Langkawi is a cluster of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Blessed with white sands and crystal clear water, the Pulau Langkawi is the largest, while the others appear to be mere dots in the emerald green ocean when viewed from the air. Legend has it that Langkawi's name is made up of the eagle or 'helang' as known in the Malay Language. 'Lang' for short and in Malay, 'kawi' means reddish brown; thus Langkawi simply means reddish brown eagle.
The islands are richly blessed with a heritage of fabulous myths and legends : of ogres and gigantic birds, warriors and fairy princesses, battles and romance. As a natural paradise, the islands are perhaps unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
How to get there?
By Road The journey by road from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kedah takes about six to eight hours. Visitors car park are available at Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis with a minimum charge of RM 15.00 a day.
By Air The Langkawi International Airport at Padang Mat Sirat is about 20 km from Kuah and 8 km from the beach resorts in Pantai Cenang. Malaysia Airlines and Pelangi Air operate daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur as well as via Penang.
By Rail KTM Berhad (KTMB) provides comfortable and economical rail service, from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and Arau. From Alor Setar / Arau you can take a taxi or bus to Kuala Kedah / Kuala Perlis and from there by express ferry to Langkawi.
Ferry Schedule There is an express ferry service providing regular services between : Kuala Kedah / Kuala Perlis and Langkawi.
Where to stay
Langkawi offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget and taste. Modern luxurious hotels and resorts provide complete facilities for comfort, excellent dining and recreation, including swimming pools and gymnasiums or fitness centres. For those who prefer a touch of rustic ambience, chalets are available. And for the budget conscious, there are smaller hotels at reasonable rates.
Things to do
With a geological history dating back 500 million odd years, the islands contain unique rock formations that stir the imagination and baffle the mind. Numerous caves, with their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, tauntthe adventurous to unravel their ancient secrets. Fine beaches offer sun-filled days of complete relaxation. The clear, emerald waters around the islands provide a host of water sports and recreation, and a magical world of marine life. Nestling amidst the mist-covered hills, limestone outcrops and lush forests are fascinating waterfalls and mysterious caves. The rich diversity of flora and fauna offers the nature lover amazing sights and sounds. For those with a yen for adventure, jungle trekking and boat trips up rivers and around the islands are most rewarding. The rustic beauty of the islands is in itself a compelling attraction.
Kuah - The humble, one-street "capital" of Langkawi. Here you will find many shops and establishments that cater to the varied needs of tourists. The name "Kuah" is a Malay word meaning "gravy" and involves an old legend of two battling giants who overturned a gigantic pot of curry at the spot where the town now stands. Once a rustic town with a few streets, Kuah today is a thriving centre of modern hotels and shopping-cum-business complexes, but without the over-crowding and bustle of modern cities.
Dataran Lang - Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) is Langkawi's most prominent landmark for visitors arriving by sea.
Taman Lagenda - Langkawi's "Legend On The Park" is more than just a scenic park with beautiful gardens of vivid local blooms.
Air Hangat Hot Springs - It is built on four acres of land about 14 kilometers northwest of Kuah. This modern complex includes a 3-tier hot spring fountain, an 18 metre-long handcarved riverstone mural depicting the legends that enshroud this location and souvenir shops.
As the legend goes, two feuding families fought to keep their romantically involved son and daughter apart. On that fateful night, the two families hurled not just insults but jugs of gravy and hot water at each other. Suddenly, lighting bolts pierced the skies and the moment was forever frozen as the heads of both families were transformed into two peaks.
Tanjung Rhu Beach - Tanjung Rhu lies the northern cape of Pulau Langkawi. Aptly named for its abundance of casuarinas, its enchanting beach affords magnificent views of nearby islands which can be reached at low tide on foot. An experience not to be missed.
