Langkawi Island Destination Guide

Overview
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.

Langkawi is not only geared towards tourism. Many of the islanders are farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and the peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi’s most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island. You'll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children pedalling their old bicycles on an errand. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi.

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.

For beautiful scenery, great adventures and five-star conveniences, Langkawi is the place to geaway.

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.

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