Langkawi Island

Langkawi Island is the main island in a sweeping archipelago of some 99 tropical jewels situated between the Straits of Malacca and the Adaman Sea, and is a part of the Southeast Asian country of Malaysia. The main town and administrative seat is Kuah. An up-and-coming Malaysian tourist destination, Langkawi’s scenic western and northern shores are swathed in beachfront hotels and resorts, many of them luxurious five-star escapes. Nam Restaurant, one of the finest dining venues in Malaysia, is in Pantai Cenang on the south-western tip of Langkawi.

Langkawi is easily accessible by air from mainland Malaysia or from Singapore via carriers including Malaysia Airlines, Silk Air and Air Singapore. Taxis are available at the airport, though a pre-booked shuttle is a good idea. Ferry transport is provided by several companies leaving out of the mainland town of Kuala Kedah, and the trip takes a little less than two hours. Ferry service is also available out of Penang’s Georgetown.

Activities for visitors abound, taking full advantage of the spectacular coral reefs, pristine lagoons and intriguing mangrove swamps of Langkawi and the surrounding islands. Payor Marine Park is a major destination for snorkelers and divers, with a unique floating platform providing incredible undersea viewing. Scuba diving, snorkelling, and touring the many tiny archipelago islands are popular holiday pass-times. For spectacular scenery and a thrilling ride, visitors can take a near-vertical cable car trip to the summit of Mount Macinchang, over 700 metres above sea level. The dizzying ride sets off from Oriental Village in Barau Bay and ends on a scenic platform set over a plunging gorge, offering vistas stretching across the rainforest and out as far as the islands of southern Thailand.

The silken-sanded beaches of Langkawi are a seaside lover’s dream, with some of the most popular being Pantai Tengah and Pantai Cenang, and secluded northern gems Datai and Tanjung Rhu. Far quieter than the mainland beaches, Langkawi’s splendid stretches of sand are blissfully free of the hawkers and bustle of Malaysia’s more populous coasts.

The intriguing melting pot of Malaysian culture is evident is such cultural collections as Jalan Datai’s Ibrahim Hussein Museum, housing an extensive collection of Malaysian art. Designated one of Malaysia’s duty-free zones, Langkawi is a shopping paradise, with two major duty free malls located in Kuah. For those seeking traditional items, the Langkawi Craft and Cultural Centre offers lovely batik, silver jewellery, baskets and brassware; as well as craft demonstrations and cultural exhibitions.