LANGKAWI – Though Langkawi suffered a major drawback during the pandemic as its economy is almost entirely dependant on tourism, new establishments have now opened and old businesses have rebranded to cater to crowds coming in from all over the country, and soon, all over the world.
New in Langkawi
Mercure Langkawi Pantai Cenang
Situated along Pantai Cenang’s 3km-long stretch that teems with hotels, bars, restaurants and spa establishments, a new Accor-brand hotel was launched by former prime minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the weekend.
Mercure Langkawi Pantai Cenang is built on prime land that is part of Cenang Plaza and Cenang Mall. Owned by PL Soon Huat Realty Sdn Bhd, part of the original structure stands where the Paloma Hotel used to be before it was demolished to make room for the hotel that is part of a three-phase, 10-year project.
Now that this part of the beach strip is alive again, the hotel’s 99 Islands Lounge and Bar in the lobby is ready to serve guests a myriad of alcoholic beverages from well-crafted cocktails, to fine French wines, to beers rarely found anywhere else.
Rockafellers Langkawi
As Pantai Cenang begins to be saturated with the opening of businesses again, nightlife has seemed to have spilt over to the once quiet Pantai Tengah, located adjacent to the strip.
Langkawi’s newest hot spot has got to be Rockafellers Langkawi, a branch opened by Olive Tree Group. They opened their doors in mid-April, all geared up for the endemic transition announced just two weeks later.
The KL-area mainstay's most popular items quickly became the Northern Indian tandoori sizzling platters, grilled crusty steaks, wines, cold beers and whiskeys
Splash Out Langkawi Waterpark
It is unfortunate that after its opening in December 2019, the world was quickly hit by the pandemic and Splash Out Langkawi’s operations were badly affected. However, they were able to pull through two dreadful years to welcome crowds into the 12-acre water theme park located in Kuah town.
Perfect for those who like an adrenaline thrill, they’ve got slides that range from a one-story climb to a six-storey drop. There are also chill rides on rafts available for those who are not keen on heart-stopping activities.
Rebranded in Langkawi
Yellow Cafe and Bar
One of the famed hotspots along Pantai Cenang, where gorgeous sunsets can be enjoyed, is Yellow Cafe and Bar. Customers love coming in for pizzas and drinks and they used to operate as an all-day beachfront restaurant.
However, owners Thierry Phal and Uliana Govorukha told The Vibes they lost lunch and day business during the pandemic because most local tourists did not fancy heading out to the beach during the daytime because of the heat.
To cater to the crowd’s needs they refreshed their concept by introducing a supper club with air-conditioning that starts from 5pm to suit their guests' demands better. Since then, crowds made up of locals and expatriates have been seen partying till late at the establishment.
Sunba Retro Bar
Sunba Retro Bar, which was once frequented by locals and tourists alike, had to close its doors throughout the lockdown period as there was not enough business to sustain the establishment. However, on April 30, one day before the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, their doors reopened to partygoers once again.
Red Sky Restaurant and Bar Langkawi
Introducing a more family-friendly approach, Red Sky Restaurant and Bar Langkawi features interactive murals around its eatery at Pantai Tengah. It now features a larger-than-life gorilla mural that is seemingly climbing forward from the wall.
According to the owner, Datuk Alexander Isaac, all six murals will be completed in two months. With a new executive chef in town, the restaurant also features an updated fusion and local menu. – The Vibes, May 11, 2022
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