Langkawi is the largest of a multitude of islands that lie off the coast of Kedah state, in the far northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. The island comprises a jeweled setting of 99 islands. Langkawi is a versatile holiday destination with world-class infrastructure and facilities – a modern international airport, excellent roads, state-of-the-art marinas, budget hotels to award-winning luxurious resort, superb golf courses and a host of recreational activities.

Visitors arriving by sea will disembark at the jetty in the main town of Kuah. Located southeast of the island, the town houses many hotels and shopping centers. A large prominent statue of an eagle, situated at the popular Eagle Square is visible from afar when approaching the island. According to the local folklore, Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or helang.

Langkawi’s idyllic beaches are perfect settings for a fun-filled vacation. Tanjung Rhu Beach, 22km north of Kuah, is fringed by casuarinas from which the beach gets its name. A perfect place for a picnic, this wide sandy beach offers unmatched pristine tranquility. The sunset here at dusk, in a blaze of orange and red is truly a spectacular sight.

Tanjung Rhu Beach in Langkawi.

Photo courtesy by http://www.flickr.com/photos/trip2langkawi/

On the western coastline of Langkawi, lie the beaches of Datai, Kok, Burau Bay and Tengah. Enjoy a round of golf at the 18-hole course at Datai Bay and tee off against Langkawi’s scenic backdrop. Those who wish to spend their day at Burau Bay can enjoy horseback riding while visitors to Tengah Beach can hire a boat and go island hopping. Kok Beach is the location of Telaga Harbor Park, a marina-cum-resort with ample facilities.

Cenang Beach is only 3km from the Langkawi International Airport and is the most developed of the beach areas housing several luxury class hotels and dozens of budget chalets and restaurants. There are plenty of water sports available on this popular beach providing fun and excitement for all.

First-class accommodations in modern hotels or comfortable chalets are available around the island. Restaurant outlets in the hotels and outdoors serve a variety of local and international fare with live music and an energetic ambience.

Go snorkeling and diving in the Payar Marine Park, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi. Segantang Island, Kaca Island and Lembu Island are other islands that make up the Payar Marine Park. For those shy of the sea, hop into a glass-bottomed boat and watch the underwater world below. Speedboats or catamarans shuttle visitors from Langkawi to the Payar Marine Park within an hour.

Baby sharks at the Payar Marine Park

Langkawi offers a back-to-nature experience for all. From waterfalls to mysterious cave, visitors will discover that Langkawi is more than a beach lovers’ paradise.

There are a host of themed attractions in Langkawi providing excitement for young and old travelers alike. Come and discover the variety of aquatic life at the Underwater World Langkawi. This largest public aquarium in the country features stingrays, sharks, moray, eels and green turtles together with exotic fishes and sea plants.

There are also interesting handicraft centers and souvenir shops located around the island offering items such as batik outfits and silverware. Cultural performances and batik workshops can be enjoyed at these centers.

With an attractive range of duty-free goods to choose from in Langkawi, shopping here is a real treat. From pewter and perfumes to liquor and leather, the attractive prices make shopping irresistible!

Langkawi Map.

Getting to Langkawi
By Road
Visitors traveling by road have to 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. If you are driving from Penang, the journey takes only about one and half hour to Kuala Kedah through the North-South Expressway.

Getting to Langkawi Map.

By Air
Malaysia Airlines provides direct air services from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Langkawi. The budget carrier AirAsia operates from the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (LCCT) in Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi.

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. From these points, take a taxi or bus to 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 15minutes and 45 minutes respectively. From the ferry from Penang to Langkawi takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. You can also go to the Payar Marine Park from Penang by ferry without stopping at Langkawi. Langkawi is also a stopover for Star Cruise, one of the largest luxury cruise lines in the world.

For more photos, please visit the following link.

www.flickr.com

Location, Driving Direction and Map for Getting Around Pulau Langkawi:

What Others Are Reading

Discounted Hotel in Malaysia