LANGKAWI ISLAND (NO 1)

Langkawi island is an archipelago of 104 islands lying in the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The exact location of these tropical islands is at the site where the Straits of Malacca meets the waters of the Andaman Seas. Langkawi is coined from the Malay words Lang and Kawi. Lang is a brown eagle and Kawi is a local manganese stone. A giant monument of a brown eagle clutching the manganese stone greets all visitors to Langkawi near the Kuah Jetty.

The main tourist attractions of Langkawi Island is its virgin white sandy beaches.The beaches have very gentle continental slope and the water is crystal clear.This island is unique in the sense that it has so many legendsand myths associated with it. Langkawi Island is therefore also called Pulau Lagenda or Legendary Island.

The most talked about legend is that of Mahsuri who is said to have laid a curse on this island for seven generations.Luckily the period of this curse is over now and Langkawi Island is fast becoming an internationally recognised tourist destination and the government of Malaysia has declared the entire Langkawi Island as a duty free zone.

TOP 10 PLACES TO VISIT WHILE IN LANGKAWI :

1.    CENANG BEACH

Is on the south-western shoreline of Langkawi. This is a well-known beach and one of the most beautiful too with its stretch of faultless white sands. The island interiors have thick rainforest foliage and are also a hub for adventure trips. The sunset view is great from this island. Wading to the nearby Rebak Kecil Island during low tide, the underwater World and Laman Padi are other major draws here.

2. GUA CERITA OR LEGEND CAVE

Situated in the northeast of Langkawi. This is basically two legendary sea-facing limestone caves located one above the other. Many tourists visit this place to view this limestone marvel.

3. GUNUNG MAT CINCANG

The second highest peak of Langkawi and proffers a stunning view of the island, the Andaman Sea and the neighbouring islands. This peak is one of the oldest rock formations and was formed at least 2,400 years ago. There is a cable car transporting tourists from the base to the top and that is an exhilarant mountain view ride. Also there is a 125 metre bridge to soak in the beautiful landscape.

4. MAHSURI MAUSOLEUM OR MAKAM MAHSURI

Was built in honour of princess Mahsuri. In the Mausoleum there is a traditional Kedah house, a well, a tomb and a birdhouse. There are some ethnic cuisines available near this and also there are many local curios and memento stalls.

5. MANDARA SPA IS A GROUP OF SPAS LOCATED WORLDWIDE 

They have Ayurvedic and herbal cures and massages on offer. In Langkawi there are two outlets – one in Sheraton Beach Resort and the other is at The Datai. There are custom-made packages to fit each guest’s requirement. Whatever the mode of treatment, it is rejuvenation all the way.

6. PASIR HITAM BEACH

Is one of many well known Langkawi beaches. The highlight of this beach is that the beach is black in colour. There is a sense of mysticism about this beach. The presence of minerals like iron oxide contributes to this colour. So tourists can definitely take time off to visit this unique and beautiful beach.

7. PULAU DAYANG BUNTING

Also known as the island of the Pregnant Mermaid, and Tasik Dayang Bunting or the lake of the Pregnant Maiden, are the largest island and lake in Langkawi. The attractions of the island would be the Gua Langsir or the Cave of the Banshee is a limestone formation on a hillock, located on the western coast of the island. To reach this cave, tourists require considerable mountaineering skills as it is not easy to reach this. Also there are mangrove swamplands, variety of birds on the island and rainforests.

8. TERMURUN WATERFALL

Is located in Teluk Datai, in the north-western part of Langkawi. It is a beautiful 30 metre fall flowing down the northern slope of the Gunung Mat Cinang and flows into the Datai Bay. The rainy season is the best time to visit here when the water is gushing in full force.

9. TELAGA TUJUH A FRESH WATER SPRING 

The fresh water springs that forms seven majestic springs in Telaga Tujuh (seven pools) of Langkawi is a must-see site, and hordes of tourists throng here.

10. BEACHES

Some of the other attractions here are the Tanjung Rhu Beach, Teluk Yu Beach, Tengkorak Beach and the Tengah Beach. The beckoning beaches, the greenery, rainforest terrains, water sports, duty free purchases, ethnic cuisines- a foodie’s delight, complete with curio stalls, arts and handicrafts stores all ensure that there is a perfect holiday calling for everyone in Langkawi. Tourists can book Langkawi hotels and experience a memorable holiday.

