Langkawi (Kedah)

Langkawi comprises a group of 99 tropical islands lying off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 30km from Kuala Perlis and 51 km from Kuala Kedah on the mainland. Langkawi, noted for its legends and beautiful views, is the most developed in the group. It features beautifully pristine beaches, abundant marine life and offers an idyllic retreat from the urban jungle. A duty-free port, this island of scenic, tranquil landscapes has become a favorite destination for local and international visitors.

Getting There

By Road
Drive to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, the main take-off points by ferry to Langkawi. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kedah takes about six hours while Kuala Perlis is another hour away.

By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or Malayan Railway provides economical and comfortable rail services from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Star in Kedah and Arau in Perlis (north of Kedah). From these points, take a taxi or bus Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis for your ferry to Langkawi.

By Air
Malaysia Airlines and budget carrier AirAsia provide direct air services from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Langkawi.
Malaysia Airlines

(http://www.malaysiaairlines.com)
Asia Air (+603 8660 4343)

(http://www.airasia.com).

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 15 minutes and 45 minutes respectively. Ferry companies include:
LADA Holdings (+60 04 762 3823)
Langkawi Ferry Services (+6004 762 4524)

Attractions

Kuah

Kuah is the biggest town on the island and the first thing visitors will see upon arrival. 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. The town is well equipped with the usual facilities, and also includes duty-free shops, handicraft centres, restaurants and fast food outlets.

Dataran Lang
Near Kuah Jetty is the most prominent landmark for visitors arriving by sea called Dataran Lang or Eagle Square, which has an 18m magnificent statue of the reddish brown eagle majestically poised for flight as a centerpiece. 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

Mahsuri's Mausoleum
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. She was a victim of malicious accusations that led to her being condemned to death. In her dying breath, she laid a curse that Langkawi will not prosper for the next seven generations. Decades after Mahsuri's death, Langkawi experienced a period of tribulation with her population dwindling in size. The island became a desolate place, beset by series of misfortunes. It was not able to regain its splendour for a long period of time. Fact or fiction, seven generations have since passed and today, Langkawi is a flourishing tourist destination.

Tasik Dayang Bunting
On an island near Langkawi is Tasik Dayang Bunting (The Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), separated from the sea by only a thin ridge of limestone that resembles a reclining pregnant woman. Some people believe the water in the lake possesses mystical power of helping barren women to bear children. The name of both the 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. The lake's facilities include a small jetty and an amusing ‘catfish massage’.

Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells)
Situated on the slopes of Gunung Mat Cincang, water, which streams down the mountain through seven natural pools, forms a series of cascading waterfalls. This is an ideal site for a picnic, and both the mountain and the wells have legends. 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 frolic and bathe in these ponds and bequeath them with healing powers.

Cable Car
Conveniently located within a themed shopping centre called Oriental Village at the foot of Gunung Mat Chincang (Mat Chincang Mountain), the cable car offers a spectacular journey up the cool mountain side, with a breathtaking view of the surrounding green forests, the Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, the sea and the part of the 99 islands. As visitors approach the Middle Station, visitors get the opportunity to observe at close range the unique rock formation and geological features formed some 550 million years ago, and also the opportunity to walk up to one of the 2 platforms available on top of Gunung Mat Chincang to further enjoy the breathtaking view below. It costs approx. RM15 for adults & RM5 for children, and is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday to Monday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday to Wednesday.

Underwater World Langkawi
Underwater World Langkawi is one of the largest marine and freshwater aquaria in Asia. . 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. Highlights include the gigantic hexagonal tank and walk-through tunnel tank containing six million litres of seawater.

Air Hangat Village
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 of the island. Other attractions of the village are the batik painting demonstrations and the cultural performances held regularly at the park.

Laman Padi Langkawi
Laman Padi Langkawi is Langkawi's latest attraction that should not be missed for the agro-tourism lovers. Located at the island's popular Pantai Cenang, Laman Padi is a showcase of the history, heritage and development of the oldest agriculture industry in Malaysia—the paddy (rice cultivation). 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. Visitors can also gain a firsthand experience in paddy planting. Other displays include a tropical herbal garden, floating rice garden and a traditional village.

