KUAH
The main town located on the south-eastern tip of Pulau Langkawi. It is the take-off point to the neighboring islands. The name "Kuah" is a Malay word meaning "gravy" and is associated with an ancient legend of two battling giants who overturned a gigantic pot of curry at the spot where the town now stands. Once was a rustic town with a few streets, present day, Kuah is a thriving center of modern hotels and shopping-cum-business complexes, but without the overcrowding and bustle of modern cities. Kuah is a duty free shopping haven with a wide variety of goods sold at attractive prices and its restaurants offer excellent culinary delights, especially fresh seafood.
MAKAM MAHSURI
With its fabled and historical past, Langkawi is a treasure trove for visitors. Among many significant sites on the island that have been preserved for posterity is Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum) about 12 kilometers from Kuah. This shine was erected in honor of Mahsuri, a beautiful maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery. According to legend, she bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. In her dying breath, she laid a curse on the island that it would remain barren for seven generations. Fact or fiction, seven generations have since passed and today, Langkawi is a flourishing tourist destination.
Opening hours: Daily, 7.30 am - 6 pm
AIR HANGAT
The Air Hangat Village is sited on four acres of land about 14 kilometers northwest of Kuah. This modern complex includes a 3-tier hot spring fountain, an 18-meter long hand-carved river stone mural depicting the legends that enshroud this location and souvenir shops. Visitors can witness the making of local handicrafts and cultural performances.
Opening hours: Daily, 9 am - 6 pm (Daily).
TANJUNG RHU
Tanjung Rhu lies on the northern cape of Pulau Langkawi. Aptly named for its abundance of casuarinas, its enchanting beach affords magnificent views of nearby islands which can be reached at low tide on foot, an experience that is not to be missed.A short journey by boat from Tanjung Rhu brings you to the doorstep of Gua Cherita (Cave of Legends). As its name implies, the cave is steeped in a fabled tale of mystery and romance. On the walls of the cave can be seen ancient writing which has yet to be deciphered.
Idyllic beaches such as Pantai Kok, Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Datai and Burau Bay offer carefree sun-filled days and quiet evening strolls. First-class accommodation in modern hotels or captivating chalets is available. A wide range of exciting water-sports provides fun and thrills for the energetic. Restaurant outlets in the hotels and outdoors serve a variety of appetizing cuisine.
TASIK DAYANG BUNTING
Nestled amidst lush forested hill on an island south of Pulau Langkawi is Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), the largest lake in Langkawi. The outline of hills and rocky outcrops on one side of the lake resembles the shape of a pregnant maiden lying on her back. However, the name of both the island and lake is attributed to the legend of a lovely fairy princess who married an earthly prince. Her first child died shortly after birth. She was so sad and depressed that she buried the child in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Before she returned to her celestial abode, she blessed the waters so that any childless maiden who bathed in the lake would conceive thereafter.Monkeys, deer, iguanas and peacocks roam about freely on Pulau Singa Besar, a wildlife sanctuary located southwest of Pulau Langkawi. Picnic on the pristine beaches and enjoy swimming in the surrounding waters. To preserve the island's natural surroundings, no hotels or chalets have been built. Instead, camping is encouraged. However, visitors will have to bring along their own tents and camping equipment if they wish to spend the night on the island.
UNDERWATER WORLD LANGKAWI
The Underwater World Langkawi, a marine showcase featuring both fresh and salt water fish and other forms of marine life, is a must-see attraction. Located at Pantai Cenang, a popular beach on the island, this aquarium features more than 5,000 types of marine life, exhibited in more than 100 tanks of different sizes. The highlight is a giant tank housing large marine species such as sharks, stingrays, groupers and green turtles, with a 15-metre tunnel for visitors to walk through and enjoy a spectacular view of the exhibits. Underwater gardens of weeds and sea plants together with exotic fishes and exhibits or fossils and shells add to the range of interesting sights.
