sv Khulula cruising Malaysia

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Malaysia - Langkawi
	This is a beautiful Island, very close to the Thai border and well worth a couple of days motorcycle hire. We do not personally like Kuah town, because of the lack of atmosphere for western taste, due to the great Muslim influence. However, there are many stunning anchorages away from it all, at the North of the island (Hole in the wall) and surrounding islands. 'Hole in the wall' which is actually the Kisap river, on the North east coast of Langkawi, is so named because of the relatively narrow entrance to the mangrove forest from the ocean. Once inside you can explore by dinghy the many branches of the mangroves. the various waterways lead to little known caves, home to bats which can be viewed at close range. Some of the caves have been 'improved' to make access easier, whilst others seem less accessible. Exploring the mangroves in silence will reward you with spectacular sightings of Fish eagles, Brahminy kites, various 'monkeys' (watch out for the spectacled long-tail macaques as they forage for crabs), colourful kingfishers, hornbills and giant monitor lizards. The mangrove root system itself provides interesting photographic opportunities. Maidens Lake Situated on Telok Dayang Bunting, this freshwater lake is reputed to be high in minerals and have healing qualities. Cetainly after 10 days of saltwater, we're always pleased to see it!! Our 'secret' access is via an old timber staircase which climbs the lowest point of the mountain and back down to the lake. It is cetainly worth the effort to have the privacy of this end of the lake, out of sight from the new 'tourist' jetty. Mangrove Cave On the same island is an interesting cave accessed through the mangroves by foot. You can climb deep into the cavern through water, sometimes waist high and a little slippy!~ Graeme then explored further into the caves with the stronger members, to find the 3 large caverns accessible through hard climbing (and bat dodging!!!) Needless to say, I did not attempt this one!! Other anchorages on the surrounding islands provide tranquil beauty with steep rain forests, fantastic sunsets which light up the limestone outcrops, and plenty of sightings of giant fruit bats which erupt from the roof of the rainforests as the sun dips into the sea.