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approach is guaranteed to be exquisite, no matter how you arrive on the
Langkawi Islands. An aerial approach to Langkawi is equally as
impressive, but in an entirely different way. From above, the rare
beauty of this tropical atoll is breathtaking.
As your plane nears, the isles begin to show the detail, which makes it
more impressive. The bare rock towers throw long shadows across the sea.
The larger islands are coated in tangled, ancient green rainforests.
While the colliding ocean waves break into long encircling ribbons of
foamy surf.
 The
Dark shapes beneath the waters are the thriving coral reefs. Considered
a geological wonder, the island has its center cored like a giant mossy
apple and filled with an enormous freshwater lake of electric blue.
Langkawi is best known for its duty-free shopping attractions and the
mystical legends of a beautiful maiden by the name of Mahsuri. But to
visit Langkawi only for these would be passing up so much more.
Cable Car Ride
The most recent attraction in Langkawi is the cable car ride to Gunung
Mat Cincang from the Burau Bay area. Rising some 700 meters above sea
level, the cable car platform provides a great way to view the sights of
Langkawi and the Andaman Sea.
Get to glide over the treetops of the verdant rainforest and catch the
beautiful sunsets on your way up. The 15-minute ride begins at the
bottom station near the Oriental Village and goes up to station 1 before
continuing the journey to the highest point at Station 2.
At Station 2, tourists are met with a 360-degree view of the Langkawi
Island, Kedah and Southern Thailand. One can enjoy also the breathtaking
sights of deep chasms, overhangs, cliff walls and isolated pinnacles.
Between station 1 and 2 is a trekking path created for tourists who wish
to continue the journey on foot. The trek takes about 20 minutes and
offers close up views of the flora and fauna of the area.
Legenda Park
 If
covering the whole island of Langkawi to discover its myths and legends
is a little daunting, tourist can head over to Legenda Park. A 50-acre
open-air garden museum, it features structures and sculptures that
depict the famous legends of Langkawi.
Tourist can explore the park either on foot or in a buggy and learn more
about the mystical tales and folklore behind Langkawi’s historical
sites. Stroll past the 17-telling monuments, which inform about
Langkawi’s prehistoric, geological past. Learn about the mystical
battles between good and evil, giants and birds, which led to the
creation of various towns and sites on the island.
The beautifully landscaped park is abundant with lush and colorful
tropical blooms, plants and fruit trees; it also has four artificial
lakes, a sandy beach and a beautiful lagoon. Perched dramatically on a
cliff that overlooks the sea is an art galley whose stunning white
architectures dramatically juxtapose against the verdant forest setting.
The Ibrahim Hussein Museum & Cultural Foundation is located on the
gentle slopes within the untouched Gunund Mat Cincang Forest Reserve in
Data, overlooking the spectacular Pasir Tenkorak alcove below.
Though 99 islands make up Langkawi, only the main biggest island has
been commercially developed. This is were the modern airport and all
hotels, resorts and restaurants are located with, no point on the island
is much more than an hour’s drive from the airport. Although Langkawi is
a duty free port and visitors staying 48 hours or more can buy most
things tax-free, shopping is most certainly not the main attraction.
International fun-seekers jet in for the dozen luxury resorts and
backpackers make the trip for the cheap beach huts.
Langkawi, which has been nicknamed as the “Carribean of The East” is one
of the few island resort in the region that can boast of such pearls of
exotic beauty with its enchantingly white stretches of palm-fringed
beaches.
The Datai
Considered to be Malaysia’s first grand deluxe resort, the Datai is
situated between the majestic Macincang Range and the deep blue Andaman
Sea, the hotel has been carefully built in the middle of a virgin
tropical rain forest. Centuries old trees, many with huge buttress roots
and jungle twins surround the resort creating a sheltered feeling, as if
in a secret world away from the bustle of the city.
A variety of restaurants provide a wide choice of dining options. The
Pavillion, has Thai food; The Dining Room, Malaysian and western dishes.
For seaside dining there’s the Beach Club.
Famous figures like French Prime Minister Jacques Chirac, former South
African president Nelson Mandela, actress Jodie Foster, Ewan McGregor,
entertainers Phil Collins and F1 racers Michael Schumacker and Francis
Montoya have been guests in the Datai. Golf lovers can also pay a visit
to the nearby Datai Bay Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course
blending into the surrounding jungle.
Bon Ton Resort
The Bon Ton Resort is known for being the only place on Langkawi where
you can stay in totally restored and renovated traditional antique Malay
Kampung (village) houses. The Bon Ton experience also extends to
cruising islands to explore some of the most spectacular scenery in the
region.
Bon Ton (In French this means, simple, but in very good taste) is the
philosophy by which Bon Ton’s signature fusion cuisine infused with
local delights, has been built on. The restaurant offers guest front row
seats to the island’s spectacular setting sun, which is accompanied by
water buffalo cooling off in the evening breeze and migratory birds
swooping down on to the beach lagoon’s waters.
Four Season Resort
The latest addition to the burgeoning resort chain in Langkawi in the
Four Season resort nestled at the foothills of the lush Gunung Raya
Mountain. The new resort boasts of having one of the finest white sand
beaches and blending local and contemporary Malay architecture.
The Four-Season Resort has 91 generously sized guest pavilions and
villas.
Visit Beautiful Malaysia today! |
