Langkawi Islands is one of the top places where the Andaman Sea meets the Strait of Melaka and where the exquisite beauties of Malaysia can be discovered.. Located at the northwest tip of the Malaysian Peninsula, 30km off the mainland, the islands are connected to the Malaysian state of Kedah.
Langkawi Island is the largest island of the archipelago.. The number of islands or islets that make up the Langkawi Islands varies between 99 and 104 according to sea level.. Of these islands, only Pulau Langkawi and Pulau Tuba are inhabited.. Pulau means island in Malay.. With its international airport, excellent highways, modern marinas, exquisite beaches and extraordinary nature, Langkawi is one of the world’s most popular destinations. It is among the best holiday centers. The inseparable trio of the holiday, besides sea-sand-sun, also stands out with its extraordinary beaches, magnificent nature, hotels suitable for every budget, and many entertainment and activity opportunities.. With its pristine white sandy beaches and calm sea, warm and inviting climate throughout the year, and dozens of paradise islands, the island meets all kinds of holiday pleasure expectations.. Langkawi was included in the list of UNESCO Geological Parks (UNESCO Geopark) in 2010. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, where rugged karst limestone formations are spread, and the 400-million-year-old Machinchang Mountain constitute important geological reserves of the island.
99 Hollywood productions starring Jodie Foster and Yun-Fat Chow, King Mongkut of Thailand in 1860. and an English teacher’s drama, Anna and the King.. The film was shot in Langkawi, rather than Thailand, due to Thais who do not like to have their king’s life filmed. It is also the destination of those who come to the island by ferry.. Kuah is a place where vacationers to this famous island won’t find stunning beaches or stunning natural beauty.. The real beauties are scattered in other parts of the island.. Kuah is a good choice for duty-free shopping, but it’s not a place vacationers would want to stay in.
A 12-meter-high eagle statue towering over Eagle Square welcomes those arriving on the island by ferry.. Langkawi means red eagle in Bahasa Malaysia.
As the final days of my Thai visa were approaching, I had decided to go to Myanmar.. I gave up on going to Myanmar when the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok was closed for Buddha Day. I turned my face south. I arrived in Hat Yai after a 22-hour journey by night train from Bangkok, Thailand. I’ve been traveling unplanned for a while already. Ahead of me stood Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, and Singapore; On the other hand, there was Perhentian Island, Taman Negara National Park.
I was on the train with an old American tourist and his girlfriend, a young Thai girl.. When I met them again at the bus terminal and asked where they were going, their answer was my new route: Langkawi Island.. I took a 3-hour bus (80Baht) ride from Hat Yai to Satun, then to Kuah, Langkawi. It takes 1 hour by ferry from Satun to Langkawi (310 Baht, 19TL).
I took a taxi (18 Ringit, 15TL) with a Japanese girl I met on the ferry and went to Pantai Cenang region.. I settled on Gecko Guest House, a cheap backpacker hostel.. The hostel was not a place I would recommend, but it was close to Cenang Beach, which is an extraordinary beach.
Pantai Cenang is one of the places on the island where there are many affordable accommodation opportunities.. Preferred by travelers more than tourists. The 2 kilometer long Cenang beach is magnificent.. The extraordinary sunset, which paints the sky from orange to red, is a sufficient choice to choose this place.
Day 648: Malaysia:1 Langkawi, 12 May 2012
