Sunday, February 13, 2011

Langkawi Island Popular Malaysia Tourism Guide


Officially known as the „Jewel of Kedah‟, Langkawi, is an archipelago that consists of 99 tropical islands lying off the north-western coast of Malaysia close to Perlis and just south of Thailand. It has become a favourite holiday destination for both local & foreign tourists, with its great beaches as one of its strongest attractions. It is also the hub of shopping activities with numerous duty-free outlets. Wish to leave the hustle city to enjoy cultural and nature-based activities or even laze by the beach? Langkawi will be the best gateway for doing everything or nothing at all.

Langkawi‟ weather is generally hot & humid with a definite rainy season. Temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year. 30°C to 35°C during day time and 28°C to 29°C at night. The hottest month of the year is February, and the coolest month is October, but the variation is not really noticeable. During the raining season which falls in September to October, one can experience an average of 2 hours rain per day. Therefore, visitors can visit Langkawi anytime throughout the year.

Eagle Square
It is Langkawi‟s most prominent landmark situated near Kuah Jetty. The square is beautifully landscaped with scenic ponds, bridges and covered terraces, and is especially beautiful when illuminated at night. Its main attraction is the magnificent huge statue of the reddish brown eagle. Legend has it that Langkawi is named after this magnificent bird, „Lang‟ meaning bird and „Batu Kawi‟ meaning brown stone.

Lagenda Park
This beautiful park is an open-air garden museum that highlights the many myths and legends of Langkawi including the legends of heroic giants and mythical birds. It consists of 17 story-telling monuments, 4 artificial lakes and a man-made beach which provide a picturesque and fitting backdrop for buildings showcasing Langkawi's rich cultural heritage.
In and Out of Langkawi From Kuala Lumpur City :

1. By Air
a) From KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) 
Malaysia Airline provides few direct flights to Langkawi Island in daily basis. The fares vary depending on the peak or non-peak seasons. You may purchase the flight ticket on-line or at the service counter in KLIA. The whole journey takes about 1 hour.

b) From LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal)
Air Asia and Firefly Airline are the two main budget carriers which have direct flights on a daily basis. It takes 1 hour from LCCT to Langkawi International Airport. Tickets can be purchases in advance through internet or at the airport counter.

2. By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) or Malayan Railway provides economical and comfortable rail services from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Star, Kedah and Arau, Perlis. From these points take a taxi or bus to Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis for your ferry to Langkawi Island.

3. By Bus
There are several bus services such as Transnasional Express, Starmart Express, Plusliner and Konsortium at Puduraya Bus Terminal. The fares range MYR 40 – MYR 50 per trip; journey takes approximately 6 - 7 hours to Kuala Kedah Jetty. Take Express Ferry Service to Langkawi Island.

4. By Ferry
The Express Ferry provides regular daily services to Langkawi local jetty. The whole journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. It cost approximately MYR 23 (Adult) and MYR 17 (Children). Other options for travel to Langkawi include ferries from Kuala Perlis (Perlis) and Satun (Thailand). Several companies offer ferry service, so there‟s rarely a problem getting a seat. All boats arrive at the main ferry terminal in Kuah.


Getting around the city
1. Taxi
Throughout the island, taxis can be easily found and chartered as per your convenience and they are unmetered but the fare is inexpensive. The fares are set for destinations around the island. You can also rent taxis by the hour or daily for touring the island. The cost is about RM15 and hour, negotiable and depending on the amount of driving involved.

2. Langkawi Vehicles Rental
Cars can be rented easily either at the airport, jetty or around Kuah Town. The cost will be around RM 80 to RM 150 per day, depending on the age and model of the vehicle. Motorcycles and bicycles are also plentiful and is a great way to tour around Langkawi. Please be advised that an international driving licence is required for car rental.

LANGKAWI The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar
Set in a Mediterranean-style building overlooking the emerald sea, it serves Mediterranean and Malaysian cuisine that will delight your taste buds. There is also an alfresco dining arrangement by the beach from where you can enjoy the stunning seascape of the crimson sunset. You can wash it all down with a comprehensive selection of wines. This restaurant is open for all day dining but the dinner is not to be missed!

LANGKAWI Tulsi Garden Restaurant & Bar
Love spicy and hot food? Head to Tulsi and experience the taste of modern Indian cuisine with its Indian interior in a small village house. Enjoy serenity while dining in a romantic atmosphere set by its oil map, that make it ideal for that romantic candlelight dinner and shady balcony.


LANGKAWI Sun Cafe
Sun Café is the place to be for great food situated in Pantai Tengah. A contemporary restaurant with a local flair, Sun Café is very popular among tourists and locals alike. Try the Grilled Barracuda with honey and lemon that is freshly caught off the local shores. End your meal with its house specialty, Crème Brulee, which will make you go back for more.

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