen. The best part was the highway from North South to Port Dickson. Empty and smooth. Hit top speed there but got stopped by their tax collectors and because it was above 200km/h so I had to pay double.

[Dwoon]

Nope... not using any discount hotel sites.... I'm checking availability from my timeshare, so using my alloted days in Penang & Langkawi. Its rather late to be doing the booking, so I'm hoping there's still availability.

 

My plan is to drive to Penang on 21st Dec, stay a night there, take ferry to Langkawi and stay from 22nd to 26th, check out 27th Dec and head back to Penang, stay another night in Penang and then dive back.

[Siewss]

Which Langkawi resort is offered under the timeshare plan? Is it discounted or the cost is accounted for by the upfront fee? That's 7 day 6 nights in Langkawi, so I think you can cover every single attraction on the island. I'm only staying 4 days 3 nights, but for the room rate at almost RM2.3k, I could have stayed at decent mainland hotel for 8 nights.

 

Anyway, 21st to the 25th is the super peak period, so if you're not paying superpeak rates, I guess you picked the right time.

[Dwoon]

I'm on Berjaya timeshare and the resort offered is Berjaya Langkawi (tink its only 3 stars). Cost is accounted for in the upfront fee so don't need to pay anything more..... whether peak or low season.... its just a matter of availability....

 

I'll be there only for like 4 nights, the other 2 nights are in Penang..... which is also using my alloted timeshare days....

[Siewss]

I was considering Berjaya also but in the end got persuaded by those trip forums that Pelangi is far more family oriented.

 

If you still have a choice, go for the water chalet - it's more romantic.

[Dwoon]

I can't afford the water chalets... its premier rooms are very expensive.... besides, I'm only allowed their normal rooms under my plan. If I want the premier, have to top up quite a hefty sum as it's 3 grades above.

(especially so during the super peak period)

[Dwoon]

Ha... I just got confirmation that the dates requested (22nd to 25th Dec) for Langkawi is confirmed and secured for me ..... (its my alternate choice)

 

Now on awaiting list for my 1st choice which is actually Cameron..... if that doesn't work out, then Penang/Langkawi it is since it is already locked in for me.

[Siewss]

That would be the Garden Chalet then - that's cool too!

 

Will you be renting a car to move around? I read that Berjaya is at a far-off location away from the main amenities, so having 4 wheels will greatly increase your mobility, especially since you're staying for 5 days.

[Siewss]

I've got confirmation for Ipoh, Cherating and Langkawi, and I'm left with Port Dickson and Lake Kenyir.

 

Where will you be putting up in Cameron? You must eat steamboat in the evening - it's really shiok!

[Dwoon]

Will rent a car when there... been searching around for cheap ones but all the advise I've read so far, is to go there and then bargain there and then.

 

Wonder is it a good idea to do it this way.... its the peak season and I don't wanna be caught having to pay super high rates.

[Dwoon]

I'm trying to get Equatorial Chalet (not hotel block)..... apparently it is already full.... so have to wait to see if anyone cancels their reservations.

 

Maybe will use my 2 nights stay at Seri Malaysia hotel on the way back (something that I just won at the Malaysia travel fair at Suntec)

[Siewss]

I think that's probably the best way - but turn on your negotiation skills to the full and never go for the 1st offer.

 

Worse come to the worst, instead of getting a Japanese car, just settle for a run of the mill Perodua or Proton, to stay within the budget.

[Siewss]

Does your timeshare includes Century Pine? If so, it's a hotel worth considering. Since it's located in the heart of Tanah Rata, meals will certainly be a non-issue.

 

Wow, lucky you, to win a 2 nights stay. Have fun!