Open: 10:00am to 6:00pm (daily)
Admission: RM15.00 (adult) RM10.00 (child)
Tel: 04-955 6100
ISLAND CRUISES
Going on island cruises is a great way to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery of Langkawi as your boat weaves through the watery passageways between the islands. A round trip, which takes about four hours, includes Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Beras Basah and Pulau Singa Besar. Boats can be taken from Marble Beach and Pantai Cenang.
PULAU PAYAR MARINE PARK
The Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Melaka, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca which are surrounded by coral reefs. The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation. Many endangered species of fishes and marine organisms live within the sanctuary. Measuring 2km long and 1/4km wide, Pulau Payar is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal are for snorkelling, diving and swimming. Among the enchanting dive spots is the "Coral Garden", an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals.
There are several sandy beaches on Pulau Payar island for picnics as well as hiking trails for those who wish to explore the island. Just off the beach, one can indulge in the thrilling experience of feeding baby sharks. Facilities include gazebos, picnic tables, barbeque pits and restrooms at selected areas. There is also a Visitors' Centre that provides information about the marine park.Visitors can get to Pulau Payar from the Kuah jetty point by catamaran or speed boat. The catamaran services operated by Langkawi Coral, takes about 45minutes to get to Pulau Payar while the speed boat takes an hour. It is advisable to book the catamaran service a day before the trip. Enquiries can be made with any travel agent in Kuah or at the jetty point for those intending to travel by speed boat. Apart from the fare, a levy of RM5.00 for adults and RM2.50 for children is charged for entry to the marine park.
TAMAN BUAYA BUAYA
Taman Buaya Langkawi (LANGKAWI CROCODILE FARM)
Located at Kubang Badak, some 32 km from Kuah, has more than 1000 crocodiles of various species. Here, one can witness and photograph crocodiles and alligators playing and feeding in a controlled environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. Open: 9.00a.m. - 6.00p.m. (Daily).
DATARAN LANG
Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) is Langkawi's most prominent landmark for visitors arriving by sea.
Situated near the Kuah jetty, the main attraction of the square is the magnificent statue of the reddish brown eagle majestically poised for flight. According to local folklore, Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or "helang". In old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown, hence, Langkawi means reddish brown eagle! The square is beautifully landscaped and features scenic ponds, bridges, covered terraces, restaurants and barrel vaults made of bricks. Its close proximity to the sea and the soft breezes make it an ideal spot for leisurely walks and a tranquil setting for dining in the cool evenings.The square is beautifully illuminated at night and presents a dramatic scene as you approach the island by sea. Indeed, the majestic eagle is strategically positioned to welcome visitors to Langkawi.
TELAGA TUJUH
Located in the north-western corner of Pulau Langkawi, Telaga Jujuh (Seven Wells) is a geological marvel. The waterfall is so named because its cascading waters is broken by a series of seven natural pools. The lush green forest that surrounds the waterfall adds a mystical touch to the natural splendor. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the waterfall to bathe and frolic.
GALERIA PERDANA
The Galeria Perdana at Kilim, about 11 km from Kuah, houses an impressive collection of over 2,500 state gifts and awards presented to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, YBhg. Datin Seri Dr. Siti Hasmah bt. Mohd. Ali. The exhibits include fine crystal ware and gifts fashioned out of wood, leather, silver, copper, pewter, ceramics and glass. There are also musical instruments, Islamic art and craft, textiles and weapons. A part of the display includes various proto-type cars and 4 wheel drive vehicles. The Galerial Perdana comprises of 2 double-storey buildings set within a beautifully landscaped garden. Photography is not allowed inside the gallery. Pictures of exhibits are available for sale at the souvenir shop. Open: 10.00a.m. - 5.00p.m.ZDaily). 9.00a.m. - 6.00p.m. (Public/School Holidays), 10.00a.m. - 2.15p.m./3.00p.m. - 5.00p.m. (Friday).
SCENIC PARK
This scenic park with beautiful gardens of vivid local blooms, plants and fruit trees. It is a 50-acre park with 17 story-telling monuments, 4 artificial lakes and a man-made beach which provide a picturesque and fitting backdrop for buildings showcasing Malaysia's rich cultural heritage. Within the park, there are also some fine examples of traditional Malaysian handicraft and cultural objects.
