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.