Reaching the dizzying heights of Langkawi

Today was a hot steamy day as we sailed into Langkawi - amid spectacular small islands like little emeralds set in a beautiful blue sea. Unfortunately as a consequence of our slower speed, Langkawi was one of the ports where our time has been reduced from a full day to half day, and although we had a great time, we all agreed that a full day would have been wonderful, especially since it is a completely duty-free island.
Before we left home, we had rented a car for Envomarine on Langkawi - a Toyota Avanza which advertised that it seats 6-8 - I think it was just big enough to seat our group of six adults - cost of $68 for 24 hours. Arnold drove as we headed to the Langkawi cable car - and once again I had the opportunity to challenge my fear of heights. Arnold decided to stay at the bottom and take photos, while Anthea, Dennis, Carol, Randy and myself went to the top. Along the road, we were surprised to see a monkey wearing a nappy on the shoulder of a motor cyclist in front of us.
It is school holidays here, and Langkawi is a very popular tourist destination for Malaysians, Indians and Chinese - so there was quite a crowd waiting in the queue when we arrived. Speaking to our friends who went on different tours, it was busy at every attraction. Luckily we arrived at the same time as the first bus from the ship (although they had assembled at 7.30 and we left to get the rental car at 9.00am), so we were pretty much at the front of the queue.
The queue passed quickly, a bit like Disneyland queues, around many twists and turns until we reached the head of the line. Taking a deep breath, I dived on before I could change my mind, as Dennis decided to point out rust on the pylons - and I thought you were my friend.
It is a very steep climb, and I wasn't always comfortable, but I am quite liking stepping out of my comfort zone - I once saw a book called 'Feel the fear and do it anyway', so maybe I have a new motto..... Who knows what is next.... swimming with sharks??
The views were spectacular, breath-taking, amazing and all those other superlatives.... although there was a little mist around. It was such a smooth ride and we were all in awe of the absolute peace and silence as we rose above the jungle below.
Reaching 'terra firma again', we found Arnold sitting in the shade, and headed off to a spa for another first - the Malaysian fish pedicure - we had a group session, where all six of us sat around a small indoor pool, after washing our feet, and gingerly put our feet into the water, to be instantly surrounded by tons of little fish - we all squealed and screamed - yes even the men - it was a very unusual sensation especially for my ticklish feet. After quite a bit of laughing, giggling and good natured banter, we noticed a sign saying - BE SILENT - not sure if we were scaring the fish! We all agreed that our feet felt smoother and lighter at the end of the treatment - about $10 AUD per person for 30 minutes - well worth it if only for the laughs.
All too soon, it was time to go back to the ship for all aboard time at 1.30pm. We stopped to take photos at some beautiful beaches and the marina, passing the international airport on our way.
We assembled on the back deck for sail-away, but it was so hot that we changed into our swimmers and waved goodbye to Langkawi from in the pool, with a Mango Margarita in hand - does it get any better than this???
There was so much more to see, and we would add Langkawi to our list of places to come to again. We now have three sea days until we arrive at Cochin in India - so much to do, so little time.... off to trivia now, then pre-dinner drinks and dinner.
Cheers