The Best Things to Do in Langkawi, Malaysia
Off the coast of mainland Malaysia, Langkawi is an expanse of sandy beaches, forested mountains, and unique wildlife. Socialize with the residents or find solitude on the shores of a private island for the day. No matter what you do, it’ll be a trip to remember.
Jalan Dato Syed Omar
The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa has a lovely pool overlooking the sea. Perfect for relaxing and taking it easy and doing absolutely nothing. But if you do feel like going out and about, the main town, Kuah, and its jetty is pretty close by.
Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Make your way to the Kuah jetty point to catch a catamaran or speed boat to the Pulau Payar Marine Park. Situated about 1 hour away, this sanctuary is a series of islands and beaches perfect for viewing endangered marine life. While there are many viewing options, for divers the vivid “Coral Garden” is best for viewing colorful coral and the surrounding fish.
Kompleks Kraf Langkawi, Jalan Teluk Yu, Mukim Bohor, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Whenever I travel, I must buy at least one souvenir from each of the places I visit. And I usually make sure it’s a locally produced good and not a ‘Made in China’ keychain (unless, of course, I’m actually visiting China!). If you’re like me when it comes to buying souvenirs and you’re holidaying in Langkawi, you must go to the Langkawi Craft Centre at Teluk Yu. It has everything from local crafts to product demonstrations to cultural performances. The photo on the left shows traditional clay jugs that keep water cool without the need for refrigeration. The tote bags were woven from ‘mengkuang’ leaves, a very common material used in a variety of products in this part of the world.
On the island legends and folklore have evolved for hundreds of years. The most well-known of these fables tells the story of a beautiful woman named Mahsuri who was unjustly accused of adultery. The maiden was sentenced to death but when the order was carried out, her blood ran white. It’s said this was a sign of her innocence and, in her last breath, she cursed the island, saying it will not prosper for seven generations. Many locals believe the story, attributing decades of unsuccessful attempts at cultivation to Mahsuri’s curse. Coincidentally, the period of the seven generations ended towards the end of the 20th century, during the reign of Dr Mahathir as Prime Minister of Malaysia. With his direct involvement, it was during this time that Langkawi started developing into the flourishing tourist destination it has become today. Visit Makam Mahsuri for a glimpse of her famous Mahsuri’s grave.
