History & Guide
Langkawi, on Northwestern shore of Malaysia is a archipelago of Langkawi Islands. Situated Just where the Indian Ocean narrows down into the Straits of Melaka,it was once a heaven for pirates. Langkawi’s name is believed to have originated from the large quantity of eagles on the island and the ecological wonder of its landscape.
Langkawiis nuzzled against a spectacular surroundings of mountains are ancient lakes and forests, waterfalls and beaches, all of which enhance the wonder that is Langkawi. Langkawi serves as a retreat for visitors near and far.
Langkawi contains 99 Islands during high tide and about 104 during low tide. It is a sanctuary of some of the most prehistoric rainforest in the world rich in undiscovered flora and fauna.
Langkawi is 478.5 sq km, Almost as large as the island of Singapore. Langkawi is surrounded by lovely beaches spread along its coast. The island is still very much a rural landscape with villages and padi fields. The island has a legend, the favourite being the one of Mahsuri.
The main town of Langkawi is Kuah town, Kuah town is separated from the beach resorts around the coast. The two main beaches, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Kok, are on the island`s western coast, with Pantai Cenang being the most popular as the vanue for hotels and restaurants.
Langkawi International Airport(IATA: LGK, ICAO: WMKL). The airport is located at Padang Matsirat and is about 25 minutes of driving from the town centre, Kuah. Flights from the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur to the airport take about an hour.
Airlines and destinations
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Airlines |
Destinations |
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Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang |
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Seasonal: Hong Kong |
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Seasonal: Guangzhou |
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Charters: Helsinki |
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Penang, Kuala Lumpur-SubangSeasonal: Johor Bahru |
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KualaLumpur-Sepang, Penang, Singapore |
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Singapore |
Transportation
Bus
Tourist could catch these buses at the Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur. They leave about every hour on a daily basis. The buses take you to Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah where you take a boat to Langkawi.
Ferry’s
The ferries to Langkawi operate four routes to Langkawi from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang and Satun in Thailand around the clock.
Car
Car rentals are reasonably priced on Langkawi Island. There is a car rental counter near the exit of the Arrival Hall. The rates are negotiable and reasonably priced. Car rentals are available in both the Jetty and the Airport.
Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport tourist could buy a coupon at the Arrival Hall. Rates to the different destinations differ and are reasonably priced.
Miscellaneous
Money
The Langkawi Airport has a Maybank, the operating hours are 09:15 – 16:30 Monday – Thursday; 09:15 –16:00 Friday
ATM
If you’re running low on funds, Kuah town has many banks and ATM machines.
Food
Local food is a mixture of many elements, the rojak dish for example is also slang for a jumbled combination of stuffs. The Indian Muslim variety is sliced fritters, bean curd and vegetables eaten with spicy peanut sauce The Chinese version of rojak is basically a salad of sliced fruits and vegetables mixed with shrimp paste. Nasi Lemak is the national dish it consists of rice cooked in coconut milk and eaten with a range of side dishes and condiments
