Langkawi...oh...Langkawi! The name “Lang” came from the word Helang/Eagle and “Kawi” means the colour of Reddish Brown. If you come to Malaysia and plan to spend a long holiday, you must put Langkawi in your itinerary. This is one of the top destinations in Malaysia for vacation. The island is legendary. Interesting and beautiful.
I traveled to Langkawi few times with family and friends. But in this section I am compiling only two trips with my friends as I believe many of the sightseeing areas were covered in these trips (with family the focus was not on sightseeing, it was definitely more on shopping). As you already know by now, Langkawi is a duty free island.
TRANSPORTATION
1. From outside Malaysia
If you are travelling from outside Malaysia, usually you will arrive in KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) before your transit to Langkawi. KL or Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital with lots of city attractions. I will advise you to spend few days in KL before flying to Langkawi. From KL you can travel to Langkawi by road (car/bus/taxi) or flight.
2. From inside Malaysia
By Air:
If you are travelling internally in Malaysia, try AirAsia (www.airasia.com) or Firefly (www.fireflyz.com.my). Both are Malaysian low-cost carrier and fly to Langkawi. AirAsia fly from KLIA2 and Firefly fly from Subang Airport. Journey is about an hour by flight. You may also check MAS (www.malaysiaairlines.com) as this is the national carrier of Malaysia, price could be a little higher. But you will be surprised during promotion, price is cheap. Why not flying with a 5Star airlines if price is almost the same? MAS fly from KLIA. Langkawi International Airport is located in Padang Matsirat.
By Road:
Journey by car/bus/taxi will takes about 6 to 7 hours. If you want to travel by bus, you need to be sure which bus terminal you should go as KL has 3 main bus stations. I might be giving a wrong information as the bus departure details sometimes change from time to time. You need to check the latest information. For basic knowledge, these are the stations:
1. Pudu Sentral
The Pudu Sentral (formerly Puduraya Terminal) is located in the city centre, used to be KL's main bus station. After a complete make-over and the re-opening in April 2011, it now servers north-bound buses. The nearest LRT (city train) station in here is called Plaza Rakyat.
2. Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS)
Terminal Bersepadu Selatan at Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS) covers the south territory. Much of the southern-bound buses have been moved to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (Bandar Tasik Selatan Integrated Transport Terminal), resulting in Pudu Sentral losing half of the bus volume. Less traffic and congestion in the city. The nearest LRT (city train) station in here is called Bandar Tasik Selatan.
3. Jalan Duta Terminal
Jalan Duta Terminal serving mostly express buses from the Northern states of Kuala Lumpur but more to the east coast of Malaysia. It is located at Jalan Duta, just opposite of Mosque Federal Territory and also next to the National Tennis Centre and Tun Razak Hockey Stadium. There is currently no LRT station nearby and taxis are the best way to get there.
You can check this website for more information on KL buses www.expressbusmalaysia.com.
You can check these websites for car rental:
www.avis.com.my, www.europcar.com.my, www.simedarbycarrental.com, www.iprac.com, www.mayflowercarrental.com.my, www.hawkrentacar.com.my.
By Rail:
If you want to travel by train, please check this website www.ktmb.com.my. The journey will takes longer unless you are travelling by an express train. There are 4 stations in KL: Kuala Lumpur Station, KL Sentral (advisable to departure from either these two stations), Kepong Sentral or Petaling. Bear in mind that Langkawi is an island. Langkawi is part of Kedah, a state in Malaysia. There is no train directly to Langkawi, so the train will only takes you to the mainland which are the station of Sungai Petani, Gurun or Alor Setar. The easiest train route is to stop at Alor Setar station. You will need to take bus or taxi to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis. From here you can take a ferry to Langkawi.
