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The island of Langkawi is an exotic holiday destination that offers world-class accommodation and amenities sitting side by side with idyllic beaches, ancient rainforests and quaint
villages. Langkawi, part of the State of Kedah, was named after the eagle (helang in the Malay,language - pronounced 'Lang'), hence the imposing eagle statue at Dataran Lang (Eagle Square), welcoming visitors who arrive on the island through the Kuah Jetty.
Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 tropical islands off the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 30km from Kuala Perlis on the mainland. The
main island is Pulau Langkawi. The archipelago has some of the world's most pristine rainforests, limestone and karst formations, caves with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, and among the world's most beautiful beaches washed by clear emerald waters teeming with marine life.
The rich marine life not only makes Langkawi a diver's paradise, it also nurtures the curative sea-cucumber (known
locally as gamat), which is synonymous to the island. Especially memorable is the warm hospitality of the locals. Friendliness is an infectious lifestyle in Langkawi.
Langkawi is a duty-free shopping destination. Other than cameras, branded items, electronic gadgets, shop for lovely silk batik, handicraft and local products, especially those from the fishing villages. The legend of Mahsuri weaves the history of Langkawi from the past seven generations.. It tells of
Mahsuri, a fair maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery. She was said to have bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. With her last breath Mahsuri was said to have laid a curse on the island -- that it would remain barren for seven generations.
Legend or myth, seven generations have since passed and today, Langkawi is an island much loved by the locals and international tourists. The island is
also a choice venue for international sporting events such as the Le Tour de Langkawi bicycle race, Royal Langkawi International Regatta, the F3000 Powerboat Race and Ironman, among others. |
Langkawi Island, Kedah
