Langkawi v Tioman
 

Hi <BR>we're trying to decide whether to visit Langkawi or Tioman in July (2 adults and an 8 yr old) for a quiet family holiday to recover from a long trip. We want good, safe beaches, nice hotel complex with good pool, good nearby walks, some interesting places to visit, and good weather - and hopefully not too many mozzies! We're not interested in night life other than a good meal and maybe some local music, and really just want to laze around. <BR> <BR>I've heard Langkawi is great but the sea is a bit murkey, and that Tioman's beach and weather are better but there's some pollution problems and the accom is more crowded. We're thinking of the Sheraton Beach Resort in Langkawi and Berjaya in Tioman - has anyone been there? Any help much appreciated!!! <BR> <BR>regards <BR> <BR>Anne

Hi Anne, <BR>we're going to langkawi within the next few weeks, hope the thing about the murky waters is not true! i love to swim in the sea... and they told us its wonderful. <BR>will let you know when i get back, if i forget, ask me by email! <BR>bye barbara <BR>

I was planning a trip to Langkawi a month ago and spoke to a number of travellers who had been there. They advised parts of the island do have less than ideal water due to construction or shipping traffic. I was advised the best hotels and beaches were adjacent to he Andaman and Datai hotels (which is supposed to be beautiful). The Sheraton may have construction next door (call the hotel and check-I did and they advised they could place me away from the construction). <BR> <BR>Hope that helps!

Hi anne, <BR>do go to Langkawi , its great!! Just got back last week no murky waters, great beaches, everything you want! Need info, mail me! <BR>barbara

Anne, <BR> <BR>I've stayed at the Berjaya in Tioman in October 99. The island is beautiful. The snorkelling was outstanding--so many beautiful coral and fishes. The beaches were pretty (and on the out-islands they were spectacular). BUT, the Berjaya is not so great. The pool area is unattractive, and, maybe I'm sensitive, but the entire property smelled a bit like raw sewerage to me (mixed in with a bit of mold). The food was also just OK. I've heard from friends that dive that a place called Coco's on Tioman is inexpensive, has clean but simple chalets, has a nice pool and great food. If I go back I'll try it. <BR> <BR>As for Langkawi--I've just stopped there on a cruise a year back and snorkeled at the nearby National Marine Park(reached by high-speed boat). You dive or snorkel from a platform within swimming distance of a very pretty white sand beach with a cafe. The water was very clear, but the fish not as colorful as on Tioman (we did see some baby sharks though-very cool). The beach was strewn with plastic water bottles (a real problem in Asia and everywhere else, it seems). If you stay in Langkawi, definitely stay at the Datai---everyone says it is THE place to go. Barbara

Hello <BR>Want to thank everyone for the great info. My husband and I are planning 6 days in Penang and 6 days in Langkawi during March. We are planning to stay in the Mutiara Resort in Penang and the Sheraton in Langkawi. I am a little worried now that the Sheraton Langkawi may not turn out to be as nice as we had expected. Anyone know if they even have a beach to swim in. They seem to be situation among the hill and were not too clear at their Web Site about having a beach or not. Does anyone know anything about the Mutiara Resort? Any suggestions on stuff to do?

Hi Anne: <BR> <BR>We gave just returned from a wonderful vacation in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. We spent five days in Langkawi at the Berjaya - great accommodation and very nice clean beach - no murky water! <BR> <BR>We ate at the hawker stands in Khua town (along the waterfront - they open around 6.00 p.m.) You can choose your shrimp, fish, squid and they prepare it anyway you like. The satay was also great - try No. 1 Seafood! <BR>The trip to the National Marine Park was also interesting. May not be the most colourful fish but I think your 8 year old would enjoy it! <BR>Great bargains on liquor and chocolates! <BR>Have a wonderful holiday!

Hi Anne, <BR>I've been to Tioman with my daughters ( 10 & 15 yr old). The beach is ok. It's a one hotel town, if you can call it a town. We plan to stay there for a week but after 4 days of laying by the beach with nothing else to do, my daughters started to name coconut trees. (If you go there, say hi to Toothpick & George). <BR>We got out of there on the fifth day and went to Kuala Lumpur. <BR>I definately urge you to go to Langkawi or your child will finish naming the rest of the coconut trees.

ttt for Marcus.

Datai vs. Andaman debate - my opinion! Spent probably the most relaxing week of my life at the Andaman last year and thought it was hands-down better than the Datai. We had originally tried to get a room at the Datai but I think it was booked out by the Sultan of Brunei!! The setting of both is stunning (at opposite ends of the most amazing bay), and both are really plush with superb food and all the usual stuff you'd expect in the price range. The Andaman just seemed to be much friendlier and have loads more atmosphere. The staff were SO LOVELY and remembered some people we met who had visited 3 years previously! Not an eyebrow was raised as we trooped through that stunning lobby in our hiking boots, covered in mud. The Datai seemed very stuffy and formal, and all rather straggly and aimless somehow. Fine if you really don't want to see another soul for days, I suppose, and just want a change of scenery from your country mansion with well-trained staff! The guy who runs the nature walks and outings, Dev, was brilliant, really knowledgeable and enthusiastic (and he didn't get us lost in the rainforest like the previous poster). I probably wouldn't have wanted much more than a week on Langkawi though as there wasn't a huge amount else to do or see, but just the place for lying on the beach, swimming and seeing a bit of 'nature'.

Sorry to hear that you found Datai less desirable, Fi.<BR><BR>We stayed there in April and have really loved it. Didn't find it stuffy at all, but rather found the staff quite friendly. Since this is not the usual gigantic hotel, people remember your names within hours.<BR><BR>We had one of those villas buried in the rainforest. 2 balconies. HUGE living room and bathroom. We could stay there forever...<BR><BR>We regretted not spending more time on the premise though - we rented a car and it certainly wasn't the best season to wander around. It was really dry and all the supposedly lovely waterfalls were dried up.<BR><BR>We spend two afternoons at their private beach though. Not too people around which is what we like. Charming beach and lovely kayaking to the neighboring little island.<BR><BR>We did the walk-by-night with their naturalist. Funny and knowledgeable guy.<BR><BR>Can't wait to go back!

Datai and Andaman are sister properties. I had excellent svc fr the Datai staff. Datai is the more exclusive, upmarket one. Andaman's architecture is catered more to the packaged tours. Hvg said that, both are excellent hotels.

It would be interesting to hear from anyone who has stayed at both the Datai and the Andaman (lucky person!). Perhaps opinions reflect different countries of origin. Certainly the Datai is better known in the UK, more heavily promoted and 'trendier' (unlike the Andaman, it is in most of the 'brochures'). Certainly we would have fallen into the trap of automatically opting for it without considering alternatives, had it had a room available at short notice. Personally, we are glad that fate stepped in and led us to the other end of the bay. I would echo the other responder's sentiments that both are wonderful hotels, though I would be less inclined to infer from the 'architecture' the market that each caters to. We also visited the Tanjang Rhu resort which looked lovely from what we saw. I would love to return to Langkawi for another week lying on the beach gazing at 'Paradise' and wish we had got round to going to the Marine Park for the snorkelling, though would not really bother going back to the island for a holiday where I wanted to do much more than that in terms of sightseeing or 'culture'.