Gua Cerita - A short journey by boat from Tanjung Rhu brings you to the doorstep of Gua Cherita (Cave of Legends). It comprises two limestone caves, one above the other and faces the sea. As its name implies, the cave is steeped in fabled tales of mystery and romance. There are a number of legends associated with the Gua Cerita. On the walls of this cave, you will see Jawi inscriptions that date back to 1754AD. You will also see rocks that somewhat resemble furniture which gives you a rough idea of how early settlers lived.
Pantai Pasir Hitam - This beach is noted for its black sand, although it's not a real black-sand, just streaks of black through the sand caused by a spring that deposits mineral oxides.
Craft Cultural Complex - The Craft Cultural Complex is located on the northern coastline of Langkawi Island in the vicinity of Teluk Yu, about 30 minutes' drive from the airport or 45 minutes from Kuah town. A wide range of Malaysian handicraft such as hand drawn batik, songket, embroidery, beads, metalware and silverware, all expressing high quality and great craftsmanship.
Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) - Located in the north-western corner of Pulau Langkawi, Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) is a geological marvel.Splashing as a cascade onto the granite rocks below, this fresh water stream forms a series of seven natural pools and is hence called "Telaga Tujuh". These pools, or so-called wells, are excellent universal examples of disolution features in granite called "rock chimneys". Trek through a hilly forest to these wells believed to be the bathing spot of mountain fairies. The lush green forest that surrounds the waterfall adds a mystical touch to the natural splendour. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the waterfall to bathe and frolic. After the bath they are said to leave behind their bathing paraphanalia in the form of sintok roots and limau purut. Those who are fortunate may stumble on these items which when used to wash hair will rinse away bad luck.
Taman Buaya Langkawi (Crocodile Farm) - Taman Buaya Langkawi (Langkawi Crocodile Farm) located at Kubang Badak, some 32km from Kuah. Malaysia`s largest crocodile farm is home to more than 1,000 crocodiles and alligators from all over the world. Interesting highlights of your visit here include a wrestling match between man and this ferocious reptile, an eagle teasing the crocodiles and a visit to the farm`s crocodile skin souvenir shop.
Galleri Perdana - This gallery at Kilim houses an impressive collection of over 10,000 state gifts and awards presented to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamed Ali. The impressive collection of exhibits includes fine crystal ware, gifts fashioned out of wood, leather silver, copper, pewter, ceramics and glass. There are also instruments, Islamic art and craft, textiles and weapons. Outside the gallery, there is a display of various cars and four-wheel drive vehicles.
The Underwater World Langkawi, located at the popular beach of Pantai Cenang, this newest draw card features more than 100 tanks of different sizes. The highlights is a giant tank housing large species such as sharks, stingrays, groupers and green turtles, with 15-metre tunnel for visitors to walk through and have a spectacular view of the exhibits.
Laman Padi Langkawi - This is one that should not be missed for agro-tourism lovers. Located at Pantai Cenang, in the vicinity of the island's popular beach resorts and just two minutes from the airport, Taman Padi Langkawi showcases the history, heritage and development of the nation's rice growing industry. Among the attractions here is a rice museum. displaying artifacts, charts and photographs showing the significance of padi cultivation to the country. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a bird's eye view of the fields from a roof-top garden
Gunung Mat Cincang & Gunung Raya - These two mountains are said to be two legendary giant warriors turned to stone because of their pride. The hill that appears to separate these mountains, Bukit Sawar, is supposed to be the third person who tried to break up the dispute between the giants.
Makam Mahsuri - The final resting place of Langkawi`s legendary daughter, Mahsuri, a beautiful maiden who lived more than 200 years ago. She was a victim of malicious accusations that led to her being condemned to death. In her dying breath, she laid a curse that Langkawi will not prosper for the next seven generations. Fact or fiction, seven generations have since passed and today, Langkawi is a flourishing destination.
