
LANGKAWI ISLAND OF MALAYSIA
Langkawi, one of the 12 districts of the state of Kedah in Northern
Malaysia is renowned internationally as the archipelago of 99
tropical islands separated from mainland Malaysia by the Straits
of Malacca. It lies approximately 51km west of Kedah. The island
is divided into six mukims namely Kuah, Padang Matsirat, Ayer
Hangat, Bohor, Ulu Melaka and Kedawang and has a population
of approximately 45,000 inhabitants mostly Malays.
Langkawi is the ultimate paradise that offers modern accommodation
facilities and amenities set against the natural backdrop of
sun-drenched beaches and ancient rainforests teeming with exotic
plant and animal life. Be transported back in time with the
enthralling folklore and fascinating legends of Langkawi. Flying
into Langkawi you can see these emerald coloured islands studding
the azure blue sea. A sight so beautiful that it has succeeded
in attracting some hearts to remain here.
Tourist will enjoy the hospitality of the gentle people in their
quiet kampung villages. It is also a duty free shopping paradise.
It is no doubt one of the best spot where you can shop for lovely
handicraft and local products especially those from the fishing
village.
Brief History and legend of Langkawi Island
The geological history of Langkawi dated back as far
as 500 million years. Legend has it that Langkawi used to be
the habitat of spirits and classical Malay literature Hikayat
Merong Maha Wangsa states that Garuda, the mythological giant
eagle rested in these islands. The islands contain bizarre rock
formations that stir one's imagination and perplex the mind.
Numerous caves like the mystical Gua Cerita, the haunted Gua
Langsiar and Gua Kelawar with their stunning stalactites and
stalagmites, taunt the adventurous.
The best-known legend is that of Mahsuri, a beautiful maiden
who lived here some 200 years ago. She was wrongly accused of
committing adultery and sentenced to death by those who were
envious of her. White blood oozed out as soon as she was stabbed
proclaiming her innocence. With her dying breath, she laid a
curse upon the island ' that it should remain barren for seven
generations.
In 1821, Langkawi was savagely attacked by the Siamese. Upon
knowing the inevitable fate of the island following the battle,
Datuk Kerma Jaya, the headman of Kampung Raja, the ancient capital
of Langkawi, ordered that Padang Matsirat, the village granary,
be burned and all the wells poisoned in order to starve the
enemy. Wan Mohamad Ali, or better known as Panglima Ali made
his heroic feat when he after rescuing the kampung folks from
the wrath of Siamese attackers, went on to ravage the villages
of Thailand from Temelang to Sungei Upeh and Ranong as a revenge
for what the Siamese had done to the people of Langkawi.
Places of Interest on Langkawi Island. More
and more tourists from all over the world are beginning to stream
into the island for various reasons. The Idyllic pristine beaches
such as the Pantai Cenang, Pantai Kok and Pantai Datai as well
as the many small islands namely the Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau
Payar and Pulau Singa Besar surrounding Langkawi. Another reason
behind the arrival of many visitors are the numerous international
events held on the island. Some of the international events
include the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Show
(LIMA), Le Tour De Langkawi and Langkawi International Motor
Show and Langkawi International Dialogue.
Other Places of Interest Includes :
Pulau Payar Marine Park - It is a sanctuary for a multitude
of marine life. The park offers beautiful beaches, underwater
observatory for those who do not dive or snorkel. It is a diver's
paradise
Langkawi Cable Car - Station located within Oriental
Village. 360 degree compass platform for easy orientation. Enjoy
the fascinating view of the Andaman Sea and Langkawi Island.
Langkawi Bird Paradise - Discover the exciting
world of birds and nature with hundreds of world's rarest and
most beautiful birds greeting you as you stroll through tropical
gardens.
UnderWater World Langkawi - The largest in
Asia, features more than 5,000 marine and fresh water fishes
in over 100 tanks.
Summer Palace Langkawi - Is one of the sets
constructed for the movie Anna and The King at Pantai Kok. Construction
commenced on 15th February 1999 and was completed on 30th March
1999. The whole building was constructed with 95% of wood.
Laman Padi - Is Langkawi's latest attraction
and one that should not be missed for agro-tourism lovers. Showcases
the history, heritage and development of the nation's rice growing
industry.
