Langkawi Island - Pulau Langkawi

In addition to their natural beauty and checkered past, the Langkawi islands are notable for the wealth of legends with which they are associated. The most well-known of these tales is that of Mahsuri, a lovely maiden executed after having been falsely accused of adultery. As the blood flowed out of her dying body, Mahsuri laid a curse on the island--that Langkawi would be barren for seven generations. Soon after, the Siamese attacked the island and ravaged it. Evidently seven generations have passed, as the island today possesses an abundance of enchanting flora and fauna in addition to a wealth of world-class holiday accommodations.

Among the many leisure activities available on the islands are snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, water skiing, wind surfing and parasailing. There are many scenic beaches on Pulau Langkawi, among them Pantai Cenang, Pantai Rhu, Pantai Kok, Pantai Tengah and the black sand Pantai Pasir Hitam. The seas around the island teem with fish, and fishing trips can be arranged through your hotel.

Map of Langkawi click to enlarge

Car rental is readily available for visitors interested in exploring Langkawi's interior; the roads are good, the scenery beautiful. Rustic Malay kampongs, rubber estates, scenic padi fields, and placid water buffaloes all mark the landscape. Migratory birds favor Langkawi, and the islands are also home to a number of species of butterflies not found anywhere else in the world.

Langkawi Island is bursting with legends, the most popular being the tales of Mahsuri, Langkawi’s famed daughter. This pretty maiden was wrongly accused of adultery and eventually put to death. According to the legend, she laid a curse on the island just before she was executed. What remains today is a white mausoleum, 12 km away from Kuah, the island’s capital, and burnt rice paddies at Padang Matsirat.

Near Kuah, the giant sculpture of an eagle greets visitors from afar. It is worth a visit at night when the statue is beautifully illuminated! On the way to the west of the island, the Underwater World Langkawi exhibits more than 5,000 marine species, most of which are from the region.

The west of the island has many of attractions. After passing Pantai Chenang, a beautiful stretch of beach, you will face a Thai Palace with carved woods. The building in typical Rathanakosin style, has been standing majestically from as recent as 1999. It was, in fact, commissioned by Hollywood for the blockbuster movie “Anna and the King.” Next to it and in contradiction to its name, is the Oriental Village, a modern shopping centre that showcases handicrafts and cuisine from all over Asia.

Further north, the Seven Wells is a spectacular succession of seven pools joined by waterfalls. On the way back to Kuah, do not miss the Malay Book Village and the Crystal World where talented craftsmen create the most complex shapes of crystal.

Nature lovers will especially enjoy the Pulau Payar Marine Park, one of Malaysia’s most famous marine life sanctuaries, home to endangered species. It is a paradise for divers, especially amidst the colourful corals of the Coral Garden. In Pulau Dayang Bunting, enjoy the calm and serene lake of Langkawi amassed by greenery. Up north close to Tanjung Rhu, the Cave of the Legends has beautiful rocks naturally shaped by Mother Nature.

Kuah

The main town of Pulau Langkawi, it has a population of about 11,000. Located on the southeast of the island, the town offers handicrafts of shell and local marble as well as duty-free shopping. Its single main street runs along the waterfront.

Mahsuri Mausoleum

Located about twelve kilometers from the main town of Kuah on Pulau Langkawi. Mahsuri is the island's most famous legendary figure.

Underwater World

The Underwater World Langkawi, a marine showcase featuring both fresh and salt water fish and other forms of marine life, is a must-see attraction. Located at Pantai Cenang, a popular beaches on the island, this aquarium features more than 5,000 types of marine life, exhibited in more than 100 tanks of different sizes.

The highlight is a giant tank housing large marine species such as sharks, stingrays, groupers and green turtles, with a 15 meter tunnel for visitors to walk through and enjoy a spectacular view of the exhibits. Under water gardens of weeds and sea plants together with exotic fishes and exhibits of fossils and shells add to the range of interesting sights

• The Underwater World is open daily from 10am to 6pm.
• Address: Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
• Tel : 604-9556100 Fax : 604-9556103 / 4

Air Hangat Village

Formerly a popular hot spring known as Telaga Air Hangat, Air Hangat Village is now a combination spa and cultural experience park. Located on an extensive site about sixteen kilometers north of Kuah, the village presents performances of Malaysian and Southeast Asian dances and traditional games as well as cultural shows and activities such as trained elephant performances and padi planting. The hot springs have been converted into an impressive three-tiered fountain that is accompanied by a hand-carved stone mural of their origins. Air Hangat Village also offers duty-free shopping, as well as fine Malaysian, Thai, and Indonesian cuisine served in its on-site theatre restaurant. Air Hangat is open from 10 am to 10pm daily.

