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| Pulau Langkawi | ||
| State | Kedah | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 64.792 () | |
| height | 880 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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Langkawi is an archipelago of around 100 islands off the west coast Malaysia, near the limit to Thailand. They belong to the state Kedah. Only three of the islands are inhabited.
By far the largest island is Pulau Langkawi, one of the most famous vacation islands in Malaysia. The main town is Kuah in the southeast of the island. The most important beach is that Pantai Cenang on the west coast, about 20 kilometers from the island's capital. Quite different from the heavily urbanized island Penang Langkawi is rather sparsely populated and the ubiquitous jungle forest gives it something mysterious and magical.
background
[File: Langkawi sky bridge.jpg | thumb | Sky Bridge]] Langkawi is also called "Little Paradise" by its residents. The island is a geopark that is part of the UNESCO-certified Global Geoparks Network.
Langkawi is a duty free zone, so there is no duty or tax. For example, alcohol is significantly cheaper than in the rest of Malaysia. The usual 6% VAT is also not charged.
The tsunami of December 25th, 2004 also caused enormous damage in Langkawi, but nothing can be seen of it. All damaged hotels and resorts have been rebuilt and are very popular.
getting there
By plane
The 1 Langkawi International Airport
(IATA: LGK) is located north of Pantai Cenang in Padang Matsirat and is mainly used by national airlines Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia both of which serve the route to Kuala Lumpur several times a day. There are also connections with Silk Air to Singapore and charter connections to China and Korea. The airport was completely renovated a few years ago and now has the standards of an international airport.
By boat
The journey takes place on 3 main ferry routes from / to 2 Kuah
- Kuala Kedah: Duration approx. 1:45 hours
- Kuala Perlis: Duration approx. 45 minutes (RM 18, children RM 13)
- Tammalang (Satun Province, Thailand): Duration approx. 1: 15–1: 30 hours (RM 36 / THB 300; children RM 26)
- Penang: Langkawi Ferry Service (Tel: 6042642088 in Penang, 6049663779 in Langkawi) runs from Penang to Langkawi daily at 8.15am, 8.30am and 2.00pm. A trip costs RM 60.00, a return trip RM 115 (plus port tours). The journey takes two hours and 45 minutes.
From the southern Thai city Has yai there are several ways to Langkawi: Either with a minivan to the port of Tammalang (1½ – 2 hours 90 THB) and from there take the ferry to Langkawi; or by minivan to the Thai border town of Dan Nok (Sadao district; 1 hour, 54 THB) after crossing the border from the Malaysian border town of Bukit Kayu Hitam by taxi to the port of Kuala Perlis (30 min., 50 MYR ) and there on the ferry. A third option is to take the train to from Hat Yai Arau to drive (but only runs once a day and is often delayed) and from there by taxi to the port of Kuala Perlis (30 MYR).
There is also the in the southwest of the island 3 Awana Pier, it is also used by cruise ships.
By bus
There is also a bus connection between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. However, the comfort of the coaches is not sufficient for the long journey and is therefore only operated irregularly and is also used reluctantly by locals. Since Air Asia has been operating the route, it is not uncommon for flight prices of around MYR 100.00 (approx. EUR 20.00) to be offered for a return flight to and from Kuala Lumpur, which makes the hour-long journey by bus unattractive.
By car
If you go to Langkawi by car, you should take the north-south highway and drive to the Alor Setar exit (no. 177), exit there and take the highway towards Teluk Kechai and drive to Kuala Kedah. There you can take the ferry to Langkawi.
mobility
The main way of getting around the island is by taxi. Of course, you can also rent a bike, moped or car. Public buses are rather a rarity. It is advisable to negotiate a flat rate with the taxi driver if you want to be mobile all day. The basic price is MYR 100 (approx. EUR 20) for the first 4 hours. Every additional hour is charged at MYR 20 (approx. EUR 4, -).
Alternatively, access by moped / scooter is also very possible, as the distances are short and the availability is extremely high. In terms of price, the mopeds / scooters are absolutely reasonable and as an EU citizen you only need an international driver's license.
places
- Kuah - The main town on the popular holiday island. Not only a ferry port but also a marina. In the port entrance, a huge eagle sculpture greets the arriving travelers. The Malay word "Helang" means "eagle", from which the name Langkawis is said to come from. These eagles can still be seen circling across the island today.
