Langkawi, which has been nicknamed as the "Caribbean of The East", is a cluster of isles basking languidly in glistening waters. Not many island resorts in the region can boast of such pearls of exotic beauty but Langkawi offers enchantingly white stretches of palm-fringed beaches.
It had often been said that many locations within the group 01 104 islands make ideal settings for a romance novel or swashbuckling movie.
It is hard to imagine that only a decade ago Langkawi was a cluster of fishing villages surrounded by coconut trees, but this is something the visitors must see for themselves.
To sum it all, Langkawi is a relaxing retreat for the tired and beaten down corporate executive, an island resort for the entire family, a romantic escapade for honeymooners, a haven for water sports enthusiasts and a sanctuary for sun worshippers. Or in other words - a haven to blend into just for the fun of it all.
Payar Island
The main attractions of Langkawi lie in its undersea treasure of marine life. Pulau Payar Marine Park (Payar Island) which is an hour's speedboat ride from Pulau Langkawi is regarded as one of Malaysia's best marine parks with an abundance of underwater life.
Snorkelling and diving are the most popular pursuits whereby you can appreciate the colourful and spectacular sea life and corals. For those who do not want to get wet they can view the kaleidoscope of colours and shapes of the magnificent fishes.
At Laman Padi or Rice Garden visitors can update their knowledge in all aspects of rice farming. Langkawi is not only a major leisure destination but also boasts an artistic museum of world class status, i.e the Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation. Set in the heart of the lush rainforest atop a cliff overlooking the Datai Bay, the gallery displays fine works of Ibrahim Hussein, Malaysia's most famous contemporary artist.
The Langkawi Craft Cultural Complex at Teluk Yu showcases the nation's rich cultural heritage. Visitors will be enthralled by the intricate workmanship on display which includes wood carving, basketry, embroidery as well as ceramics and crystalwares.
The Air Hangat Village (Hot Springs Village) a cultural centre, based around natural hot springs is another favourite stopover. Legend or not, the hot springs water is believed to have healing power and can cure ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis as well as rejuvenate the mind and soul.
At Galeria Perdana visitors can browse through the display of gifts and souvenirs given to Malaysia's former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad by other world leaders. There are gifts of woodwork, leather, musical instruments, weaponry, Islamic Arts, special awards and a lot more.
Visitors will be fascinated by the art of crystal making at Langkawii Crystaal. Here you can witness craftsmen create unique designs of crystalware using the traditional glass blowing techniques.
Langkawi attraction
Visitors can also view other species of aquatic life at the Underwater World Langkawi, which is one of the largest oceanariums in Asia. Located at Pantai Cenang, it features more than 4000 varieties of animals and sea creatures such as penguins, sea turtle and fishes. You can also walk through a tunnel tank which contains sharks, snappers, moray eels, giant groupers, etc.
A popular tourist spot is Mahsuri's Mausoleum. Located about 12 km from Kuah the Mausoleum marks the spot where Mahsuri was buried. According to legend when Mahsuri lay dying after being executed over a false accusation of adultery, she laid a curse on the island that it would not prosper for seven generations. Whatever the reason, economic or legend, Langkawi's meteoric success only came around recently.
The Field of Burnt Rice at Padang Matsirat is another popular tourist venue. According to legend, Langkawi's supply of rice was buried in order to thwart the invading Thais and cause them to starve. Today burnt rice grains still appear whenever there's a heavy downpour.
Another intriguing legend shrouds the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden which is located at the heart of Pulau Dayang Bunting (Isle of Pregnant Maiden), the second largest island after Pulau Langkawi. The lake is a popular place where barren women would come to drink the waters so much so that some people attribute subsequent pregnancy to its mystical powers.
Other Langkawi's tourist venues are the Eagle Square, Legend Park and Crocodile Farm.
"Island-Hopping" among the 104 isles is another favourite pursuit among tourists. You can explore this maze of islands and be rewarded with secret channels, secluded breathtaking bays and inlets, eerie caves, coves and intriguing legends. Pulau Rebak is a popular docking place for yachts. Other islands of interest include Pulau Tuba and Pulau Bumbon which are favourite spots for fishing, rock climbing and caving.
Apart from the fun and adventure amidst nature, another favourite pursuit is none other than shopping. Kuah town is great for duty-free shopping. The plentiful shopping malls and arcades, strategically located are definitely a shopper's paradise. You can browse for gifts and souvenirs that leave unforgettable impressions. Among the favourite choices are crystalware, silver and brassware, basketry, ceramics, woodcarvings, hand-painted batik, hand-woven textiles, etc.
Beside duty free goods, another popular purchase among Malaysians is air gamat. Literally translated it means "sea-slung juice" or "sea-cucumber juice" which is renowned as a traditional cure for a number of ailments such as healing cuts and bruises, relieving tiredness and aching muscles, etc. It is even used as a vitality and virility tonic when mixed with other traditional herbs.
Enjoy a ride on the Langkawi Cable Car for a spectacular view of the surrounding area. The ride will take you right to the top of Mount Mat Cincang. From the peak, visitors can see the whole island group, the Datai Peninsula and the Andaman Sea.