I have just returned from a family trip to Langkawi.
We stayed at The Datai, an uncharacteristically extravagant place to stay for this normally thrifty traveller.
![The main pool at The Datai is for over 16's only. There's another pool next to the beach for families with kids .](/2015/08/img_11201.jpg?w=840&h=840)
The hotel is located on a private beach in the north west corner of the island.
![Datai Bay is off-limits to all except guests of The Datai Langkawi and the neighbouring Andaman resort. The island in the distance is Ko Tarutao (Thailand).](/2015/08/img_11311.jpg?w=840&h=628)
It’s a lovely beach bordered by lush tropical forest. The sea water is clean but not as clear as the beaches on the east coast of Malaysia such as Redang or Perhentian.
![Plenty of space at Datai Beach.](/2015/08/img_11321.jpg?w=840&h=628)
One of Langkawi’s top attractions is the spectacular cable car ride on Mount Machincang. The 15 minute trip is over 2km long and rises 680 metres.
Near the top is an amazing curved 125 metre suspension bridge supported by a single pylon.
![Sky Bridge Langkawi](/2015/08/img_1164.jpg?w=840&h=628)
![Langkawi Sky Bridge](/2015/08/img_1170.jpg?w=840&h=628)
Back at ground level we spotted this unusual insect, commonly known as a net-winged beetle. This adult female has a tiny retractable head. Apparently the male of the species looks completely different; like a normal beetle with wings.
![Adult female Trilobite Beetle Duliticola Paradoxa.](/2015/08/img_1197.jpg?w=840&h=568)
If you want to see how it moves you can view this YouTube video: