Langkawi. Island of Legends & World Geopark
Famed for its intriguing legends and myths, the islands of Langkawi teem with tales of princesses, ogres, gigantic birds, heroic warriors, epic ancient battles, love and romance. The duty-free paradise of Langkawi offers everything from pristine white sandy beaches, exotic marine life, majestic views of mist-covered mountains, grand waterfalls, lush ancient rainforests, quaint villages down to magnificent golf courses. Can you envisage a better destination for a truly magical holiday !!!
Geography
Langkawi an archipelago of 99 islands, lies north of the Straits of Melaka, at the northern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, in the southern Andaman Sea. The entire cluster of islands covers an area of 47,850 hectares and is separated from the mainland by the Straits of Malacca. Of the 99 islands in the group, only Pulau Tuba, Pulau Singa, Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Langkawi are inhabited. Pulau Langkawi is the largest and most famous of the island group.
The island group's main town Kuah, also the capital of Langkawi, is located on Pulau Langkawi. Kuah is a mixture of modern shopping complexes and hotels and Malaysian style ‘coffee shops’, general stores and colonial-style shop houses. The port for ferries from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis and Georgetown is located here, while the Langkawi International Airport is a mere 20 km away.
History
Langkawi’s name is believed to have originated from the abundance of eagles on the island and the geological wonder of its landscape. In Kuah, the capital of Langkawi, you can see a huge eagle monument in Eagle Square commemorating the origins of its name.
Historical records about the island are limited. A Chinese Liang Dynastry record makes reference to the kingdom of ‘Langgasu’ as being founded in the 1st century AD. More records are available of when Langkawi came under the Sultanate of Kedah. Langkawi’s fate was therefore tied to that of Kedah and it too came under Siamese rule before being transferred to the British. During World War II the Japanese had control of the island together with a brief period of Thai control. Following the end of the war, Langkawi together with Kedah became part of Malaysia.
Getting There & About
Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia fly directly from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi daily. Driving from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis takes about six and seven hours respectively.
Express ferries provide regular services daily to Langkawi from both Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis, taking about 75 minutes and 45 minutes respectively. From Penang to Langkawi the ferry takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
Within Langkawi you can explore the island on foot or hire a bicycle or other 4-wheeled vehicles. Bus services are limited but Taxi services are readily available.
Geopark
Langkawi Geopark
Langkawi is the world's 52nd Geopark and the first in Southeast Asia and Malaysia, following its listing in the UNESCO Global Network of Geoparks on June 1 2007. It is unique in that it comprises all the 99 islands which make up the Langkawi Archipelago. The Langkawi Geopark encompasses 6 geological formations and 90 prominent geological sites out of the 438 sites identified in Malaysia. Langkawi, dubbed the birthplace of the fetus land of the region, has a vast geodiversity and a complex geological history. The islands have a geological, archaeological and ecological heritage that among others includes 400 million-year-old rock formation, mangrove forests and myriad rare and unique flora and fauna. The combination of various geological processes over eons and the prolonged weathering since is surfaced around 220 million years ago has resulted in the magnificent geological landscape and features of Langkawi today.
GEOFOREST PARK
The Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park
Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park hosts the oldest geological formation in Malaysia known as the machinchang formation. Important geosites include Teluk Datai (with the oldest grains of sand), Pantai Tengkorak (submerged old continent), Tanjung Buta/Pulau Jemuruk (graveyards of oldest life forms in the country) and Tanjung Sabung(where limestone succeeds sandstone). Other wonders created by recent geological processes include the Temurun and Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, remnant islands of Anak Burau and Anak Datai and beautiful beaches in Teluk Datai and Pantai Kok. The Machinchang peak itself exhibits peculiarly chipped sandstone and the ridges are among the most beautiful landscapes in the island.
Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
The Kilim Geoforest Park features limestones dominating the eastern part of the main Langkawi island and adjacent small islands of the Setul formation. The landscapes are magnificent with near vertical to subrounded karstic hills and pinnacles of various shapes and sizes. Also in the area are the three river basins of Kilim, Air Hangat and Kisap and islands of Langgun and Tanjung Dendang.
Dayung Bunting Marble Geoforest Park
The Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park which comprises the finest marbles also houses a number of caves. One of the most unique features of the Marble Geoforest Park is the Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), the largest freshwater lake in which carries many legends. Also unique to the area is the Mangrove forest which flourishes along the Dayang Bunting Straits. It is also believed that the magical waters of the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden will grant the wishes of hopeful barren women. The name originated from the combination of landscapes from marble and granite bedrocks which form a figure resembling a pregnant maiden on her back.
Coasts & Beaches
Beaches
Pantai Cenang
Pantai Cenang, is one of the the liveliest beaches on this island paradise, a perfect spot to escape and have fun in the sun. Visitors can choose to swim, jet ski, water ski, wind surf or go catamaran sailing and boating.
