The island of Langkawi is an exotic
holiday destination that offers
world-class accommodation
and amenities sitting side by side
with idyllic beaches, ancient
rainforests and
quaint villages. Langkawi, part of
the State of Kedah, was named after
the eagle (helang in the
Malay,language - pronounced 'Lang'),
hence the imposing eagle statue at
Dataran Lang (Eagle Square),
welcoming visitors who arrive on the
island through the Kuah Jetty.
Langkawi is an archipelago of 99
tropical islands off the
north-western coast of Peninsular
Malaysia, about 30km from Kuala
Perlis on the mainland. The main
island is Pulau Langkawi. The
archipelago has some of the world's
most pristine rainforests, limestone
and karst formations, caves with
stunning stalactites and
stalagmites, and among the world's
most beautiful beaches washed by
clear emerald waters teeming with
marine life.
The rich marine life not only makes
Langkawi a diver's paradise, it also
nurtures the curative sea-cucumber
(known locally as gamat), which is
synonymous to the island. Especially
memorable is the warm hospitality of
the locals. Friendliness is an
infectious lifestyle in Langkawi.
Langkawi is a duty-free shopping
destination. Other than cameras,
branded items, electronic gadgets,
shop for lovely silk batik,
handicraft and local products,
especially those from the fishing
villages. The legend of Mahsuri
weaves the history of Langkawi from
the past seven generations.. It
tells of Mahsuri, a fair maiden who
was unjustly
accused of adultery. She was said to
have bled white blood at her
execution as a sign of her
innocence. With her last breath
Mahsuri was said to have laid a
curse on the island -- that it would
remain barren for seven generations.
Legend or myth, seven generations
have since passed and today,
Langkawi is an island much loved by
the locals and international
tourists. The island is also a
choice venue for international
sporting events such as the Le Tour
de Langkawi bicycle race, Royal
Langkawi International Regatta, the
F3000 Powerboat Race and Ironman,
among others. |
