 Pulau Langkawi lies 30km off northwestern Malaysia, surrounded by more than 100 mainly uninhabited islands. The island is 30km long and 16km wide. Pulau Langkawi is made up of 99 islands. The largest island is Pulau Langkawi, while some of the others become visible mere dots in the emerald green ocean when viewed from the air. It offers natural attractions unsurpassed by any other in the region.
Visitors who love a tropical island holiday and a place far from the maddening crowd will find their haven here. The magnificent natural landscapes of the Pulau Langkawi proclaim them as a true tropical paradise. Besides its whites sandy beaches and limestone hills, its lush vegetation filled with exotic flora and fauna would attract natural lovers.
Local folklore has it that Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or "helang" as it is known in the Malay language. "Lang" for short and in old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown. Therefore, Langkawi simply means reddish brown eagle. Where once a group of 99 islands lay under a curse of a wrongly accused princess, there is today a new beginning, a new light, and as result a new budding and thriving holiday hideaway. At the Pulau Langkawi, visitors will see today has been transformed almost beyond recognition. This is the legendary island where now major international businessmen meet to form new ventures and conclude deals whilst relaxing. The curse that lasted for seven generations can surely be said to have been lifted.
It has an international airport, accommodations ranging from luxurious resorts to hostels, gold course, and attractions based on the island’s duty-free status. The main focus for tourists is the beach strip of Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah on the west coast, which is lined with restaurants and hotels. There are also great beaches at Pantai Kok, Tanjung Rhu, and Datai. |