Tanjung Rhu
Tanjung Rhu offers another magnificent beach for sun, sea and sand lovers with a scenic and unspoiled enclave nestled in the shade of swaying casuarinas trees. You can hire a boat from Tanjung Rhu to get to Gua Cerita, a cave worth exploring. There are also other subterranean caverns for cave exploration such as the Gua Teluk Udang, Gua Siam and Gua Teluk Dedap. Behind the beach area you will find mostly mangrove forests.
Pantai Pasir Hitam (Black Sand Beach)
Pasir Pantai Hitam or literally 'black sand beach', is so called because of its unique beach of glittering black sand, which is thought to be tin or an oxide of tin. The beach is small and only a few metres wide. Souvenir shops and fishing spots can be found here.
Other popular beach spots include Pantai Tengah, Pantai Kok and Burau Bay. All offer clean beaches and tranquil waters.
Hills
There are two highest peaks on the Machinchang Range which in addition to unique rock formations, hold a diversity of flora and fauna.
Gunung Raya
The Highest peak on the island at 880m you can either hike up or drive up and enjoy the scenery along the way. The Gunung Raya forest reserve is a virtual paradise for naturalists in search of unique flora and fauna.
Gunung Machinchang
The mountain is one of the oldest rock formations in Southeast Asia. A treasure trove of unique flora and fauna you can either trek up and enjoy the sights or take the Cable car up to the peak, enjoying the view from above. The Gunung Machinchang Forest Reserve is well worth a visit. Things to look out for include the world's smallest orchid as well as pitcher plants.
Natural Springs & Waterfalls
Air Hangat Hot Springs
Air Hangat Hot Springs is located in Air Hangat Village, 14 km northwest of Kuah. Telaga Air Hangat (Air Hangat Hot Springs) is supposed to have healing properties. The modern complex built here includes a three-tier hot spring fountain, an 18-metre long hand-carved river stone mural and daily demonstrations of local craft making like batik painting and woodcarving.
Durian Perangin Waterfall
This lovely 14-tier waterfall with its unique rock formation is located 16 km from Kuah and is a great place for picnics.
Temurun Waterfall
Located just off the road to Datai Bay in a scenic rainforest setting it is reputably Langkawi's tallest waterfall. The best time to view the falls is during the rainy season.
Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells)
Telaga Tujuh, at the foot of Matchingchang Mountain, is believed to be the popular haunt of fairies and reputed to have healing powers. At the top of this waterfall the mountain water flows into seven interconnected rocky natural pools. A trail of concrete steps traverses the mature rainforest above. You can proceed further into the forest by following the stream to find cool secluded pools
Eco-Adventures
The Ecosystems of the old limestone rock formation, caves, mudflats and the seas have three main types of vegetation: the mangroves, the vegetation of the limestone hills and flora of the mudflats and beaches. The rich biodiversity which inhabits the area are a strong pull for nature lovers.
Caves
Caves are plentiful within the Geoforest Park. Cave explorers can expect to find many interesting grottos to discover and not limited to those described. There are also many ways to explore the caves where Gua Buaya can be explored by boat, as the Kilim River flows into the cave, or Gua Kelawar on foot where you can walk along a wooden platform through the mangrove swamp to the cave.
Cave of Stories
Langkawi’s most famous cave Gua Cerita or Cave of Stories is easily accessible by boat from Tanjung Rhu. On the walls are ancient inscriptions, said to verses from the Holy Koran.
Gua Pinang
Gua Pinang is located in an area which was submerged under the sea for thousands of years. Interesting features include ancient seashells embedded in the cave walls.
Flora & Fauna
Mangrove forests are an important link in maintaining the delicate balance of eco-systems particularly with its unique root systems which prevent soil erosion and clean the waters. The Mangrove forests of Langkawi, the only ones in Malaysia which grow on limestone beds, serve this purpose and are also a haven for untold natural wonders of flora and fauna, a sanctuary for birdlife, insects, reptiles and primates. The limestone hills of the area also have a rich diversity of species such as ornamental plants and other flora, lichen and fungi. Many bird species inhabit the area among which is the Brahminy kite and the white-bellied sea eagles. Other biodiversity can be found on the mudflats, beaches and the sea.
The Mangrove forests can be experienced at the forest reserves in Sungai Air Hangat, Sungai Kilim, Sungai Kisap and the Tuba Straits. You can take small boat cruises which will bring you close to the vegetation and wildlife. The tours also include visits to limestone caves and the opportunity to witness eagles feeding and marine life.
Itau River - Kilim River - Kisap River mangrove and Forest Reserve
The relatively untouched forest reserve is where you can see mangrove trees in full bloom and fruit ! An interesting feature within the forest is the bat caves.
