FASCINATING LANGKAWI

LANGKAWI:

The Langkawi group of islands forms part of the Kedah state. The greater part of the state is taken up by the broad Kedah-Perlis rice plain which produces over half the nation's home-grown rice supplies and whose exploitation has been intensified with the contruction of the muda irrigation scheme. There are industrial estates at Alor Setar, kuala Kedah and Sungai Petani. The university of the north (university utara) is temporarily situated near Jitra, but before long will move to its permanent site at sintok, near the thai border. Gunung Jerai (Kedah peak) forms a prominent landmark on the coast, overlooking the muda estuary, and is a tourist attraction.


PLACES OF INTEREST:










Nature and Adventure:

Air Hangat Village:
The hot spring situated about 13 km from Kuah is believed to be the result of bitter quarrel that took place in Kuah. Among the pots, plates and saucers that were shattered was a jugful of hot water. Where the water was spilt, the hot spring appeared. Many however, suspected that if the hot spring is not linked to any legend, the only logical explanation to it is that the heat source from the hot spring comes from the young Gunung Raya hills which has a warm base. The water in this hot spring is clear apart from a suspension of green alga at its surfaces. Other attractions include 18m length hand carved river stone mural depicting legends of Air Hangat, day long outdoor entertainment programme featuring Malaysian/ASEAN cultural dances and traditional sports and games, live display of Malaysian/ASEAN customs, traditional crafts, and participation in village activities such as padi planting. Food and beverages facilities include cafe, a lounge and a theatre restaurant. Duty free Shopping is available at the pavilions.
Tel : +6-04-959 1357

Craft Cultural Complex:
The Craft Cultural Complex is located on the northern coastline of Langkawi island in the vicinity of Teluk Yu, about 30 minutes drive from the airport or 45 minutes from Kuah Town.
Situated at strategic location, near the sea, Langkawi Craft Cultural Complex is suitable as the local crafts sales centre. It was established with the main objective of maintaining and protecting the nation's crafts heritage and also to develop, improve and up-grade the crafts industry into a variable, strong and pragmatic industry while at the same time maintaining the beauty, quality and ethnicity of the local crafts.here, one can find unique local culture and crafts from all over the country exhibited.
Visiting hours : 9.00am - 6.00pm daily Teluk Yu,Mukim Bohor, 07000 Langkawi,Kedah Darul Aman.
Tel : +6-04-959 1913, 1917
Fax : +6-04-959 2340

Crocodile Farm:
Taman buaya Langkawi or Langkawi Crocodile Farm is situated at datai bay, about 32 km north of Kuah Town. Registered with the convention on international trade and endangered species (cites), the farm covers 20 acres, housing More than 1.000 crocodiles. The farm has many attractions for tourists.
Amongst them are :
I) Feeding Pond
II) Species Pond - You will be able to see crocodiles and alligator species from all over the world III) Breeding Pond - Crocodiles male and nest here
IV) Show Pond - You watch man and crocodile 'wrestle'
V) Bridge-Over-Pond - Enables you to get closer look at crocodiles.
You would also be able to watch an audio visual on life-cycle of a crocodile at the exibition centre. The farm is equipped with a fast food shop, souvenir shop, toilets and car park.
Open daily : 9.00am - 6.00pm
Admission : Adult - RM5.00,
Child - RM3.00
Show Time : 11.15am and 2.45pm daily
Jalan Datai, Kubang BedakMukim Air Hangat, P O Box 50,07000 Langkawi,Kedah Darul Aman. Tel : +6-04-955 2559
Fax : +6-04-955 2519

Dataran Lang:
Dataran Lang or 'eagle square' , is Langkawi's famous landmark. Situated near the kuah jetty, it features scenic ponds, bridges, covered terraces, two restaurants, two jetties and barrel vaults made of bricks. Its close proximity to the sea and the soft breezes makes it an ideal spot for leisurely walks and a tranquil setting for dining in the cool evenings. Spectacular cultural shows provide the perfect finishing touch.

Galeria Perdana:
The Galeria Perdana at kilim, about 10km from kuah, houses an impression collection of over 2,500 state gift and awards presented to the prime minister of malaysia, yab dato' seri dr. Mahathir mohamad and his wife, ybhg datin seri dr. Siti Hasmah bt. Mohd Ali. The exhibits include fine crystal ware and gifts fashioned out of wood, leather, silver, copper, pewter, ceramics and glass. There are also musical instruments, islamic art and craft, textiles and weapons. A part of the display includes various cars and four-wheel drive vehicles. The gallery comprises of 2 double-storey buildings set within a beautifully landscaped garden. Photography is not allowed inside the gallery. Pictures of exhibits are available for sale at the souvenir shop. Visiting hours Tuesday-Sunday : 10.00am - 5.00pm
Friday : 10.00am - 12.15pm3.00pm - 5.00pm
Closed on Mondays (except during school holidays)
Entrance fee : Adult - RM3.00 Child - RM1.00
For further information, please contact tel no : +6-04-959 1498
Kilim, Mukim Air Hangat,07000 Langkawi,Kedah Darul Aman.
Tel : +6-04-959 1498

Gua Langsir:
Gua Langsir or cave of the banshee is located near Tasik Dayang Bunting. It is 91m high and is home of thousands of bats, hence it is reputedly haunted.

