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Kedah - Langkawi
Cities & Towns
Attractions
Accommodations

CITIES & TOWNS

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea lying off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia is some 30 km. from the mainland of Malaysia's Kedah state. Langkawi is itself a district of Kedah under the same name. The main island is popularly known by the locals as Pulau Langkawi is by far the largest of the islands with Kuah as the island group's main town and district capital.

The name "Langkawi" is believed to be related to the kingdom of Langkasuka, itself a version of the Malay "negeri alang-kah suka" ("the land of all one's wishes"), centered in modern-day Kedah. The historical record is sparse, but a Chinese Liang Dynasty record (c.500 AD) refers to the kingdom of "Langgasu" as being founded in the 1st. century AD.

Langkawi eventually came under the influence of the Sultanate of Kedah, but Kedah was conquered in 1821 by Siam and Langkawi along with it. The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred power to the British, which held the state until independence, except for a brief period of Thai rule under the Japanese occupation of Malaya during World War II.

'Langkawi' means Eagle Island, it may be noted, and indeed there is a great abundance of eagles in the area. In Kuah, there is a huge eagle monument in Eagle Square which commemorates the origin of Langkawi's name.

Langkawi is accessible by high speed ferries from several points on the mainland namely Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis or Penang. From southern Thailand, Satun is the departure point. Langkawi International Airport and the harbor at Telok Ewa lie on the west coast. The whole island has a well developed road network.

The mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia protects Langkawi from the north-eastern winter monsoon thus enjoys sunny skies. Coupled by its natural white sandy beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks, the island were at one time touted as "Malaysia's best-kept secret". With the intention of promoting tourism, the island was granted tax-free status in 1987. Since then the island's airport was upgraded and ferry links were increased while resorts and hotels line the beaches. To sum it all, Langkawi is today well known for being a reclusive retreat for the tired and beaten down corporate executive, an island resort for the entire family, a romantic escapade for the honeymooners, a heaven for water sports enthusiast and a sanctuary for sun worshippers or in other words - a haven to blend into just for the fun of it all.

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ATTRACTIONS

Langkawii Crystaal



Langkawii Crystaal a home grown establishment, what began as a humble glass-blowing house has grown into a highly reputable crystal ware production center offering attractive and exquisite range of glass products using traditional flaring techniques; a demanding method requiring precision and speed - the glass has to be heated, blown and shaped within a few brief minutes or the molten glass will start to drip.

Uniqueness, perfect craftsmanship and exclusive designs are the hallmarks of Langkawii Crystaal, transforming each piece of crystal into masterpieces of art. Visitors will find a wide range of crystal items to suit every occasion. Located along Jalan Kisap, 5 km. north of Kuah town and 20 km. from the airport.

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Craft Cultural Complex



Perched on a strategic location near the sea at Teluk Yu, the Craft Cultural Complex was set up to house, maintain and promote the nation's rich cultural heritage of beautifully and intricately handmade crafts found here, reflecting the skill and creativity that have been handed down from generation to generation.

Silver and brassware in various forms and shapes are carefully craved with motifs inspired by nature. Unique baskets of rattan, mengkuang and pandan leaves are woven in colourful ethnic designs. There are also woodcarvings with fine and meticulous patterns. Ceramics in the form of pots come from various states in Malaysia, each with their own individual designs. An ever popular favourite is the hand-drawn and printed batik with innumerable exclusive designs to choose from. Songket or silk interwoven with golden and silver threads is the epitome of Malay design, used for all official and royal functions.

The ethnic tribes of Sabah and Sarawak are represented by the intricately woven baskets, beadwork and bamboo carvings with designs that are hundreds of years old. Pua weaving of the Iban tribe and Mogah textiles of the Bajaus are also displayed here in their glory. With a cultural heritage spanning generations, the crafts have been painstakingly preserved. You can see and appreciate them in our Langkawi craft museums. Purchase those which you would like bring home as a memento of your stay in Langkawi at Langkawi Craft Cultural Complex sales gallery.

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Eagle Square

Eagle Square or Dataran Lang was constructed to have the Lang or Brown Eagle commemorated as the symbol of the legendary Langkawi islands. This magnificent sculpture provides a dramatic welcome, greeting visitors to the island as they approach the island by the sea. According to local folklore, Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or "helang". In old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown, hence Langkawi means 'reddish brown eagle'.

Located near the Kuah Jetty, this gigantic landmark also features scenic ponds and decorative bridges, making it a very pleasant place to take a stroll or have a picnic. It’s no wonder this 19 acre park has become favorite hangout of the islanders.

