Adventure

Locale

Climb up Penang Hill on a Funicular Train

shutterstock_171744539

Located at Air Itam, Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera is a mountain retreat and one of the most popular places to visit in Penang. Covered in lush green tropical forest, the surroundings of Penang Hill will truly bring you some peace of mind. The hill qualifies for a perfect getaway with family or friends.

How to get to the Penang Hill?

The most fascinating way to go up and down the hill is to take the funicular train. A fairly fast mode of transport, the rail track cuts through the forest taking just 5 to 10 minutes to reach. For adventure, try grabbing the seats at the bottom-most and topmost cabins while going uphill and downhill. Witness the city emerge before you as you go uphill and experience a roller coaster-like ride while going downhill.

Funicular Train taking you uphill
Funicular Train taking you uphill

Board the train at the base station of Air Itam and take in the views of the surrounding valleys as you go up. Once at the top, breathe in crisp cold air and immerse into the beautiful setting of the hill. You can also sip on some fresh juice or grab a bite at the restaurants on top of the hill. With a Skywalk and a few walking trails, the Penang Hill forms a good photographic location. Take a leisurely stroll to visit the temples and gardens or use the toy train service to go around.

Other attractions at the hill include a love padlock area, a viewing deck and a Curtis Crest, a walkway.

Vie from Penang Hill
A view from Penang Hill

Create a personalised Penang itinerary with Locaguide and talk to your designated travel guide on including a trip to Penang Hill. During your Penang city tour, do make it to the top of the hill with the funicular train ride. Make this your much-awaited place to visit because the journey seems as beautiful and exciting as the destination!

0
Locale

Langkawi Cable Car: experience the steepest cable car ride in the world

steepest cable car 2

If you want to feel on top of the world, then riding the Langkawi Cable Car is a must! Also known as the Langkawi SkyCabs, the cable car ride offers a panoramic view of entire Langkawi and its surroundings. High enough to get a direct view of the waterfalls and flora, the cable cars also allow you to spot the wildlife on the island.

Langkawi Cable Car
Cable Car

The enthralling Langkawi Cable Car ride

Starting at the foot of Mt. Machincang, the cable car rides to the top of the mountain. It goes about 708 meters above sea level. The entire ride is split into two halves and you have the option of getting down at the middle stop.

The middle station allows you to walk till the viewing deck and get a closer look at the flora and birds around. And luckily, you can also see some wildlife catching up on their daily nap. If you want to try other activities then take the Sky trail and trek up from the middle station. The rewarding view at the end motivates enough to ensure that you complete the trek.

The Sky Bridge at Langkawi
The Sky Bridge in Langkawi

Further up, an unparalleled view of lush tropical forests and the surrounding ocean and islands will welcome you. You can see the bigger picture with multiple sites and monuments all visible in the same frame. Once at the top, walk along the Sky Bridge if you want a diverse view of the mountains. Later, indulge in a meal 700 meters above sea level. A perfect reason to just cherish the view for a bit longer, before you begin the ride down

A Guided Experience

When planning your Langkawi itinerary, add a pit stop at the Langkawi Cable Car for a thrilling experience. Build a personalised itinerary with Locaguide and talk to your designated local travel expert to make time for this activity. Ask your local guide to plan your day such that you do not miss the mountain view.

1
Locale

Visit the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

A beach at the Marine Park

Located a short ferry ride from Kota Kinabalu, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a group of five islands. They are situated off the coast of the Sabah state of Malaysia, in the South China Sea. The islands remain the perfect place to just spend a day eating, relaxing and enjoying the view. If you wish, you can spend all day on one of the white sandy beaches or go explore the islands. Known for their marine life, the islands constitute for some spectacular underwater life.

Aerial view of the Marine Park
Aerial view of the Marine Park

Out of the five islands, Gaya island is the largest and one of the more developed ones followed by Manukan and Sapi. These three islands attract all the tourists in the marine park, and for good reason(s). While Gaya holds some of the best resorts, Manukan and Sapi have world-class diving and snorkelling spots. You can choose to dive down and explore the coral reefs, or snorkel and watch the life underwater. Alternatively, activities like kayaking or parasailing are also popular ways to enjoy the marine park’s beauty.

How to get to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park?

To reach the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, try getting onto the first ferry from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Why first? so that you get ample time to island hop or spend exploring the underwater world. The last ferry back to the mainland leaves around 5 pm, so you get enough time to explore the islands. However, if you feel extra adventurous, you can camp or stay in a resort on one of the islands, if the weather permits it.

A jetty at Manukan Island
A jetty at Manukan Island

To make the most of your island discovering day, it is a good idea to be accompanied by a local tour guide. The one who would know how to explore the marine park and help you take your mind off the logistics. Consult a guide from Locaguide to plan your whole day and help you select the best diving and snorkelling spots.

0
Locale

Explore Bali’s Hidden Canyon at Sukawati

Post 12 Bali’s Hidden Canyon Img1

Snuggled away among the quiet villages of Sukawati is a little gem that though hidden, is no secret— the Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon. It boasts remarkable rock formations and is a haven for those who want to enjoy some peace and solitude.

An excursion to this little paradise will excite the adventurous at heart with a 2-to-3-hour trek, involving rock climbing and wading through knee-deep water.

Bali’s Hidden Canyon at Sukawati
Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon

Beji Guwang’s deep and rugged ravine was formed with thousands of years of erosion from the Oos River. This eventually left it looking like the masterpiece it is today. The excursion will follow the Oos river and will take you through a set of three canyons, where you will navigate slippery rocks and varying water levels. You will trek for as long as you can enjoy the sunlight. If hiking isn’t really your forte, you can enjoy serene spots within the canyon that are perfect for yoga or meditation.  The raw beauty of the chasm is bound to enchant you. There are several sections hidden by a canopy of plants and trees that entwine themselves on the craggy surface of the rocks. So, it is always safer to call your guide in advance before you head out.

While you may like to venture out on your own, the slippery steep rocks can be risky to navigate, unless you have an experienced guide alongside. Locaguide can help you find a local tour guide who can not only help you navigate these canyons safely but will give you the chance to discover the lesser traveled parts of the gorge. You will need to do a considerable bit of climbing, jumping, balancing and pulling yourself up rocks, but they will seem much less daunting if there’s someone to guide you. 2