I was determined to rent a car in Langkawi as it seems to be a much more convenient mode to travel within the island but i was stuck between advance booking for a car online or waiting to see what's available at the car rental booth upon my arrival at Langkawi International Airport.
As it wasn't the peak period when we visited in July, we opted to cross our fingers and hope there will be ample cars for us to choose from in the airport.
Unlike most airports, the car rental booths were located right at the area where we collected our luggage and as you can see from the above, there were more than 20 to choose from and many of the licensed operators were hollering their promotional rates to entice you to take a look.
Now, it's hard to make a decision and i was shallow as i went to the booth with the lady who had the most cheerful smile; Miesya Mesra Travel & Tours!
Rate card as above - i wasn't too particular with the brand and make so long it is a hatchback and decided on the second cheapest option; Perodua Axia (no GPS). Although it was indicated as RM 200 a day, we got a hefty 70% discount as it was the low peak season for tourism!
Paperwork done with the inclusion of a refundable deposit of RM 50. Surprisingly, unlike most car rental companies i had engaged (in Hokkaido, Johor, Jeju Island etc), i wasn't asked to top up on insurance to make it more comprehensive.
Picture of the lady with the most cheerful smile!
Collection of the car would obviously be outside the airport and for a moment, i thought i would be scammed as the instruction given to us was to go out to the airport's official pick up point. My fear was unfounded as a gentleman shortly came over to us. Wait, how did he know it's me?!
Because the lady with the most cheerful smile had taken a picture of us and forwarded it to her colleague for ease of identification! Pretty good picture if you ask me. Haha.
KDY 4081 - our allocated Perodua Axia. Now's the time to check for defects and the first thing i spotted were the scratch marks at the trunk!
More were identified and pictures were taken as evidence since the person who passed the car and key to us had to rush off! Before he left, however, i inquired on the returning of car on the last day as our flight was an early one. He acknowledged the time and passed me his number which i can use to contact him via WhatsApp.
One bar of fuel left?!!?!? Okay, it's an exaggerated expression as the lady with the most cheerful smile had already informed me of this apparently weird practice as my experience so far was full fuel tank when i collected the rented car. Anyway, she helpfully pointed out that there's a petrol station near the airport.
Driving in Langkawi was actually easy (thanks to the low peak season and good weather) and aside from the touristy Cenang area, the roads were not congested and it's not difficult to find parking. Many beautiful sights along the way and if you are the kind who would be distracted, pass the steering wheel to another driver; as i did!
Returning the car was more frustrating for me as the person was late for almost 30 minutes and i am not prepared for another go on missing my flight, as i did in Bali! p.s. the deposit of RM 50 was passed back to me.
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Location of Car Rental Booth
Miesya Mesra Travel & Tours,
Malaysia
Pricing
Perodua Axia - RM 60 a day.
(excluding a refundable deposit of RM 50)
Click here for our 5 days itinerary in Langkawi.
Do u need a international licence for renting?
ReplyDeleteNot for Singaporeans but do remember to bring your local driving license :)
DeleteYes better have it
Delete*love*
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