Seven Wells - Located at Burau Bay, on the
slopes of Mt. Cincang, these 91 meters high seven level waterfalls
are truly spectacular and are a must-see for all nature lovers.
Durian Perangin Waterfall - Located a few km
away from Padang Lalang, pleasant little waterfall reached via
a short treck through the rainforest.
The lake of The Pregnant Maiden - This lake
is a must on your itinerary with its fascinating, geological
features and mysterious legend and mood. It is believed that
barren women who drink from this lake will conceive.
Mahsuri Mausoleum - This marks the spot where
Mahsuri lies buried. It is situated in a village amidst padi
fields and is made of beautiful marble.
Galeria Perdana - Is the aspiration of Dato'
Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Datin Seri Dr Siti Hasmah
Mohd Ali. It was built as a repository for the various awards,
souvenirs and gifts received from world leaders and statesmen
throughout his tenure as the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Langkawi Legend On The Park
- It save your time of going to all crook and corners of Langkawi
just to visit the historical places because all the famous legends
and myths are here , spreading on the 50 acres reclamation land
park. You'll be walking straight into the time tunnels that
will take you back to the island's glorious heyday.
Pasar Malam ( Night Market ) - This is a place
where all the locals gather, selling daily use goods and local
Malay foods. It's just like a market place but just that they
don't sell fresh fishes or vegetables here. This kind of night
market is available 5 nights a week but in different locations
such as Kuah Town , Kedawang , Ulu Melaka , Air Hangat , Padang
Matsirat. The largest night market is held in Kuah Town every
Saturday and Wednesday at 7.00 pm to 11.00 pm.
Other places of Interest on Langkawi Island includes Dataran
Helang, Air Hangat , Oriental Village, Tanjung Rhu, Pantai Kok,
Pantai Cenang, Pantai tengah, Datai, Burau Bay, Tasik Dayang
Bunting, Pulau Singa Besar, Islands Cruises, Kampung Buku Malaysia,
Taman Lagenda, Craft Cultural Complex,
Langkawi Yatch Club, Langkawi Crystals and the Crocodile Farm.
We provide here International hotels and resorts on Langkawi
Island such as Mutiara Burau Bay Resort, Casa Del Mar Langkawi,
Tanjung Sanctuary Resort, Holiday Villa Langkawi, City Bayview
Langkawi, The Datai Langkawi and Beach Garden Resort & Bistro,
Langkawi.
Climate - A sunny, hot and humid, tropical climate
with an average annual temperature of about 32 degrees Celsius.
The rainy season is during August / September, although there
are occasional showers throughout the year.
The total annual rainfall of between 80 to 100 inches.
Getting To Langkawi
By Road Visitors
Travelling by visitors have to use the Ferry services available
at either Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis on the north-western coast
of Peninsular Malaysia, the main take-off points by ferry to
Langkawi. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kedah takes
about 6 hours while Kuala Perlis is another one hour away. Car
parking facilities are available at both points.
By Air
The Langkawi International Airport at Padang Mat Sirat is about
20km from Kuah and 8km form the beach resorts in Pantai Cenang.
Direct air services from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi are provided
by Malaysian Airlines on a daily basis and Air Asia five times
weekly. Silk Air also flies regularly from Singapore to the
island. There are also direct international flights to Langkawi
from Osaka and Taipei.
By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad or Malayan Railway provides comfortable
and economical rail services from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar
and Arau. From Alor Setar or Arau, you can take a taxi or bus
to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis respectively and then proceed
by ferry to Langkawi.
By Ferry
Express ferries provide regular services daily to Langkawi from
both Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis. The journey to Langkawi from
Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis takes 1 hour and 15 minutes and
45 minutes respectively.
Cruise
Cruises are of varying duration depending on the ports of call
en-route to Langkawi. Embarkation ports are Singapore and Port
Klang.
Malaysia Hotels Dot CC, brings
you some of the best hotels and resorts on Langkawi Island.
Some of the Internationally renown hotels includes Mutiara Burau
Bay Resort, Casa Del Mar Langkawi, Tanjung Sanctuary Resort,
Holiday Villa Langkawi, City Bayview Langkawi, The Datai Langkawi
and Beach Garden Resort & Bistro, Langkawi. We present them
here comprehensively with factual information on all our participating
hotels and resorts on the Island of Langkawi, Malaysia.
Welcome Malaysia Hotels Dot CC
|