Langkawi, one of Malaysia's most popular
tropical island, is a destinations that encompasses mystical legends, scenic
jungle covered hills, alluring beaches, fantastic resorts and is marked by a
comfortable easy pace.
This enchanting resort presents the nature in its natural unspoilt form in
combination with rugged beauty and local legends which present an
irresistible combination of cultural and natural attractions.
It's an ideal place to witness great outdoor activities like golf,
snorkeling, marine park, charter boat or a cable car to the top of the
mountain where each activity is equally exciting and full of fun with a
punch of excitement.
The Malaysian government has spent considerable funds to develop a great
infrastructure consisting of excellent roads, modern shopping centres, new
marinas and impressive resort hotels. Besides these, Langkawi's Duty free
status has also created some fabulous shopping opportunities!
Langkawi also hosts a number of international events including the Tour de
Langkawi, an annual cycling competition starting in Langkawi and ending in
Kuala Lumpur; The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Show (LIMA)
and the annual Royal Langkawi Regatta which draws boats from all over the
world. These events make the place a centre of tourist attraction.
Fact File
Country : Malaysia
Population : 60.000
Languages: English, Tamil, Chinese, Malay
Climate : Temperatures in Langkawi range from 22.35 C to 34.5 C.
Rainfall in Langkawi varies from 69.0 to 870.0 (mm/month).
Official Currency : Malaysia Ringgit (RM); 1 RM = 11.454 Indian
Rupee = 0.2632 US $ = 0.2173 Euro (subject to change).
Location
: Located off the north west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi is
part of an archipelago of around 104 mostly uninhabited islands where hidden
coves and deserted beaches were once the haunt of pirates.
Getting There
By Air : Domestic flights are available from the Kuala Lumpur,
Penang, Johor Baru and Ipoh (Malaysia) with international flights from
Changi Airport in Singapore and Kansai Airport in Japan. The airlines that
service the Langkawi airport include Malaysia Airlines System (MAS), Silk
Air and Air Asia.
By Boat : There are four ferry departure points in Malaysia to
Langkawi.
Kuala Perlis in Perlis province, Kuala Kedah in Kedah province, Georgetown
in Penang Island. Tourists travelling from Thailand depart from Satun in the
south.
Getting Around
By Road : Rented cars are the norm with many car owners doubling as
guides to supplement their income. However, one rent a vehicle from one of
the beach resorts.
The easiest way to get around Langkawi is on two wheels and there are lots
of Honda 70cc motorbikes on the island for rent.
Public transportation is available in Kuah. Buses run from the jetty to the
centre of town.
The only other destination for buses is Pantai Cenang.
Accommodation
The city of has very good hotels to ensure a comfortable stay for the
tourists. Mentioned below is a list of some of the hotels in the city:
5 star hotels in the city:
Pelangi Beach & Spa Resort
Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort
4 star hotels in the city:
Sheraton Perdana Resort
The Datai Resort
Holiday Villa Langkawi
3 star hotels in the city:
Four Seasons Langkawi
Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort
Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort
The Andaman Datai Bay Langkawi
Major Tourist attractions
Taman Lagenda : This beautiful park with its splendid gardens of
delicate local flowers, plants and fruit trees provides a picturesque and
perfect background for buildings presenting Malaysia's rich cultural
heritage.
Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri Tomb or Mausoleum) : This shrine lies in a
village about 12 km from Kuah and was erected in the honour of a fair maiden
who lived on Pulau Langkawi more than two hundreds years ago and was
punished for a crime she never committed..
Telagah Tujuh (Seven Wells) : Located in the northwest corner of
Pulau Langkawi, it is a geographical marvel. According to a legend fairies
used to come down to this waterfall to bathe and frolic. The waterfall is so
named because the cascading water is broken by a series of seven natural
pools. The lush green forest surrounding the waterfall add a mysterious
touch to the splendour.
Gunung Raya (mountain) : Located 12 km from Kuah, it is Langkawi’s
highest mountain at about 893 mtrs. It is the ultimate destination for
nature lovers and the road leading to the peak of the mountain takes about
40 minutes and offers a fantastic view from the top of the island below. To
the east one can relish the sight of the islands of South Thailand and to
the west are views of Kuah harbour and Mat Cincang Mountain.
Other attractions :
Air Hungat Village
Padang Masirat
Pantai Pasir Hitam
Dataran Lang or "Eagle Square
Sangkar Ikan
