Melvin Holidays: Pulau Langkawi

Langkawi

Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Malay: Langkawi Permata Kedah) is an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. On July 15, 2008, Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah had consented to the change of name to Langkawi Permata Kedah in conjunction with his Golden Jubilee Celebration. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 64,792, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Langkawi is also an administrative district with the town of Kuah as largest town. Langkawi is a duty-free island.

Islands

There are two island areas: the Southern Islands, with a heavy tourist population and the islands to the north east which are more secluded without tourist traffic. Langun Island has a fresh-water lake like Pregnant Maiden Lake only without the tourists and has Sand Spit Beach on its south-facing orientation. Dendang Island next to it forms a bay popular with Langkawi sailing yacht tour operators who favour the area for its natural beauty and peace.

Some of the most popular beaches are Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Burau Bay, Pantai Kok, and Datai Bay. Pantai Cenang is a picturesque beach with seemingly unending stretches of fine white sand. It has numerous restaurants and bars for evening entertainment, several hosting live music and for watching the sun set. The beach is contoured by tall coconuts and casuarinas. Pantai Tengah is separated from Cenang by a small cape. It too faces the setting sun and is populated more by hotels than bars, making it less busy in the evening. Burau Bay, fringed by rocky outcrops, is the favorite place of migratory birds in Langkawi. Pantai Kok is a peaceful beach with the backdrop of limestone hills. Datai Bay has a combination of forests and sea. The milky beach is backed by lush forest.

The Langkawi Cable Car takes visitors up to the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang, where the Langkawi Sky Bridge is located.

Tourists can enter the island via ferry from Kuala Perlis/Kuala Kedah or by flight from Kuala Lumpur. AirAsia and Fireflyz provides budget connection to the island.

Award

On June 1, 2007, Langkawi Island was given a World Geopark status by UNESCO. Three of its main conservation areas in Langkawi Geopark are Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest park (Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake). These three parks are the most popular tourism area within Langkawi Geopark.

Transportation

From Kuala Lumpur

By Bus (Optional) (Kedah)

Bus tickets can be purchased at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal. Ticket prices within MYR40.00 to MYR43.00 for one way per person. The journey takes 6-7 hours. Upon arriving in Alor Setar can take a taxi to Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal. Taxi fares below MYR25.00 for one way. The price of a one-way ferry was MYR25.00. The journey takes 1 1/2 hours to arrive in Langkawi Ferry Terminal.

By Bus (Recommended) (Perlis)

Bus tickets can be purchased at the Pudu Raya Bus Terminal. Ticket prices within MYR42.80 to MYR45.00 for one way per person. The journey takes 7-8 hours. Upon arriving in Kuala Perlis can just walk within 5 minutes to Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal. The price of a one-way ferry was MYR18.00. The journey takes 1 1/2 hours to arrive in Langkawi Ferry Terminal.

By Air

There are several airlines that provide flights from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi. The cheapest airline is AirAsia and Fireflyz.

Car Rental Price

Price are for 24 hours rental.