Malaysia’s best-known holiday destination, Langkawi, is Malaysia’s pride that has been designated as Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. Its name alone summons up images of tropical romance and carefree days under swaying coconut palms.

In the Andaman Sea 30km off the coast from Kuala Perlis, this cluster of 99 islands is accessible by boat from Georgetown, Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah and Satun, Thailand, or by air from Georgetown in Penang, KL and Singapore. It offers beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating myths and legends

Only the main island, Pulau Langkawi covering 478.5 sq kilometers, has any real settlement. With long, sandy beach, forest-clad hills and picturesque paddy-fields, it’s easy to see why this is Malaysia’s most promoted tourist hotspot. Ever since Langkawi was declared duty-free zone in 1986, the island has received even more visitors, many with the only intention of carting off cheap liquors. Sustainable tourism developments are ongoing, including the newly completed marina in Telaga Harbor Park. The main town, Kuah is mainly dominated by shopping complexes, while bays are occupied by luxury resorts.

Langkawi has a legend in its history. Ask anyone in Langkawi about the tragedy of Mahsuri, a beautiful young lady, and you will hear the story of love, jealousy and the curse placed on the island by her for seven generations. The seventh generation of Langkawi’s inhabitants has long come and gone, but people here still believe that the prosperity and blessings the islands enjoy today and the passing of the curse is not a pure coincidence. Mysticism of this legend can be felt in many parts of the island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s mausoleum) where the famous legendary figure was said to be buried.

Langkawi also hosts some major events including the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition around November, the Langkawi Arts and Crafts Festival (LACRAF) in December, the Langkawi International Water Festival in April and the biennial Langkawi International Festival of Arts (LIFA).

Langkawi is not only geared towards tourism. Many of the islanders are farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and the peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi’s most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island where you can enjoy some natural beauty. You’ll pass small Malay villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, rice paddies, water buffaloes, and children pedalling their old bicycles on an errand. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi.

Some suggestions of What to do:

  • Take the thrilling cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang – Langkawi’s second highest mountain – for an unrivalled view of the entire Langkawi island
  • Trekking through the pristine rainforest that blankets most of Langkawi
  • Go diving. Langkawi has some of the most beautiful coral beaches in the world
  • Play a round of golf at some of the 5-star resorts

Or take boat tours of the mangroves to
Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden)
Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories)
Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave)

Other attractions:
Field of Burnt Rice
Hot Springs
Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells)
Beach of Black Sand
Langkawi Underwater World

For perfect match of beautiful scenery, great adventures and five-star conveniences, Langkawi is the place to go.

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