Pulau Langkawi, Kedah

Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands with the best of many worlds; beautiful beaches, world-class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.

Langkawi has a lingering legend woven into its history. Ask anyone in Langkawi about the tragic legend of a beautiful young lady named Mahsuri, and you'll hear a tale of love, jealousy and a curse that was placed upon the island by the her for seven generations. Today, 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. The mysticism of this legend can be felt in many parts of this island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Mausoleum) where the famous legendary figure is said to be buried.


Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang - 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 (Cave of Stories) 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. Langkawi also has an underwater world, containing an underground tunnel that runs though a giant aquarium, that has gotten rave reviews.


Attractions 
Datai Bay
Datai Bay is situated at the north-west corner of Langkawi island and has the most exclusive golf resort on the island - the Datai Bay Golf Resort. Another exclusive establishment here is the Datai Langkawi Resort, luxurious, elite and indulgent.


Langkawi Cable Car
On a clear day, you can see parts of Thailand towards the north and Indonesia towards the south-west. The cable car ride up the hill takes about 20 minutes and is highly exhilarating. At the top, there are two stations as well as a viewing bridge that let you take in all of Langkawi. As a bonus, your ride will take you over jungle waterfalls and a thick carpet of virgin rainforest. It's a very educational and thrilling experience for the whole family.


Langkawi Mangroves
Set in a craggy, almost magical setting of limestone outcroppings rising sharply out of the calm Andaman Sea, the mangrove forest here is really an intricate network of streams and hidden coves that are home to hundreds of endemic jungle species of wildlife.

Among the most exciting of these are the Brahminy Kites and huge Sea Eagles who nest in the crags overhead. One of the best ways to discover this usually inaccessible mangrove world is to join the regular small boat tours available. The highlight of any tour to the mangroves is the feeding of the eagles. Your boatman will throw food into the water near your boat and wait for these huge birds to circle overhead and swoop in for their 'lunch'.

Mangrove tours can include jungle trekking, cave exploration, village visits, high tide swims and guided exploration of mangrove flora and fauna. Decide on what itinerary best suits you before you book.

Explore kilometres of tidal forests, rugged limestone cliffs, secluded caves and unique flora. Pure Nature! 




Pulau Payar Marine Park 

The sprinkling of jade green islands that makes up Pulau Payar lies just 30km south-east of Langkawi. It's just a 1-hour boat ride out to the best marine park on Malaysia's West Coast, making it an ideal choice for a day outing.

This well-preserved, uninhabited marine park extends over a number of islands, with Pulau Payar being the largest. Your base out here is the floating platform moored off Pulau Payar. But the real attraction of this platform lies below sea level. Step into the underwater observation chamber to view the marine life surrounding a reef. Want to get even closer to the swirl of fishes that make these corals their home? Grab a mask, a snorkel and fins and join the spectacle!

Are you into scuba diving? The best diving is along the reef system that skirts the south, east and west of Pulau Payar. Please check with your dive operator what the visibility is like during that time. It can vary from time to time.

There is no accommodation in Pulau Payar as it is a marine park, but that's not really an issue since Langkawi, with all its fine resorts and restaurants, is just a quick boat-ride away.




Tanjung Rhu
At Padang Lalang there's a roundabout with a turn-off to the north to Tanjung Rhu. The beach is lined with whispering casuarinas trees and has a pleasant, relaxed feel. Tanjung Rhu has one of Langkawi's best beaches. The shallow water makes it fine for swimming, and a sandbank links it to a nearby rocky outcrop. The Gua Cerita, or Cave of Legends, is just around a promontory and can be reached by boats that are hired on the beach.

Pantai Pasir Hitam
Some 2 km west of Tanjung Rhu is Pantai Pasir Hitam, a beach streaked with black sand. The black streaks are caused by the deposits of mineral oxides from a nearby spring. The sea in the area is dotted with large boulders. Along the beach is a jetty where fishing boats moor. Attractions include food and souvenir stalls that sell local crafts and trinkets.



Shopping
Oriental Village 
Overlooking beautiful Burau Bay in Langkawi, the Oriental Village is one of the region's newest and most unique shopping, cultural and culinary destinations. Specially designed to provide a new concept in resort duty-free shopping, the Oriental Village also houses fine themed restaurants that reflect Asia's culinary delights.

With over 470 brands and 17,000 products, the village offers shopping buffs a huge range of international designer labels and local products. Bold displays of culture and fashion and fascinating handicraft demonstrations by skilled craftsmen add to the excitement of shopping here.