Open: 8:00am to 11:00pm (Daily)
CRAFT CULTURAL COMPLEX
The Craft Cultural Complex is located on the northern coastline of Langkawi Island in the vicinity of Teluk Yu, about 30 minutes drive from the airport or 45 minutes from Kuah town. Nestled on a hillside overlooking the sea, this magnificent complex offers a wide range of Malaysian handicraft such as delicate hand painted batik and intricately carved silverware.
Opening hours: Daily, 9 am - 6 pm. (Daily)
LANGKAWI YACHT CLUB
Situated within walking distance from the Kuah Jetty Point, the Langkawi Yacht Club is an exclusive establishment with a beautiful clubhouse and a fully equipped marina, comprising 51 berths that can accommodate a variety of vessels including sailing keels, deep hull boats and even 60-meter mega-yachts.Langkawi Yacht Club offers impressive facilities such as a waterfront swimming pool, Jacuzzi and sauna, deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving, jet skiing and speedboats, and yacht chartering service. Your can hire the Club's luxury motor yacht, "Puteri Maimunah", for a discovery or sunset tour of the beautiful Langkawi islands.For dinners, Langkawi yacht Club is the perfect place to enjoy a long cool drink and a delightful meal in relaxing surroundings. Breath taking views of Langkawi's beautiful islands and sunset can be enjoyed from its beachfront restaurant called "Charlie's Place" or from the "Captain's Deck", its fine dining restaurant. The above facilities are open to public. Tel: 04-9664078
LANGKAWII CRYSTAL
Located along Jalan Kisap, 5 km north of Kuah town and 20 km from the airport, Langkawii Crystal offers an attractive and exquisite range of glass products. Visitors will find a wide choice of skillfully crafted crystal items to suit every occasion. There are also special collections for those who demand exclusiveness.At Langkawii Crystal you will be mesmerized by the extraordinary glass blowing skills of craftsmen dedicated to producing glassware of the highest standards and quality. Take the opportunity to test your glass blowing skills here.
Opening hours: Daily, 9 am - 5 pm.
.LAMAN PADI LANGKAWI
Laman Padi Langkawi is Langkawi's latest attraction that should not be missed for the agro-tourism lovers. Located at Pantai Cenang, in the vicinity of the island's popular beach resorts and just 10 minutes from the airport, Laman Padi Langkawi showcases the history, heritage and development of the nation's rice growing industry. Among the attractions is a rice museum displaying artifacts, charts and photographs showing the significance of Padi cultivation to the country. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a bird's eye view of the fields from a roof-top garden. For the uninitiated, try your hand at Padi planting using both traditional as well as modern methods of cultivation. There is also restaurant offering popular traditional Malay recipes and local delicacies which are prepared using rice as the main ingredient.
Opening hours: Daily, 10 am - 6 pm. (Daily)
KAMPUNG BUKU MALAYSIA
Kampung Buku Malaysia in Langkawi is the first and only book village in South East Asia. It is part of the International Book Villages and Book Towns Movement.It is located just 10 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport and 15 minutes from the Ferry Terminal. Situated amidst a lush green forest at the foot of Gunung Raya, the highest peak on the island, the book village provides book lovers a tranquil setting to indulge in their hobby.The various houses in the village are stocked with a great variety of new books on numerous topics and languages as well as second-hand, rare and antiquarian books.
Opening hours: Daily, 9 am - 6 pM
The Marine Park
Pulau Payar is a tiny elongated island located midway between Langkawi and Penang. Designated by the Malaysian government as a marine park since 1985, it is the only Marine Park on the west coast of Malaysia. The park shelters species which are not found elsewhere on western coast. The boat ride from Langkawi to Pulau Payar takes one to two hours depending on weather. Even the sea journey would give something productive.
Regular Diving Trips
Tour operators in Langkawi organize regular diving trips for Pulau Payar. Once you book a trip to Langkawi, the operators will themselves approach you on the ferry to check out if you are interested in scuba diving. For the amateur, who have never dived before, they provide one to one guide. With the help of these experienced guides, you could extract the best out of your trip.
