Langkawi Travel Guide Langkawi is a beautiful mysterious island at the north west coast of peninsular Malaysia and has around 104 uninhabited islands. Langkawi is one of Malaysia's most popular tropical island destinations. Since 1990, the Malaysian Tourism Board has dedicated itself to promote Langkawi Island and they keep on trying to make it an ideal travel spot. Langkawi is located at the north west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and it includes around 104 uninhabited islands. Langkawi also claims a Hollywood credit, Anna and the King (1990) was shoot on this location. Langkawi is an ideal place to discover the great outdoors such as you could visit the marine park, play golf, charter a boat or go for snorkeling. A number of international events is also hosted on Langkawi including, The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Show (LIMA), Annual Royal Langkawi Regatta which draws boats from all over the world and Tour de Langkawi, which is an annual cycling competition starting in Langkawi and ending in Kuala Lumpur. Some of the most popular western beaches in Langkawi are Pantai Tengah, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Kok. All of these beaches offer a wide range of restaurants, accommodation and eateries. Burau Bay and Datai are two of the best tropical rain forests provide the location for the most stunning golf courses in Asia and Luxury resorts. How to go There are many flights from Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and other places to Langkawi. You can also take a ferry to Langkawi from Penang, Kuala Perlis, Satun in Southern Thailand. Local transportation The best way to in around town is by hiring a car or bike or bicycle. You can also get lots of taxis. All roads in Langkawi are well maintained but make sure to use a helmet while riding a bike or a seat belt while driving in Langkawi as it is mandatory. History There are many fables about the origin of the name Langkawi. Some say the word Langkawi came from the Bahasa Malay word 'helang' which means an Eagle and the Sanskrit word 'Kawi' which means marble. Joining these two words, Langkawi formed. The island was rich in marble and eagles were found in abundance. Mohamad Zahir has stated about the the origin of name in Langkawi in his book 'The legend of Langkawi'. He states the 'Langka' means beauty and 'wi' means many in sanskrit. Combining it we get 'many beautiful islands'. Langkawi carries an image as 'langkasuka', oldest kingdom in 2nd century. The invasion of the Chinese in the middle age and the invasion of Siam (Thailand) in 1821, can be seen as a foot print in the culture and custom of Langkawi. There are many legends associated with Langkawi. Among them, a take about mashuri is famous and interesting. Once there was a beautiful maiden named 'Mashuri' who was accused of adultery and was eventually sentenced to death. During her execution white alone flowed from her body which proved her innocence. While she was dying with pain she cursed the island saying 'Langkawi should not prosper for seven generation'. Thus dens seven generation the island had been land of isolation and misfortune. 12 km from kuah, kampung mawat you will see the tomb called as 'Makam Mashuri' surrounding by white walls depicting her innocence. Places of Interests in Langkawi Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) is Langkawi's most prominent landmark for visitor's arriving from the sea. Taman Buaya Langkawi is located at Kubang Badak and famous for more that One thousand crocodiles of various species. Langkawi Bird Paradise is famous for thousand of birds from all over the World. You can discover the exciting world of birds and nature. An animal sanctuary situated on the island of Pulau Singa Besar is famous for it's deers and peacocks. The other places one can visit are Taman Lagenda, Langkawi Crystaal, Telaga Tujuh, Underwater World (A marine showcase), Pulau Payar Marine Park, Tanjung Rhu Beach, Black Sand Beach, Caves of Bats and Legends and snake Sanctuary. Some of the waterfalls in Langkawi are the most popular waterfalls in Southeast Asia including the Temuriun Waterfall, Telaga Tujuh Waterfall and Durian Perangin Waterfall. Langkawi is also known for its Water Sports. Sailing, water skiing, kayaking, snorkeling and windsurfing all are available at reasonable rates. Parasailing is also available and you can enjoy it at Cenang and Tengan Beaches. Langkawi has some stunning beaches. The two main public beaches are Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah. As Langkawi is a duty free centre that's why prices are lower as compared to Kuala Lumpur. The Langkawi Fair is probably the largest mall. Kuah has a good-sized supermarket's and shopping malls. Kuah has the only international ATM in it. Activities 1. Snorkeling Snorkeling is a widely popular activity in Langkawi which is enjoyed by many tourists. Pulau Payar Marine Park is the best place to snorkel which is a domicile for many coral reefs, marine organisms etc. 2. Swimming Swimming in Langkawi is always fun. There are many places to swim but we recommend you Tanjung Rhu Beach which has Langkawi's best coastline decorated with sands, casuarina trees. Other activities Apart from snorkeling and swimming there are many other activities you can enjoy like water skiing, jet-skiing, wind surfing, yatching and much more. Pantai Cenang is the place where you can experience wide range of activities. Hotels and Accomodations Langkawi offers some of the finest resorts, money can buy. 1.) The Beach Garden Resort 2.) The Pelangi Beach Resort 3.) 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