"Pulau Langkawi" a Pulau Langkawi Travel Page by wufei

Langkawi, part of yet situated just off the coast of Kedah, is actually made up of 104 islands. The largest of which is Pulau Langkawi, while some of the others appear to be mere dots in the emerald green ocean when viewed from the air. Langkawi offers natural attractions unsurpassed by any other in the region. Those who love a tropical island holiday and a place far from the maddening crowd will find their haven in Langakawi Island. The outstanding natural landscapes of the Langkawi Islands proclaim them a true tropical paradise. Besides its whites sandy beaches and limestone hills, its lush vegetation filled with exotic flora and fauna would attract natural lovers.

Local folklore has it that Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or "helang" as it is known in the Malay language. "Lang" for short and in old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown; hence, Langkawi simply means reddish brown eagle. Where once, a group of 99 islands lay under a curse of a wrongly accused princess, there is today a new beginning, a new light, and as result a new budding and thriving holiday hideaway. The Langkawi you see today has been transformed almost beyond recognition. This is the legendary island where now major international businessmen meet to form new ventures and conclude deals whilst relaxing. The curse that lasted for seven generations can surely be said to have been lifted

By Air : Langkawi International Airport is serviced by Malaysia Airlines on a daily basis, and by Air Asia five times a week from Kuala Lumpur. Silk Air also flies regularly from Singapore. There are international flights direct from Osaka in Japan and Taipei in Taiwan.

By Rail : Malayan Railway provides comfortable and economical rail services from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and Arau. From these places, one has to take a taxi or bus to either Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis and then proceed by express ferry to the main island.

By Road : Driving has been much facilitated by the North-South Expressway. Make your way to Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah and then proceed by ferry to the island. There are also express buses offering comfortable rides to the ferry terminals from Kuala Lumpur.

By Sea : Other than cruises that leave from various ports like Malacca and Port Klang, express ferries provide daily regular services to Langkawi from both Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah. The journey takes 45 minutes and 1 hour and 15 minutes respectively.

Langkawi, a cluster of 104 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. The main island spans about 25km from north to south and slightly more for east and west. The coastal areas consist of flat, alluvial plains punctuated with limestone ridges.

Two thirds of the island is dominated by forest - covered mountains, hills and natural vegetation.

The Langkawi archipelago is situated in Kedah, Malaysia with latitudes 6o10'N to 6o30'N and longtitudes 99o35'E to 100oE.