The Beauty Of LAngkawi

Langkawi

Langkawi 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 Malaysia's Kedah state, but are adjacent to the Thai border. 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.

History

The name "Langkawi" is believed to be related to the kingdom of Langkasuka, itself a version of the Malay negari alang-kah suka ("the land of all one's wi

shes"), centred in modern-day Kedah. The historical record is sparse, but a Chinese Liang Dynasty record (c. 500 AD) refers to the kingdom of "Langgasu" as being founded in the 1st century AD. 'Langkawi' is Asian for Eagle Island, it may be noted, due to the abund

ance of eagles in the area. In Kuah, its capital, a huge eagle statue can be found.

Langkawi eventually came under the influence of the Sultanate of Kedah, but Kedah was conquered in 1821 by Siam and Langkawi along with it. The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred power to the British, which held the state until independence, except for a brief period of Thai rule under the Japanese occupation of Malaya during World War II. Thai influences remain visible in the culture and food of Langkawi.

Tourism

Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi escapes the

northeastern winter monsoon entirely and enjoys sunny skies when the eastern provinces are flooded. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks--but hampered by inaccessibility--the island was at one time touted as "Malaysia's best-kept secret".

Langkawi remained a sleepy backwater until 1987, when the island was granted tax-free status with the intention of promoting tourism. The island's airport was upgraded and ferry links were increased.

Today, Langkawi competes with nearby Penang for the title of Malaysia's largest tourist draw. Resorts and 5-star hotels line the beaches and, in the winter high season, direct flights land from as far as Europe and Japan.

Langkawi is affected by the milder western monsoon (May-September), and while diving is possible at Pulau Payar, water clarity tends to be poor.

Langkawi also offers an 'Anna and the king' attraction, which is a village created from the props of the movie, filmed in Langkawi.

Understand

The name "Langkawi" is believed to be related to the kingdom of Langkasuka, itself a version of the Malay negari alang-kah suka ("the land of all one's wishes"), centered in modern-day Kedah. The historical record is sparse, but a Chinese Liang Dynasty record (c. 500 AD) refers to the kingdom of "Langgasu" as being founded in the 1st century AD.

Langkawi eventually came under the influence of the Sultanate of Kedah, but Kedah was conquered in 1821 by Siam and Langkawi along with it. The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 transferred power to the British, which held the state until independence, except for a brief period of Thai rule under the Japanese occupation of Malaya during World War II. Thai influences remain visible in the culture and food of Langkawi.

Langkawi remained a sleepy backwater until 1987, when the island was granted tax-free status with the intention of promoting tourism and improve the lives of the islanders. The following boom was spectacular and now Langkawi figures on most every European travel agency's radar.

Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi escapes the northeastern winter monsoon entirely and enjoys sunny skies in winter when the eastern provinces are flooded. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks - but hampered by inaccessibility - the island was at one time touted as "Malaysia's best-kept secret".

Get in

By air

Most visitors arrive by air to Langkawi International Airport (LGK), which has frequent connections to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and even scheduled international flights to eg. London in the high season. 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.

Most flights are with one of three airlines:

• Malaysia Airlines fly several times a day to Penang and Kuala Lumpur. They also fly bi-weekly to Langkawi from London Heathrow, although to return to London, the flight is via Kuala Lumpur. They are not the cheapest, but prices are still normally reasonable, and it is significantly less chaotic than "Air Asia". Recently, they have begun to shoehorn themselves into the 21st Century with new Business and First Classes.

• Air Asia flies to Penang and Kuala Lumpur frequently. Excellent for internal flights, since they operate like buses and have prices to match.

• Silk Air fly to and from Singapore twice a day. This is a short-haul, lower service version of Singapore Airlines. The prices are reasonable.

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By boat

From Malaysia

• The usual jump-off points are from Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah. The one-way fare from Kuala Kedah is RM15. Recently, the operators had wanted to increase the ticket price but the plan was met with stiff opposition from the public. Even if there is an increase, it would be quite minimal. Ferries also operate to Penang.

Do

For some people Langkawi offers nothing much compared to the bustling beach thoroughfares in neighbouring countries such as Thailand's Phuket or Indonesia's Bali. However, it is a matter of taste and preference as Langkawi offers a much more sedate, laid-back, family-friendly package. Sex is not the pull of these beautiful islands. It just doesn't need to be sleazy to offer one of the best tropical island holidays money can buy today. And by the way, recent reports that Langkawi is the training ground for Thai terrorists are not true. No one can conduct such activities on Langkawi without being easily spotted. Langkawi is just a friendly peaceful place for all peace-loving people of the world.

With a paced and controlled development, Langkawi is virtually free from pollution although at certain times of the year some of the more popular locations can be rather crowded. These would include the main beach thoroughfare of Pantai Cenang.

What do you do in Langkawi besides just lazy days of sunbathing on the powdery white sandy beaches? It depends on your preference again. I would suggest taking a boat ride to visit the many out-lying islands, most of which are uninhabited and just great to get lost for a day. Get stranded on one with a day's supply of food and drinks (beers and spirits are dirt cheap as they are duty free in Langkawi) and you will know what I mean. And as for selections you are only moments away from your favourite brand of beer, whisky, brandy or great wine.

