Travel Asia

Langkawi in Malaysia is listed by UNESCO as a Geopark. The tropical island paradise of Langkawi offers tourist and visitors a variety of explorations. Langkawi offers some of Malaysi’a most pristine ecology and wildlife. Langkawi ha an outstanding geological landscape and is the only Geopark in Southeast Asia and one of the fifty around the world. Langkawi island paradise is the a perfect ecotourism destination for nature lovers and adventurers in Asia.

An archipelago of 99 islands, Langkawi is once a secret hideaway for pirates. This island which is separated from peninsular Malaysia by the Straits of Malacca is recently recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific Cultural and Organization (UNESCO) as a geopark which is a title given to outstanding geological landscapes in the world. It is the only Geopark in Southeast Asia and one of 50 around the world. Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi escapes the northeastern winter monsoon entirely and enjoys sunny skies when the eastern provinces are flooded. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks, the island was at one time touted as “Malaysia’s best-kept secret”.

Of the 99 islands that consist Langkawi, only three are inhabited with Pulau Langkawi as the largest. Three of its main Geopark components are Mount Matchinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Geoforest Park and Pulau Tasik Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake). While geology buffs will appreciate knowing that these land formations have the most complete Paleozoic sedimentary sequence in Malaysia that dates back to the Cambrian and Permian periods, most eco-tourists will exhilarated after a day’s exploration by boat among the soaring rocky cliff faces that are painted in pink, white and black by the strokes of time and erosion.

Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted in the cave explorations, trekking, parasailing and snorkeling throughout the geopark. Those who prefer indoor activities will be in heaven provided by the duty-free shopping which are known for its tax-free great bargains. If you have handicrafts on your shopping list, you must head to Atma Alam art village which is near the international airport. Here, you will find batik artists paint colorful masterpieces in their outdoor workshop which are hung with finished products for sale. More great items can be found inside the emporium like pewter, ceramics, indigenous jewelry designs and stylish batik clothing.  Another of the local expertise is glass blowing which can be seen live at the Faizy Crystal. Visitors congregate around the kiln to watch experts mold blobs of glass into extravagant designs. Tiny souvenirs like colorful starfish and Zodiac animals can be purchased here.

Langkawi Island is one of the most beautiful and magical tropical destinations in Southeast Asia. Beautiful warm beaches fringed with gentle palm trees that face the azure seas - This is Langkawi in all its natural splendour and beauty. Langkawi is the perfect getaway destination for families or friends looking for a pleasant holiday. Langkawi’s beaches are simply some of Malaysia’s best. From the sandy bays to the sweeping coastlines, the island’s beaches are renowned among tourists, locals, beach-bummers and revellers from across the world.

What To See in Langkawi

There are lots of scenic views to satisfy your eyes in Langkawi. From muddy coastal mangroves to tombs that speak of past legends, Langkawi has sights both peculiar and fascinating to explore. The island is also a natural repository for magnificent flora and fauna beckoning you to come and admire. Then there are plenty of landmarks and historical establishments on the island, shrouded in tales of giants and magic for visitors interested in Langkawi’s culture. But still there are a lot of unexplored natural attractions that are still to be discovered in Langkawi.

Tourist and visitors will love the beaches of Langkawi. Langkawi’s beaches are simply some of Malaysia’s best. The beaches here are carpeted with fine, white grains of sand with coconut trees and elegant casuarinas that are in line and gentle breeze, clear and azure blue seas that hold a rich variety of marine life. The popular beaches in Langkawi can be found at Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Pantai Kok, Pantai Pasir Hitam, Tanjung Rhu, Datai Bay, Burau Bay and Pantai Teluk Yu.

Langkawi holds many places of interest for the adventurers, tourists and visitors. There’s simply so much to see and do in Langkawi. Here are some of the popular destinations in Langkawi that is a must to see such as Makam Mahsuri, Underwater World Langkawi, Dataran Lang (Eagle Square), Crocodile Farm, Laman Padi (Rice Garden), Ibrahim Hussein Museum & Cultural Foundation, Kompleks Budaya Kraf (Cultural Craft Complex), Langkawi International Book Village, Langkawi Snake Sanctuary, Padang Masirat (Field of Burnt Rice), Summer Place, Taman Lagenda Theme Park and Al-Hana Mosque.

Since Langkawi Island is densely populated with tropical rainforest, this tropical island has some amazing wildlife and fascinating greenery to show. Tourist’s visit to Langkawi is not complete without at least visiting these places such as the Cable car in Mat Cincang Mountain, Durian Perangin Falls, Air Terjun Temurun Waterfalls, Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, Gunung Raya Mountain and Sungai Kilim Nature Park.

What To Do in Langkawi

There are lots of things to do in this beutiful island paradise of Langkawi. It’s not hard to plan your day exploring the island in Langkawi. Tourist and visitors can go shopping because Langkawi is the regional hub for the duty-free goods offering both international and local products. Langkawi is also a host of many activities such as sports and recreation. Langkawi offers sports activities such as golf at the famous Datai course, Sailing around the Langkawi archipelago, hiking or horse-riding in the interior, diving and snorkeling at the Pulau Payar Marine Park. Langkawi also offers traditional massage, tropical spa and jacuzzi that is a perfect treat after a hard day’s sightseeing. Most major hotels offer spa treatments with attractive packages.

Langkawi Dining and Restaurants

Langkawi’s is not only known for its beautiful natural attractions and warm beaches but also is magnificent cuisine especially in seafoods. Langkawi food is fantastic. This topical island paradise is surrounded by azure blue seas that hold a rich variety of marine life, it’s no wonder that Langkawi has a buffet spread of culinary delights from the sea.

The popular eating destinations in Langkawi are Kuah Town, Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah and Pantai Kok. But there are a lot of restaurants in Langkawi to select to satisfy your taste and palette. Langkawi is famous with seafood and international cuisines. They also pride themselves of having a wide array of local delights. Langkawi has been hailed as a food paradise filled with appetite-inducing, mouth-watering fare from the taste-bud curling seafood, sweet chendol to the sinfully Italian pizza & pasta.

A visit to Langkawi will not be complete without sampling the cheap and tasty roadside delicacies. With a choice of unique restaurant, you never have to travel far to find food paradise. Here are the best restaurant for your selection.

Langkawi Nightlife

The Tropical Paradise Island of Langkawi is very alive at night. If you want to spend an evening with your friends drinking beer while absorbing the sound of waves crashing on the shore and the glitter of a starry-lit sky then you can go to the bars that are located on the beach. Some of the bars, bistros, pubs, cafes are directly located on the beach.

The top ten things you should not miss when visiting Langkawi are:

• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling at Palau Payar Marine Park
• Air trekking
• Cruising on a yacht around the many islands
• Riding the Panorama Langkawi cable car
• Walking on the suspension bridge at the Matchinchang Mountain
• Going on a mangrove cruise
• Island hopping
• Bird watching
• Biking along the countryside

Getting There To Langkawi Island

Langkawi Island is located just off the coast of North Western Malaysia, about 30 km from Kuala Perlis and 51 km from Kuala Kedah and close to Thailand. The archipelago of Langkawi contains 99 islands during high tide whereas during low tide, the number of islands can be as many as 104. Sanctuary of some of the most ancient rainforests in the world, they are teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Langkawi Island itself is the largest among the archipelago, measuring about 478.5 sq km, is the only one with any real settlement. It fringed by lovely beaches scattered along its coast. The island is still very much a rural landscape with villages and paddy fields.

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.

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