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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.