Katarina, Vicky and Jennifer head south from Kuala Lumpur to the old historical city of Melaka (or Malacca) to unravel the city's history, explore the back lanes lined with artisans, appreciate the spicy delights of Peranakan food and to stay in the beautifully restored Puri Hotel.
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.
TripAdvisor travelers voted Langkawi a top destination
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 errands. 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.
Beautiful scenery, great adventures, five-star conveniences and an international airport make Langkawi a great place for a holiday.
For more information please visit the official Langkawi website :- http://www.langkawigeopark.com.my
Key
Tips
Langkawi offers great shopping bargains. Bring an extra suitcase.
How
to get there
By Sea Ferries usually leave the port of Kuala Kedah on the mainland on the hour from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm. The ride lasts 1 1/2 hours. There are also ferry services from the mainland port of Kuala Perlis and the Thai port of Satun, both are just 45 minutes from Langkawi.
By Air Both Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia have twice daily flights to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur which land at Langkawi International Airport. There are also direct flights from Penang and Singapore.
Who
to contact
For more information, please contact the Langkawi Tourist Information Centre at 604-9667789.
Accommodation
Overview
There is every kind of accommodation on the island from beach chalets to 5-star hotels.
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USER COMMENTS
Lee Chee Weng wrote
at 11:30:03 AM on 18 Jul 2010
VERY FACINATING AND LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVE A HOLIDAY AT LANKAWI
Lauren Gravenall wrote
at 3:49:26 PM on 14 Nov 2009
Great overview and easy to understand
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Kedah Attractions
The Paddy Museum - Located in Gunung Keriang, the museum showcases the development of paddy cultivation methods, traditional paddy planting equipment and different aspects of paddy cultivation.
Bujang Valley - Located between Gunung Jerai in the north and Sungai Muda in the South, Lembah Bujang is regarded as Malaysia's richest archaeological area.
Mahathir's Birth Place or 'Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir' - Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir which provides an insight into the younger days of the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, from his school days to his success as a doctor.
Four Seasons Langkawi
- Set on the beautiful Tanjung Rhu beach, Four Seasons combines indigenous architecture with gracious service.
Tanjung Rhu Resort
- Comfortable. Enticing. Enchanting.
These are three words that you will carry with you after spending your time at Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort
- Located on the north western shore of Peninsular Malaysia, an ancient group of islands collectively known as Pulau Langkawi awaits you. Our resort is nestled amidst 38 acres of spacious, lush tropical surroundings with private beach coves.
