Langkawi Information

Langkawi – an archipelago consisting of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea – can be found off the mainland coast of north-western Peninsular Malaysia. It was once a sleepy backwater until 1987 when the Malaysian government granted the island tax-free status in order to promote its tourism industry. The following tourist boom was impressive and spurred Langkawi to become prominent on almost every European travel agency's travel radar.

Langkawi is blessed with beautiful beaches and virgin rainforests. This tropical paradise is a tranquil retreat from the rest of the world and an ideal place to unwind. In order to get the best out of your Langkawi trip then make sure you follow these suggestions that will point you in the right direction from the get-go; starting from ferry ports to public holidays, this guide will surely prepare you for your trip to Langkawi.

Malaysia’s weather is warm and wet due to its close proximity to the equator. The temperature ranges from 21 °C to 32 °C and remains quite uniform throughout the year. The days are usually warm while the nights and the early mornings are fairly cool. Even during the monsoon season, it usually rains for a couple of hours and then the skies clear up for a sunny, and humid, day.

Getting to Langkawi is easy as there’s a plethora of ways to do so; from ferry rides to and from the mainland as well as a new international airport it's easier than you think. The best way to get there are the direct flights from Kuala Lumpur – as well as other international cities – which fly into the beautiful island.

Langkawi is a fairly large tropical island with a dreadful public transportation system. There is a bus service, but the stops are few and far between and the wait between buses can be quite time-consuming. Once you reach your preferred beach or the town of Kuah, it’s easy to explore this beautiful island on foot. In a nutshell you’ll need some form of transportation if you want to get around this beautiful island. Many beach resorts provide free private shuttle vans to take you to numerous destinations but the downside to this is the fact that you’ll be limited to their schedule and routes. Now the roads of Langkawi are in good condition, so renting a car or motorbike is a convenient choice if you want the freedom to discover the sights along the coast and inland. However taxis are the most common and expedient transportation option for getting between destinations and can be found in all of the resort areas on the island.

Influences from southern Thailand as well as northern Malaysia add an extra twist to Langkawi regional food. Original settlers included Thais, Malays, Indians, and Chinese a wonderful blend of spices and herbs Read on for more information on food in Langkawi.

Langkawi – an archipelago of 99 islets – was once said to have been used as a hideout by pirates in the days of yore. Langkawi believed to have derived its name from the kingdom of Langkasuka – “the land of all one's wishes" – is located in Kedah. Langkawi is home to many fantastical legends including the legend of Puteri Hang Li Poh and innocent Mahsuri.

Langkawi is a tropical island besotted with mystical legends of its origins and rise. Besides its beautiful beaches, untouched rainforests and exotic wildlife, the numerous mythical fairy-tales about its genesis draw in tourists who flock to listen to its charmingly authentic chronicles that exude mystery, mystique and intrigue.