Diving in Deeper Water
The guides could take you to deeper waters where you would see a richer variety of large fish. Jacks, titan triggers, morays, blue-ringed angelfish, lionfish, and porcupine fish are some of the residents of this serene landscape interspersed with barrel sponge, and multi-colored coral. You will get to see schools of large fish including barracudas, cod and snappers which are invisible in the shallow waters of the. After spending a couples of hours in the deep water, you could get back to Pulau Payar for relaxing or enjoying some beach games. Normally two dives are scheduled in a day.
Underwater Scene
One is really amazed by the lush underwater scene while scuba diving in Langkawi and take back home some happy memories of rabbitfish snacking on bubbles. You never know when a long barracuda would sneak up to unsuspecting divers. The water near jetty is always populated with thick concentration of fish. You would mostly see the bannerfish and redtail butterflyfish. Most divers dive off the giant platform where the catamarans dock. However, there are several other places on the island where you could dive.
Stress-free Diving
Diving in Langkawi is free of stress. Dives here are not of the struggle-against-the-current variety. This makes it quite favorable among the amateur divers. For the divers who wish to take things easy, conditions are good.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN LANGKAWI
The tropical island of Langkawi, which lies off the northwest coast of Malaysia, is a popular destination for international travelers lured by its unspoiled natural beauty. The island is covered with dense rainforests and mangroves millions of years old, while its waters teem with marine life. Langkawi’s charm also lies in its people. The fishermen and farmers maintain a traditional way of life, keeping alive centuries-old folklore, legends and mystical tales about the island and its surroundings. Every cave, waterfall and rocky hillside has a story to it that won’t fail to fascinate even the most cynical tourist. From immersing yourself in local culture to jungle trekking and scuba diving, there are plenty of things to do in Langkawi. Here are the top 10 activities you must include in your itinerary.
1. Tour the island
A great way to get around the island is by hiring a car. You can get maps of the island from the tourist information center at Kuah town, Langkawi’s commercial hub. While in Kuah, you can check out the local market and walk around the “Lagenda” park, a 20-hectare park featuring sculptures of all the island’s many legendary figures. A short drive from Kuah is Cenang Beach. Cenang Beach has lots of budget chalets, restaurants and cafes and is very popular with backpackers. Here, you can visit the Underwater World aquarium, the place to go for those who want to take in some marine life without donning a dive mask. Not far away is the shrine of Mahsuri, dedicated to Langkawi’s most famous historical figure. A young lady who lived 200 years ago, Mahsuri was wrongly accused of adultery and sentenced to death. It is said that as she lay dying, her blood ran white as proof of her innocence and she laid a curse on the island folk for seven generations. The curse ended, coincidentally, with the development of the island in the 1980s. Near the shrine is a traditional Malay village and a botanical garden, both worth a visit.
2. Swim with (baby) sharks
The Payar Island Marine Park is one of over 90 smaller islands that lie off the coast of Langkawi. The marine park is extremely popular with tourists who come to snorkel in the calm, shallow waters. Because it gets so busy, Payar Island isn’t the place to go for a serene diving experience – there are too many swimmers! It is the place to go, however, to check out the abundance of tropical reef fish that call the island their home, including colorful angelfish, sergeant majors, butterflyfish, moray eels and stingrays. Baby blacktip sharks skirt around swimmers in the shallow water and it’s not unusual for the odd barracuda to make an appearance. Another great way to experience the marine life is to hire a glass-bottomed boat and circle the island.
3. Go on a dive trip
While Langkawi doesn’t have as beautiful dive sites as other parts of Malaysia, it has the advantage of being accessible year round. (Dive resorts on the east coast of Malaysia are closed during the monsoon season from November to February.) You can organize a dive trip with one of the many dive operators in Langkawi. Some of the larger resorts have their own dive shops. It takes about an hour to reach the dive sites located not far from Payar Island and the many smaller islands that comprise the protected marine park area. While visibility is sometimes limited, the abundance of marine life more than makes up for it. 4. Take a boat to a nearby island
The mystical Island of the Pregnant Maiden is a 15-minute boat ride from Langkawi. It’s a spectacular setting, with a huge limestone hill in the middle of the island rising high above a dense rainforest. A strenuous hike and an equally tough uphill climb takes visitors to the Cave of the Banshee, which locals believe is haunted by a spirit who lures people to the cave and, like a tropical version of Dracula, sucks their blood. There are no stalactites and stalagmites in the cave but there are thousands of bats. There is also a large freshwater lake on the island which is a good place to swim. Also, if you happen to be trying for a baby, take a swig of lake water, which is reputed to possess magical qualities and endow fertility to those in need!
