Travel Eye on Langkawi (Malaysia)

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Overview:

Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands separated from mainland Malaysia by the Straits of Malacca, is a district of the state of Kedah in Northern Malaysia and lies approximately 51km west of Kedah. The total land mass of the islands is 47,848 hectares, while the main island of Langkawi itself has a total of 32,000 hectares.

Only four of the 99 islands are inhabited - Pulau Langkawi ( the main island ), Pulau Tuba, Pulau Rebak and Pulau Dayang Bunting.

The islands are blessed with an intriguing heritage of fabulous myths and legends of ogres and gigantic birds, warriors and fairy princesses, battles and romance. As a natural paradise, the islands are perhaps unmatched anywhere else in Southeast Asia.

On the SE corner lies the capital, Kuah, a small predominantly low-rise unsophisticated town boasting a couple of small shopping centres, a handful of hotels and a waterfront dominated by the island's only ferry terminal.

This area is suitable for those seeking unspoilt, often deserted beaches and extensive water sports, who are content with a relatively (thus far) unsophisticated infrastructure.

The accommodation is predominantly first-class self-contained resort-style complexes beside their own private, or at least secluded, beaches dotted all round the coast. Several simpler hotels and hostels for the budget-conscious and less affluent backpackers. Many of the latter camp on the numerous public beaches.

Locality:

Langkawi is almost 20 miles off the coast of Malaysia's mainland peninsula and the port of Kuala Perlis in the extreme north west of the country. A similar distance from south Thailand on the edge of its territorial waters. The largest and most densely populated of a 104-island archipelago.

Entertainment/Facilities/Attractions/Things to do:

These islands have some of the world's most idyllic, secluded and photogenic stretches of soft white sand fringed by tall palms and virgin jungle. Many of the best bays are already occupied and maintained by the major resort-style properties.

The Duty-free status means that Kuah and some hotel emporia can offer significantly cheaper designer fashions, perfumes and electronic goods. The choice is not particularly wide, but visitors do not generally come here to bargain hunt. Traditional batiks, pewter and local jewellery are the normal souvenirs.

During the daytime activities are centred on the individual hotels for beach relaxation or an energetic array of water sports and leisure activities. Water sports is one of the principal attractions with windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing, catamarans and snorkelling the most popular pursuits. NB: some beaches have banned motorised fun to protect coral reefs.

The nightlife is generally low-key and confined to the hotel complexes, some of which provide regular live music and unsophisticated discos.

Eating out is restricted, there is not a great deal of sophistication outside the hotels. Kuah has a couple of international fast-food chains and a selection of very affordable Chinese, Malay, Indian and Thai restaurants with seafood in abundance.