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 The Langkawi
archipelago, which has been
nicknamed as the "Caribbean of the East", is a cluster
of isles basking languidly in glistering waters and this
spectacular view is definitely breathtaking. Not
many island resorts in the region can boast of such
pearls of exotic beauty but Pulau Langkawi, the most
developed in the group, has an enchantingly
white stretches of palm-fringed beaches. It had often
been said that many locations within the group of 99 islands make
ideal settings for a romance novel or swashbuckling
movie.
Photo: Pulau Langkawi (Langkawi Island) in Kedah
It is hard to imagine that
only a decade ago Pulau Langkawi is a cluster of fishing
villages surrounded by coconut trees, but this is
something the visitors must see for themselves. To sum it all,
Pulau Langkawi is a
reclusive retreat for the tired and beaten down
corporate executive, an island resort for the entire
family, a romantic escapade for honeymooners, a haven
for water sports enthusiasts and a sanctuary for sun
worshippers. Pulau Langkawi offers tourists extremely
good beaches and abundant marine life which makes it one
of the best tourists attractions in Malaysia. To put it in other words,
this place of interest in Malaysia is a haven to blend into
just for the fun of it all has become a favorite
destination for both the local and international
visitors. Besides having a duty-free port, this scenery
here is just awesome.
 Some of the main places of interest
and amazing tourists attractions in Langkawi are
the Air Hangat Village (Hot
Springs Village), Buara Bay Resort, Dataran Lang (Eagle
Square), Galeria Perdana, Gua Langsir, Gunung Matcincang and Gunung Raya, Ibrahim Hussein Museum and
Cultural Foundation, Kuah, Laman Padi (Rice Garden),
Langkawi Book Village, Langkawi Craft Cultural
Complex, Langkawi Crystaal, Mahsuri Mausoleum (Makam
Mahsuri), Padang Matsirat (Field of Burnt Rice), Pantai
Cenang, Pantai Pasir Hitam, Pantai Tengah, Pulau Dayang
Bunting (Isle of the Pregnant Maiden), Pulau Payar Marine Park, Pulau Singa Besar
(Wildlife Sanctuary), Tanjung Rhu, Telagah Tujuh (Seven
Wells), Teluk Datai and Underwater World Langkawi. There
will be tourist guides available to narrate to you the
interesting stories that are connected to some of the
tourist attractions found here since Pulau Langkawi is
steeped in legend and full of remarkable tales.
Photo: Lagenda Langkawi
Other interesting tourist
venues at Pulau Langkawi are the Legend Park, Crocodile Farm
and Kedah Marble. "Island-Hopping" among the 99 isles is another favorite pursuit among tourists.
Another tourist spot near Kuah town is Legenda Langkawi
Dalam Taman which is a beautiful landscaped folklore
theme park stretching along the remarkable waterfront. You can explore this maze of islands and be rewarded
with secret channels, secluded breathtaking bays and
inlets, eerie caves, coves and intriguing legends. Pulau
Rebak is a popular docking place for yachts. Other
islands of interest include Pulau Tuba and Pulau Bumbon
which are favorite spots for snorkeling, scuba-diving
and fishing. Out of the 99 islands and besides Pulau
Langkawi, only Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Singa and
Pulau Tuba are inhabited. There are daily boat tours and
day trips to Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and Gua
Langsir.
Apart from the fun and
adventure amidst nature, another favorite pursuit is
none other than shopping. The plentiful shopping mall's
and arcades, strategically located are definitely a
shopper's haven. You can browse for gifts and souvenirs
that leave unforgettable impressions. Among the favorite
choices are crystalwares, silver and brasswares,
basketry, ceramics, woodcarvings, hand-painted batik and
hand-woven textiles. Some of the main commercial areas
are located in the towns of Kuah, Padang Lalang and
Padang Matsirat.
Beside duty free goods,
another popular purchase among Malaysians is "air gamat".
Literally translated it means "sea-slug juice" or
"sea--cucumber juice" which is renowned as a traditional
cure for a number of ailments such as healing cuts and
bruises, relieving tiredness and aching muscles. It
is even used as a vitality and virility tonic when mixed
with other traditional herbs. Pulau Langkawi can be
reached by ferry from Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis. The
trip from the former takes about one hour while the
latter takes only forty minutes to get here. For those
who are in Kuala Lumpur, there is a direct flight which
brings you straight to the Padang Matsirat airport.
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