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Langkawi Malaysia
Langkawi is an archipelago that consists of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, south of Thailand, 30km off the mainland coast of northwestern Peninsular Malaysia. The islands are a part of Malaysia's Kedah state, but are adjacent to the Thai border. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi (Langkawi Island) with a population of some 45,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba.
 Tourists flock here for the delightful beaches, superb resorts and refreshing nature-based activities. The best beaches include Pantai Cenang, Burau Bay, Pantai Kok and Pantai Datai.
The name "Langkawi" is believed to be related to the kingdom of Langkasuka, itself a version of the Malay negari 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. Thai influences remain visible in the culture and food of Langkawi.
Langkawi remained a sleepy backwater until 1987, when the island was granted tax-free status with the intention of promoting tourism and improve the lives of the islanders. The following boom was spectacular and now Langkawi figures on most every European travel agency's radar.
Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi escapes the northeastern winter monsoon entirely and enjoys sunny skies in winter when the eastern provinces are flooded. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks - but hampered by inaccessibility - the island was at one time touted as "Malaysia's best-kept secret".
Do
- Birdwatching - there are over 200 species of birds to spot.
- Take the Cable Car to the summit of Gunung Mat Cincang at 700m for a spectacular view of the islands including neighbouring Thailand. Valuable Trip. RM25 per adult. Doesn't operate in bad weather, so call 04-9594225 to check if they are open. (sky bridge under maintenance as of Sep 08. It's a bridge that allows good views of the area.)
- Countryside Biking.
- Sailing- popular activity with first-class marinas providing berth for many international yatchs.
- Jungle trekking.
- Mangrove Cruise.
- Mangrove River Safari & Dinner.
- Mangrove Kayaking.
- Nature Walk.
- Scuba diving and snorkeling around Pulau Payar Marine Park(20km south of Langkawi) - there is a viewing platform for relaxation between underwater adventures.
- Feed the sharks.
- See the island from a bird's eye.
- Walk above the clouds - walking across the suspension bridge is scary but great fun.
- Go-Kart - Morac Int. Go-Kart, near the airport. RM34 for 10mins.
- Underwater World 604-955 6100. Every day 10AM-6PM. Try to catch all the feeding time (be there by 10.45am)
- Feed the Eagles - near Tanjung Rhu.
- Relax on one of many beaches!.
- Airtrekking-flying through Langkawi's rainforest!.
- Seven Wells (Telaga Tujuh) - This waterfall is named after the seven natural pools along its path. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the pools to bathe and frolic. There are 2 viewing areas at Telaga Tujuh. The lower area is at the base of the waterfall and the higher area is where the 7 pools are. Be warned, to get to the 7 pools, you would have to climb 300+ steps which can get quite slippery when wet. As with most Malaysian tourist sites, the toilet facilities are not maintained and rubbish is strewn everywhere.
- Play Smart-Free playland for kids at Harbour Park.
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