Langkawi Island

LANGKAWI, On the northwestern shore of Malaysia is the archipelago of the Langkawi islands. Situated just where the Indian Ocean narrows down into the Straits of Melaka, it was once a haven for pirates. Today it serves as a retreat for visitors near and far.

Nestled against a dramatic backdrop of mountains are ancient lakes and forests, waterfalls and beaches, all of which enhance the wonder that is Langkawi. Blessed with a balmy climate that promises warm temperatures throughout the year, it beckons visitors seeking escape from day to day life.

The archipelago of Langkawi contains 99 islands awaiting discovery and that is when the tide is high! At low tide, the islands can number as many as 104. Sanctuary of some of the most ancient rainforests in the world, they are teeming with exotic flora and fauna.

The largest island of Langkawi itself, measuring about 478.5 sq km, is the only one with any real settlement. Almost as large as the island of Singapore, it is still very much undeveloped. Clad with jungles in the interior, it is fringed by lovely beaches scattered along its coast. The island is still very much a rural landscape with villages and padi fields. The island is steeped in legend, the favourite being the one of Mahsuri.

Most of the development is in the main town of Kuah and in isolated beach resorts around the coast. The airport is located on this island as well hotel resorts, restaurants and shops.

The two main beaches, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Kok, are on the island's western coast, with Pantai Cenang being the most popular as the venue for hotels and restaurants. Dotted along the northern coast are the more luxurious resorts.

By Road
It is 5-6 drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kedah, while the journey to Kuala Perlis takes about 7 hours. Tourist car parks are available in both towns where you can leave your vehicles (normally they charge within RM 5 to RM 8 per day - covered/non covered parking bays). You can then board an express boat or ferry to Langkawi where local transport such as buses and taxis are available at the Kuah Jetty, as well as car and motorbike rentals.

By Air
Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia operate daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi, whle other airlines operating on this route include Tradewinds, Silk Air and weekly chartered flights from EVA Air, LTU, CIA and the latest, Fin-Air.

Langkawi International Airport

Located at Padang Matsirat, about 20 km from Kuah and 14 km from Pantai Cenang, this airport is not only modern in design but also facilities, making take of and landing a very smooth operation. Have a snack or full meal at the airport restaurants, then browse around the numerous shops offering duty free items as well as local delights. You should see the one of the biggest aircraft in the world (the Russian made 'Antonov') lands here at this airport during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition which is held once in every two years.

By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad through its Express Langkawi service provides comfortable and economical rail transport from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar (Kedah) and Arau (Perlis). From these two towns, you can take a taxi or bus to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, and then a ferry to Langkawi.

By Ferry
Ferry services from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi are available daily between 8.30 am and 6.30pm. In Kuala Perlis, the ferries operate regularly between 9.00 am and 4.30 pm. There are also regular services from Penang and Satun, Thailand.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

To / From the Airport
Taxis from the airport cost about RM 14 to Kuah Town and about RM 12 to Pantai Kok or Pantai Cenang. Purchase a coupon at the airport desk before leaving the terminal and use it to pay the taxi driver.

Bus
The bus station in Kuah is in front of the City Bayview Hotel and apart from the bus service from the jetty to the centre of the town, the only other service is to Pantai Cenang.

Taxi
Taxis are easily available and fares from the Kuah Jetty are:

to Kuah Town RM 5
to Airport RM 15
to Pantai Cenang / Pantai Tengah RM 12
to Pantai Kok RM 20

Car Rental
Cars can be rented easily either at Kuah Town or the beach resorts. The rates is reasonable and it cost around RM 70 - RM 150 per day, of course, depending on class of the vehicle.

Motorbike & Bicycle Rental
The easiest way to get around the island is on a motorbike which can be hired for approximately RM 25 to RM 40 a day. The roads are excellent and outside Kuah, it's pleasant and easy riding. Moutain bikes are also available at about RM 12 per day.(*source from tourism malaysia )