Introduction : The archipelago of Langkawi contains 99 islands awaiting discovery and that is when the tide is high! At low tide, the islands can number as many as 104. Lying in the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The exact location of these tropical islands is at the site where the Straits of Malacca meets the waters of the Andaman Seas. The largest of these islands is called Langkawi Island and is bigger than the Penang Island. The other islands in this group are Island of Pregnant Maiden (Pulau Dayang Bunting), Lion Island (Pulau Singa Besar) and Beras Basah Island. The smallest of these islands are atolls roughly the size of an ordinary house. Sanctuary of some of the most ancient rainforests in the world, they are teeming with exotic flora and fauna.
The largest island of Langkawi itself, measuring about 478.5 sq km, is the only one with any real settlement. Almost as large as the island of Singapore, it is still very much undeveloped. Clad with jungles in the interior, it is fringed by lovely beaches scattered along its coast. The island is still very much a rural landscape with villages and padi fields. The island is steeped in legend, the favorite being the one of Mahsuri.
Langkawi is coined from the Malay words Lang and Kawi. Lang is a brown eagle and Kawi is a local manganese stone. The ancient fishermen must have seen eagles flying clutching the manganese stones! A giant monument of a brown eagle clutching the manganese stone greets all visitors to Langkawi near the Kuah Jetty.
The main tourist attractions of Langkawi Island is its virgin white sandy beaches.The beaches have very gentle continental slope and the water is crystal clear.
This island is unique in the sense that it has so many legend sand myths associated with it. Langkawi Island is therefore also called Pulau Lagenda or Legendary Island.
The most talked about legend is that of Mahsuri who is said to have laid a curse on this island for seven generations. Luckily the period of this curse is over now and Langkawi Island is fast becoming an internationally recognised tourist destination.
The government of Malaysia has declared the entire Langkawi Island as a duty free zone. Hence this island is also termed Duty Free Island. All goods sold in this island are exempted from government tax. Therefore this Legendary Island is a haven for the shoppers. You only need to stay in Langkawi for a minimum of 48 hours to take back home a reasonable amount of tax free goods
Mahsuri’s Tomb
The final resting place of Langkawi’s legendary daughter, Mahsuri, a beautiful maiden who lived more than 200 years ago. She was a victim of malicious accusations that led to her being condemned to death. In her dying breath, she laid a curse that Langkawi will not prosper for the next seven generations. But that was many, many generations ago.
Air Hangat Hot Springs
Legend has it that during a bitter quarrel, a potful of boiling water was spilt on the site where the hot springs are located.
Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells)
Trek through a hilly forest to these wells believed to be the bathing spot of mountain fairies.
Pantai Pasir Hitam
Till today, the mystery of the black sand on this beach has remained unsolved. Maybe you can try to unlock this mysterious phenomenon.
Tanjund Rhu, Rantai Kok, Pantai Cenang & Pantai Tengah
Engage in your favourite watersport here, whether its windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling or para-gliding. Or simply lie back and soak up the tropical sunshine and mesmerizing sights that beaches offer.
Gunung Mat Cincang & Gunung Raya
These two mountains are said to be two legendary giant warriors turned to stone because of their pride. The hill that appears to separate these mountains, Bukit Sawar, is supposed to be the third person who tried to break up the dispute between the giants
