The Langkawi archipelago consists of about a hundred islands. Only four are inhabited, the largest is Palau-Langkawi, which is the most popular among tourists. This place is notable for its picturesque, almost untouched nature, clear blue sea and tropical beaches with soft sand, which is considered healing due to the presence of many useful minerals in it.
✔️ A bit of chronology and facts
For a long time, the archipelago remained on the outskirts of civilization. It was first mentioned in 1405 by the Chinese navigator Zheng He, who included the islands in his records. There is an assumption that Langkawi belonged to the Kedah Sultanate for a long time. Sailors, traders and pirates mainly stopped here, and local residents grew pepper and rice. In 1621, the French appeared on the main island, sailing specifically for this cereal. When the ports of Penang and Malacca developed sufficiently, Langkawi lost its advantageous economic position, and only local residents remained here.
There is a legend that in the 18th century, Princess Mahsuri was unjustly executed for treason, which is why she cursed the island for 7 generations. Indeed, the place was soon destroyed by the Thais. In 1986, by decision of the Prime Minister of Malaysia, the region began to be turned into a tourist resort. Now it is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. In Langkawi, the best hotels receive good reviews from guests.
✔️ Entertainment Features
There are not many architectural monuments here. However, this is not what attracts people to the island. People come here for a quiet holiday on the beaches and nature. Anyone can go on a tour of the archipelago or on a hike around the islands themselves. Travelers also have the opportunity to engage in water sports or golf, immerse themselves in the local culture, and go fishing.
This place is suitable for a quiet family or romantic vacation . Prices for holidays in Langkawi depend on the choice of hotel. However, the places to stay here are quite elite, there are few budget options.
✔️ Possible transfer options
There is an airport on the main island, but it does not accept flights from all countries. Therefore, most likely, you will need to fly via Kuala Lumpur. There is also a ferry service from Langkawi. There is no public transport on the island itself. You can use a taxi, rent a car or order a private transfer. It is provided by the host company or hotel, if it has such a service.
✔️ Weather conditions
The archipelago is located in the equatorial climate zone, which means year-round warmth and humidity. Therefore, you can find and select a tour online to Langkawi at any time. It is believed that the most comfortable time for relaxing on the beach and in nature is December-June, for diving and fishing - March-May, September-October, since during these periods many tropical fish, sea turtles, lobsters and other underwater inhabitants swim to the islands. The heaviest rains occur in the first two autumn months.
✔️ What to bring back from your trip
Shopping in Langkawi can be very interesting. There are different options for shopping. The shopping centers sell branded clothes, cosmetics, elite alcohol, perfumes, traditional sweets and delicacies, watches, accessories, etc. Of great interest are the markets, of which the Oriental Village and the night market Pasar Malam stand out. There you will find handicrafts , national clothes, traditional delicacies, etc.
✔️ Search and selection of tours online to Langkawi: reasons to buy a tour or a trip
Emerald jungles, a picturesque coastline with sandy and rocky shores, and high-level infrastructure create ideal conditions for a relaxing holiday in an exotic location.
▶️ Beach holidays
Langkawi's swimming areas are famous for their soft white sand and clear blue sea. There are large and small locations, with infrastructure and wild ones.
On the northern coast are:
◼️ Tanjung Rhu . Coniferous trees grow near the shore, there is a mangrove grove next to the beach. There is a small restaurant on the public part, the rest of the infrastructure is missing. It is only available on private hotel plots.
◼️ Rekreasi Kastam . There are water activities, you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas. The beach pleases with its open spaces, but there is a road nearby.
◼️ Pasir Hitam . It is a natural landmark of Malaysia, because its shore is covered with dirty yellow and black sand. It is not of volcanic origin, as many believe, but is the remains of coastal cliffs. The conditions for swimming here are not very suitable - muddy water, untidy shore. You can come here for the beauty of this place and a picnic on an unusual shore.
