Langkawi, a Vacation Paradise in Malaysia

Langkawi is a cluster of 104 islands off the western coast of the Malaysian peninsula. It’s an area of myth and adventure where pirates used to be the main source of revenue but where tourists now provide the currency of commerce. Here the tourist will rub shoulders with those of a similar perspective from Britain, Australia, South Africa, as well as the more recent visitors from Eastern Europe and China.

Langkawi is being developed for the upscale tourist market by the Langkawi Development Authority which hopes to increase the number of luxury hotel rooms on the islands over the next couple of years and to provide enough incentive for the visitor to spend leisurely time in the area.

Some of the islands in the cluster are small and rocky – good for observing nature but with little of the accoutrements of tourist life. Other islands are much developed and rival any of the more famous Asian resort areas, which are much more publicized, and much more traveled.

If you are searching for exclusive beaches, or exclusive golf clubs, Langkawi has what you want. Pulau Langkawi is the largest of these islands and its main city, Kuah, has a population of about 11,000. Here you’ll find the hotels and duty-free shops that will be the center for a lot of the daily life of the visitor to Langkawi. Outside of Kuah and on the other islands life goes on much as it did before the expansion of tourism into the area. Small villages and water buffalo are as much part of the reality of the islands as are the beaches and coral reefs.

Whatever you use as your base of operations, there is much to explore in Langkawi.

Air Hangat Village is known for its hot springs fountain and cultural events. A short distance from Kuah, the Village has traditional South Asian and Malaysian dance and music performances as well as shows with trained elephants. Fine food and shopping are within its borders as well.

The sea offers its own opportunities for exploration. The Langkawi Coral Gardens are known as one of the world’s spectacular sights. Located off Pulau Payar, these corals can be seen by glass-bottom boats as well as with snorkeling and diving by the more athletic of us.

Another of Langkawi’s natural wonders to explore is the Gua Cerita, a limestone cave with still not deciphered inscriptions at its entrance. Catch the boat from Pantai Tanjung Rhu for this trip.

For those more inclined to the indoors, Langkawi offers much for you as well. The Galeria Perdana at Kilim is not too far from Kuah and houses a ten-thousand piece exhibit of crystal ware, leather, silver, copper, pewter, ceramics and glass. The exhibit is from the collection of the Prime Minister of Malaysia who was once a local doctor and who set up this exhibit from state gifts presented to him and his wife.

Langkawi is known for its legends and becoming known for its luxury. For those who have the time and resources there are endless adventures in exotic locations. The natural wonders of Malaysia are on display here and much is being done to make these wonders accessible and enjoyable for the tourist.