Pulau Singa Besar Mangrove
The Pulau Singa Besar Mangrove is an important habitat for unique species. A guided tour around the forests will be an education in how nature recycles itself.
Island & Marine Parks
With over 99 islands to choose from you have a lot to enjoy in Langakawi. Island hopping is a popular sport here. One interesting way to explore the islands, besides hopping onto a boat, is by kayak. You can rent one and take your time rowing around the islands.
Pulau Payar Marine Park
This wonderful marine park sanctuary for marine life comprises four islands, namely Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca. Pulau Payar has some of the best diving sites in West Malaysia, as it teems with a fascinating array of hard and soft corals and multicolored tropical fishes. There are also interesting artificial reefs at Pulau Kaca and Pulau Lembu. The park is open all year round but the best time to visit is between February and November.
Fossils
The Langkawi islands are rich in fossils of ancient and extinct seacreatures from over 542 million years ago.
Other Attractions
Heritage Discovery
Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)
Dataran Lang, located close to the Kuah Jetty, is a sprawling 19-acre landmark with its main feature being a massive reddish brown eagle statue, the symbol of Langkawi. The square also features scenic ponds, bridges, covered terraces, two restaurants, an amphitheatre and two jetties.
Laman Padi Langkawi
Located at Pantai Cenang, it showcases the history, heritage and development of the nation’s rice growing industry. You can even try your hand at planting paddy the traditional or modern way as next to the museum are several plots of real paddy fields complete with rest huts, scarecrows, and even live buffalos and chicken. You can also check out the artist colony, spa and restaurants.
Galeria Perdana
This gallery in Kilim holds an impressive collection of over 10,000 gifts and awards presented to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. It was established due to Tun Dr. Mahatir's belief that the collection belongs to the people and Government of Malaysia. Exhibits include plaques, crystal ware, musical instruments and Islamic arts and crafts as well as a display of cars and other vehicles.
Taman Legenda
Taman Legenda (Legends Park), a 20 hectares (50 acres) park, gives you a good insight into all the colourful legends associated with the islands.
Arts & Cultural Exploration
Kota Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum)
Located 12 km northwest of Kuah is Mahsuri’s mausoleum, built in honour of the legendary Mahsuri, a fair island maiden wrongfully accused of adultery and unjustly executed. Legend has it that with her dying breadth she placed a curse on the island dooming it for 7 generations. Fact or legend, 7 generations have passed and Langkawi has emerged from its chrysalis as a thriving, vibrant idyllic island that attracts visitors from far and near.
The tomb as well as Mahsuri’s Well is located within the Kota Mahsuri Complex which features a museum with dioramas, the Mek Mulung traditional theater auditorium and reconstructions of Langkawi houses that represent the architecture popular during Mahsuri's time. A traditional Malay warung (stall) sells refreshments with a sitting area over-looking the vast padi fields of Ulu Melaka.
Field of Burnt Rice (Padang Matsirat)
According to legend the villagers decided to burn the village rice granary as a strategic ploy during an attack by Siamese invaders. It is said that even today traces of burnt rice can still be found in the area after a heavy downpour.
Langkawi Craft Complex
They are unique and laden with aesthetic values. They are Malaysia’s handicrafts awaiting your discovery at the Langkawi Craft Complex. This is a one stop arts and crafts centre brimming with much sought after items of craftworks. They consist of items from the forests, fabrics, ceramics and metal artifacts and the craftwork of the various ethnic groups.
At the demonstration area of the complex, you can learn from skilled craftsmen, who will demonstrate the intricate techniques of producing local works of art and craft such as weaving, batik painting, wood carving and plaiting. It will be a truly unforgettable experience.
At the Historical and Legend Museum, all the myths and legends of Langkawi and Mahsuri will be highlighted. The Heritage and Wedding Museum will exhibit some of the unique crafts that have become Malaysia’s proud cultural heritage, it will also portray the rich wedding ceremonies and customs of the Malaysians.
The Langkawi Craft Complex will enable you to relive the olden days through its wide range of colourful items of local arts and crafts sold at its various bazaar type of shops.
It will indeed be an alluring display of the history, culture, arts and customs of multiracial Malaysia. Open Daily from 10.00am to 6.00pm, free entrance.
Ibrahim Hussein Museum & Cultural Foundation
The museum set on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea houses a series of galleries that showcase the artistic talents of Asian artists. Itis a private, non-profit foundation set up in 1991 by one of Malaysia's most prominent artist, Dato' Paduka Ibrahim Hussein and is dedicated to the promotion, development and advancement of art and culture of international stature.
