BEST PLACE TO VISIT

BEACHES

PANTAI KOK, CHENANG, TENGAH, DATAI AND BURAU BAY  are among Langkawi’s idyllic beaches that offer carefree sun-filled days and quiet evening strolls. First-class accommodation in modern hotels or comfortable chalets is available. A wide range of exciting watersports provide fun and thrills for the beach lovers. Restaurant outlets in the hotels and outdoors serve a variety of appetizing cuisine with live music in a relaxing atmosphere.

TANJUNG RHU lies on the northern cape of Langkawi. Aptly named for its enchanting beach affords magnificent views of nearby islands, which can be reached at low tide on foot.

NATURE

SEVEN WELLS WATERFALL Or Telaga Tujuh, located in the north-western corner of Langkawi, is a geological marvel. The waterfall is so named because the cascading waters are broken by a series of seven natural pools. The lush green forest that surrounds the waterfall adds a mystical touch to the natural splendour. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the waterfall to bathe and frolic.

TEMURUN WATERFALL

DURIAN PERANGIN WATERFALL is suitable for picnics, a relaxing dip and recreation. This 14-tier waterfall, north from Kuah, is truly a sight to behold and is accessible after a short trek through the rainforest.

LEGEND / CULTURE

KOTA MAHSURI with its fabled and historical past is a significant site on the island that has been preserved for posterity. Located about 12 km from Kuah, this memorial is erected in honour of mahsuri, a fair maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery. According to legend, she bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. In her dying breath, she laid a curse on the island that it would remain barren for fiction, seven generations have since passed and today, Langkawi is a flourishing tourist destination. There is also a museum here where tourist can view a recorded interpretation of the Mahsuri legend.  8am – 6.30pm (daily)

KRAFT COMPLEX is located on the northern coastline of Langkawi in the vicinity of Teluk Yu, about a 30-minute drive from the airport or 45 minutes from Kuah Town. Nestled on a hillside overlooking the sea, this magnificent complex offers range of Malaysian handcraft such as delicate hand-drawn batik and intricately carved silverware. 10am – 6pm (daily) Free

AYER HANGAT VILLAGE is situated on four acres of land about 14 km north – western of Kuah. This modern complex is constructed around a 3-tier fountain believed to spring out warm curative waters, next to a riverstone mural depicting the legends that enshroud this location. Browse through the souvenir shops and enjoy the cultural performances held here. 8am – 5pm Free

ATMA ALAM BATIK ART VILLAGE the birthplace of Langkawi’s art of hand made Batik founded by Aza Osman (oil painter) and Roshadah Yusof (batik artist/designer) is a showcase of talented local products in the world of Batik. Recognized by The Ministry of Unity, Culture, Art & Heritage. www.atmaalam.com. 9am – 6pm (daily) Free

SIGHT SEEING

EAGLE SQUARE Dataran Helang or Eagle Square is Langkawi’s most prominent landmark for visitors arriving by sea. Situated near the Kuah Jetty, the main attraction of the square is the magnificent poised for flight. According to local folklore, Langkawi derived it’s name from the eagle or helang. In old Malay, Kawi donates reddish brown, hence Langkawi means ‘reddish brown eagle’. The square is beautifully landscaped and features scenic ponds, bridges, covered terraces, restaurants and barrel vaults made of bricks. The square is beautifully illuminated at night and presents a dramatic scene as you approach the island by sea.

LEGENDS PARK is a scenic park with beautiful gardens of vivid local blooms, plants and fruit trees? This 50 – Acre Park has been designed and landscaped with exhibits detailing the legends of the islands. It houses 17 monuments, each with an intriguing story to tell.

NIGHT MARKET are dedicated to more leisurely strolling, shopping and eating than business like day markets. It brings together a collection of stalls that usually sell goods such as fruit, vegetables, snacks, toys, clothes, movie disc and ornaments at cheap or at least reasonable prices. Haggling over prices is a common practice at such markets.

GALLERIA PERDANA about 11 km from Kuah, houses an impressive collection of over 2,500 state gifts and awards presented to the former Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah. The exhibits at the gallery include crystalware and gifts fashioned out of wood, leather, silver, cooper, pewter, ceramics and glass. There are also musical instruments, Islamic art and craft, textiles and weapons. Be inspired by the intricate Islamic architectural designs which adorn the gallery’s ceiling. 9am – 5pm (daily)

CROCODILE FARM or Taman Buaya, located at Kubang Badak, some 32 km from Kuah, is home to more than 1,000 crocodiles of various species. Here, one can witness and photograph crocodiles and alligators playing and feeding in a controlled environment that closely resembles their natural habitat. 9am – 6pm (daily)

