About Langkawi


Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Malay: Langkawi Permata Kedah[1]) is an archipelago of 99 islands (an extra 5 temporary islands are revealed at low tide [1]) 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 45,000, 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.


Getting There

By plane

Langkawi International Airport (IATA: LGK | ICAO: WMKL) has direct connections to Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, plus some long-haul international flights in the high season. The modern terminal building provides basic facilities including ATMs, money exchange, and a range of transport services. Most flights are with one of four airlines:

  • AirAsia - operates 5 flights daily from/to Kuala Lumpur. (Services to Bangkok have been terminated.) Cheap and efficient.
  • Malaysia Airlines - fly several times a day from/to Penang and Kuala Lumpur. They are not the cheapest, but prices are still normally reasonable. Direct flights to London have been terminated.
  • Silk Air fly - from/to Singapore twice daily. This is a short-haul version of Singapore Airlines. The prices are reasonable.
  • Firefly is a newly launched airline which flies from/to Penang twice daily. This is a short-haul, lower service version of Malaysia Airlines. Prices start from RM9 excluding tax. Aircraft used are the Fokker 50 and ATR 72-500.

By boat
From Malaysia
  • But many still prefer the more adventurous crossing by fast air-conditioned boats from Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah on the mainland. Some even take the special ferry services from Penang Island. The usual jump-off points are from Kuala Perlis (approx. 45 mins.) and Kuala Kedah (approx 90 mins.). The one-way fare from Kuala Kedah is RM23.00.
  • From Penang to Langkawi - Ferry trips average 3 hours each way. From Penang, 8.15 am and 8.30 am ferry trips but ask if the ferry stops at Pulau Payar to pick/drop passengers. Avoid the Pulau Payar one as it saves about 15-20 mins. From Langkawi, the ferry trips to Penang are at 2.30pm and 5.30pm. Price for return trip (you can have an open booking for the trip back - confirm while you are on Langkawi island later) is RM105 per person. You can park your car at the parking space in front of the Penang Clock Tower for RM12 for the 1st day and RM6 for subsequent days. It is safe to do so - guarded at night by the Chinese who take the parking fee from you.
From Southern Thailand
  • Four ferries daily between Satun and Kuah. Operated by Langkawi Ferry Services, Tel: +60-4-9661125/9661126 in Langkawi; +6674-730513 in Satun.

Interesting Places/Activities

  • Islands Hopping - For about RM40 (about USD12) you can join the islands hopping. You will be brought to several islands around Langkawi, usually the Pregnant Maiden Island and Pulau Beras Basah. You will also have the chance to feed the eagles along the way. The island hopping takes about 6 hours.
  • Birdwatching - there are over 200 species of birds to spot.
  • Take the Cable Car to the summit of Gunung Mat Cincang at 700m for a spectacular view of the islands including neighbouring Thailand. RM25 per adult. Doesn't operate in bad weather, so call 04-9594225 to check if they are open.
  • Countryside Biking. You may rent bicycles in many of the hotels. Expect to pay between RM10 to RM30 per day
  • Sailing - popular activity with first-class marinas providing berth for many international yatchs.
  • Jungle trekking.
  • Mangrove Cruise. They have special group tour to the mangrove area. Ask around the hotel you are staying, mostly will offer between RM60 to RM100 per person.
  • Mangrove River Safari & Dinner.
  • Mangrove Kayaking.
  • Scuba diving and snorkeling around Pulau Payar Marine Park (20km south of Langkawi) - there is a viewing platform for relaxation between underwater adventures.
  • Feed the sharks.
  • See the island from a bird's eye.
  • Walk above the clouds - walking across the suspension bridge is scary but great fun. Go-Kart - Morac Int. Go-Kart, near the airport. RM34 for 10mins.
  • Underwater World 604-955 6100. Every day 10AM-6PM. Try to catch all the feeding time.
  • Feed the Eagles - near Tanjung Rhu.
  • Relax on one of many beaches!.
  • Airtrekking-flying through Langkawi's rainforest!.
  • Seven Wells (Telaga Tujuh) - This waterfall is named after the seven natural pools along its path. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the pools to bathe and frolic. There are 2 viewing areas at Telaga Tujuh. The lower area is at the base of the waterfall and the higher area is where the 7 pools are. Be warned, to get to the 7 pools, you would have to climb 300+ steps which can get quite slippery when wet.
  • Play Smart-Free playland for kids at Harbour Park.

More Details
Map of Langkawi
wikitravel.org/en/Langkawi
www.langkawi-geopark.com
www.langkawi-online.com



 

Organized By:


With the collaboration of:

Department Irrigation & Drainage (DID)
National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM)
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
Supported By:

Humid Tropics Centre
Kuala Lumpur (HTCKL)
International Association of Hydraulic Engineering  & Research (IAHR)
United Nations Education Scientific & Cultural Organization (UNESCO)

International Hydrological Programme (IHP)
Malaysian Hydrological Society		  
Tourism Malaysia 		 
Langkawi Geopark