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Lagenda Park



Lagenda Park brings to life the mystifying events and romantic legends that have made Langkawi as the 'Isle of Legends'. Save you some time visiting the historical places because all the famous legends and myths are here.

At this park, there are 4 artificial lakes, 17 story-telling monuments, a man-made beach, a few other public facilities for visitors, mostly covered with beautifully designed landscape, giving the parks a really natural looking environment. Situated next to CHOGM Park and Al-Hana Mosque is approximately 400 m. from Kuah Jetty.

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Tanjung Rhu Beach



Langkawi Island is approximately 22 km. away from Kuah. This wide sloping beach is fringed by casuarinas trees from which it got its name. During low tide, it is possible to walk across a sandy stretch to the rocky outcrop of Chabang Island. Nearby are a number of caves as well as mangrove swamps.

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Kok Beach



This stretch of beach away from Kuah of approximately 24.8 km. boasts white sand and swaying palms, ideal for lazing about while you view the yachts and sailboats drifting gently against the azure backdrop of the Andaman Sea. Resorts are dotted along the shore, offering the most pleasant accommodation.

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Black Sand Beach



Black Sand Beach or Pantai Pasir Hitam is stained with black sand and its causes made the beach different from others around the Langkawi islands as you will find that not the whole beach is black but the sand here are somewhat more mixtures of black than normal. It is believed that this sand isn't volcanic in nature but its phenomenon is due to the deposits of iron oxide.

Getting to Black Sand Beach is really easy since there is only a road leading to it, which is just down the road from the Craft Cultural Complex. A very old jetty conveys a sense of history, also making a very picturesque scene.

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Cenang Beach



Cenang Beach, the liveliest stretch of beaches on Langkawi islands is approximately 18.4 km. away from Kuah with restaurants and bars offering a wide range of delicious Local and Western cuisine for those who prefer a livelier pace of beach life.

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Sandy Skulls Beach



Sandy Skulls Beach or Pantai Pasir Tengkorak brings to mind the images of pirates and their adventures. Its name indeed does point a lot like it since the beach is flanked by boulders at both ends linking it to pirate hideout. Coupled by giant trees right up to the shoreline, it offers exquisite privacy amid the natural lush green jungle of Pasir Tengkorak Forest Reserve.

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Datai Bay Beach



Datai Bay Beach or Pantai Teluk Datai located on a secluded area is at the North-west tip of Langkawi. Typify by boulders at both ends of the beach and dense forest in the background, it slopes gently into the clear turquoise waters and faces directly the little island of Pulau Anak Datai.The bay is home to some of the island's most exclusive resorts and the stunning Datai Golf Course.

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Sharks Bay Beach



Its wide, sandy beach is actually a continuation of Black Sand Beach but is free from the black sand. Its name in Malay, Pantai Teluk Yu literally means "Bay of Sharks" but the waters are completely tranquil.

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Wet Rice Island



Wet Rice Island is literally translated from its Malay name Pulau Beras Basah. The islands crystal clear waters and pure white sandy beaches is an ideal place for a great escape for those who are tired and beaten down seeking a reclusive retreat.

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Big Lion Island



In Malay, Pulau Singa Besar means "Big Lion Island" is nestled between the islands of Wet Rice Island to the west and Pregnant Maiden Island to the east has no resemblance of any sort signifying its given name. The island is a wildlife sanctuary where lizards, mouse deer, macaques, eagles and hornbills roam freely. Wooden walkways and paths have been mark out on the islands shore for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

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Payar Island



Lies to the south of Langkawi, it boast some of the finest marine life such as the horse-eyed jack moray eel, clown fish, 2 m. long groupers, black tipped reef shark and black spotted puffer and it also has the largest number of coral species in Malaysia, among them the Tubastrea micrantha and the semi-precious Antipathies.

Payar Island Marine Park encompasses the islands of Payar Island itself, Kaca Island, Lembu Island and Segantang Island. The Langkawi Coral Pontoon is moored very near Payar Island where the adventurous can find scuba diving and snorkeling equipment for hire. For those who prefer to explore the underwater world without getting wet, there is an underwater observatory.

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Pregnant Maiden Island



Located 17.6 km from Kuah, this island is the second largest island within the archipelago. Its name 'Pregnant Maiden Island' is inspired by the legends which surround the lake or by the physical appearance of the island itself which resembles the belly of pregnant woman. The legend is that the lake bestows fertility, although not scientifically proven, only enhances the mystery that surrounds the island. Mangrove swamps dominate the perimeter of the island, while rainforest hold sway inland.

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