Gemalai Village, Langkawi
Category: Mid-Range, Location: Pantai Cenang
This is an eco-resort developed by Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) so that tourists can experience staying in typical Malay style cottages in a traditional village like setting. There are 6 cottages that are made as wooden huts with gable roof made of straws. And they all look like traditional Malay kumpung (village) huts. The resort is located in
Laman Padi in Pantai Cenang.
Battery operated carts are provide from the reception area so that you can travel to and from your cottage. Once you reach the cluster of cottages, there are wooden boardwalks that lead to the individual cottages. The setting around is wonderful. From the balcony of your cottage or through the windows, you get sweeping views of the paddy field around that belongs to Laman Padi. You can also see buffaloes and cows grazing on the field. The serene greenery, crowing of roosters early in the mornings and quiet time amongst nature are the main attractions of Gemalai Village.
Gemalai Village
However at the same time you are only 10-minute walk away from the numerous shops and restaurants located at the main road of Pantai Cenang. Even the famous
Pantai Cenang beach is only a 10 minute walk from Gemalai Village. So it gives you a nice option of village like stay while being at the vicinity of great tourist attractions and great dining choices.
Gemalai - Cottages
Rooms & Amenities
There are two types of cottages and all are close to each other connected by boardwalks. The cottages are all built on stilts because due to rains the grounds of the cottages often get full of water. The superior-cottages have two decks. The lower deck is an open dining/ living area, while the room is built on the upper deck along with a bathroom. The standard cottages do not have any separate lower deck. There is a stairway in each cottage to climb up to the room.
Room in Gemalai
All rooms are wood finished and partially (including the bathroom walls) are bamboo finished. Overall decor looks quite rustic yet modern. In fact you get all modern amenities in the room including queen size bed, wall TV, tea/coffee maker, safe, air-conditioning, fridge etc. The free wi-fi works reasonably well. Attached baths have hot and cold showers, complimentary toiletries etc. The balconies in the cottages are special .... offering great views of the farmland and a relaxing time.
Free bicycles are provided so that you can roam around in Laman Padi complex and visit the different areas here including the rice museum or get to an area to watch paddy cultivation on the fields. Breakfast is included and served in the room (at the lower deck for the superior cottages). It usually comprises of toast, omelet served with vegetables or slices of sausages, fruit juice, tea etc.
What we like about the hotel
The over all setting is excellent - the traditional village style living in Langkawi is rare for the tourists. But this resort tries to bridge that gap.
Pantai Cenang beach, plenty of restaurants, bars and shops are located close by within walking distance. This is a great advantage here.
The service staff are friendly and very cooperative.
What can improve
Accommodations are little too expensive for what they are. The cottages appear to be needing a little more upkeep and maintenance. Apart from service staff willing to passionately help you, there are no other frills or luxury here.
There are noisy roads only 100 meters away from the cottages. So traffic noise can be a concern at times.
The breakfast is monotonous and the same everyday. The hotel offer some variation or choices.
Rates provided by booking.com
Map Location
Contact Information
Laman Padi, Jalan Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Related Articles
|
Visitors' Reviews/Comments
Share your experience.
|