A delightful inn completes the village concept while cultural and theatre performances enhance the oriental theme that defines the village. Indeed, a blend of the traditional and modern intertwined with the local culture provides a unique experience for the visitor. Apart from excellent restaurants, a specially designed food court offers a variety of local fare. The Inn and the Club Bar provide an excellent rest stop for refreshments.

Open: 10 am to 10 pm (Daily)
Admission: Free

Pekan Rabu
Pekan Rabu (Wednesday Market) is a bazaar, so named because it was usually held on Wednesday. The bazaar is open every day from morning until night and is one of the main attractions for visitors to find all kinds of local farm produce, handicrafts, local delicacies, fruits, and garments.

Craft Complex
Perched on a strategic location near the sea at Teluk Yu, the Craft Cultural Complex was set up to maintain and promote the nation's rich cultural heritage. Beautiful and intricate handmade crafts can be found here, reflecting the skill and creativity that have been handed down through the generations. The Langkawi Craft Cultural Complex sales gallery is a great place to pick up some handmade mementos of your stay in Langkawi.

Open: 9 am to 6 pm
Entrance: Free

Langkawi Crystal
In 1996, Langkawi Crystal was established on the north-western Malaysian island of Langkawi. Over time, what began as a humble glass-blowing house has grown into a highly reputable crystal ware production centre. Langkawi Crystal pieces are sought and collected for their unique design and uncompromising quality. Shunning the mass-production moulds of many major European producers, every one of the products is handcrafted, giving it an exciting free-form appearance rarely encountered in crystal ware.

Open: 9 am to 6 pm
Entrance: Free
Getting to Langkawi
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 Air
Malaysia Airlines and budget carrier AirAsia provide direct air services from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Langkawi.

There are direct flights to Langkawi from London twice a week.

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 Sea
Express ferries provide regular services daily to Langkawi from both Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis. The journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and 45 minutes respectively. From Penang to Langkawi the ferry takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The island is also a stopover for Star Cruises, one of the largest luxury cruise lines in the world.

Kuala Perlis Ferry Counter: 04-9852690 / 0-49851899
Kuala Kedah Ferry Counter: 04-7626295 / 04-7626296
Kuah Jetty Ferry Counter: 04-9663988 / 04-9668988

Staying in Langkawi ( Suggested Hotel and Resort available in Langkawi Island)
Awana Porto Malai (205 rooms) 3 stars
Location: Jetty Point, Tanjung Malai
Address: Tanjung Malai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.
The charge fee normally from RM295-RM4800 (in peak season)

Bayview Hotel (282 rooms) 4 stars hotel
Location: Kuah Town
Address: Jalan Pandak Mayah 1, Pusat Bandar Kuah 07000 Pulau Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia.
The charge fee from RM220-RM550 per night (There are a lot of surcharge for peak season and extra services)

Western Langkawi Resort and Spa (222 rooms) 5 stars hotel
Location: Near Kuah Town
Address: Jalan Pantai Dato' Syed Omar, 07000 Langkawi
The charge fee from RM 639-RM4383 per night ( There are a lot of luxury facilities provide within this hotel)


Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort ( 502 rooms) 5 starts Hotel
Location: Burau Bay, Beachfront
Address: Burau Bay, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
The charge fee from RM 440-RM 1148 per night (Surcharge will be from RM 250 per room for peak season)

Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort ( 264 rooms) 5 stars Hotel

Location: Nibong Bay, Beachfront
Address: Teluk Nibong, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, Langkawi 07000, Malaysia
 The charge fee from RM554-RM 856 per night ( Surcharge will be from RM220 per room for peak season)


Four Season (5 stars Hotel)
Location: Rhu Bay, Beachfront
Address: Jalan Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi Kedah Darul Aman Malaysia


Langkawi Lagoon Resort (84 rooms) 5 stars Resort
Location: Tengah Beach, Beachfront
Address: Lot 78, Jalan Kuala Muda, 07100 Padang Matsirat, Langkawi, Kedah

The charge fee from RM407-RM 4651 per night ( Surcharge will be from RM90-RM 150 per room for peak season)

The Andaman (188 rooms) 5 stars Hotel

Location: Datai Bay, Beachfront
Address: Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah

The charge fee from RM739-RM 1239 per room/night ( Surcharge will be from RM80-RM 850 per room/night for peak season)

* These are the example of hotel and resorts available in Langkawi, the charges rate will subject to change without any notification.