Pulau Langkawi

Pulau Langkawi

Overview

Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast. Surrounded by turquoise sea, the interior of the main island is a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. If you’re intent on carting off duty-free alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate, then this is the place to be. Still, nature lovers will find the island just as agreeable as the shoreline is fringed by powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees.

The island is especially recognised for its excellent diving opportunities and this tropical gem hides a treasure trove of other exciting holiday opportunities.

From the expansive Underwater World Langkawi along Pantai Cenang to the soaring Cable Car in Pantai Kok, Langkawi is an electrifying locale that keeps visitors coming back for more.

Accommodations

With most of the resorts and budget accommodation more readily accessible to the Southern islands this area receives the bulk of pressure from exploitative tourism.

Attractions

There are many interesting places to visit in Pulau Langkawi such as Kuah Town, Gunung Macincang Mountain, Dataran Lang (Eagle Square), The Oriental Village, Underwater World Langkawi, Telaga Harbor Park, Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri Tomb), Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi Cable Car and the Langkawi Sky Bridge.

Activities

Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Macincang Mountain - Langkawi's second highest mountain - for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond. You can also visit the Field of Burnt Rice, the Hot Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat tours are organised to Tasik Dayang Bunting, (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Legend Cave) and the Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave). And if you're more outdoorsy, why not go trekking through the pristine rainforest that blankets most of Langkawi, or go on a boat tour of the mangroves, go diving, or play a round of golf at some of the 5-star resorts.

Beach

Some of the most popular beaches are Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Burau Bay, Pantai Kok, and Datai Bay. Pantai Cenang is a picturesque beach with seemingly unending stretches of fine white sand.It has numerous restaurants and bars for evening entertainment, several hosting live music and for watching the sun set. The beach is contoured by tall coconuts and casuarinas. Pantai Tengah is separated from Pantai Cenang by a small cape. It too faces the setting sun and is populated more by hotels than bars making it less busy in the evening. Burau Bay, fringed by rocky outcrops, is the favorite place of migratory birds in Langkawi.

Pantai Kok is a peaceful beach with the backdrop of limestone hills. Datai Bay has a combination of forests and sea. The milky beach is backed by lush forest.

Transportation

Tourists can enter the island via ferry from Kuala Perlis or by flight from Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia, Firefly and Malindo Air provides budget connections to the island.

The island of Langkawi can be reached through sea and air. The Langkawi Jetty Point connects the island to main destinations like Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, George Town, Penang and Tamalang (also nearby towns in Thailand). The Langkawi International Airport is one of the 7 international airports in Malaysia and connects the island to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Phuket and also Subang. On the island, a main road runs through the whole island.

Duty Free Shopping

Doors upon doors of duty-free stores occupy the shoplots along the streets of Langkawi, especially near the ferry terminal in Kuah Town. The most popular destination to start with is Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall - features more than 100 outlets followed by Langkawi Duty Free and Jetty Point Complex. Bear in mind, Kuah Town is the place for anyone where you can shop till you drop.