Taman Buaya Langkawi (Langkawi Crocodile Farm)

The crocodile farm is situated at Teluk Datai, about thirty kilometers from Kuah Town. The farm has more crocodiles than one can easily imagine--over 1000 in all, including several rare species, as well as some alligators. Although there is an exhibition centre with displays on the life cycle of the crocodile and many specimens and photographs of every conceivable aspect of crocodiles, the real draw here are the lurking thousands of live animals. The farm has conveniently divided its ponds so as to satisfy a whole range of common fascinations. The ponds include:

The Species Pond. A good place to start for those who are still a little fuzzy on that crocodile/alligator distinction.

The Breeding Pond. A glimpse into the intimate lives of average crocodiles.

The Bridge-Over-Pond. The litmus test of people's crocodile fears, this pond allows the visitor to get a little more up-close-and-uneasy.

The Feeding Pond. An incontrovertible demonstration of the fact that crocodiles are way too fast and dangerous to be your friend.

The Show Pond. Man versus crocodile. An opportunity to ponder why anyone would ever decide to wrestle a crocodile.

The Lankawi Crocodile Farm is registered with The Convention on International Trade and Endangered Species (CITES). The farm includes dining and parking facilities as well as a souvenir shop. It is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Admission Fee: Adults RM5, Children RM3.

Kampung Tanamas

Located about fourteen kilometers from Kuah Town, the attraction of this modest village is that it offers visitors a chance to participate in a number of traditional Malaysian cultural activities. Kampung Tanamas is open daily from 8.30am-6.00pm. Entrance Fee: RM1.00 per person. (You can enter free of charge if you have the receipt to enter Mahsuri's Tomb.)

Pulau Singa Besar

Located about forty minutes by boat to the south of the main island of Langkawi. Because of its diverse ecological environment, this small, undeveloped island has been designated as a Bird and Animal Sanctuary. While there isn't much to do here other than to observe nature, the nature of Pulau Singa Besar rewards such attention.

Pulau Payar Marine Park Want to catch a glimpse of the wonders of the deep? Then don't miss this tour - you will sail on a catamaran and experience west Malaysia's only Marine Park. Discover the beautiful marine life and corals and engage in snorkeling and scuba diving activities.

» LANGKAWI Sightseeing Tours Events & Attractions

Langkawi Beaches

Langkawi's sandy beaches, are just a few natural attractions. Simply irresistible...

Pantai Cenang

Two kilometres of fine powdery sand fringed by coconut trees and casuarinas. A combination of relaxing beach ambiance and modern comforts with resorts, luxury class hotels, chalets and restaurants. Popular during the peak tourist season..

Datai/Burau Bay

The north coast of Langkawi features a bay with the most stunning of all vistas on the island, namely Teluk Datai. The bay is home to some of the island's most exclusive resorts and the stunning Datai Golf Course.

Pantai Tengah

A great place if you're looking for somewhere to simply chill out. Accommodation consists of low key chalets with more upscale resorts recently built. Picturesque and quiet...

Pantai Kok

Quieter and more secluded than Pantai Cenang, Pantai Kok makes an ideal romantic getaway or a tranquil honeymoon place...

Kuah Town

Kuah has no real beach, but in addition to the shopping there are also some interesting places to visit. Kuah is Langkawi's main town and the transit point for ferries to the neighbouring islands.

Tanjung Rhu

Also known as Casuarina Beach because of its Casuarina trees instead of the usual palms and coconuts, Tanjung Rhu is sheltered by the curve of the bay and, with its shallow waters, unusually tranquil.

Padang Matsirat

Not on a beach, Padang Matsirat is located in the cool interior. A charming place with historical ties. A number of new hotels have recently been built here.