Travelfish correspondent Vanessa Workman

Vanessa Workman was born in Pensacola, Florida and received a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art. Needing a career to move her on through life she studied and became a Respiratory Therapist. Moving to San Francisco, California in 1990, she continued to explore her art and was introduce into the world of web and graphic design.

Visiting friends in Langkawi in 2005 she made the decision to find a hospital position in the region and moved to Singapore 2007. She eventually based herself in Langkawi and settled into the island lifestyle. The location offered a gateway to Southeast Asia, from where she continues her exploration of Malaysia, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong and other destinations on her 'to-do' list.

After engaging in the world of social media she started a website, The Island Drum, as an information source for Langkawi and begin to explore the people, culture and all that the island has to offer. The Island Drum has gone from a Facebook Group to a busy and informative website and continues to challenge Vanessa to seek out new people, places and experiences.
Website: http://theislanddrum.com/

Posts by Vanessa Workman:

• Review: Privilege Restaurant and Bar, Langkawi

  First published: 16 May 2013
  

  Malaysian fusion restaurant Privilege offers a unique Langkawi culinary experience, with five-star dining at three-star prices. The ambiance of this small, intimate restaurant is a refreshing change from the local norm. The interior is contemporary, accented by touches of traditional Malay, with elegant but simple furniture and a view of  Telaga Harbour below and distant jungles. A … read the full post

• Cooking classes in Langkawi

  First published: 08 May 2013
  

  Cooking classes in Langkawi are generally limited to the occasional resort and hotel recreational activity and non-guests are often allowed to participate for a not-so-small fee. But with the influx of new tourist traffic this may soon change, as local cuisine is once again embraced as part of the ‘cultural’ experience tourism package that is … read the full post

• Langkawi waterfalls

  First published: 01 May 2013
  

  Although Langkawi is well known for its beaches and rainforests, the island’s four main waterfalls are also worthy of checking out — they’re picturesque, romantic and best of all free. Several waterfalls and clear, cool pools are tucked away within Langkawi’s rainforest, but Seven Wells is undoubtedly the largest and most popular. Located on Jalan … read the full post

• Review: Soluna Guesthouse, Langkawi

  First published: 23 Apr 2013
  

  Soluna Guest House is the new kid on the block among the guesthouses in Langkawi’s Pantai Cenang. Recently opened, this secluded little rural hideaway surrounded by coconut palms is tucked behind the Laman Padi Museum and is a great budget choice that is only going to improve as the tropical gardens start to flourish. Passing … read the full post

• Sports in Langkawi

  First published: 16 Apr 2013
  

  Langkawi’s activities include everything from paintball to yoga, making it possible to reconnect with an old favourite or try something new while visiting the island. For those who play well with others, the air-con bowling alley at the Jetty Point Ferry Terminal is a great place to chill out between ferry arrivals and departures. If … read the full post

• Island hopping in Langkawi

  First published: 13 Apr 2013
  

  Island hopping advertisements are everywhere on Langkawi. It’s a cut-throat business and prices have slowly decreased in the past few years to the low price of 25 ringgit per person for a three-hour, three-island tour. This low across-the-board price doesn’t reflect on customer service, condition of the boats or licensed versus “freelance”. In addition to … read the full post

• Review: The Cabin, Langkawi

  First published: 26 Mar 2013
  

  In Langkawi’s ever-changing Pantai Cenang, more and more hotels are being built or remodelled, each vying for sea views as taller structures emerge. With their feet firmly planted in the ground, however, The Cabin is a simple accommodation option with a low price tag worth considering if you’re on a budget. At 150 ringgit a … read the full post

• Langkawi’s hot springs

  First published: 21 Mar 2013
  

  Langkawi’s Ayer Hangat Village is home to therapeutic hot springs lying just north of Kuah on Jalan Ayer Hangat and makes for an interesting trip. Malay-style buildings create a village-like environment on the lush landscaped grounds, with cool and hot water pools. A series of small canals run through the grounds and connect hot spring … read the full post

• Medical services in Langkawi

  First published: 06 Mar 2013
  

  Langkawi has most of your health needs covered with, hospitals and clinics available. Here are some words of advice to keep in mind ahead of a trip there — just in case something goes wrong. Langkawi has very good facilities and services available for all but the most critical of medical conditions. Langkawi Hospital (website … read the full post

• Cheap eats in Pantai Cenang, Langkawi

  First published: 26 Feb 2013
  

  With increased international tourism to Langkawi, more mum and pop restaurants are not only surviving, they’re thriving.  Despite increased rents for many local businesses, these family-owned and operated eateries continue to serve their specialty dishes at backpacker prices. We sussed out a few winners in Pantai Cenang that embrace culinary dishes from several continents and … read the full post