Geopark Day Cruise in Langkawi Island – A Tour Review

2013/07/05

our sailing Yacht for the day at Langkawi

Geopark Day Cruise in Langkawi Island – A Tour Review

All the cruise guests were picked up at our respective hotels or resorts and shuttled over to the boat marina. Once there we were ferried out to a tall twin-mast sailing ship, a schooner named Tiki.

A jovial Malay crew greeted us warmly and offered us cool drinks, while we waited for the final guests to arrive. In the meantime, we all admired the stunning scenery around us: the calm Andaman Sea dotted by small jungle-clad islands and some distant cliffs on larger, more remote islands.

cliffs & small islands at Langkawi Geopark

Soon the final guests climbed aboard and we set off on a slow cruise through those lush islands. The crew gave us the day’s briefing. We would sail out to an isolated island where we’d eat lunch then swim, hang in hammocks or generally lounge around. Then we’d slowly make our way back and be returned to our hotels in time for dinner.

We were an international passenger group of 15 that day, hailing from England, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Italy, Japan and USA (me). Happily, everyone was friendly, gregarious and in great spirits. We were all on vacation and about to enjoy a full day of sailing amongst lush tropical islands. Before long, we were all fast friends, sharing our daily lives, joking around and marveling together at the stunning rock cliffs and jungle-clad rocky islands.

We had a very comfortable, spacious deck area to lounge on. There was a large central table covered with a full tarp, perfect to protect everyone from the strong tropical sun. There were also open places on deck to suntan for those who preferred to hone their tans. Complimentary drinks were available all day and were quickly served up by the crew on request.

We slowly cruised out to our own private island, a 2-hour sail. Once there we were ferried over to the beach and shady picnic area. A guide took those of us interested on a jungle stroll up to the top of a ridge with superb views over sea and islands.

We also had the options to swim, suntan or kayak. Hammocks were strung out between trees in shade for those who wanted to nap, read a book or just sit back and admire the foliage.

our gourmet BBQ lunch on avprivate beach

Lunch tables were already set out under the trees. A large BBQ lunch was nearly finished when we arrived. By the time we returned from our ridge-line walk, lunch was served. We were treated to a buffet spread of several salads, chicken satay, Malaysian beef Redang, grilled fish, fresh garlic bread, rice and ice cold drinks. Everyone sat around happily gorging themselves and chatting.

After lunch we had a short time to swim, suntan and relax. But before long, our island visit came to a close and we were ushered back to the sailboat. I only wished we’d had more time on the island before heading back.

lunch in the jungle at our private beach

On our return cruise, we were blessed with an unusual siting of dolphins. Not just one or two dolphins, but a whole school of them swimming along, their smooth backs arching gracefully above the calm sea. Occasionally, a playful dolphin or two would flip and twist up clear off the sea in some acrobatic antics. The dolphin siting was another highlight of our day cruise.

All too soon, we reached the marina and were shuttled back to the pier and on to our hotels. It had been an exceedingly relaxing, enjoyable day with much laughter, delicious food and stunning scenery.

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Crystal Yacht Holidays offer day cruises most days during high season and when weather allows during low season. Contact them ahead of time to check the week’s schedule and make a reservation.

They also offer Sunset Evening Cruises, Scuba Diving/Snorkeling Trips and Private Cruises.

Check their website for full details on the various cruise itineraries and prices.

Read my review of their Sunset Dinner Cruise.

(* Note: I’d like to thank Crystal Yacht Cruises for sponsoring me on their very enjoyable, relaxing day cruise. Although my trip was sponsored, all the opinions and comments I’ve expressed here are my own candid views about the cruise. )

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