Langkawi Gazette

By Mathijas Nanne

On the road again…. this time heading back home from some grocery shopping in Kuah. My wife was feeling peckish, not me, and suggested this little unknown place - to me at least - on Jalan Pantai Tengah. So we dropped by only to find a place that was nearly dead. Perhaps 5pm is either too early or too late but who doesn’t fancy an ‘Ais kacang’ at that time of the day? The sign board read ‘Selera Lubuk Buaya’ which translates to ‘Dining at the Crocodile Pool'…..hmmm original name, to say the least.

Located right beside one of Langkawi’s many abandoned projects, next to Aseania Resort, this eatery does local food at lunch and dinner. But we came for their Ais Kacang, something hard to find around this area.

by Mathijs Nanne, July 2010

Lunch time was approaching fast and I was very hungry, who wouldn’t be. Together with my 2nd half and our daughter, I was driving along the Langkawi highway, you know the one, double lane, two way, from Kuah town to the airport. I just past the Langkawi hospital towards Padang Matsirat, then a set of traffic lights and at the next traffic lights I did a left turn. I knew what I was after. My wife didn’t and panicky enquired ‘Where are we going?’

On jalan Mata Air, just before the 'Tok Senik Resort', is the Restoran Siti Fatimah. I read and heard about it occasionally but never really knew where it was until some time ago. I must have driven past it at least 3 times before I recognized it. I quickly learned that it is popular by locals and tour operators, as there were plenty of cars and one big bus parked there. I still managed to park though, as with a little bit of creativity you can pretty much park anywhere here.
   

6 January 2009, Tuesday

Although I myself and most of my friends aren't Christians, we celebrate Christmas almost every year. Christmas is significantly different here in Langkawi. There's no snow, no exchanging presents, and no chatting and sitting in front of the fireplace (well, that's how I always imagine the people in cold countries do). Oh yeah! Another difference is that the Santa Claus here doesn't wear thick red suit and deliver presents to children, he wears an airy comfortable Batik shirt, drinks beer and relaxes at the beach. (Like this one in the photo on the right).

10 October 2008, Friday

On the first day WJ came to visit me in July, I brought him to Syook Café for lunch. This café has been doing well for the past 5 years, and it is still attracting a lot of locals and foreigners. Syook Cafe is open-air and it’s a great place for those who fancy a cuppa in the afternoon, some satay after meal, or a delightful western dinner.

25 November 2008, Tuesday

10th September was Wei Jian's 24th birthday. A week before his big day, I made an appointment at Sunsutra for two. While on the phone with the staff, I kindly requested to write WJ's name on a cake which the staff voluntarily said would be prepared specially for us on that very night.

2 January 2010, Saturday

On a fine Sunday morning, me and Joe went to Seasonal Tastes Restaurant in The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa for a luxurious breakfast. Why 'luxurious'? Because they serve free-flow of sparkling wine. For breakfast! How cool is that?!

19 April 2008, Saturday

On April's Fool, that is 1st April, we celebrated Joycelyn's birthday 9 days earlier than her actual birthday. I invited a few of her close friends so that she could feel more comfortable and relaxed among us as I knew that she could only be herself when she's around with people she could get along with.

I invited Leon, our schoolmate whom we have been keeping in touch and hanging out since primary school, and Tifanny, our colleague, to celebrate that special day with Joycelyn.

19 December 2009, Saturday

This post was an outdated post but I still want to blog about it as it's about one of the best Italian restaurants that I'd recommend in Langkawi. One night, Wei Tze said that he would like to try out Mare Blu, which is located right on the waterfront of Perdana Quay at Telaga Harbour Park, provides both a relaxing ambiance and splendid Italian food.