Langkawi is
actually 99 islands awaiting discovery, and that’s 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.
Langkawi means strong eagle in Malay and legend has it that the mythological
bird Garuda made its home here. A place one can truly relax as the pace here is
slow and village like. Check yourself into one of the many relaxing resorts and
treat yourself to a spa treatment, or just laze around at the beach. Many of
the resorts are also family oriented and with many attractions around the
Island, you can bring the whole family for a holiday. Langkawi is a Duty Free
status Island but only prices of certain goods are cheaper than elsewhere in
Malaysia. Many foreigners, some of them retires, are so attracted to the place
that they have made the island their home in Malaysia’s My Second Home Program.
The populated and the largest island is Pulau Langkawi, and Kuah located at
southeast, is the main town and the arrival point for the ferries. The beaches
lie mostly to the west and north of the island, where most of the budget,
mid-ranged and luxury hotels are located. Away from the built-up areas,
Langkawi is still a rural Malay island of small villages, rice paddies, water
buffalo and natural beauty.
