Langkawi

INTRO
Langkawi is an amazing archipelago of 99 islands and each of them looks like a piece of heaven - golden sands, crystal waters, tropical food, birds and trees that seemed to be seen only on Animal Planet. But Langkawi is not just breath-taking nature, but also a place with great culture, interesting folklore and many original legends.

City Profile
City: Langkawi
Country: Malaysia
Area: 528 sq km
Population: 45,000,
Language: Bahasa Malaysia

LOCATION
Langkawi is situated in Andaman Sea and it is very close to Malaysia's coasts - just 30 km. It is also very near to the Thailand's border. All the 99 islands are actually part of a state called Kedah and administratively are part of Malaysia's government.

TIME TO VISIT
Langkawi is actually reachable and pleasant all year-round. You will have ultimate fun even during April-May and October-November, when are the raining seasons. Langkawi's rain is different from the other rains, it is warm and refreshing, coming only for a couple of hours in the evenings and when it stops, the land is sunny and welcoming again. There are no scary winds or thunderstorms. Langkawi is also very humid with an average temperature from 25c to 35c.

MAIN TOWNS AND ISLAND
There are only 2 populated islands - the largest one, Pulau Langkawi and the other one, Pulau Tuba. The main city, located in Pulau Langwaki is named Kuah.

Kuah - It actually means "gravy" which is connected with a legend of two giants who was fighting around the place and suddenly one of them dropped a pot with curry at the spot where Langkawi appeared. It is the main town and also a port for the main ferries.
Pulau Singa Besar - it is another island situated 17 km from Kuah. Its name means "Island of the Bid Lion"
Pulau Dayang Bunting means the "island of the pregnant maiden" because of its resemblance with a belly of a pregnant woman. There is an amazing cave in the island that is surrounded by a heavy forest and stands on a high hill. The island is near the main Langkawi's island, only 15 min with a boat and it totally worth seeing.
Pulau Beras Basah - this beautiful island is charming with its white sands which look just like a powder. You can dive and swim there but watch out for the monkeys which are not very hospitable
Pulau Singa Besar - it is a residence of many species and interesting tropical wild animals. If you decide to tale a walk you will definitely walk into a deer or step on a monkey's tail. If you decide to camp on the island bring with you a tent, because no hotels or houses are allowed on that island. Also bring a spray against insects, which a very great tip for your whole visit.

SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS

Makam Mahsuri - it is a tomb of a woman, who - according to an ancient legend - was accused of adultery, but was innocent and cursed the city with bad luck for 7 generations. http://www.world66.com/asia/southeastasia/malaysia/langkawi/sights/the_tomb_of_mahsur
Crocodile Farm - a really interesting place where you can watch over a 3,000 crocodiles. Don't miss their feeding time at 10.30. Entrance fee for adult is RM15 and for a child - RM10
Kompleks Budaya Kraf (Cultural Craft Complex) - on its territory there is a museum, gardens, interesting shops, galleries. You can also observe the locals doing their handicrafts http://www.virtualmalaysia.com/destination/craft%20cultural%20complex%20kuala%20lumpur.html
Underwater World Langkaw - an aquarium which holds over a 5,000 species of aquatic life, mammals and reptiles. Tickets cost is RM18 for adults and RM10 for children.
Laman Padi (Rice Garden) - located only 10 min from the airport, the rice field is a great attraction of Langkawi. It looks like a park, having bridges and special paths, also a museum showing methods and history of rice cultivation. There is also a restaurant where you can have some local food and of course some. rice.

AIRPORT
There is one airport in the territory of Langkawi, known as

Langkawi International Airport. It is situated on the Langkawi Island, in its central part, close to the western coast. There are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi if you chose Air Asis or MAS (Malaysian Airlines). Air Asia flights with little planes looking like minibuses, which are very convenient. If you are coming from Singapore, it will be best to use Silk Air, which also flies daily to Langkawi. More info at: http://www.malaysiaairports.com.my/index.php?ch=17&pg=55&ac=171

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Ferry: Ferries are nice to use, but they are very popular and you may feel squashed. There are regular tours from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang and Satun in Thailand, and thee tickets price vary from 40 ?? 18 for adults and from 30 to 10 for children.
Fast Boats - the easiest and only way to travel around islands - there are many tours that includ several islands. If you want to travel by your own you can haggle about the price.
Cars - when you get off the plane or the ferry you will notice howmany car rental agents there are. The prices range from RM50 to 100 during low season and much higher during high season.
By Motorbike - also available for rent, they go around RM25 per day. It is cheaper then a car and much more pleasant. Don't forget to put a helmet, because that's the low.
By Bus - It is really not recommended to use a bus. There are only few of them, not regular and the stations are limited.
By Taxi - actually, it is one of the best ways to travel around if you don't know the place. However they are pretty expensive. A trip around may cost you RM15 or more. You better talk with the driver and see if you can haggle something out, like a whole day on the tourists spot for no set price.

HISTORY
Langkawi's name comes from 'helang'(eagle is Malay) and 'kawi' (marble in Sanskrit). The region's past is very tense and adventurous. Except the many legends and myths, it is also knows as a pirate bay. The wild island net and the jungle provided great conditions for pirates. In the past the territory was ruled by Siam and in the beginning of the 20th century the islands went under the power of Britain until the World War II which is why English is wildly spoken. Now Langkawi is one of the best tourist spots in Malaysia and it developing very fast.

CITY LINKS

Train schedules http://www.best-of-langkawi.com/TRAVEL-train-rate-fare.php
Taxi destinations and prices: http://www.best-of-langkawi.com/TRAVEL-taxi-rate-fare.php
Ferry destinations: http://www.best-of-langkawi.com/TRAVEL-ferry.php
Langkawi's hotels: http://www.langkawi-resorts.com/hotels/location.html
Langkawi's hospital: http://www.langkawigeopark.com.my/hospital.htm/
Langkawi's useful tips: http://www.worldroom.com/pages/cg_langkawi/fastfacts/langkawi_fastfacts.phtml