About Langkawi

The Mystical Paradise

Langkawi island is separated from the far northwest coast of peninsular Malaysia by
the Straits of Malacca.
Sunset Cruise with
Cocktail or Dinner Tour

This gorgeous cluster of 99 islands lies on the

Andaman Sea, just south of Thailand. Langkawi, noted
for its legends and beautiful views, is the most
developed in the group. It has good beaches, abundant
marine life and offers an idyllic retreat from the urban
jungle. A duty-free port, this island of scenic, tranquil
landscapes, has become a favorite destination for local
and international visitors alike.
Price: From USD $52.50
Langkawi is accessible by ferry from either Kuala Duration: 2.5 hours
Kedah (75 minutes) or Kuala Perlis (45 minutes).
Ferries usually leave on the hour from 7.00 am to 6.00
Set sail in the evening from
pm. Both ferry terminals offer ample parking facilities
Langkawi Island and
at just RM5 per day.
witness the spectacular
sight of a tropical sunset
You can also easily reach this island via Malaysia over the Andaman Sea.
Airlines or Silkair in about one and a half hours from
Singapore. It take less less than that from Kuala
On board a luxury yacht
Lumpur via Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia. Numerous
relax and take time to
international airlines offer non-stop flights to either
enjoy either Cocktails or
Kuala Lumpur or Singapore from Asia, Australia, the
Dinner served on board
Middle East, Europe and North America.
while soaking up the
scenerary.
Your first glimpse of the island from the air reveals a
tranquil hideaway with shimmering blue waters, sun
Click here to book it
kissed beaches and swaying casuarinas trees.
now!
This tropical paradise's landscape is painted with miles *Services provided by Aviator.
and miles of white sandy beaches, marbled mountains,
vast paddy fields and rural villages, secret caves, and pockets of virgin rainforests
dating back millions of years. Langkawi is a feast for your eyes and your soul. There
are lots of enjoyable activities that you can do during your stay in Langkawi.

Langkawi's limestone cliffs and caves are geological masterpieces, believed to be 500
million years old. The island is home to some of the oldest mangrove river swamps
and ancient rainforests where rich flora and fauna abound.

This beautiful mystical island has its own legends and there are some fascinating
stories connected to several tourist attractions.
Langkawi is warm and sunny all-year-round. Humidity is high and the annual
average temperature is 25C - 32C. The island was named after two Malay words -
"lang" (eagle) and "kawi" (reddish brown).

The islanders are Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai descent and many still live a
languid lifestyle, reminiscent of their ancestors. Islam is the dominant religion,
although there is freedom of worship. The official language is Bahasa Melayu, but
English is widely spoken.

History of Langkawi

The most famous story in Langkawi narrated from one generation to the next until it
now became suspended between history and legend is the story of Mahsuri, the
beautiful maiden who lives 200 years ago. She was wrongly accused of committing
adultery and was sentenced to death. Her death is the core of the Langkawi most
famous tale.

The story arises during the reign of Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah the Second
(1762-1800), a man named Pandak Maya came to Langkawi seeking for his fortune.
After eating some enchanted rice grains, his wife was soon blessed with a beautiful
daughter, Mahsuri, who eventually married Mat Deris, the son of Langkawi chief. Her
beauty let to jealous and wrongful accusations of adultery and Mahsuri was
subsequently condemned to death.

During the execution at Padang Hangus, she was stabbed with a special Kris (Malay
dagger), and witnesses claimed to see white blood gushing from her wound, as if to
prove her innocence. Instantly, a mysterious mist shrouded the area. For the
injustice done to her and her unborn child, Mahsuri laid a curse as she died -
Langkawi was not to prosper for the next seven generations.

Only a few years after the Mahsuri's execution, the Siamese invaded Langkawi in
1821. In order to starve the enemy, Kato Kerma Jaya ordered the village's granary
to be burnt. Even today, remnants of the burnt rice can be seen re-surfacing from
the earth on rainy days at Kampong Raja in Padang Matsirat, the ancient capital.
After this episode, the island fell into a period of obscurity and was beset by a series
of smaller misfortunes.