ACCOMMODATION
Before deciding on hotel in Langkawi, you need to choose which area is your preference. There are 5 favorite areas in Langkawi:
1. Kuah
Kuah is more well-known for its multitude of duty-free shopping complexes, this bustling capital of Langkawi Island does have its charms and features a few landmark attractions. Some of the few attractions one can find in Kuah town include Langkawi’s most iconic manmade attraction, namely Dataran Lang or Eagle Square and Taman Lagenda Langkawi, a folklore-themed park, both of which are situated within walking distances from Kuah Jetty.
2. Padang Matsirat
Padang Matsirat is best known for its verdant green land, rice fields and many small villages. Unlike most places in Langkawi, there are no public beaches in Padang Matsirat. However, this area in Langkawi has several great attractions including legendary tombs and shrines, picturesque parks and farmlands nestled in untouched scenic settings. However, these places of interest are spread across Padang Matsirat’s massive locale so we highly recommend renting a car or motorcycle to get around.
3. Pantai Cenang
Pantai Cenang is Langkawi’s most popular area where the majority of local and international eateries, duty-free shopping complexes, and luxury resorts are located along its gorgeous beach. With countless visitors lounging on the sandy beach and enjoying spa treatments and massages, Pantai Cenang is the best place for sunbathing and exciting water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. For families with children, Pantai Cenang also houses two of Langkawi’s most popular attractions, namely Underwater World Langkawi and Rice Garden Museum.
4. Pantai Kok
Pantai Kok has the most number of impressive tourist attractions on Langkawi Island. Besides relaxing on its clean-as-a-whistle beach, visitors can also head to the elaborate Oriental Village located just at the foothill of Gunung Mat Chincang. Even though Langkawi is a small island, this quarter of the island is well-frequented for its unique waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries, as well as a harbour that has plenty of dining options and nocturnal entertainment.
5. Pantai Tengah
Situated just around the southern road bend of Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah is a relatively quieter and peaceful place although it too has one of the best beaches in the island with a long expanse. This is where many returning families and romantic couples tend to stay within a reasonable budget. Perfect for a laidback vacation, visitors can lie down on the sandy beach and watch the sun set or visit luxurious spa for a relaxing session of traditional Malay beauty treatments and massages.
Source: http://www.langkawi-info.com/attractions/
I always chose Pantai Tengah as I really wanted a peace and quiet surrounding. In both of my trips I selected hotel around this area. The first visit I was in Federal Villa Langkawi. The second trip I stayed in Lanai Langkawi. We rented a car so if we want some actions all we have to do is just to drive to Pantai Cenang or Kuah.
PLACES OF INTEREST
1. Dataran Lang
Also known as Eagle Square, Dataran Lang is one of Langkawi’s best known manmade attractions, a large sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight. A sight that greets visitors to the island via ferry, the 12 metre-tall statue is one of the island’s most instantly recognizable monuments.
Located at the southeast corner of Pulau Langkawi, besides offering beautiful views of Kuah Bay, Dataran Lang has beautiful miniature fountains, terraces and bridges, making it the ideal place for those postcard-perfect holiday photos. The square is a good place to watch ferries ply across the harbour but plan a trip here early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is at its least intense.
Source: http://www.langkawi-info.com/attractions/dataran-lang.htm
I love the big gigantic eagle there. And while I was busy taking photos, a man with a python snake came to me and offered if I want to take photos with his snake. I only need to pay RM15. For sure I say yes cause I love snakes! LOL.
2. Langkawi Cable Car
We went for a sky view with the cable car. The journey upwards was even scarier than going down back to the main station. The weather was also good had makes me really enjoy being up there staring at the sky which was so blue and felt the gentle wind breeze on my skin.
The entrance for the Langkawi cable-car, which takes visitors all the way up to Mount Mat Cincang, Langkawi’s second highest peak, is located in The Oriental Village in the upper northwest of Langkawi Island, near Pantai Kok. Entering the village and passing through the pleasant oriental garden and souvenir shops, visitors make their payment at a counter before stepping onto an escalator which brings them to the cable-car pedestal.
