For the month of July, 2019, only, the Malaysian island paradise of Langkawi shall be linked by direct charter flight with Nanjing, three times per week.
Catering to the summer school holiday demand of 2019, the new charter service is undoubtedly also a test that possibly lays the ground to a permanent scheduled service, one which would be an absolute delight to Nanjingers.
The temporary flight will be operated by Malindo Air, and shall depart Nanjing Lukou International Airport on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, beginning 1 July and ending 31 July, utilising Boeing 737-800 equipment. Flight OD8647 shall depart Nanjing at 23:55 and arrive at Langkawi International Airport at 05:15 the following day. For the return leg, flight OD8646 will leave Langkawi at 17:00 and arrive Nanjing at 22:55. There is no time difference between Malaysia and China.
Owned by Indonesian Lion Air Group but headquartered in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, the name Malindo Air signifies a cooperative pact between the two countries, derived from the countries’ names, Malaysia and Indonesia. The carrier commenced operations in March 2013.
Known to the locals as the Jewel of Kedah, the archipelago of 99 islands off western Malaysia that comprise Langkawi is the perfect destination for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and all manner of water sports, while it is even possible to hire a private yacht for the day.
In December, 1996, Time magazine ran an article on Malaysia’s rise under the helm of then Prime Minister, Mahathir bin Mohamad, noting, “In 1986, he decided that a neglected island called Langkawi, allegedly under an ancient curse, could be made into a tourist resort; characteristically, he planned many of the architectural features and interior designs”.
Partly as a result, in 2007, on account of its fragile ecosystem and natural heritage, Langkawi was awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status, awarded to places of geological importance. Only 147 such parks in 41 countries can claim the title at present.
According to the Langkawi Development Authority, last year Langkawi brought in over 3.628 million visitors. The bulk are Malaysians, of course, but foreign tourists comprised a significant amount, at just over half a million.
Langkawi also prides itself as being “duty free”; touristing shoppers should beware that this applies only to certain designated shops, albeit plenty of them. According to website, Langkwai-Insight, the best value in duty free items is represented by chocolates, liquor, wine & beer, cigarettes & cigars, perfume, cookware & cutlery, bags & suitcases and sports clothing.
Many duty free stores will also offer a discount on the printed price if paying by cash for some items (especially alcohol). Hurrah; good-old cash still has some use.
Langkawi it is, then. See you there!
