Luscious Langkawi

Introduction:

Langkawi, one of Malaysia's most popular tropical islands, is a destination that encompasses mystical legends, scenic jungle covered hills, alluring beaches, fantastic resorts and is marked by a comfortable easy pace.This enchanting resort presents the nature in its natural unspoilt form in combination with rugged beauty and local legends which present an irresistible combination of cultural and natural attractions.

It's an ideal place to witness great outdoor activities like golf, snorkeling, marine park, charter boat or a cable car to the top of the mountain where each activity is equally exciting and full of fun with a punch of excitement.The Malaysian government has spent considerable funds to develop a great infrastructure consisting of excellent roads, modern shopping centres, new marinas and impressive resort hotels. Besides these, Langkawi's Duty free status has also created some fabulous shopping opportunities!

Langkawi also hosts a number of international events including the Tour de Langkawi, an annual cycling competition starting in Langkawi and ending in Kuala Lumpur; The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Show (LIMA) and the annual Royal Langkawi Regatta which draws boats from all over the world. These events make the place a centre of tourist attraction.

Fact File:

Country: Malaysia

Population: 60.000

Languages: English, Tamil, Chinese, Malay

Climate: Temperatures in Langkawi range from 22.35 C to 34.5 C. Rainfall in Langkawi varies from 69.0 to 870.0 (mm/month).

Official Currency: Malaysia Ringgit (RM); 1 RM = 11.454 Indian Rupee = 0.2632 US $ = 0.2173 Euro (subject to change).

Location: Located off the North West coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi is part of an archipelago of around 104 mostly uninhabited islands where hidden coves and deserted beaches were once the haunt of pirates.

Getting There:

By Air: Domestic flights are available from the Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Baru and Ipoh (Malaysia) with international flights from Changi Airport in Singapore and Kansai Airport in Japan. The airlines that service the Langkawi airport include Malaysia Airlines System (MAS), Silk Air and Air Asia.

By Boat: There are four ferry departure points in Malaysia to Langkawi. Kuala Perlis in Perlis province, Kuala Kedah in Kedah province, Georgetown in Penang Island. Tourists travelling from Thailand depart from Satun in the south.

Getting Around:

By Road: Rented cars are the norm with many car owners doubling as guides to supplement their income. However, one rent a vehicle from one of the beach resorts. The easiest way to get around Langkawi is on two wheels and there are lots of Honda 70cc motorbikes on the island for rent. Public transportation is available in Kuah. Buses run from the jetty to the centre of town. The only other destination for buses is Pantai Cenang.

Accommodation:

The city of has very good hotels to ensure a comfortable stay for the tourists. Mentioned below is a list of some of the hotels in the city:

5 star hotels in the city:

Pelangi Beach & Spa Resort

Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort

4 star hotels in the city:

Sheraton Perdana Resort

The Datai Resort

Holiday Villa Langkawi

3 star hotels in the city:

Four Seasons Langkawi

Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort

Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort

The Andaman Datai Bay Langkawi

Major Tourist Attractions:

Taman Lagenda: This beautiful park with its splendid gardens of delicate local flowers, plants and fruit trees provides a picturesque and perfect background for buildings presenting Malaysia's rich cultural heritage.

Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri Tomb or Mausoleum): This shrine lies in a village about 12 km from Kuah and was erected in the honour of a fair maiden who lived on Pulau Langkawi more than two hundreds years ago and was punished for a crime she never committed.

Telagah Tujuh (Seven Wells): Located in the northwest corner of Pulau Langkawi, it is a geographical marvel. According to a legend fairies used to come down to this waterfall to bathe and frolic. The waterfall is so named because the cascading water is broken by a series of seven natural pools. The lush green forest surrounding the waterfall add a mysterious touch to the splendour.

Gunung Raya (mountain): Located 12 km from Kuah, it is Langkawi's highest mountain at about 893 mtrs. It is the ultimate destination for nature lovers and the road leading to the peak of the mountain takes about 40 minutes and offers a fantastic view from the top of the island below. To the east one can relish the sight of the islands of South Thailand and to the west are views of Kuah harbour and Mat Cincang Mountain

Other Attractions:

Air Hungat Village

Padang Masirat

Pantai Pasir Hitam

Dataran Lang or "Eagle Square

Sangkar Ikan