Once in, the cable-car ascends; you’ll begin to notice the temperature dropping and a windy breeze begin flowing into the cabin through ventilation slits at the top.
After around 600 metres, the cable car reaches the first station, where you disembark to either; take another cable car up to the peak, or lull around the observatory deck and admire the magnificent surroundings. Most will not spend too long here, as the view from the peak is even more amazing. After a short queue, you can grab another cable car and ride up another wire cable which doesn’t rise too sharply, though the initial jolt of the car leaving the second station can feel quite unnerving.
As the car settles to a decent speed after the brief spurt from the station, passengers will be treated to an even higher view of the rainforest and hills below. The car here is at its coolest and in too short a time, you’ll reach the final station which is where most of the excitement is. Passengers leaving the cab will be greeted by a menagerie of stalls selling souvenirs, toys, snacks and drinks.
You’ll want to climb a set of staircases that cuts through a thin forest to reach the observatory deck above. Once on the top, you can finally enjoy the magnificent view of the surrounding horizon; the island’s landscape, skyline and seas beyond. At the side is a steel bridge suspended across Mount Mat Cincang and a neighbouring mountain. Walking across this bridge is a fantastic experience and offers a different viewpoint of the island and sea towards the north.
After immersing yourself in the views, it’ll be time to go, and the entire process of cable-car ascent is repeated in a descending route. Along the way, you can pick up some souvenirs at the final or base station before carrying your adventures elsewhere in the magnificent island of Langkawi.
Source: http://www.langkawi-info.com/attractions/cable-car.htm
The Langkawi Sky Bridge is located at the ‘end’ of the Cable Car ride. One of the island’s highlights, it is a 410ft-long curved pedestrian bridge above Mount Mat Cinchang. It may sound like a cliché but it is really true, the views from here are simply stunning, great for those Kodak moments!
Located 2,300ft above sea level, the Sky Bridge is easily accessible by the Langkawi Cable Car. The journey to the top starts out at the Oriental Village in the upper northwest of Langkawi Island, near Pantai Kok. Once the cable car gets going it gets a little chilly as winds flow through the ventilation slits at the top, so put on a sweater beforehand.
The views on the way to the top of Langkawi’s second-highest peak include those of the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and the rainforest. After travelling a few hundred feet upwards, the cable car levels outs and stops at the Sky Bridge, the final station. Near where you disembark, there are dozens of stalls selling souvenirs, toys, snacks and drinks. Those with a fear of heights might be a little afraid of the altitude, but it is a very safe bridge with double steel railings and an enclosed wire mesh. The 1.8m wide bridge has two triangular platforms that act as ‘stops’ where you can admire the view and rest your feet.
Source: http://www.langkawi-info.com/attractions/skybridge.htm
The Langkawi Island Hopping Tour takes you on a journey to explore Langkawi’s most illustrious islets. This trip is by a fast boat which will take four hours to cover 3 islands. One of the island that you will stopover is the Pulau Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden) with the Pregnant Maiden Lake (a freshwater lake).
a. Pulau Singa Besar
First you’ll be taken to visit verdant ‘Pulau Singa Besar’ (Big Lion Island) the boat stops just shy of the shores and you’ll get the chance to watch the king of the skies, eagles as they soar overhead. Observe as they dive to catch their prey, chicken bits that the boat driver has thrown into the water, with deadly precision, it’s a great photo and video opportunity.
b. Pulau Dayang Bunting
Next head on over to Pulau Dayang Bunting, the silhouette of the pregnant maiden from a distance is truly awe-inspiring; meanwhile the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, overflowing with supposed ‘magical’ waters is another breathtaking sight. Relax on the adjoining buoys on the shores, dip your feet into the waters or splash and swim around in the enclosed sections. The shape of the island hills resemble the shape of pregnant woman lay down on a rest.
c. Pulau Beras Basah
Finally we came to our last stop which is the ‘Beras Basah ‘Island. I have to say the island was so beautiful. The sand was white and smooth. The water was crystal blue until you can see the fishes in it. Thus the day ends with this visit to ‘Beras Basah Island’ (Wet Rice Island) which is another pristine Langkawi beach with clear waters and far-reaching views of the sea where you can relax and soak up the sun and sea after a day spent trekking up to the Pregnant Maiden Lake and feeding the eagles.
