langkawi info

Langkawi

The isles of Langkawi - ninety nine of them, are tucked into the northwest corner of the peninsula and nestled on the Thai-Malaysian sea border. Unspoilt and rustic, it is a tropical paradise spectacularly endowed by nature, one where crystal clear emerald waters, azure skies, lush green vegetation and fantastic limestone formations can be found.

But Langkawi is more than captivating beauty ~ it is also a land steep in legends and shrouded in mystery.

The best known legend is of Mashuri, a pretty maiden who lived some 200 years ago. Executed for a crime she did not commit, she laid a curse on the land, that "...Langkawi shall not prosper for seven generations to come."

Seven generations of barren underdevelopment have passed. As the cloud of both social and economic gloom passes, Langkawi is poised to take its place as a premier holiday venue.

Populated by approximately 40,000 inhabitants, mostly Malays, it offers myriad possibilities for both the weary and the adventurous and is nothing short of a “must” for the avid and fun-loving traveller.

Location

Langkawi is a cluster of 99 islands located off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The largest of the islands has always been popularly known as Pulau Langkawi and is the location of almost all of its premier hotels and major places of interest.

Accessibility

Langkawi is strategically located and is readily accessible from Kuala Lumpur, the capital city by road, rail and air. Flights on Malaysia Airlines and other carriers take approximately 40 minutes. From Penang, the flight takes 30 minutes.

A hydrofoil /ferry service operates from the Port Swettenham Pier in Penang daily. Other alternatives are to take a train or drive to either of the two fishing towns of Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, then board the ferry. Private vehicles can be driven into Langkawi aboard the ferry.

All in all, the most interesting way to get to Langkawi is by ferry. The trip from Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis takes approximately two hours. The approach to the islands by sea offers the visitors some panoramic and spectacular vistas of chalky limestone cliffs plunging into sparkling blue-green waters amidst lush jungle foliage.

A novel way of getting to Langkawi is to book oneself on a leisurely cruise. Spend a couple of leisurely days relaxing and sightseeing.

Climate

Visitors to Langkawi are always promised abundant sunshine and sunkissed days. Showers at certain wetter parts of the year –especially between the months of April and October – are often intermittent and usher in cooler and pleasant temperatures.

The prevalence of such conducive climatic conditions means that minimal and comfortable lightweight attire is recommended.

Getting around

While in Langkawi, moving around is an extremely simple and pleasant adventure. Different modes – to suit different moods and occasions – are available as follows:

By car -- own transport, hiring a vehicle or taxi

This is the most convenient way of seeing Langkawi. The roads are good and well-charted to enable even the first-timer to take in every sight. The visitor cannot really “get lost” in Langkawi.

Biking or cycling

Hiring a motorcycle or a bicycle is an inexpensive way of enabling the visitor to visit every nook and corner, sometimes not readily accessible by car. Narrower – off the beaten – paths and trails can likewise be negotiated.

Boating/cruising

To get to the islands, a boat can be hired or visitors can share the facility with others on a conducted tour or cruise. Signing up for cruises is an ideal way to relax and take in the breathtaking splendour of the islands. Round trips to some of the more known among the islands are highly recommended. These frequently come with packaged picnic lunches, snorkelling and diving facilities

Walking/leisurely strolling

From strategic points, one can walk around and take in the local sights at leisure. This enables the visitor the luxury of being able to spend more time at any one place of interest.

Each manner of transport is relatively inexpensive. In general, however, if one boards a hired car or boat, the prior determination of the cost/rates is advisable to avoid misunderstandings.