Mystic Magic of Langkawi
Rediscovering the tropical paradise of Malaysian legends
June Mukherjee, 22-12- 2021
Langkawi, an archipelago of 104 tropical islands on the west coast of Malaysia is best known for its picturesque landscape of sprawling beaches and crystal blue waters, dense rainforests as well as pristine waterfalls. Its duty-free shopping, luxurious spas, alongside a plethora of family activities to indulge in, such as riding the cable car, exploring an underwater aquarium, feeding the eagles, and island-hopping is sure to provide an enriching and memorable experience to the visitors.
As part of its preparation for the reopening of its borders, the Malaysian government has selected Langkawi as the pilot holiday destination to receive tourists under the ‘Langkawi International Travel Bubble’ from November 15.
“We are thrilled and excited to welcome back tourists. All our attractions, tour operators, airlines, hotels, and resorts are operating under strict SOPs. Our industry players are offering value-for-money packages while health and hygiene will be of utmost importance as travellers’ safety is our top priority,” commented Sulaiman Suip, Director of Tourism Malaysia, New Delhi office as South Asia is a major tourist market for Malaysia.
Located about 30 km from Kuala Perlis and 51 km from Kuala Kedah on the mainland is shrouded with an intriguing heritage of myths and legends that feature ogres and gigantic birds, warriors and fairy princesses, battles and romance. Fine beaches offer sun-filled days of complete relaxation. The clear emerald waters around the islands are perfect for a host of water sports and recreational activities. Langkawi also has an excellent reputation as a world-class venue for international live action sporting events.
First stop at Kuah
Kuah is located on the southeastern tip of Langkawi and is the island’s main town with Kuah Jetty being the take-off point to the Peninsular Malaysia mainland, Penang and -neighbouring country Thailand. The name Kuah is a Malay word, meaning ‘gravy’, referring to an ancient folklore of two battling giants who overturned a gigantic pot of curry at the spot where the town now stands.
Once a rustic town with a few streets, the present-day Kuah is a thriving centre of hotels and shopping-cum-business complexes; but fortunately without any din of the modern-day cities. Kuah offers a wide variety of duty-free goods such as tobacco, liquor, cosmetics and electrical items at highly attractive prices.
Eagle Square and Taman Legenda
Situated near the Kuah Jetty, the main attraction of Eagle Square or Dataran Lang is the magnificent statue of the reddish brown eagle majestically poised for flight. According to local folklore, Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or ‘helang’. In old Malay, kawi denotes 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 illuminated at night and presents a dramatic scene as you approach the island from the sea.
Taman Legenda or 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 myths and legends of the island. It houses 17 monuments, each with an intriguing story to tell.
Beaches and Cruising
Pantai Kok, Pantai Cenang, Pantai Pasir Tengkorak, Datai Bay, Burau Bay, Pantai Tengah, and Pantai Tanjung Rhu are just some of Langkawi’s idyllic beaches, perfect for 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 energetic lot. Restaurant outlets in the hotels and outdoors serve a variety of appetising cuisine with live music and an explosive atmosphere.
Island cruises are a great way to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery of Langkawi. As your boat weaves through the watery passageways between the islands, enjoy the cool breeze and warm rays of the sun. A round trip around Dayang Bunting and Beras Basah Island takes about four hours. Alternatively charter a boat and enjoy a fantastic sunset cruise with cocktails. Your tour operator can arrange special itineraries with barbecue meals, snorkelling trips or excursions to other islands.
UNESCO Global Geopark
This destination has been accorded the UNESCO Global Geopark status for its beautiful geological heritage of stunning landscapes, karsts, caves, sea-arches, stacks, glacial dropstones and fossils. With a geological history dating back 550 million odd years, the islands contain unique rock formations that stir the imagination and baffle the mind. Langkawi has the distinction of being the first geopark in Malaysia and in the region, and has many geosites with outstanding sights for visitors. There are three geoforest parks in Langkawi – the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park is reputed to be the oldest geological formation in the country. At the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, one can view magnificently-formed landscapes from nearly vertical to sub-rounded karstic hills as well as pinnacles of various shapes and sizes. The Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park boasts fine marbles.
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Pulau Payar Marine Park
Pulau Payar Marine Park situated in the northern part of the Straits of Malacca, encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca. The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation and a haven for snorkelling, diving and swimming. Visitors can get to Pulau Payar from Kuah Jetty by catamaran or speedboat.
Seven Wells
Seven Wells or Telaga Tujuh, located in the northwestern 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. Waterfall Abseiling is available at the above waterfalls.
Experience the rich island culture
Overlooking beautiful Burau Bay, Oriental Village 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-dining restaurants, reflecting Asia’s culinary delights. Located at Burau Bay, it is a 15-minute drive from the Langkawi International Airport. You can experience the enriching cultural and traditional heritage when journeying through Langkawi’s arts and handicrafts scene. Take home a unique batik or oil paintings made by the local artists or try your hand at creating your very own batik masterpiece at one of the available workshops!
Shopping and Dining
Langkawi is an ideal destination to do some serious shopping as it offers an attractive range of duty-free goods. Most of the island’s shopping establishments can be found in and around Kuah. You can enjoy a shopping spree at Idaman Suri, Langkawi Fair Shopping Complex, Jetty Point Duty-Free Complex, Langkawi Parade, HIG Complex, Pekan Rabu Complex & the surrounding areas offering a wide selection of items such as perfumes, cosmetics, leatherwear, sports gear, ladies’ accessories, confectionery, liquor and cigarettes. Visitors can enjoy the different shopping experience at Cenang Mall and The Zone@Underwater World Langkawi. 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.
The island is reputed for its delicious fresh seafood including scrumptious local, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Japanese, Continental, Middle Eastern and other international cuisines. From the spicy to the sweet and sour, Langkawi has it all. Most of the eateries take care of the special dietary requirements like Halal, Jain, vegetarian or vegan.
Langkawi has more to offer besides exciting legends and myths, as well as its duty-free status. You can dive into the natural elements of Langkawi; an exploration of its wondrous marine life and verdant rainforest for a shift from the typical experience in Langkawi. The gentle smiles and warm hospitality of the locals will charm you for sure.