Langkawi's development was slow up to the 1970s, when the population was still
fewer than 2,000. In the mid 1980s (which is the end of the seventh generations!),
the islands began to flourish with government plans to promote the archipelago as a
tourist destination. Langkawi International Airport was built and more ferry services
from Peninsular Malaysia were offered to cater the escalating number of tourists.

On 1 January 1987, the Federal Government declared Langkawi a duty-free port to

further boosted the popularity of the islands. And in 1990, the Langkawi
Development Authority (LADA), which is housed in the LADA Complex, was created
with a mission to further develop Langkawi as a tourist hotspot and to improve the
socio-economics conditions of the local people.
On 13 January 1996, Malaysia saw the launching of MEASAT I into the earth's orbit.
Langkawi was then chosen to house the MEASAT Satellite Control Center to monitor
and control all MEASAT satellites in-orbit operation. The erection of the center at
Gunung Raya, the highest peak of the island, brought Langkawi's name up further in
the world map.

Today, Mahsuri's curse is believed to have been completely ended and the Mahsuri's
Mausoleum was erected to honor her innocence. Also, the descendants of Mahsuri's
family line were officially welcomed back to the island from Thailand in March 2001,
by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Now, with its population of more than 60,000 Langkawi has become a venue for
various international events and world meeting. Even so, Mahsuri's story is still told,
retold and continue to live in almost every place you visit on this fabled island.

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What To Do In Langkawi
You just arrive in Langkawi and are scratching your head... wondering what to do in
Langkawi? You would be really surprised at the amount of things that you can
actually do on the island. Langkawi is a very beautiful island, and trust me, you'll
find your holiday is too short to explore every single thing that Langkawi has to offer.

Adventures | Bird Watching | Duty Free Shopping | Eating Out | Fun Beach Activities
Golfing | Island Hopping | Night Market | Night Driving Range | Other Water Activities
Resort Hopping | Snorkeling | Swimming | Sight Seeing | Spas & Massage |
Yachting

1) Adventures

If you likes adventures, be sure not to pass the chance to exploring some of
Langkawi cool caves such as Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and Gua Kelawar (Cave of
Bats). Gua Cerita is located by the beach and can be reached by a 30 minute boat
ride. Outside the wall, there are paintings that is believed were painted by the
ancestors of the aborigines of Australia. Also on the walls of the cave there are also
ancient inscriptions that resemble the holy verses of the Koran, although they are
not legible enough to read.

Another cave is Gua Kelawar (Cave of Bats). This cave is located deep in the
mangrove swamp near the Kilim River. It can be reached by having a boat ride
through the mangrove swamp. The boat journey will takes about an hour, going
through spectacular landscapes of hills and limestone cliffs before reaching the
mangrove swamp. These unique limestone rock formations have been variously
nicknamed the Temple of Borobodur, the Elephant Stone and the Hanging Gardens.
To reach the cave, some navigation through the muddy, shallow river is required.

Apart from the three caves mentioned above, there are more caves that can be
explored they are Gua Buaya, Gua Landak, Gua Balai, Gua Tok Sabong, Gua
Langsiar (Cave of the Banshee), Gua Pasir Dagang, Gua Dangli and much more.

2) Bird Watching

There are lots of places for you to do some bird watching in Langkawi. The best place
to do this family fun activity is at the Langkawi Bird Park, where you can see various
types of birds and of course find some nice bird collectibles for souveniers.

Other than Langkawi Bird Park, you can also do bird watching at other places such as
Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Intan Besar. You can find hornbills at Pantai Teluk
Burau, while the virgin forests in Pulau Dayang Bunting is abundance with insect and
bird life. Another haven for bird watchers is the Pulau Intan Besar where you will
found a large bird population.

