Langkawi is a cluster of 99 permanent islands and 5 temporary ones to the northwest of Malaysia separated by the Malacca Straits. Only two islands are inhabited. The rest are covered by rain forests and mangroves and is surrounding by a sea teeming with marine life. UNESCO has declared Langkawi a geo-park. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa one of the best beach resorts Langkawi offers a location that is relaxing and is within easy reach of shopping and dining destinations and city attractions.
As a popular holiday destination the islands offer a host of natural attractions among which are Telaga Tujuh Waterfall famous for its seven pools, Gunug Raya the tallest mountain of the archipelago, secluded beaches and bays some with black sand, limestone caves, mangroves, wildlife, coral reefs and an exciting marine environment. The islands also offer adventurous pursuits suitable for the whole family such as sailing in traditional Malay wooden junks, cruising the seas around the islands, mangrove tours combined with bird watching, mangrove kayaking trips, nature walks, scuba diving and snorkeling, camping, hiking and trekking through rainforests and up mountains and walking across the 700 meter high sky bridge at the top of Gunung Mat mountain. Langkawi’s towns have quite a few man made attractions that draw crowds. These include Crocodile Adventure Land with over 1,000 crocs and alligators that put on a show for visitors, underwater world an aquarium that gets crowded closes to fish feeding times, Langkawi Bird Paradise set in five acres and comprising a large walk in aviary and several parks and gardens. Helicopter rides, cable car rides to the top of mountain peaks, golf and other activities keep holiday makers engaged. There is also a pretty good choice of eateries, restaurants, coffee shops and bars, guesthouses, home stays, motels and hotels ranging from no stars to five stars for the benefit of more than a million people known to visit the islands annually. While some of these visitors may want to spend a few relaxing days others may want to stock up on goodies from the duty free shops, which is the main attraction here. Langkawi can be accessed by plane and by boat. Both modes of transport have several daily services. Traveling around Langkawi can be accomplished by taxi, motor bicycle, scooters and by car.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