Other goals
There are three beaches worth mentioning on Langkawi, all of which are in the west of the island:
- 1 Pantai Cenang
- 2 Pantai Tengah
- 3 Pantai Kok
More beaches are
- 4 Tanjung Rhu
- 5 Teluk Datai
Tourist Attractions
Langkawi in itself is one magical sight. You can always find new perspectives and views. The main island is surrounded by 98 smaller and larger islands. If you feel like it, you can choose one of the islands and take a boat there. Peace and seclusion are guaranteed - however, the uninhabited islands are not cultivated and are therefore not equipped with restaurants and toilets.
Langkawi has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which unfortunately are relatively unknown in Germany and only very few people know that the "dream beach photos" on advertising images for the South Seas are mostly beaches from one of the islands in the Langkawi Geopark.
If you are looking for a dream vacation on empty beaches, swimming in crystal clear water and heavenly peace, then this is the right place for you. Even on the beach of the larger hotels on the island it is never full and you can always find an undisturbed spot on the beach.
- 1 Galeria Perdana, Kampung Kilim. Tel.: 60 4-959 1498. The museum was founded in 1955. Exhibits are gifts and prizes that the Prime Minister at the time received from all over the world, as well as personal memorabilia in the exhibition.
- 2 Laman Padi Rice Garden, Jalan Pantai Cenang. Tel.: 60 4-955 3225. The museum explains how rice is grown.
- 3 Seven Wells Waterfall, Mukim Padang Matsirat.
- 4 Makam Mahsuri, Jalan Makam Mahsuri. Tel.: 60 4-955 6055. Mahsuri lived about 200 years ago. She was falsely accused of adultery and executed. As a result, the island suffered from crop failures for seven generations.
- 5 Oriental Village. The tourist village stands at the foot of Gunung Mat Cincang. The valley station of the cable car is located in its center. The Oriental Village consists of a number of restaurants serving food from Malaysia, Thailand, China and Japan. There are also numerous souvenir shops that are quite colorful by European standards.
- 6 Peta complex Kraf Langkawi, Kompleks Budaya Kraf. Tel.: 60 4-9591913. Handicrafts in all variations. Worth seeing fabrics, carvings, musical instruments, traditionally furnished rooms.
activities
- Cable car A visit to the is a worthwhile excursion 6 Langkawi Cable Car The base station is in the Oriental Village. The 2,079 m long ride of the cable car leads to an intermediate station at a height of 652 m to a viewing platform. It is located at an altitude of 705 meters above sea level. In good weather you can see many of the unique cliffs from here and sometimes even see southern Thailand.
- A footpath leads over several stairs with a total of 265 steps to the nearby one 8 Langkawi Sky Bridge. The curved bridge is 125 m long and hangs on a pillar 100 m above the abyss. From this bridge you have a wonderful view over Langkawi, entry 5 Ringgit. If the path is too difficult for you, you should use the Skyglide, this cogwheel train costs 15 ringgit per person. The Sky Bridge is a popular tourist destination, longer waiting times have to be taken into account. Tickets with a given time slot are available online. However, individual clouds like to catch at this height.
- Underwater World On a rainy day you can do the 9 Underwater World Langkawi visit. This "large aquarium" is one of the largest in Southeast Asia, but does not match the size of such facilities in the USA. Particularly noteworthy is the penguin enclosure, which some European zoos could use as an example.
- Crocodile farm If you like it a little scary, you can 7 Langkawi Crocodile Farm(Taman Buaya Langkawi) visit, which is home to up to 1000 crocodiles. However, one should not indulge in any illusion, because it is a farm and not a zoo. That is why crocodile leather products (bags, shoes, belts, etc.) are also offered for sale on the farm.
shop
Shopping is mainly in the main town Kuah possible. Lankawi Island is a duty and tax free area. Even alcohol is noticeably cheaper here than in the rest of Malaysia. However, Langkawi is not a shopping paradise like Kuala Lumpur, because the malls are few and far between and very small. The trade takes place mainly in small individual shops, which have the better selection and offer not only a chat but also the opportunity to trade. However, one must not forget that leaving Langkawi is taxed as if one were entering Malaysia from abroad. Therefore, there may be controls when flying from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur, for example. The usual regulations for the tax-free import of tobacco, alcohol, perfume, etc. apply.