3) Duty Free Shopping

Langkawi was given the "Duty Free" status by the government of Malaysia, so you
could shop all over Langkawi at Duty Free prices. Some of the most look after items
are perfume, cameras, chocolates, watches, shoes, handicrafts, clothing's,
electronics items, local souvenirs such as "Gamat", traveling bags and so many
more.

There are many places where you can do your shopping. Langkawi Airport and the
Jetty Point Complex (located adjourning the ferry terminal) are two among the best
places to do your shopping.

Another good place for shopping is the center of Kuah Town along the Jalan Pandak
Mayah area. Here you will find many shops selling variety of products both imported
and local. Also at the Kuah area about 5 minutes drive from Pandak Mayah along the
Langkawi Mall area and Trimula area, you will find more shops there to do your
shopping.

There are also few more places for shoppers namely the Langkawi Fair Complex ( 5
minutes drives from Kuah Town or Jetty Point Complex), Langkawi Craft Cultural
Complex located at Telok Yu ( 10 minutes drive from Tanjung Rhu area) where you
can find thousands of local handicrafts from all over Malaysia and not forgetting the
Oriental Village located at the Burau Bay area.

4) Eating Out

Most of the locals of Langkawi usually eats at hawker stalls that can be found all over
Langkawi. If you are at the Kuah town, there are lots of hawker stalls that can be
found such as at the main Kuah Road, opposite Kondo Istana Kuah and much more.
You don't have to worry about eating out because where ever you are, you will not
have the problem to find these stalls. There are lots of them.

If you still favor for fast food, there are two Kentucky Fried Chicken one at the
Jettypoint and the other one at the Langkawi Mall. You can also find the McDonald's
restaurant and Kenny Rogers Roasters at the Langkawi Fair.

5) Fun Beach Activities

There are so many ways that you can enjoy the pretty beaches. Walk, jog and swim
on them. Bask and snooze under the sun. Get the perfect tan.

Sit under a coconut tree and enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze. Collect sea treasures
washed up to the shore. Build majestic sand castles.

6) Golfing

Fancy enjoying your holiday with some golfing activities? Langkawi have some
international standard golf courses with breath taking natural surroundings.

The Datai Bay Golf Club

Location : Datai Bay - North west Langkawi.
Number of Holes : 19 holes
Status : Public Course

Gunung Raya Golf Club

Location : East Langkawi
Number of Holes : 18 holes
Status : Public Course

Langkawi Golf Club

Location : South Langkawi
Number of Holes : 18 holes
Status : Club membership but open to public

7) Island Hopping

Island hopping is an activity that you shouldn't miss while in Langkawi. There are 3-4
smaller islands around the Langkawi main land that does not have accommodation
facilities.

The first island is Pulau Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden). It is so
named because it is seen to resemble a pregnant woman lying on her back. This
island is located about 17km from Kuah. This is also where the Gua Langsiar (Cave
of the Banshee) is located.
The second island is Pulau Singa Besar (Island of the Big Lion). Do not fear with its
name because there are no lions here but houses a wildlife sanctuary and very
unusual flora. This island lies between Pulau Beras Basah and Pulau Dayang Bunting.
Its jagged mountain can be seen from Pantai Cenang. The rocks here are extremely
old and they are over 500 million years.

The third island is Pulau Beras Basah (Island of the Wet Rice). On this island, you will
found some of the best beaches with beautiful crystal-clear waters. Its an ideal picnic
spot and a good place to swim. It is peace and it is a perfect place to clear of your
mind from pressure.

Another island is Pulau Tuba. Here you can see old fashion fishing village. It is an
interesting view to see the fishermen using traditional fishing methods.

8) Night Market - "Pasar Malam"

If you come to this island just for leisuring, there's lots of places for you to do so.
The most attractive place that you can go is of course the night market or better
known as "Pasar Malam". Night market is a place where hawkers sells lots of goodies
especially things for everyday home use and a variety of delicious local foods. It
usually opens from 5.30 pm until 10.00 pm. Each day, it will opens at different
locations. The schedule are as the following.

