Welcome to Langkawi

Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands offering the best of many worlds: beautiful beaches, world- class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra- cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.

Langkawi has a lingering legend woven into its history. Ask anyone on the island about the tragic story of a beautiful young lady named Mahsuri, and you’ll hear a tale of love, jealousy and a curse that was placed upon the island by her for seven generations.

Today, the seventh generation of Langkawi’s inhabitants has long come and gone, but people here still believe that the prosperity and blessings the islands enjoy today and the passing of the curse is no mere coincidence. The mysticism of this legend can be felt in many parts of this island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Mausoleum), where Mahsuri is said to be buried.

Despite what looks like a slant towards tourism, many of the islanders are actually farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi’s most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island.

You’ll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children pedalling their old bicycles on errands. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi. Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang – Langkawi’s second highest mountain – for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond.

Other popular destinations are the Field of Burnt Rice, Hot Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat tours are organised to Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave).

For a more intimate time with nature, go trekking through the pristine rainforest that covers most of Langkawi, or go on a boat tour of the mangroves. There are also opportunities to go for a dive, or play a round of golf at some of the 5-star resorts. Langkawi also has an underwater world, with an underground tunnel that runs through a giant aquarium, that has received rave reviews.

UNESCO Endorsed Geoforest Park

In 2007, UNESCO officially declared the Langkawi archipelago as one of 94 globally recognised Geoparks from 27 countries to be endorsed for its natural beauty, ecological harmony and archaeological, geological and cultural significance.
Langkawi’s Geopark is noteworthy in its array of impressive rock formations surrounded by ancient jungle, vast caves with stalactites and stalagmites, winding mangrove reveries, sea caves and tunnels, wildlife and waterfalls. Over 90 geo-sites have been found in the region but there are three distinct areas that form the Langkawi Geopark, each with its own unique geological significance.

Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

Situated on the North-East of the Langkawi Island in the area around the Kilim River and its estuary, the terrain here is predominantly limestone (karst). Millions of years of erosion have created a unique landscape of pinnacles, cliffs, caves and hills as well as the rich biotopes of the mudflats and the mangrove eco-systems.
Explore the Kilim Geoforest by boat in order to reach places inaccessible by land, or walk around and discover some of the unique geological features, including ancient fossil beds and stalactites. Here you can find plenty of marine life in the emerald green waters below as well as spot birds, including the islands famous eagles, up high.

Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park

The Machinchang mountain range in the north-western corner of Langkawi, and Gunung Raya, a granite mountain at the centre is renowned for their Cambrian (first geological period of the Paleozoic Era) rock formations.
The rock here is predominantly sedimentary sandstone and granite and forms a spectacular landscape that dominates the skyline. Machinchang is Malaysia’s oldest mountain range, and home to what is probably the most ancient rainforest on the planet. The oldest part of this Geopark is Teluk Datai. This is where the oldest grains of sand rest, its history displayed in the exposed surface of sandstone in the upper part and mudstone/shale in the lower part.

Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park

South of Langkawi you will find the second largest island of the archipelago, Pulau Dayang Bunting. Dayang Bunting means Pregnant Maiden, a name given to this island due to the suggestive shape of the hills on this island.
Famous for the fresh water lake found nestled amongst hills of rugged forest, it is also known as Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. The lake originated as a massive limestone cave which collapsed. There you will also find the finest Permian marble formations in the world.

Credit to http://www.malaysia.travel/en/au/places/states-of-malaysia/kedah/langkawi for content.