Source: http://www.visit-malaysia.com/langkawi-tours/island-hopping.htm
5. Underwater World Langkawi
Spread across nearly six acres, Underwater World Langkawi is one of the island’s best-known attractions. Located at the southern end of Pantai Cenang (almost at the border of Pantai Tengah), beside the Zon duty-free shopping centre, it is Malaysia’s largest aquarium. The huge white-washed structure houses more than 200 different species of marine and freshwater fish including harbour seals, rockhopper penguins, sharks, giant rays and the enormous Amazonian arapaima, the biggest freshwater fish in the world.
Once you enter the air-conditioned interior, Araipamas (the world's largest freshwater fish) can be seen in a medium-sized tank in front of the entrance door.
The complex is divided into three sections: Tropical Rainforest, Temperate and Sub-Antarctic. The Sub-Antarctic was probably the most popular section – the ‘penguin-arium’ houses cute little rockhopper and black-footed penguins that cause quite a few people to crowd around the exhibit to get a good look. Other highlights of the tourist-friendly Underwater World include an Educational Resource Centre, a cafeteria and a three-dimensional (3D) theatre – be sure to watch the short movie about Michael, a little prehistoric fish and his life before becoming a fossil. Lastly there’s a giant walk-through six million litre underwater tunnel tank which houses an extensive number of fish including sharks, giant stingrays and green turtles.
Source: http://www.langkawi-info.com/attractions/under-water.htm
6. Mangrove Forest Tour
Trek the mangrove forest reserve via boat and learn about its ecology, medicinal plants, migratory birds and role in nursing juvenile marine life. Langkawi's coastal zone are fringed with extensive mangrove forests sprawling over 3200 ha. Mangrove habitats mammals as long tailed macaque, dusky leaf monkey, squirrels and others. Bird such as eagles and herons, reptiles such as lizards, crocodiles and reticulated python and fishes ranging more than 40 species including crab. The journey was by boat. I love it so much as the boat bumped into the water, the splashes of the waves and the strong wind that blew to my face. The view of the ocean and small islands surrounding it were awesome. Firstly we stopped at the entrance of the mangroves. There were many eagles there and we waited to see how these eagles went down close to the water and caught fishes. After that we enter the mangroves and came to a Bat Cave. It was really dark and small. We were given a very dim torch light to carry on our journey by walking inside the Bat Cave. A little bit scary I might add.
a. Bats Cave
Visit the Bats Cave (Gua Kelawar) where you will have the chance to experience one of the freakiest experiences of your life! The experience of watching the bats around and close to you, the wind of flying bats, the sound of nervous laughter, bats squeaking and much all make the more intense sense experience you will ever have.You can take the wooden walkway for a 10 minutes walk before reaching the cave entrance. Gua Kelawar comprises two cave systems - the smaller western chamber that extends northeast by southwest, has a floor area of approximately 270 square metres and low roof of between one to three metres head clearance. On the walls and roof of the cave you can see embedded very old seashells. This provides proof that the area was originally the sandy bottom of an ancient river that has been shoved upwards by powerful tectonic force millions of years ago. Another reason is that the sea level about 5,000 years ago was two metres higher than today.
b. Limestone River Cruise
Keep a watch at the mangrove area and the muddy flats, you will see lots of amazing animal life. Other than squirrels, mud crabs and monkeys, you will also see Monitor Lizards that can easily dive and stay underwater for a long time. The lizards are harmless though. In the waters there are many varieties of fish (some 40 species).
