Numerous enclaves of sandy white beaches bordering the clear tropical waters on the island makes for a relaxing and refreshing paradise for sun, nature and sea lovers. Langkawi is indisputably the perfect getaway to rejuvenate frayed nerves.

The Langkawi archipelago consists of a group of over 99 islands in the Andaman Sea some 30 km off the north-western part on Peninsula Malaysia. A glimpse of another 5 is only possible during high tide.

Numerous enclaves of sandy white beaches bordering the clear tropical waters on the island makes for a relaxing and refreshing paradise for sun, nature and sea lovers. Langkawi is indisputably the perfect getaway to rejuvenate frayed nerves.

Most of the outer islands are limestone and marble while Langkawi Island comprises ancient sandstone formations and granite intrusions. The island's geological make up forms the basis of its flora and fauna.

Legend has it that the name Langkawi is derived from the symbiotic combination of the Malay word helang which means eagle (in the past the island was home to innumerable eagles) and the Sanskrit word kawi for marble (found in abundance on the island).

Another version suggest that it was a coined from the Sanskrit words langka (beauty) and wi (innumerable), of which the island certainly possesses.

WORLD GEOPARK STATUS

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia) on 31 May 1996, gave rise to Langkawi being declared a Geopark -- the first in South-East Asia and 52nd in the world.

The term Geopark is reserved for an area that has significant rock formations as well as unique landscapes -- both of which are naturally a plenty in Langkawi. Not surprisingly, a decade later, on June 1, 2007, Langkawi obtained international recognition when it was awarded a World Geopark status by UNESCO and gained a listing in the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network.
Langkawi Geopark encompasses 6 geological formations and 90 prominent geological sites out of the 438 sites identified in Malaysia. It also showcases a combination of Geoforests, namely:

KILIM KARST GEOFOREST

Karst topography is a landscape created by groundwater dissolving sedimentary rock such as limestone. This creates landforms such as shafts, tunnels, caves, and sinkholes.

Groundwater seeps into and through these landforms. The result is a scenic landscape that is beautiful but fragile, and vulnerable to erosion and pollution.

The Kilim Geoforest Park showcases a magnificent limestone formation, which dominates the eastern part of the island and those adjacent to it. Also in the area are the three river basins of Kilim, Air Hangat and Kisap and islands of Langgun and Tanjung Dendang.

At certain spots along the river, they feed the eagles, which are found in great numbers here. Species include the white-bellied fish eagle, brahminy kite and the gigantic sea eagles. Kilim River is the perfect place for birdwatching during the migratory seasons in September and March.

Caves are plentiful within the Kilim Geoforest and there are numerous ways to access them.

Gua Buaya (Crocodile Cave) can be explored by boat, as the Kilim River flows into the cave. Visitors can walk on a wooden platform that cuts through the mangrove swamp to get into Gua Kelawar (Bat Cave), named after its inhabitants, the Malaysian Fruit Bats.

Langkawi’s most famous cave Gua Cerita (Cave of Legends) is easily accessible by boat from Tanjung Rhu. On the walls of this cave are ancient Arabic inscriptions, believed to be verses from the Quran.

Gua Pinang is located in an area which was submerged thousands of years ago, as indicated by an abundance of ancient seashells embedded in the cave walls.

DAYANG BUNTING MARBLE GEOFOREST

One of the most unique features of the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest is the Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden) that was formed when a huge limestone cave collapsed. The name is derived from the combination of marble and granite bedrocks, which formed into a figure resembling a pregnant woman lying on her back.

Locals believe that the waters of the lake possess mystical powers that would enable a barren woman to be impregnated. The large mangrove forest flourishes along Selat Dayang Bunting (Dayang Bunting Straits) is another ecological attraction.

Gua Langsuir (Cave of the Banshee) located on the western coast of Pulau Dayang Bunting is recommended only for experienced cavers. Negotiating its steep ascend demands great climbing skills and absolute physical fitness.

The cave was thought to be the abode of the langsuir (banshee) because of the shrilling sound that emanates from its depth. It is shunned by the locals. The huge and gloomy chambers in the cave are actually home to thousands of bats.

Langkawi Island is truly an exotic destination blessed with abundant natural beauty.

The natural landscape of Langkawi are the results of ancient geological processes that has made the Langkawi Geopark what it is today -- a land where facts and fables, myths and history, culture and folklore; intertwined to mystify even the seasoned traveller.

For the adventurous, Langkawi promises some truly fascinating sights and unforgettable experience.