Sunday - Padang Matsirat

Monday - Ulu Melaka
Tuesday - Kedawang
Wednesday - Kuah
Friday - Air Hangat
Saturday - Kuah

Exploring night markets in Langkawi is pure adventure, and of course you can take
home whatever you hunt or bargain down. The variety of bargain items you can find
at the night markets is endless, ranging from quality electronics to traditional arts
and crafts.

9) Night Driving Range

Kuala Melaka River Park

Located on the banks of the Melaka River in Padang Matsirat - near the Airport and
Langkawi Lagoon Resort. This place has scenic view with padi fields, Melaka River
and Mount Matcincang as the background. Open between 8am to 10pm daily.

10) Other Water Activities

There are a lot waters activities that can you enjoy while in Langkawi such as water-
skiing, jet-skiinga and wind-surfing. The most favourite place is Pantai Cenang as it
provide all the water activities equipments needed.

11) Resort Hopping

Resort Hopping? Yeah, you're right. It's not included in any tour itinerary but hey...
it's fun. Just hire a car or a motorcyle, grab a map and hop to all the beautiful
resorts in Langkawi. You'll have a wonderful moment looking at the different type of
the resorts building, their unique facilities and of course, their beautiful
surroundings.

Don't forget to have a good look at the resorts' pools - as some of them are so lovely
that you'll not be able to resist taking a snap or two.

12) Snorkeling

The best place that you can snorkel is at Pulau Payar Marine Park. Pulau Payar is a
very beautiful island with lots of beautiful coral reefs. The reefs are home to
countless of coral forms and marine organisms some of which are exclusive to this
area. Pulau Payar is gazetted as a marine park by the Government of Malaysia and is
considered as one of the most beautiful marine parks in the region.

13) Swimming

There are a lot of places that you can go for swimming. The most popular and
recommended place that you should go is Tanjung Rhu Beach. It is the Langkawi's
best 'coastline' and has long stretches of sandy, white beaches bordered by shady,
casuarina trees.

Located along the western coastline of Langkawi and about 25km from Kuah town,
there are Pantai Kok and Pantai Teluk Burau - the loveliest Langkawi beaches and a
very good spot for swimming.

14) Sight Seeing

If you want to do some sight seeing, there are lots of places in Langkawi that are
very popular. The first one of course Dataran Lang (Eagle Square). Here, lies a big
structure of an eagle that trying to launch to the sky from rocks below it. It
resembles the origin of the name Langkawi. After that you can go to Lagenda Park.
It is located next to the Eagle Square and it has many interesting sights.

Galeria Perdana is also an interesting place to be visit. It is a gallery that shows the
gifts and items belonging to the Prime Minister of Malaysia Y.A.B. Dato' Seri Dr.
Mahathir Mohamad. For those who doesn't afraid of heights, you can try taking a
cable car ride across two mountains that is Gunung Raya and Gunung Matcincang. It
is the Langkawi cable car and known as Langcarview.

There is also a Batik Gallery in Langkawi that called Atma Alam. Batik is a material
that are used for clothing. Your trip in Langkawi will not be complete without going to
the Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum) because Mahsuri is the main legend of
Langkawi. Here you can also visit the traditional Malay house and also enjoy the
Malay music and foods.

15) Spas and Massage

Most of the major hotels and resort provides various packages of health treatments
emphasises the use of natural products. Just relax and pamper yourself during your
holiday here with choices of traditional treatments.

Location:

• The Datai
• The Andaman
• Berjaya Beach And Spa Resort
• Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort
• Casa Del Mar
• Kampung Tok Senik
• The City Bayview
• Sheraton Perdana Resort
• Rebak Marina
• Tanjung Rhu Resort

16) Yachting

For those who would like to spend their time on yachting, they will have the chance
to do so at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club. There you will be able to cruise around
the island of Langkawi.