Gunung Matcincang & Gunung Raya:
Jungle trekking into the hilly terrain of Gunung Matcincang or Gunung Raya is rewarded along the way by glimpses of exotic birds, wild orchids and other tropical flora and fauna with beautifully coloured butterflies catching your attention amongst the lush greenery.


Kampung Buku Malaysia:
Kampung Buku Malaysia in Langkawi is the first and only book village in south-east asia. It is part of the international book villages and book towns movement. It is located just 10 minutes from the Langkawi international airport and 15 minutes from the ferry terminal. Situated amidst a lush green forest at the foot of gunung raya, the highest peak on the island, the book village provides book lovers a tranquil setting to indulge in their hobby. The various hoses in the village are stocked with a great variety of new books on numerous topics and languages as well as second-hand, rare and antiquarian books.
Visiting hours : 9.00am - 6.00pm daily
For further information, please contact tel no: +6-04-955 5568

Kuah Town:
Kuah, the main town, is located on the south-eastern tip of Pulau Langkawi. It is the take-off point to the neighbouring island by ferry. The name 'Kuah' is a Malay word meaning 'gravy' and is associated with an old legend of two battling giants who overturned a gigantic pot of curry at the spot where the town now stands. Once a rustic town with a few streets, present day Kuah is a thriving centre of modern hotels and Shopping-cum-business complexes, but without the over-crowding and bustle of modern cities. Kuah is a duty free Shopping haven with a wide variety of goods sold at attractive prices and its restaurants offer excellent culinary delights, especially fresh seafood.

Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman (On the park):
This scenic park with its beautiful gardens of vivid local blooms, plants and fruits trees provide a picturesque and fitting backdrop for buildings showcasing Malaysia's rich cultural heritage. Within the park, there are some fine examples of traditional Malaysian handicraft and cultural objects.
Visiting hours : 8.00am - 11.00pm daily
Entrance fee : Adult - RM5.00
Child - RM2.50
For further information, please contact tel no : +6-04-966 4223

Laman Padi Langkawi:
Padi cultivation is the oldest agriculture industry in this country. The history, heritage and development of this industry are now displayed at the Laman Padi Langkawi, which also function as the industry's information and knowledge dissemination centre.
Pantai Cenang,Mukim Kedawang,07000 Langkawi,Kedah Darul Aman.
Tel : +6-04-955 4312
Fax : +6-04-955 1819

Langkawi Island:
A group of 104 islands, Langkawi offers natural attractions unsurpassed by any other region. Visitors looking for a tropical islands holiday and a place far away from the maddening crowd can find their haven in Langkawi.

Mahsuri Tomb:
The Mahsuri Mausoleum is located about 12 km north west of the main town of Kuah. A trip to Langkawi would not be completed without visiting the tomb Mahsuri the island's most famous legendary figure. Mahsuri was a beautiful lady who was unjustly accused of adultery. The story goes that she proved her innocence when white blood streamed from her.body at her execution. As she lay dying cried out in anguish and placed a curse on Langkawi that the island would barren for seven generations. Seven generations have passes, and today, Langkawi blossoms with development projects. The Mahsuri Mausoleum Complex marks the spot where Mahsuri lies buried. Within the ground of mausoleum are souvenir shops and stalls. There are also displays of the life styles of 'old Langkawi ' such as method of milling of rice, lulling baby to sleep and traditional music.

Padang Mahsirat:
Padang Masirat (The field of burnt rice) or Mat Sirat as it is called was once the site of Kampung Raja, the ancient capital of Langkawi. It is believed that the village used to be the residence of Datuk Kerma Jaya, the headman who sentenced Mahsuri to death. During Langkawi's heyday, the rice's granary was located in this village. It was here that hot surplus rice stock and those that were deducted as taxes were kept. When the Siamese invaded Langkawi in 1821, Datuk Kerma Jaya, upon defeat, ordered the burning of the granary to starve the enemy. The burnt rice is said to have buried below ground and that till today, signs of their existence can still be seen after a downpour. The spot where the rice is found is called Beras Terbakar (Burnt Rice) and many have claimed to have come across these burnt rice.