c. Monkey Feeding
As the boatman brings the boat close to the shore, large number of monkeys appear from nowhere expecting peanuts to be thrown to them. The guide actually carries a bag full of peanuts and hands it over to the passengers to feed the monkeys. Don't be surprised if some of the monkeys come on board the boat in excitement. They reach no harm though.
d. Floating Restaurant
It's a floating restaurant and you get lovely view of surrounding water and landscapes as you dine. The simple lunch which comes as part of the tour package usually includes fried rice, fried chicken and salad, vegetable soup, cut fruit.
e. Traditional Fish Farm
As you walk around the fish farm, you will see separate water sections for different species of fish. One such section is for black stingrays that are huge in size. The local guide at the farm hand feeds the stingrays and even turns them over to show you where the mouth is. You will be surprised to see that mouth of the fish is not exactly where you expect it to be. They are tamed and reach no harm. So if you want, you can also easily feed them. The only thing is they look a little scary particularly while splashing their way through. One of my favourite sections at the fish farm is the Archer fishes also known as Shooting Fish. The silver coloured fishes are small (usually 4-6 inches long) with black & dotted body stripes. You will find them in large numbers here. I was told that they have a free way into the enclosure and come directly from the river and go out.
e. Crocodile Cave
The Gua Buaya, which means Crocodile Cave, is a unique cave through which the Kilim River actually flows, and is navigable by a small boat at low tide. The name of this cave may either entice or scare off visitors, depending on their attitude to the crocodiles that still exist in the area, although not in so large a number as in the old days. Inside the cave there is an ascending chamber flanked by walls of white limestone with minimal stalactites and stalagmites. Small colonies of bats roost on the lower ceiling. As part of a tour package, a boat journey culminating in a visit to the cave will provide excitement and adventure.
7. Mahsuri Tomb
Mahsuri’s Tomb is the crypt of the legendary Princess Mahsuri. Located in the village of Mawat, 12km from Kuah, it is also known as Makam Mahsuri. Most of the island’s natural attractions have fables attached in true Malay style and Mahsuri’s Tomb is probably its most famous legend.
The story begins with the beautiful Mahsuri, a maiden (or princess by some accounts) born over 200 years ago, who married the love of her life during a time of conflict with the Siamese. Her husband went off to fight in the war and her mother-in-law, jealous of her beauty, vengefully accused Mahsuri of adultery.
Mahsuri protested her innocence but the village elders tried the young girl, found her guilty and sentenced her to death by stabbing. She was tied to a stake but when she was pierced with the ceremonial dagger she bled white blood, a sign of her innocence.
With her dying breath, Mahsuri cursed the island with seven generations of bad luck. Later the Siamese conquered Kedah and invaded the island – the inhabitants of Langkawi set fire to their staple crop and poisoned their wells in order to halt the advance of the invaders. Legend has it to this day traces of burnt rice can be seen in nearby Padang Matsirat (The Field of Burnt Rice) especially after torrential downpours.
The legend of Mahsuri supposedly accounts for Langkawi’s relatively ‘newfound’ success and judging by its increasing prosperity, the island has survived the curse. Mahsuri’s Tomb (the site where Mahsuri died) was converted into a historical site: it includes Mahsuri’s shrine, a fenced-in white slab of marble that stands alone in a shady garden. Besides that, there is a reconstruction of a traditional Malay house, a theatre and a ‘diorama museum’ which houses some of Mahsuri’s jewellery and the weapon that killed her. There are also a few food outlets at Mahsuri’s Tomb and a well that is said to bless those who dip their hands into it with beauty.
A signpost about 10km from town directs you to Makam Mahsuri. About 17km from Langkawi International Airport, Makam Mahsuri can be reached in less than 20 minutes; heading east. The complex is accessible via the Padang Matsirat Road. Once you pass the Tok Senik Resort on your left, there will the junction to Makam Mahsuri Road – turn right and follow the road and you’ll easily be able to find the mausoleum. There are signposts in English and Malay to guide you.
Source: http://www.langkawi-info.com/attractions/mahsuri-tomb.htm
-Alvy-
