Langkawi, The Jewel of Kedah

Langkawi,(Jawi:لانكاوي ) officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Malay: Langkawi Permata Kedah) is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. On July 15, 2008, Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah had consented to the change of name to Langkawi Permata Kedah in conjunction with his Golden Jubilee Celebration. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 64,792, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Langkawi is also an administrative district with the town of Kuah as the capital and largest town. Langkawi is a duty-free island. Langkawi means reddish brown eagle in colloquial Malay. The Malay word for eagle is helang - shortened is "lang". Kawi means the colour reddish brown.

Eagle Square (Dataran Lang)

Dataran Lang, or Eagle Square, is certainly the most prominent landmark in Kuah, Langkawi. Visitors arriving in Langkawi will not fail to notice Dataran Lang, with its 12 meter high statue of the reddish brown sea eagle - to be exact, a Brahminy Kite - poised for flight. The choice of eagle as emblem for Langkawi is according to some interpretation that the name Langkawi is derived from the name for the eagle, or burung helang. It is believed that Langkawi comes from two words, "lang" for eagle, and "kawi" for reddish brown. Hence Langkawi means reddish brown eagle.

In addition to the eagle statue, Dararan Lang is beautifully landscaped, with twin pavillions, reflective ponds, bridges and restaurants. At night the square is illuminated and is a good place for visitors and locals to go for an stroll.

The Tomb of Mahsuri

Entire Langkawi is built around the Legend of Mahsuri. The visit of this place is a must.

Maybe some of the authorities thought: "Mahsuri got Langkawi into trouble, she might also be helpful to make the way out".

And so, the tomb of Mahsuri is since many years the main tourist attraction on the island.

That none of the 2 million tourists that arrive every year in Langkawi will miss out this highlight they are packed into buses. Almost everyone that is booking a round island trip will also see this grave. Even some of the locals come to pray here regularly.

 Because a grave alone would not be so interesting, there where built a view houses around and over night it became "Kota" Mahsuri what means Mahsuri's Town. Because every city has some shopping opportunities Kota Mahsuri is no exception. There are some souvenir shops around and "downtown" is even a small fast food outlet.

Underwater World Langkawi

Underwater World Langkawi is one of the largest marine and fresh water aquaria in South East Asia. Since the start of its operation on 26 August 1995, it has become one of the must visit tourist destinations in Langkawi and has attracted a large number of foreign as well as local tourists.

The concept and theme of Underwater World Langkawi are geared towards Knowledge, Education and Entertainment. It is built to raise awareness on the importance of conserving our precious aquatic life forms, thus creating understanding of the deep and inseparable bond between man and nature.

Unique to Underwater World Langkawi is the gigantic 15-meter long walk-through tunnel consisting of 500,000 liter seawater which houses many big fishes and sea creatures including the Giant Green Turtle. Other attractions include the Freshwater Fish Section, the Seashell Display, the Koi Pond, the Mini Reptilian and Invertebrate Section, the Coral Reef Section and the Poisonous and Venomous Creatures Section.

The 34,701 square foot oceanarium is located adjacent to a shopping centre and the Neptune Café. Visitors are thus provided with a one-stop shopping, eating and entertainment package, all of which are available within one area.

A new building (with 60,000 sq. ft built-up area) which displays Tropical Rainforest, Temperate and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems, and a three-dimensional (3D) theatre with a 200-seating capacity will be opened to the public in early 2005. The Sub-Antarctic Ecosystem Display includes a spectacular “penguinarium” with an underwater tunnel for visitors to view swimming penguins.

Cenang Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Langkawi is undoubtedly Pantai Cenang. And no wonder, with the variety of accommodation facilities, from five-star resorts, to budget chalets, as well as restaurants and bars dotting this 2km long stretch of beautiful beach. Occasionally being referred to as the 'Waikiki of Langkawi,' Pantai Cenang owes its origin to Haji Din, the owner of Sandy Beach Motel.

As endearingly narrated by Haji Din, the story goes that a couple of Caucasians or 'Mat Sallehs' backpackers made their way to Langkawi and wanted to stay the night in Pantai Cenang. This was back in teh days when there weren't any chalets, motels or resorts there as tourists were still far and few in between. As the visiting couple was passing through Haji Din's place, they spotted his barn and asked him if it was okay for them to put up there there for the night. Haji Din, every friendly and warm, happily obliged and in a show of typical Malay hospitality to travellers, even provided some meals for them.

When the couple left Langkawi for Bali and Bangkok, they promoted Langkawi and Haji Din's warm hospitality to fellow tourists. Many, who came to Langkawi later on, would go and stay at Haji Din's place. Motivated by this, Haji Din decided to venture into setting up budget chalets. He built several A-shape chalets from photographs he took in Koh Sa Mui, Thailand whilst on holiday. Today, at the very spot where the barn once stood is the 100-room Sandy Beach Motel.

Today, Pantai Cenang is still one of the places where warm hospitality abounds and chalet owners like Haji Din can still be found if you look hard enough among the many accommodation outfits along this beach.

For more information on Pantai Cenang, please contact the Langkawi Tourist Information Centre at 604-9667789.