UNDERWATER WORLD features the island’s rich treasure trove of marine life. Located at the popular Chenang Beach, this aquarium features more than 5,000 types of aquatic life, exhibited in more than 100 tanks of different sizes. The highlight is a giant tank housing large marine species such as sharks, stingrays, moray eels and green turtles, with a 15-meter tunnel for visitors to walk through. Witness these magnificent underwater creatures being fed for an enjoyable visit. At the New Wing, visitors have the chance to view the latest additions to the Underwater World – penguins and seals! The penguins comprise of Sub – Antartic Rockhoppers and include Blackfooted penguins from Africa. The former is fed at 11.30am and 3.30pm, while the latter at 9.30am and 2.30pm. The harbour seals are fed at 11am and 3pm daily. Drop by these hours for a delightful experience! This new facility also has a three-dimensional (3D) theatre which informative documentaries on the island’s marine life. 10am – 6pm (daily)

** UNDERWATER WORLD (Ticket : RM36 Adult, RM26 Child)

BUFFALO PARK is located within a panoramic view of Gunung Raya and Gunung Mat Cincang. Surrounded by paddy field, rubber plantation and tropical rain forest. It takes about 30 minutes travelling by road from Kuah town and 10 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport. The park consists of over 100 Murrah and Swamp Buffaloes. The buffaloes are mainly used for milk production. The milk is then processed to make yogurt, ice-cream and flavoured milk. Besides that, visitors have the opportunity to participate in “Agro-tourism” activities such as Buffalo Ridding, “Anok” Riding, CartRiding & Photographing. 10am – 5pm (daily)

CABLE CAR is located on the south-west coast of Langkawi, just a 30 minutes drive from Kuah town and only 15 minutes from Langkawi International Airport. The cable car ride will give you a spectacular view of the surrounding area, as it takes you right to the top of mount Mat Chincang. From the peak, visitors will have a view of the whole island group, the Datai Peninsula including the Andaman Sea. Visitors are advised to call ahead before making the trip. 10am-6pm (Mon-Thu) 9.30am-7pm (Fri-Sun)

** CABLE CAR (Ticket : RM45 Adult, RM35 Child)

CHOGM PARK this park was constructed to commemorate the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in 1987. Stroll through this park and enjoy the vivid colours of tropical plants in full bloom.

MARDI AGRO PARK Mardi Langkawi Agrotechnology Park is located within a panoramic view of Gunung Raya hillside tropical forest. It takes 20 minute travelling by road from Kuah Town and 15 minute from Langkawi International Airport. They are more than 20 types of seasonal and non seasonal tropical fruit trees, controlled environment vegetable farms and undistubed natural tropical forest. 8am – 5pm (Sat – Thu)

IBRAHIM HUSSEIN GALLERY Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation is dedicated to the promotion, development and advancement of art and culture. This museum features a collection of works by the late Datuk Ibrahim Hussein, one of Malaysia’s renowned artists. 9am – 5pm (Open everyday except Jan 1-3)

ORIENTAL VILLAGE overlooking beautiful Burau Bay, is one of the region’s most unique shopping, cultural and culinary destinations. Specially designed to provide a new concept in resort duty-free shopping, the Oriental Village also houses fine themed restaurant, reflecting Asia’s culinary delight. Located at Burau Bay, it is a 15 minute drive from the Langkawi International Airport.

BIRD PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK  is home to birds, monkeys, squirrel, crocodiles and other animals.  Stroll along the park pond or visit the crystal, pearl or natural stone gallery.  Visitors can shop at the souvenir shop located here. 9am – 6pm (daily)

LAMAN PADI highlights the history, heritage and development of padi cultivation as the oldest agricultural industry in Malaysia. Among the attractions here is a rice museum displaying artifacts, charts and photographs depicting the significance of padi cultivation in the country. For the uninitiated, try your hand at padi planting using both traditional as well as modern methods of cultivation. There is also a restaurant offering popular traditional Malay recipes and local delicacies, which are prepared using rice as the main ingredient. 9am – 5pm (daily)

SHOPPING / DUTY FREE

Langkawi is an ideal destination for shopping as it offers an attraction range of duty-free goods. Most of the island’s shopping establishments can be found in the around Kuah. A Good place to start one’s shopping spree is the modern Langkawi Fair Shopping Complex and Jetty point Duty free Complex offering a wide selection of items such as perfumes, cosmetics, leather wear, sport gear, ladies accessories.

Those who want a taste of shopping – local style, should head to the bazaars in the main town as well as Cenang and Black Sand Beach. Here, visitors can mingle with the jostling crowd and join in the excitement of haggling. Pick out a dainty batik outfit or select a fancy handicraft piece for your loved ones. Remember to sample the delicious local spread on sale before heading elsewhere.

Visitors to the Langkawi Underwater World and Langkawi Cable Car may also get their hands on some great buys such as pewter, crystals and glassware at the shopping outlets located at the vicinity. Visitors are allowed to bring back to the mainland one litre of liquor and one carton of cigarettes after staying more than 48 hours on the island. Credit cards are accepted at most outlets in Kuah.