Great City Destinations
Langkawi Cable Car
The cable car ride takes visitors on a 20 minutes ride from the Base Station at Oriental Village to the Peak Station on top of the mountain. Mount Machincang. It grants a spectacular view of the surrounding islands, the hillside flora, several waterfalls and an occasional glimpse of the wildlife and birds. On clear days, you can even see parts of Thailand, and Kedah mainland.
Underwater World Langkawi
Nowhere in Malaysia would one be able to view a larger collection of aquatic life of over 500 species than at Underwater World Langkawi (UWL). It is the largest aquarium in Malaysia today. View more than 4000 varieties of animals and sea creatures in more than 100 specially designed tanks.
The main attractions are the Blackfooted African Penguins and Rockhopper Penguins. To date 11 chicks of Blackfooted Penguins and 2 chicks of Rockhopper Penguins have successfully hatched in UWL. Watch our trained seals perform exciting tricks live for your viewing pleasure. The breeding success of the penguins is the outcome of the UWL research and development program which is in line with its mission of being an internationally recognized research and education centre, in addition to being an international tourist attraction.
Up Close & Personal - Fauna
Langkawi Wildlife Park
Langkawi Wildlife Park has an exhibit area of 2.3 hectare with 150 species of friendly animals which you can have feeding fun and take pictures with birds of prey, rabbits, pythons, macaws and lots more. The walkway is fully covered giving visitors shelter from the weather even during rainy days. There are many open free roaming spaces and less cages for moving about giving clear snap shots for those trigger happy tourists. You will find the pathway plus toilets very clean with odors at a very minimum. We feature a Duty Free Shopping Zone, batik, souvenir outlet, food & beverage, Natural Stone and Pearl Gallery. Open daily from 8.30am – 6.00pm.
Crocodile Farm
The crocodile farm at Kubang Badak, home to crocodiles of various species, is where you get to watch the reptiles laze about or feed. The main attraction is the Show Pond where a man wrestles with the crocodiles.
Snake Sanctuary
Home to thousands of species of venomous and non-venomous snakes from around the country the sanctuary lets you get a closer view of these creatures. The spacious terrarium that houses the snakes is the highlight.
Culinary Delights
The local cuisine in Langkawi is a combination of regional and western, but the mixture of Thai and Malay flavours is the most distinct.
Kuah boasts many interesting restaurants while a growing diversity of cuisines can be found along Pantai Tengah, Padang Matsirat and of course Pantai Cenang and just about anywhere else in Langkawi. Great local food can be found resorts, restaurants or stalls and a must try are the many seafood restaurants available.
Events, Fiestas, Fairs & Festivals
Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA)
Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), which was originally staged in 1991, has since become an important event held in Langkawi. The event sees Aerospace and Maritime gadgets for the military as well as commercial use on display. The highlights for visitors are the aerial and maritime shows staged.
Great Outdoors/ Sports
SAILING
Royal Langkawi International Regatta
The Royal Langkawi International Regatta, one of the newest races on the international sailing calendar, attracts participants from all corners of the world. The forthcoming Royal Langkawi International Regatta 2008 is scheduled for January 5-11, 2008, to be held at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC) in Kuah.
GOLF
Golf is one of Langkawi's popular attractions, and its courses are among some of the most spectacular in Asia. Thee three courses available on this beautiful island include the Datai Bay Golf and Country club, Gunung Raya Golf Resort and the Langkawi Golf Club.
Events Ironman Langkawi Malaysia Triathlon
In 2008 the annual Langkawi Ironman Triathlon is scheduled for February. The race which comprises swimming, biking and running is considered especially difficult due to the hot and humid climate of Langkawi.
Entertainment & Shopping
Shopping
Shopping in Langkawi is exciting as it is a duty-free island. If offers a variety of local and foreign goods. The island’s duty-free shops can be found in and around Kuah town as well as the airport and at most of the popular tourist spots Langkawi Crystal is also a good place to get souvenirs, as is the Atma Alam Batik Art Village where you also get to witness batik art painting.
Nightlife
Much of the available nightlife on the island is centered around the bigger resorts where you can find live entertainment as well as traditional dance performances. There are also pubs, clubs, karaoke bars, themed bars, cafes, cocktail bars and even beer gardens around the island, particularly along Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah. Information on traditional shows and location can be obtained at the Tourist Information centers.
Tourist Information Centre
Tourist Information Centre Langkawi
Langkawi Tourist Information Centre,
Jalan Persiaran Putra,
07000 Kuah,
Langkawi
Tel : 04-966 7789 / 9416
Langkawi Tourist Information Centre
Langkawi International Airport
07000 Kuah, Langkawi
Tel: 04-955 7155
Langkawi Geopark Information Centre
L05, Oriental Village
Jln Teluh Burau
07000 Langkawi
Tel: 04-966 6851 |