◼️ Tengkorak . A wild place of unity with nature. In a cozy bay in the shade of trees there is a small strip of sand. There are few people here, but often a lot of monkeys.
In the western part of the island are located:
◼️ Burau Bay . Located in the bay of the same name and belongs to the resort. However, non-hotel guests can also relax here. You can order something in the restaurant, pay for beach attractions or walk along the path hidden in the nearby forest.
◼️ Cenang . One of the best beaches in Langkawi. It stretches for 2 km, nearby there are restaurants, cafes, shops, a shopping center, a go-kart track. Those who wish can visit the best oceanarium in the country, "Underwater World Langkawi".
◼️ Tengah . Located next to the previous one. They are separated by a stone cape, which is why it is impossible to go directly from beach to beach. The conditions are similar, only here the sand is larger, yellow with black inclusions. The entry into the water is sharp, but the influence of the tides is less than on Cenang.
In the southern part, only one beach is known - Kuah Town . This is not the most popular place among lovers of beach relaxation, since this resort is intended more for recreation in the city. However, a small sand strip is suitable for swimming. The shore here is sandy mixed with stones. There is no special infrastructure.
Diving is popular in Langkawi. The best place to explore the underwater world is the Palau Payar Marine Park. Picturesque dive sites are located near the shores of the island. Also here is one of the most beautiful atolls of the Strait of Malacca. Mollusks with shells, squids, sea snails, crabs and many species of tropical fish live here.
▶️ Ancient landmarks
There are no architectural monuments here. Of the antiquities, you can visit the Gua Chrita cave, on the vaults of the lower room of which Arabic words are written. The inscriptions tell the story of Sheikh Baharuddin. They were written in 1754, during the reign of Sultan Mohamed Jiwa II of Kedah. In the upper room you can see verses from the Koran.
▶️ Nature
The archipelago is a true paradise for nature lovers. Green hilly islands covered with dense forests, a picturesque coastline, the possibility of organizing mini-cruises, and a rich fauna attract many lovers of a relaxing holiday in nature.
You can visit the Langkawi Bird Paradise Reserve, the first bird park in Asia that is completely indoors. About 150 species of birds live here - cockatoos, flamingos, macaws, and others. In total, there are about 2,500 birds here. Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi breeds crocodiles and other reptiles. Those interested are invited to watch these animals.
Other attractions:
◼️ Telaga Tujuh Waterfall. It consists of seven streams that form seven lakes. The water falls from a height of 91 m. Durian Perangin Waterfall is also worth seeing. It has 14 smooth cascades, and at the end it falls into a small lake.
◼️ Gua Kelawar Cave. It is hidden in the mangroves and is home to flocks of bats. You can get to it by boat.
◼️ Pregnant Maiden Lake. The reservoir is located on the island of Pulau Dayang Bunting and is of volcanic origin. It is fresh, although it is 30 m from the salt sea. The lake is part of a geopark on the island, it is also worth exploring.
◼️ Langkawi Cable Car, which allows you to see the entire island from above. It starts in the northwest and ends at Mount Mat Tsingtsang, the second highest peak of Langkawi. There are observation decks along the route, allowing you to enjoy the opening landscapes for a longer time.
Excursions between the islands of the archipelago are also popular. On them, you can see the landscapes from different angles and visit different places in one day.
▶️ Additional entertainment
The main attraction of Langkawi is the single-support high-rise bridge, one of the largest of its kind. Its height is 650 m. It is attached with 8 cables to an inclined support.
Those who wish are offered to visit the village of Air Hangat, where hot springs are located. And art lovers can visit the Museum and Cultural Foundation. It was created on the initiative of Ibrahim Hussein, the most famous artist of Malaysia. Some of the most famous works of the artist are located here.
This place is made for a quiet holiday on the beaches and in nature. You can fully enjoy your vacation here only if you come for a long time. Therefore, weekend tours to Langkawi are not very popular. Of course, you can stay here for just a couple of days as part of a trip to Malaysia or Southeast Asia.
