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:

• Langkawi Night Markets

  First published: 20 Dec 2012
  

  Night markets are a regular occurrence across Langkawi, with these culinary venues being scheduled every night of the week in various parts of the island. They usually start hopping at 17:00 and continue late into the night or when vendors sell out. The vendors are consistent in their appearances, being in tune with what’s popular … read the full post

• Getting from Langkawi to Ko Lipe

  First published: 11 Dec 2012
  

  The island of Ko Lipe is open year round, but due to seasonal rains and currents, getting there directly from Langkawi is only possible from roughly October through April. The absolute quickest route is taking the high-speed boats from Telaga harbour for 128 ringgit one way. Two departure options are available daily from the Telaga … read the full post

• Review: Sheela’s Restaurant and Cafe

  First published: 04 Dec 2012
  

  If in Langkawi some of your party wants to try local Malay cuisine and others are wanting a taste of the West, Sheela’s Restaurant and Cafe is a good spot to try in Pantai Tengah. The atmosphere alone is worth it just to sit and have a beer, because it’s truly a little garden paradise. … read the full post

• Review: Airport Corner, Langkawi

  First published: 20 Nov 2012
  

  With increasing numbers of direct international flights into Langkawi, happy travellers could find themselves killing up to three hours in a rather entertainment-limited airport. Eating is an effortless time killer, but as we all know airport prices tend to be a tad high, especially when it comes to food and drink. But within a five-minute … read the full post

• Langkawi wet markets

  First published: 13 Nov 2012
  

  Langkawi’s wet markets can be superb resources for the budget traveller. Sometimes guesthouses on the island come with kitchen availability or access, and while Langkawi does indeed have grocery stores and minimarts, shaving a few ringgit from your food budget by shopping at wet markets on the island is worth the effort. Anything from freshly … read the full post

• Watersports in Langkawi

  First published: 06 Nov 2012
  

  Tropical islands tend to embrace water sports and Langkawi is no different. The sailing is excellent and contrary to popular belief, clear water snorkelling and scuba diving are available as well. But the two most popular beaches in Langkawi, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah primarily tout no licence-needed, fun-in-the-sun activities; you’ll find an abundance of … read the full post

• Review: Budaba, Langkawi

  First published: 04 Nov 2012
  

  Budaba is a rather funky San Francisco/Haight-Ashbury type of watering hole located in Pantai Tengah. From the exterior it has a rather uninviting vibe because the doors are always closed and it’s a bit dark. But perhaps that’s its beauty — it has mystery. Or okay, maybe it’s just because they have poor lighting and … read the full post

• Kuah, Langkawi

  First published: 26 Oct 2012
  

  Kuah is the largest town in Langkawi and the hub of the island’s commerce and politics. It’s in transition, as is most of the island, away from an island-based economy towards one focused heavily on tourism, meaning you’ll see plenty of old and new juxtapositions. Kuah is a town with a vision for the future; … read the full post

• Langkawi’s interior

  First published: 17 Oct 2012
  

  Most visitors and travellers to Langkawi spend the majority of their time near one of the coastal areas or beaches, say Pantai Cenang or Pantai Tengah. For a different island experience, however, the interior of Langkawi is as active an encounter as the rest of Langkawi. The leisurely pace of the area’s back roads and … read the full post

• Langkawi’s Pantai Cenang

  First published: 09 Oct 2012
  

  Thanks to development, the new part of Langkawi’s Pantai Cenang looks absolutely nothing like it did just five years ago. The plus side of this is that the place definitely looks alive and open for business, regardless of the season; but it also looks and feels a bit chaotic at times. The stretch of road … read the full post