Sangkar Ikan Langkawi:
Located in a sheltered beach at penarak, 3km from kuah town, the Sangkar Ikan Langkawi (Langkawi fish farm) is a novel attraction for tourists as they can view first hand how fish are bred in their natural environment. Popular table fish such as seabass, seabrem, garoupa, red snapper as well as shellfish and squid are bred commercially. The farm offers visitors the opportunity to try their hand at fishing for a small fee. Visitors can have their catch cooked by the restaurant located at the farm if they wish or sample its wide range of seafood delights.

Tanjung Rhu:
About 20 km from Kuah, the beautiful beach of Pantai Rhu has a coastline rich with coral and marine life. Named after the shady casuarina trees which was found in abundance in the area, one can walk across the sandy spread that joins the beach to the neighbouring island at low tide. This is a favourite picnic spot.


Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of Pregnant Maiden):
The Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden) is situated on Langkawi's second largest island, Pulau Dayang Bunting. Measuring 800 by 350 m, the fresh water lake is protected from all sides by steep forested cliffs and is separated from the sea by a narrow wall of limestones. It derived its name from a legend that tells of a couple married for 19 years but remained childless. Subsequently the wife became pregnant after having drunk from the lake. Thereafter, this plave has been frequented by many childless couple.



Telaga Air Hangat (Hot Springs):
Telaga Air Hangat has its own fascinating legend. The Hot Springs is said to be the result of a bitter quarrel between two families because of a rejected offer of marriage. A battle ensued between them and everything was shattered including all the pots, plates and saucers. A jugful of hot water was flung to the ground and where it spilt, is the Hot Springs.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfall (Seven Wells):
The Telaga Tujuh are found on the slopes of Gunung Mat Cincang about 23 km from Kuah on the northeastern part of Langkawi. All seven wells appear as if they have been arranged on top of each other, with each being on a slightly higher ground from the next, and the highest well being 91 meters high. The water accumulated in the wells comes from the mountain stream which flows into one well only to reemerge in the second, third, forth, fifth and sixth until they cascade out of the seventh well in a gushing waterfall into a stream. Legend has it that the spot is favourite haunt for the mountain fairies who frequent the place to bathe in the cool waters when there are no human around. However, those intending to visit the place will have to hire a guide and be prepared to do some trekking through the hilly forest.

Underwater World Langkawi:
The Underwater World Langkawi, a marine showcase featuring both fresh and seawater fish and other forms of marine life, is a must-see attraction.located at pantai cenang, a popular beach on the island, this aquarium features More than 5,000 types of marine life, exhibited in More than 100 tanks of different sizes. The highlight is a giant tank housing large marine species such as sharks, stingrays, groupers and green turtles, within a 15-metre tunnel for visitors to walk through and enjoy a spectacular view of the exhibits. Underwater gardens of weeds and sea plants together with exotic fishes and exhibits of fossils and shells add to the range of Interesting sights.
Visiting hours : 10.00am - 6.00pm daily
Entrance fee : Adult - RM15.00
Child - RM10.00
For further information, please contact tel no : +6-04-955 6100











Island and Beaches:

Pantai Kok, Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Datai and Burau Bay:
Idyllic beaches such as Pantai Kok, Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Datai and Burau Bay, offer carefree sun-filled days and quiet evening strolls. First class accommodation in modern hotels or captiviting chalets is available. A wide range of exciting water-sports provides fun and thrills for the outdoor enthusiasts. Restaurant outlets in the hotels and outdoors serve a variety of appetizing cuisine.

Pantai Pasir Hitam:
About 19 km north of kuah is Pantai Pasir Hitam (black sandy beach). The black pigmentation of the sand is the result of the mineral content - thought to be tin or oxide of tin, which have come from the seabed orfrom the earth's crust. The mystery remains unsolved. Nevertheless, it is an unusual beach to visit as the black sand glittering inthe sun provides an unusual sight.



Pulau Beras Basah (Isle of Wet Rice):
To swim in its clear water is really enjoyable. The beach with its tiny and soft clean sand - you have to experience the joy of having a dip in the sea around Pulau Beras Basah.



Pulau Singa Besar (Wildlife Sanctuary):
The animals roaming in the open on this wildlife samctuary such as peacocks, deer, monkeys, squirrels and quails will endear themselves to the visitor.






Pulau Payar Marine Park:
Pulau payar is a beautiful, protected marine park which houses schools of tropical fish, coral and marine life. however, those intending to explore the area will first have obtain permission from the fisheries department of Kedah or Perlis. As the coral are fragile, divers are not allowedto anchor their boats as they please. Instead, look out for buoys with red markers.
Langkawi coral, lot 1-21, Jetty Point complex,Langkawi, Kedah darul aman.
Tel: +6-04-966 7318
Fax: +6-04-966 7308