kitchen
- various laksas (Chinese soups)
- Buffets (rice with various side dishes, sauces, etc. that you choose)
- Nasi Lemak (national dish for MYR 5, -)
- Western food to suit the taste of tourists
The garden cafe is a highlight Red tomato, which - under German management - offers Mediterranean cuisine, but also Asian dishes.
nightlife
Langkawi is not a center for night owls, because the nightlife is very manageable. Still, there are 3 night clubs that are usually visited by tourists. Local police recommend "for safety reasons" only to enter the nightclubs as a couple, whatever this warning is supposed to mean.
The hippest nightclub is that Coco Jam Fun Pub & Disco at Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa (Jalan Teluk Baru, Pantai Tengah)
accommodation
There are a number of inexpensive hotels on Langkawi, there is something for every budget.
Backpacker find accommodation at Zackry Guest House (Lot 735 Jalan Teluk Baru, Pantai TengahPantai Tengah, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia 07000)
3 and 4 star hotels It is best to book with one of the booking agencies on the Internet, such as HRS, Expedia or Agoda, as many of these hotels have a website, but mostly do not offer online booking options.
5 star hotels can usually be booked online. This is particularly worth mentioning here Pelangi Beach Resort, which is located on the west coast of Langkawi and was built in the style of a Malaysian village. There are no more than 4 rooms in each of the individual bungalows and the hotel has two pools. Some rooms are only 15 meters from the beach.
This is a highlight for nature lovers Sheraton Hotel & Resort, which was integrated in the middle of the jungle and is still on the beach. This closeness to nature means that you can not only hear the Hornbills living on Langkawi, but also see them. You can also find monkeys living in the wild in the surrounding nature, who like to be seen on the balcony of one of the rooms, especially when guests have left their food or their wet swimwear there.
The best hotel on the island Westin Hotel & Resort which emerged a few years ago from the former Sheraton Perdana Hotel and mainly stands out from other 5-star hotels on the island due to its incredibly warm and friendly staff. The Westin is located directly on Langkawi Bay, not far from the harbor and not only has normal rooms and suites, but also villas with up to 5 rooms and a private pool. There is also a small pavilion on the beach that guests can book for an exclusive and very private dinner. Since you look out over the sea from the pavilion in the west, you can watch the sunset while eating and certainly have the most romantic dinner of your life!
trips
If Langkawi is the only stop on a trip to Malaysia, we recommend a day trip by ferry to Penang.
Another destination is the Pulau Payar Marine Park, also known as "Langkawi Coral". This island is located about 1 hour away from Langkawi and offers the opportunity to snorkel, dive or gain first diving experience under guidance (Introduction Dive) in crystal clear water. The variety of fish ranges from barbels and scalars to small sharks. There are two different companies that offer a trip to the marine park.
A small, exclusive provider can only be booked on site and offers pick-up at the hotel, a ride in a speedboat and individual support, as the group will not exceed 35 people. The ferry stays on site and becomes the starting point for dives. You spend the day on the beach snorkeling, but the beach is very small and a bit rocky. Food is provided, the same applies to showers and toilets. The diving instructors and service staff are very courteous and look after each guest with a personal service. This provider is particularly suitable for people who value individuality and initiative. Ask the concierge at your hotel for help with booking!
The second provider This excursion has a platform fixed in the sea, which offers the opportunity to observe fish, even if you do not want to dive or snorkel, as the platform has an underwater glass chamber into which you can descend and like in an underwater aquarium observed the multitude of living things. Furthermore, the platform serves as a starting point for snorkeling, diving and also as a base. Food and showers / toilets are provided. Furthermore, free rides on a glass-bottom boat are offered, which allows passengers to see corals up close. Since the strength of the group is usually between 100 and 200 people, the instructors and guides do not have enough time to individually adjust to the individual wishes of tourists. This provider mainly serves Chinese tourists and is suitable for people who cannot swim or dive but still want to see fish or corals. You should be used to and like activities in large travel groups and also be able to cope with the Chinese mentality and the Chinese manners.