Seafood is abundant in Langkawi, although not all are sourced from the waters off the islands, but imported from nearby Thailand. But, who cares? They come from the same seas anyway. Partake of the myriad ways food and seafood are prepared. Chose anything from barbequed barracuda, fresh squids, prawns to various shellfish.

With its proximity to Thailand, some of the local cuisines would, invariably, have some Thai influence. Just look at the number of restaurants and stalls offering Thai Tum Yam style cooking.

You will also not be at lost should your palate accept only western food. English, American, Italian or even French cuisine can be had almost anywhere at really reasonable cost.

For the nature lover in you, the islands and the jungle on the main island offers endless days of bird-watching, trekking and exhilarating immersion within the peaceful confines of the verdant jungle. Talking about birds, take half a day at least to get up close and personal with the famed Brahmini Kite eagles of Langkawi. There are boat tours that take visitors to their favourite feeding grounds around Pulau Beras Basah and Pulau Dayang Bunting.

Mangrove tours are a must. These can be arranged with the boat operators at Pantai Cenang. There are many locations for this activity, including the most popular one at Kilim. Other operators will take you to the mangrove forests of Pulau Dayang Bunting or Tanjung Ru.

Great caving can be had, especially around the north shores of the island. Get yourself a book on the caves of Langkawi as a guide and explore these dank and dark subterranean environments to the hilt.

Like most popular destinations, always be wary of tourist traps. Although not many in Langkawi, they do exist. Just talk to a friendly local or a long-staying visitor and you will get by nicely.

Langkawi is affected by the milder western monsoon (May-September), and while diving is possible in the nearby Pulau Payar Marine Park 45 minutes away by boat, water clarity tends to be poor. Lately evidence of the ravages of tourism can be seen and there have been a public outcry to bring the island back to its original state.

Budget

Budget accomodation is mainly concentrated at and immediately around Pantai Cenang.

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Mid-range

• Beach Garden Resort [3], a small, German managed insider resort right on the beach of Langkawi's Pantai Chenang. Short ways, clean rooms, small pool, ice cold draft beer and imported German beer. One of the best reataurants on the island. Cosy athmosphare.

• Best Star Beach Resort, on Pantai Cenang. Clean, comfortable and friendly. It is located just next to the AB Motel, which is best avoided.

• Eaglebay Hotel Langkawi, tel. 604-966 8585/6019-4499 880, facing the biggest park and the longest beach in town. 15 minutes walking distance from Kuah Jetty.

• Federal Villa, further up Pantai Cenang just at the end of Pantai Tengah. Part of the Holiday Villa Resort. Pleasantly priced beginning at about RM180 or so it is a brick and mortar complex.

• Kampung Tok Senik Resort, located along the road to Ulu Melaka. For a great rustic and rural ambiance try this full-fledged resort with a difference. No beaches here but a truly green surrounding.

• Sandy Beach Resort, Pantai Cenang. Has been there for quite sometime. Rather sprawling... straddling both sides of the Pantai Cenang road. The beach-facing rooms are most popular. The regular beachside barbeque is great.

• Sunset Beach Resort, on Pantai Tengah/Pantai Cenang. This is indeed a great place where you will find solitude and that much sought after quiet as the place is tucked within a narrow niche away from the bustle of the Cenang thoroughfare.

Splurge

• Tanjung Rhu Resort [4] is a luxurious resort on what most people consider to be the best beach on the island. It is a very high quality hotel with all the "little details" that make a resort truly 5 star present and correct. It has been built to minimize any environmental damage and to blend in well with its surroundings. The facilities are stunning (60 metre pool, abundant gardens, restaurants, etc.) and very well maintained. Very expensive, although slightly less so than the Andaman and the Datai.

• Four Seasons [5] is the quintessential opposite of the Tanjung Rhu - its philosophy is of the school of thought of "If I'm here, I'm here", and thus makes no attempts to blend into the rainforest that it's located in. It's very luxurious, but many feel it lacks the tranquility and elegance of the aforementioned hotels.

• The Datai [6] and The Andaman [7] are top flight resort hotels. Located on the island's north coast, these are among the best tropical island getaways in the world (the Datai has been rated one of the world's best hotels by Conde Nast Traveller) and are popular among honeymooners and jetsetting celebrities. Unfortunately they are also priced to match: list prices start around RM1000 a night during the off seasons and climb into the stratosphere.

• Tanjung Rhu Resort [8] is a luxurious resort on what most people consider to be the best beach on the island. It is a very high quality hotel with all the "little details" that make a resort truly 5 star present and correct. It has been built to minimize any environmental damage and to blend in well with its surroundings. The facilities are stunning (60 metre pool, abundant gardens, restaurants, etc.) and very well maintained. Very expensive, although slightly less so than the Andaman and the Datai.

Four Seasons [9] is the quintessential opposite of the Tanjung Rhu - its philosophy is of the school of thought of "If I'm here, I'm here", and thus makes no attempts to blend into the rainforest that it's located in. It's very luxurious, but many feel it lacks the tranquility and elegance of the aforementioned hotels