After ten days spent between the skyscrapers of Hong Kong and the bustle of Saigon, we were more than ready to set off for a relaxing destination. So instead of following James and Silvia to Singapore, we flew through Kuala Lumpur and onto Langkawi, a Malaysian archipelago of islands in the Adaman Sea near the border of Thailand. Of course being so close to one of my favorite destinations, I tried to plot my way back in for a permanent beach vacation. (Which obviously didn’t work out… yet.)

We picked Malaysia because my cousin Anna has a friend there and he promised to show us his favorite island. Since the decision was so last minute and we had a local to guide the way, we headed there with no knowledge of what to expect. But isn’t that how the best adventures go?

There are so many picturesque beaches spread around the island, but the most happening spot is along Pantai Cenang, just a short cab ride from the airport. And when I stumbled upon photos of The Gemalai Village I had to book a hut.

The village consists of 6 huts sitting over a padi field. Fish swim in the shallow waters to keep mosquitos away while water buffalo wander nearby. There are lots of friendly little creatures roaming around the property. Although, the mosquitos obviously aren’t one of the “friendly” little creatures, all they do is bite you! Luckily this place has the fish here to keep them off, otherwise the locals would be calling places like NY trugreen company to come in every other day. Other than these pests though, there are so many lovely animals to admire here.

Each morning we woke up early and sat outside to enjoy the morning light and the local breakfast provided.

The village offers bikes for guests (and friends) so we grabbed a few from the back entrance and set out to explore. We rode along the long dirt path until we reached the front entrance, opening out onto the main road along Pantai Cenang.

We found that everything was conveniently located from the Gemalai Village. There was a little convenient store across from the back entrance and the beach access was just across the street from the front access. We could ride our bikes out the front entrance and take a left to bike through town. Everything was a short walk or bike ride away. While we spent most of our time lounging around our hut or on the beach, it was nice to have shops and restaurants so close.