5. Swim at the Seven Wells waterfall
The Seven Wells waterfall is group of seven pools connected by a series of waterfalls flowing down the side of Mat Cincang Mountain on Langkawi Island. Drive to the foot of the mountain and walk up the steps to the lowest pool. You’ll need to trek uphill to reach the other pools, but it is well worth it. The locals believe the area is a favorite haunt of mountain fairies who bathe in the cool water of the wells. Fairies or not, the pools are ideal for swimming and the perfect spot for a picnic.
6. Go on a cable car ride
A recent addition to Langkawi is the Swiss-made cable car system. Visitors can take the cable car ride up the mountain and get a magnificent view of Langkawi and the surrounding islands. Southern Thailand and mainland Malaysia are visible from the lookout point at the summit. Another cable car ride takes you to the next mountain top. There’s also a drop-off point for a jungle trek.
7. Try canopy trekking
Langkawi is one of the very few places in the world that offers this obscure sport. To canopy trek you need to abseil, climb, rappel and glide over treetops on a cable system 100 feet above the ground. The canopy trail in Langkawi was developed by a German expatriate with the help of the local forestry department. The sport is physically and psychologically demanding but the feeling of gliding from tree to tree and rappelling down is too exhilarating to miss.
8. Tour mangrove swamps
In the north of the island at the beautiful beach of Tanjung Rhu, you can go on a mangrove tour by boat. This boat trip takes you through several limestone caves, mangrove swamps and further inland, to dense forest.
9. Go birdwatching
Langkawi is a great destination for birdwatching both for the indigenous bird species and the migratory birds who flock to the island from September to March. Gunung Raya, the forest reserve at the center of the island and the mangrove swamps on the coast are good places to look for birds. Some birds to spot include the Sooty Tern and other tern species, the Purple Heron, the Brahminy Kite and the Sea Eagle.
10. Buy traditional crafts
Spend a few hours shopping for souvenirs in Langkawi. The Langkawi Craft and Cultural Center is a good place to buy traditional batik fabrics, wood and marble ornaments, paintings and other crafts. The center also displays the work of local artisans.
(Note: Langkawi Island was spared the worst effects of the 2004 tsunami that ripped through Phuket Island which lies to its north. Experts believe that the many smaller islands surrounding Langkawi proved to be an effective buffer against the hardest impact of the waves.)
Langkawi Island - The Unforgettable Destination Langkawi island is accepted to be the better inhibited island with 478.5 aboveboard kilometers. Meanwhile, Kuah is the additional with 45,000 animal populations and the added one is Tuba Island. Best of the audacious ones are frequently bouldered apparent while some are disconnected by attenuated canals which accomplish them can be beyond by baby boats.
Mystery Belief and Legend of the Admirable Langkawi
Langkawi Island that already was a acreage of the pirates has abounding aces belief and legends which can allure both bounded and adopted tourists. Langkawi bodies avowal for old tales about ogres, behemothic birds, admirable princesses, abundant warriors, and affair stories. All of these became their admirable heritages which are brought bottomward from their ancestors. The islands about the breadth are additionally can be appreciative on their aberrant bedrock formations and endless caves which affluent with stalactites and stalagmites, arresting backdrop and abundantly alien beaches that alms all year annular sunshine to amuse your tanning cravings. For an example, tourists may go to Cenang Beach or Rhu Bay for a admirable anniversary beneath the acquiescently acceptable sunshine.
Beach, On Acreage and Underwater World!