Taman Lagenda
This massive, beautifully landscaped theme park, sitting on reclaimed land, is really an open-air museum or gallery. All the famous legends of Langkawi are portrayed within several buildings in this picturesque garden of plants, flowers and fruit trees. If you have limited time to cover all Langkawi's historic sites, a visit here is sufficient as all the famous legends and myths are on display. Visitors can walk through it to learn about Mahsuri, the field of burnt rice, and how various districts in Langkawi got their names. . Within the park, there are also some fine examples of traditional Malaysian handicraft and cultural objects.

Galeria Perdana
A brainchild of former Malaysia's Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his his wife, this gallery displays various awards and gifts received from world leaders during his tenure. Officially opened on 3 December 1995, the gallery is in a two-storey 5,333 square metre building in the tranquil village of Kilim, 15 kilometres from Kuah. 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. Each display comes with an explanation. Another striking feature is the ceiling, which is hand painted with intricate designs.

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.

Padang Mat Sirat

Once the island’s granary, the village head ordered it destroyed during the Siamese invasion of 1821. It is said that remnants of burnt rice can still be found after a downpour and that these are a potent medical treatment. This is also the location of the airport and the The Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, where the biennial Langkawi Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) is held.

Taman Buaya Langkawi (Langkawi Crocodile Farm)
Located at Datai Bay, about 32 kilometers north of Kuah, the Crocodile Farm is one of the many popular attractions on the island. Covering 20 acres of land, it has more than 1,000 species of crocodiles and alligators. An exhibition center displays the life cycle of the reptile, and specimens as well as pictures of every conceivable aspect of crocodiles. You can catch a glimpse of the intimate lives of the reptiles, see their feeding habits and the exciting 'man versus crocodile' wrestling show.

Temurun Waterfall
Located at the northwestern part of the island, on the way to Datai Bay, this waterfall is a spectacular and popular tourist destination. The spectacular waterfall is normally at its best from June till December, when rainfall is most frequent and reliable. Most visitors will climb the staircase to take advantage of the spectacular scenery.

Islands & Beaches

Tanjung Rhu
Tanjung Rhu lies on the northern cape of Pulau Langkawi, this beautiful beach is a coastline rich with coral and marine life. The long stretch of beach is fringed with shady Casuarina trees, which are found in abundance in the area. A striking feature of this beach is the little rocky outcrop of Chabang Island rising out from the sea.

Pantai Cenang
About 25km southwest of Kuah is the famous beach of Pantai Cenang where most of the beach chalets and resorts with first-class accommodation are located. One of the most popular beach destinations among tourists and locals alike, Pantai Cenang is known not only for its delightful sunsets but also for its long and sandy beach. It is a lively beach which provides fun and thrills watersports such as sailing, canoeing, snorkeling and fishing. You can also hire boats for island hopping here. Restaurants and outlets in the hotels and outdoors serve a variety of appetizing cuisine with live music and explosive atmosphere.

Pulau Payar Marine Park
45 mins away from Kuah by ferry, the marine park surrounds the four islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca and is famous for its well-protected coral reeds and abundant marine life. Many endangered species of fishes and marine organisms live within the sanctuary. The islands are surrounded by well—protected coral reefs that are home to numerous species of underwater creatures. Attracting divers from all over the world, the park offers a variety of diving conditions, from flat terrain to more challenging steep slopes. Facilities include hiking trails, gazebos, picnic tables, barbecue pits and restrooms..

Pulau Singa Besar
Monkeys, deer, iguanas and peacocks roam about freely on Pulau Singa Besar, a wildlife sanctuary located southwest of Pulau Langkawi. To preserve the island's natural surroundings, no hotels or chalets have been built. Camping is possible with prior permission from the Wildlife Department. However, visitors will have to bring along their own tents and camping equipment if they wish to spend the night on the island.