TIOMAN ISLAND (NO 2)

According to legend, Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess, Whilst flying from China to visit her prince in Singapore, this beautiful maiden stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Enraptured by the charms of the place, she decided to discontinue her journey. By taking the form of an island, she pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travellers.

Tioman Island is an excellent spot for fun-filled water sports activities. You can go scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, or enjoy the beauty of undersea gardens by ridding around the island in a glass-bottomed boat.

Tioman Island is a treasure trove of breathtaking marine attractions. Corals, seashells and limpets, thorny sea urchins, colourful seaweeds and anemones, starfish and a myriad of other aquatic wonders are abundant here. The crystal clear waters make scuba diving and snorkelling in Tioman an experience unlike any other. Other neighbouring islands recommended for scuba diving and snorkelling are Chebeh, Tulai, Renggis, Sembilang, Seri Buat and Gut.

Tioman Island is the ideal spot for nature lovers, Whether at sea or on land, the wonders of nature that greet you are truly astounding and fascinating. Trek across the verdant hill from Tekek to Juara and enjoy the cool waterfalls cascading over moss-coverad rock formations at Mukut, or take a dip in the warm waters dotted with pastel-coloured reefs. Or head to the Marine Park Centre located between Tekek and Air Batang and swim amidst the various species of fishes.

Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a bountiful catch at Tioman Island, Just hire a boat for a day, anchor outside the Marine Park limits where fishing is permitted. By dusk, you will have a catch large enough for a sumptuous barbecue on the beach. If you want to try something different and challenging, try your hand at deep-sea fishing. Among the species if fishes and crustaceans found here are groupers, morays, tunas, parrotfish, sea-bass, red snappers, stingrays, plaices, soles, cora trouts, blue marlins, squids, cuttlefish, shrimps, crabs, prawns and lobsters.

When the stress of life's hectic pace gets to you, rejuvenate your mind and body at Tioman Island. Immerse yourself in the quiet and tranquil setting. Relax to the cool, refreshing breeze and soothing waves. Bask in the tropical sun or walk along the shores during sunset to experience the beauty of the island. Popular beaches are found around the villages of Tekek, Genting, Salang, Air Batang and Juara. For golf-lovers, tee off at the 18-hole international-standard golf course set amidst lush tropical greenery. Enjoy the picturesque sight of rustic villages scattered around the island, where the people are charming, friendly and gracious.

REDANG ISLAND (NO 3)

Redang is located 45 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu is the largest of the group of islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for the enthusiast. Sheltered within the Redang Island Marine Park, the waters here abound with marine life.

Redang Archipelago exists of 9 islands that abound with marvelous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs that ensure great snorkeling and scuba-diving. The boat trip starts from the fishing village of Merang. This is a fishing village North of Kuala Terengganu.

The best time to visit Redang is between April and October. Take note that most resorts are closed during the Northeast Monsoon, which blows from November to March.

Redang island is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. This paradise-like island offers crystal clear water, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset and what could be the world's most mature coral gardens. This is your chance to see and be acquainted with the local eel, giant grouper, black tipped shark, etc. Chance encounter with the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle is common. There are corals of every imaginable shape, size or color. The observant are rewarded with sights of flatworm, nudibranch, shrimp, squid, cuttlefish, stonefish, lionfish and pipefish.

No fishing is allowed within a 3.2 km radius of the island as Pulau Redang. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also prohibited. The fines and penalties are severe and each year sees reports of arrests and fines.

Activities prohibited and not allowed are: Collecting and taking of aquatic life ( corals, shell or fishes whether living or alive ). Fishing without a license & Causing Pollution (3.2 km radius), i.e. littering Possession of spear fishing equipment.

The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks. The H.M.S Prince of Wales and the H.M.S Repulse were sunk here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya.

H.M.S REPULSE

H.M.S PRINCE OF WALES

The hilly island of Redang can be fascinating in its own way. There is a moderately well trodden and marked path between Pasir Panjang and Teluk Dalam beach, about 2 km long. Sights include a small stream and pools alive with catfish, the occasional encounter with the shy kancil (little deer) and monkeys, and other jungle flora and fauna. At the end of the trek is the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort at Teluk Dalam. For the more adventurous, there are rocky cliffs and outcrops away from this beaten path that offer spectacular overhead views of Pasir Panjang below.