| | Overview (Source: Frommers) |
Where the beautiful Andaman Sea meets the Strait of Malacca, Langkawi Island positions itself as one of the best emerging island paradise destinations in the region. Since 1990, the Malaysian Tourism Board has dedicated itself to promoting the island and developing it as an ideal travel spot. Now, after a decade and a half of work, the island has proven itself as one of this country's holiday gems. Its biggest competition comes from Phuket, Thailand's beach-lover fantasy to the north. However, Langkawi was far luckier than Phuket when the tsunami struck the shore in December 2004. Although Phuket suffered massive casualties and collateral damage, Langkawi only reported one casualty, and while most of Langkawi's beach resorts did suffer water damage, it didn't take long for them all to make necessary repairs and get up and running again. This small island also claims a Hollywood credit, starring in the 1999 film Anna and the King . Langkawi played the role of Thailand to Jodie Foster's Anna Leonowens and Chow Yun-Fat's King Mongkut (Rama IV). The Thais wouldn't allow the filmmakers to shoot on location in their kingdom, so Hollywood turned to neighboring Malaysia. The palatial Thai-style buildings constructed for the set have never been torn down, and you can still hear all kinds of local gossip about the film's stars. Technically, Langkawi is a cluster of islands, the largest of which serves as the main focal point. Ask how many islands actually make up Langka
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| History (Source: WCities) | Top | The imagination of many travelers has been stirred by the legends surrounding the 99 islands of the Langkawi archipelago. The resort is now one of the most sought after tropical retreats in South-east Asia, but it has not always been so. This idyllic spot is not only famous for world class resorts or its tales of giant birds, ogres, princes and princesses but also for its age-old geological wonders of mysterious caves, mystical lakes and islands, and mist-shrouded mountains—each with a timeless story. Some would say that the most famous legend, that of Mahsuri, is the key to Langkawi’s success today. During the reign of Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah the Second (1762-1800), a man named Pandak Maya came to Langkawi seeking his fortune. After eating some enchanted rice grains, his wife was soon blessed with a beautiful daughter, Mahsuri, who eventually married Mat Deris, the son of Langkawi’s chief. Her beauty led to jealous and wrongful accusations of adultery and Mahsuri was subsequently sentenced to death. During the execution at Padang Hangus , she was stabbed with a special kris (Malay dagger), and witnesses claimed to see white blood gushing from her wound, as if to prove her innocence. Instantly, a mysterious mist shrouded the area. For the injustice done to her and her unborn child, Mahsuri laid a curse as she died—Langkawi was not to prosper for the next seven generations. In her honour, Mahsuri's Mausoleum was erected. The descendant
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| How To Get There (Source: WCities) | Top | Getting There: By Air: The Langkawi International Airport ( +60 04 955 1322/ http://www.senaiairport.com ) provides convenient and regular service from mainland Malaysia and Singapore with Malaysia Airlines ( http://www.malaysiaairlines.com ) and Asia Air ( +603 8660 4343/ http://www.airasia.com ). It is most recommended to prearrange a shuttle pickup with your resort to get to and from the Airport. Taxis are also readily available in front of the terminal. By Train: If traveling by rail, there is an overnight train from Kuala Lumpur ( +60 03 2730 2000 ) that stops at Alor Setar Railway Station ( +60 04 731 4045 ). From there, grab a taxi to the Kuala Kedah jetty. By Ferry: Ferry service is provided from the jetty at Kuala Kedah and arrives at the terminal in Kuah. The trip takes a little under two hours. Ferry companies include: LADA Holdings ( +60 04 762 3823 ) Langkawi Ferry Services ( +6004 762 4524 ) Nautica Ferries ( +60 04 762 1201 ) There is also convenient ferry service from Penang. The Bahagia Express ( +60 04 263 1943 ) provides a morning and afternoon speedboat from Weld Quay in Georgetown. Getting Around: Taxis are probably the easiest way to get around Langkawi. Pick one up at the airport, main jetty, taxi stand in Kuah or at major hotels or call for a pickup ( +60 04 966 5249 ). Car and motorcycle rental is also a popular option for transportation. Most rental offices are located
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| What To Do (Source: WCities) | Top | What more entertainment do you need on an idyllic island that offers sun-drenched beaches, windsurfing, sailing, and jungle trekking as well as sightseeing and good bargain shopping? Langkawi ofers plenty of options to relax at the end of a busy day. Light and Easy Most of the star-rated hotels and resorts on Pulau Langkawi are surrounded by various outlets offering a good meal and a place to enjoy a mellow evening drink. Many of the smaller concerns also have attached restaurants, where you can dine and drink late into the night. Not all places serve liquor, however, so bear this in mind. Kuah , the heart of the island, offers various food outlets and hawker stalls where food and drinks are cheaper, and people friendly. Mingle around to feel the pulse of the local life. Good company is all you need to have an evening to remember. For some glamour and luxury, you can mellow out with the resident band of Woodpeckers Lounge or the Flamingo Coffee House at the classy City Bayview Hotel . Perhaps you will have just enjoyed a sumptuous oriental seafood delight at its Phoenix Restaurant . The Someplace Else and Bayu Lounge at Sheraton Perdana Resort also have live music to offer. If your idea of entertainment is a leisurely evening when doing nothing is everything, stroll down to the western coastline stretching from Pantai Cenang down to Pantai Tengah . From the extravagant and glamorous to the low-key and unpretentious resorts, hotels, motel
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