Langkawi Island (Pulau Langkawi), Kedah State

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands; By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Langkawi Island (or locally, Pulau Langkawi) with a population of some 45,000. Among those which are inhabited and have been designated for tourism are Tuba Island, Dayang Bunting, Rebak Island, and Paya Island. Langkawi Island is located in the state of Kedah, about 30 km off northwestern Malaysia east coast. Langkawi is also an administrative district with the town of Kuah as the capital and largest town. Langkawi is a duty-free island. Langkawi island beaches are simply the best in Malaysia, from the sandy bays to the sweeping coastlines. Among the populars are Cenang Beach (or locally, Pantai Cenang), Tangah Beach, Kok Beach, Black Sand Beach or Pantai Pasir Hitam, Tanjong Rhu, Datai Bay, Burau Bay and Teluk Yu Beach.

Legend
Langkawi is also the site of the Mahsuri legend. The legend speaks of a young woman who was accused of adultery and was executed by the public despite her pleading innocence. Mahsuri, before her death, made a curse on the island for seven generations of bad luck.

Things to do
The popular activities when you come to an island are sunbathing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Pulau Payar is the best spot for you to do these activities. Here, you can find crystal clear water, beautiful underwater paradise with thousand of colourful fishes and coral reefs. In order to step into Paradise Pulau Payar, the only way is by boat ride.
Remember, Langkawi is affected by the milder western monsoon (May-September), and while diving is possible at Pulau Payar, water clarity tends to be poor.

Experience the cable-car ride to Mount Mat Cincang, 705 m above sea level, the 2nd highest peak in Langkawi. You can take the ride at Oriental Village in the upper northwest of Langkawi Island. Once you reach the the peak of Mount Mat Cincang, do try to walk across the hanging steel bridge between Mount Mat Cincang and a neighbouring mountain, you will be impressed with beautiful view of the surrounding horizon, the island’s landscape, skyline and blue seas. These views are really magnificent!

Directly in Pantai Tengah is the Underwater World Langkawi, a haven for marine life. Visitors will get the opportunity to travel through a tunnel that brims with fish at the sides and view various aquatic and tropical creatures. Thousands of tropical and marine fish species are housed here in an elaborate display of tanks and corals.

Do you like waterfalls? You can find few waterfalls like Telage Tujuh, Temurun and Durian Perangin. The best time to visit these waterfalls in at the year end because the water here are quite shallow and slowly flow during the dry seasons. However, these are waterfalls that offer scenic and peaceful atmospheric experience. Best suit for those who like to have a family picnic or relaxation.

Not to mention other activities like jungle trekking, beach activities, nightlife entertainment at pubs, bars, clubs or cafes, experience good dining spots and shopping at Zon Duty-Free Shopping Complex located inside the Underwater World Langkawi.

How to get there
From the Kuah jetty, there are high-speed ferry connections to Satun in southern Thailand, Pulau Payar, Penang, Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis in the mainland of Peninsular Malaysia. Star Cruises ships dock at the Awana Porto Malai harbour on the west coast of the island. Malaysia Airlines has daily flights to Langkawi whilst AirAsia flies from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. SilkAir flies to Langkawi from Singapore and there is a Penang-Langkawi flight route operated by Firefly airline. The Langkawi Island has a well developed road network. Taxis and car rentals are available at the Langkawi International Airport.

Accommodation in Langkawi

Recommended hotels/resorts

BayView Hotel | Berjaya Beach & Spa Resort | Four Seasons Resort

Meritus Pelangi Beach, Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort, The Datai Langkawi, Langkasuka Resort, The Westin Langkawi, Langkawi Lagoon, Mutiara Burau Bay, The Frangipani Langkawi, The Andaman Resort Langkawi, Pantai Cenang Hotels, Pantai Tengah Hotels, Kuah Hotels, Datai Bay Hotels, Pantai Kok Hotels, Tanjung Rhu Hotels, Padang Matsirat Hotels.

Langkawi Sheraton Spice Trader Restaurant

Langkawi Four Season

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More related informations in

Langkawi Insights: The history/legend of Langkawi, attractions and some other guidelines.
Langkawi Ferry: the schedule, fares, and contact details of ferry
Panoramio: more related Pulau Langkawi photos