Sangkar Ikan - Literally meaning "fish cage", this is in fact a floating wooden platform built by a local fisherman to breed fish in the sea. Various species of fish, including a colourful array of exotic coral fish and other fish, are bred here commercially for the local markets and restaurants. The platform is a novel attraction for tourist as they can view first hand how fish are bred in their natural environment. It also offers the curious and enthusiastic visitors the opportunity to have some moments of fun by fishing from the platform themselves.
Palau Dayang Bunting (South of Palau Langkawi)
Nestled in the midst of lushly forested hills on this island south of Pulau Langkawi is Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), the largest lake in all the islands of Langkawi. The outline of hills and rocky outcrops on one side of the lake takes the shape of a pregnant maiden lying on her back. But the name of both the island and the lake is attributed to a legend of a lovely fairy princess who married an earthly prince. Her first child died shortly after birth. So sad and depressed was she that she buried the child in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Before she returned to her fairy adobe, she blessed the waters so that henceforth any childless maiden who bathed in the lake would conceive thereafter.
Gua Langsiar - Explore one of the island's most awesome caves, home to thousands of bats. On the western coast of Pulau Dayang Bunting, this "Cave of the Banshee" is recommended only to serious cavers with mountain climbing experience as the ascent to the cave demands great climbing skill and absolute physical fitness. Surprisingly, there is an absence of stalactites and stalagmites.
Pulau Singa Besar Wildlife Sanctuary (South of Palau Langkawi)
Monkeys, deer, iguanas and peacocks roam about freely on Pulau Singa Besar which is being develop as a wildlife sanctuary. Picnic on the idyllic beaches and enjoy swimming and snorkelling in the surrounding waters. To conserves the island's natural habitat, no hotels or chalets have been built. Instead, camping is encouraged. Camping equipment is available for rent at reasonable rates while showers and toilets are for the use of campers and daytrippers alike. This back to nature experience is enjoyable and educational.
Pulau Payar (South of Palau Langkawi)
The Pulau Payar situated in the northern part of the Straits of Melaka, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi. Designated a protected marine park, the waters around this area are home to a spectacular selection of tropical fish and is claimed to support the largest number fo coral species in the country. Pulau Payar is endowed with a diversity of marine flora and fauna and many endangered species of organism and fishes dwell within the sanctuary. The park boasts of pristine sandy beaches and its crystal clear shallow water is so inviting that one would be thrilled to dive in and capture the view of multi-coloured marine life.
There are several sandy beaches on Pulau Payar island for picnics as well as hiking trails for those who wish to explore the island. Just off the beach, one can indulge in the thrilling experience of feeding baby sharks. Facilities include gazebos, picnic tables, barbeque pits and restrooms at selected areas. There is also a Visitors' Centre that provides information about the marine park.
Additional Information
The total land mass of the island is 47,848 hectares, while the main island of Langkawi itself has a total area of 32,000 hectares. The main island spans about 25 km. from north to south and slightly more from east to west. The coastal areas consist of flat, alluvial plains punctuated with limestone ridges. Two thirds of the island is dominated by forest-covered mountains, hills and natural vegetation.
Climate
A sunny, hot and humid, tropical climate with an average annual temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is during August/ September, although there are occasional showers throughout the year.
Population
Only four of the 99 islands are inhabited
- Pulau Langkawi (the main island)
- Pulau Tuba
- Pulau Dayang Bunting
- Palau Singa Besar
The population is an estimated 64,792 of which 90.4% are Malays. The other ethnic groups consist mainly of Chinese,Indians and Thais.
Districts
The main island is divided into the six districts of
- Mukim Kuah
- Padang Matsirat
- Ayer Hangat
- Bohor
- Ulu Melaka
- Kedawang
Economy
An agro-based economy of padi and rubber cultivation and fisheries is fast being overtaken by a tourism driven economy, taking into consideration, the natural, unspoilt, ecological beauty of the islands and major Governmental emphasis.
Language
The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, although English is widely used.
Reference
//www.mylangkawi.com/
Updated On: 15.02.13