There is another place that is popular among tourist that is Rebak Marina. This
marina is situated in Pulau Rebak. It is one of the international class marina.

Why Langkawi... the Very Best of All Andaman Islands

Among all of the tropical islands in the world... why visit Langkawi in Malaysia?
WARM & SUNNY PARADISE

Langkawi is warm & sunny almost year round. It is your most ideal place to unwind
in peace. You will love this island. Even when it is raining.

Nothing will be so soothing than having a sudden downpour for a couple of hours
during a sunny & hot day. Sometimes, you can see the sun still shining during the
rain. The rain itself is warm and spine-tingling.

Hmm... Walking in the rain in Langkawi is like taking a lovely warm shower.

So, don't worry about the weather in Langkawi. You (and your family) can come here
& have lots of fun.

GORGEOUS CLUSTER OF ISLANDS

Langkawi has 99 islands. Yes, you got the number right - 99. 104 during low tide.
This archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea is part of Malaysia's Kedah state
that are adjacent to the Thai border.

Most of the islands are mainly rocky outcrops separated by narrow canals where only
small boats can travel through. The largest of the islands is the famous Langkawi
island with a population of about 62,000.

This tropical paradise's landscape is painted with miles and miles of white sandy
beaches, marbled mountains, vast paddy fields and rural villages, secret caves, and
pockets of virgin rainforests dating back millions of years.
BLACK & WHITE SANDY BEACHES

Langkawi has miles and miles of soft white beaches, and streches of gorgeous black
sandy beaches. These pristine beaches are fringed by swaying coconut trees and
sloping gently towards the turquoise blue waters.

If you wanna have fun mingling with other people - go to Pantai Cenang (Cenang
Beach). It's the most liveliest of them all - the hotspot of all Langkawi beaches.
Take a break at the beach bars and unwind.

If you wanna walk on a lovely black sandy beach - go to Pantai Pasir Hitam (Pasir
Hitam Beach). The sands here are black due to the tin and mineral ore deposits wash
up on the shore. You can find an ancient fishing jetty here. It is indeed a very
beautiful place and a wow! must-see.

SUPER MAGIC MOMENTS

Unforgettable. Memorable. There are magic moments for everyone. Even for your
little darling.
Magical eagle feeding. Fun sea fishing. Virgin jungle trekking. Heart-throbbing air
trekking.

Majestic waterfalls. Breathtaking sky-bridge crossing. Gorgeous crocodiles & friendly

monkeys. Pleasant island hopping. Fabulous folk-tales.

A PLACE TO STAY FOR EVERYONE

You choose. Predominantly first-class self-contained resorts with private and

secluded beaches.

Simpler hotels and motels along the beautiful beaches.

Thinking of camping on the beaches? Yes.. you can.

FUN SHOPPING-SPREE

Shopping is fun and quite a bargain on this duty-free island. You can get
significantly cheaper designer fashions, perfumes and electronic gadgets at Kuah
town and some hotel boutique. Must buy souveniers: Traditional batiks and pewter
crafts.

QUIET NIGHT LIFE

Night life at this island is usually quiet & peaceful.

You are here to have a pleasant tranquil retreat from the real world, right?

If you miss the not-so-quiet night life, you can get that at numerous lounges and
pubs at the hotels. Some hotels provide regular live music.

LIP-SMACKING FOOD

There are varieties of lip-smacking food that you can choose from. Western, local
Malay, Chinese, Indian, Japanese or Thai - they are all delicious.

You can find these savory food served at hotels, fine dinning restaurants, street
stalls or hawkers. You should really try the hawker's food. They serve a variety of
authentic local dishes at a very reasonable prices. Open-air hawker centres are
scattered all over the island, and come alive every evening on most street corners.

Still missing McDonald, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Kenny Rogers? No worry.. you
can find them at Kuah Town.