Marvelous white beaches about the island, arcadian bright baptize additional arresting abyssal activity will accord best tourists abnormally the scuba-divers alluring offers to be absent out. Baptize sports and recreational enthusiast will absolutely abatement in adulation with Langkawi Island aback their anniversary become the best adorable anytime as it provides lots of baptize action activities throughout every year by both bounded and all-embracing bodies. On the added side, there still lots of abounding places of absorption in Langkawi Island. It is a charge for tourists for visiting Mahsuri Mausoleum, which is the best acclaimed allegorical woman in Langkawi Island's history who was bedevilled to afterlife for affair that she did not commit. She was stabbed to afterlife and she drain white claret as a assurance of her innocence. Then, she accursed Langkawi to be besmirched from accord and abundance for seven generations.
More than 5,000 breed of amphibian activity are placed in the abyssal aquarium at the Langkawi's Underwater World. This abode additionally placed a few numbers of mammals and bastard species. However, visitors who appetite to go to Kuah by bear will be acquiescently greeted by the behemothic hawkeye statue. This battleground is a absolutely abundant and nice abode to booty airing due to the arresting backdrop and accomplish it a acceptable abode for demography photos.
Duty-free Arcade - Mean Cheap!
Shopping addicts additionally can acquisition their adorable places in Langkawi Island as it offers duty-free arcade on a array of bounded and alien goods. You can boutique area offers provided for advanced ambit of items from perfume, cosmetics, action gear, covering products, confectionery, cigarettes and liquor in affordable prices.
Langkawi Island Vacation Rental apartment: Kuah Langkawi
A luxurious 3-bedroom apartment, built and equipped to Western standards and quality. Beautifully located in Kuah, the capital of Langkawi. Walking distance from the town centre and the seaside. Extensive views over the large swimming pool. Facilities include; Large flat screen cable television including sport and news channels, CD-DVD player, DVD movie collections and air conditioning with individual climate control. Handmade quality kitchen with fan oven, large fridge etc. There are landscaped tropical gardens, Huge swimming pool with waterfall, jacuzzi and a fully equipped fitness centre, management office, 24 h security, ADSL Wireless Internet services in apartments. Maid service on request. Savor local delights and international cuisine (Malay, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Indonesian etc.
Pulau Langkawi
The Legendary Island
Langkawi is an archipelago comprising a group of 99 beautiful tropical islands in the Andaman Sea, lying about 30 km off the North-Western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. These islands are part of the state of Kedah and are adjacent to the Thai border. The main island in Langkawi is Langkawi Island, or more popularly known by the locals as Pulau Langkawi. The name "Langkawi" is derived from two words, "Lang" and "Kawi". "Lang" in the Malay language means eagle. You may be asking, "Eagle? What has this island got to do with eagles?" Well, in the past, Langkawi was actually home to innumerable eagles. "Kawi" on the other hand is Sanskrit for marble. "Why marble?", you may ask again. Well, this is due to the fact that marble is found in excess here in Langkawi. Hence the name Langkawi.Pulau Langkawi is famous for its intriguing legends and scenic beauty. One of the most intriguing legends surrounding this beautiful Island is the "Curse of Mahsuri". Legend has it that Langkawi Island was cursed by a beautiful woman by the name of Mahsuri. She was married to the local chieftain's brother, Wan Darus. Mahsuri's mother-in-law was extremely jealous of her beauty and popularity. One day, during the absence of Mahsuri's husband who had gone off to war, she took the opportunity to rid Mahsuri by accusing her of performing adultery.
As adultery was a sin punishable by death according to local laws during her time, Mahsuri was executed in public. Before her execution at Padang Mat Sirat, Mahsuri placed a curse on the island saying that the island and its future inhabitants will not prosper for seven generations. Seven generations have passed since Mahsuri's curse on Langkawi. Today, Pulau Langkawi is a Duty-Free island which has bloomed into one of the top tourist destinations in the world. All goods sold in this island are exempted from government tax. Therefore, this legendary Island is a haven for shoppers! You only need to stay in Langkawi for a minimum of 48 hours to be able to take home a reasonable amount of tax free goods. (Isn't that interesting my fellow shoppers? So, what are you waiting for?)
