LANGKAWI 99 MAGICAL ISLANDS

LANGKAWI 99 MAGICAL ISLANDS.

By Adrien Gallo

Malaysia’a Langkawi Islands are well established within Malay

mythology and legends and are becoming increasingly well known

as one of South East Asia’s best island resort destinations.Langkawi

offers travellers the perfect combination of sea and sun, rainforest and

islands, peace and tranquillity, culture and tradition as well as

simplicity and style.

The group of 99 islands is situated in the state of Kedah, 30 km off

The northwest coast of Malaysia between the Thai island of Phuket to

the north and Malaysia’s Penang island,to the south.As such,they have

been influenced by many cultures throughout history.The main island

covers an area of almost 500km2 and much of this remains untouched

and covered in tropical rainforest .

Most of the 65000 islanders are rice farmers or fisherfolk whose

ancestors have inhabited the island for generations.They are a

friendly,laid back and multicultural community who take great pride

in their island, religions,lifestyle and food.They also enjoy the

freedom of a peaceful and safe island.

The people strive to sustain the ecology ofthe island through good

stewardship and sustainable practices.

Langkawi International airport is a modern facility providing speedy

connections to many parts of the world.The main town of Kuah is also

the terminal for incoming ferries and many duty-free

stores,services,facilities and restaurants are located here..

Langkawi offers a unique tropicalencounter for all the senses in a

Setting of unparalleled beauty.

WHERE RAINFORESTS MEET THE SEA

Only three islands in Langkawi group have any form of development

and the rest are mostly covered in lowland rainforest.These islands are

home to many unique plants and animals and Langkawi islanders have

sustainably used products from the sea and forests for centuries.

The island’s geology is very important in explaining the various

Vegetation communities.Most of the outer island are limestone and

Marble while the main island comprises ancient sandstone formations

and granite intrusions.

The sedimentary formations of Mount Machincang have been dated to

550 million years old,making them some of South East Asia’s oldest

rocks.

With UNESCO assistance, the local authorities have gazetted

Langkawi as a Geopark in order to showcase and protect these

Geological formations and the associated plant and animals for

Current and future generations.

Exploring various rainforest trails is possible but being guided

by an experienced naturalist is recommended.One of the most

popular walks is up Seven Wells (Telaga Tujuh) where a

picturesque series of cascades and pools, deep within the rainforest

at the foothill to Mount Machincang,can be experienced.

The walk is steep and monkeys can be seen on the way.

It’s also possible to explore the forest higher up the mountain by

Alighting from the Langkawi Cable Car and walking between the

Middle and top stations.Another accessible forested area is located

On Langkawi highest peak, Mount Raya(Gunung Raya).

A winding 13km road to the 880m high summit passes through mature

forests.These are home to various animals including many birds

especially hornbills and birds of prey which soar high above the

canopy.

Langkawi’s most visited natural habitat is the mangrove forests

Fringing the coastline of the main island.Each day small boats

transport tourist into this labyrint of mangroves for a closer look

at these unique plants and the associated fauna.The most popular

area of wetlands is within the planned Sungai Kilim Nature Park.

Birds of prey, like Brahminy Kites and White-Bellied Sea Eagles

feed on the fish living within the mangroves and coastal waters.

Indo Pacific Humpback Dolphins and Finless Porpoises are

occasionally found around Langkawi.There have also been

reported sightings of Whale Shaks,the world’s largest fish,as

well as Bryde’s Whales.

Beneath the waters a different world exists and while diving is

Possible off some of the islands,the best visibility is found in the

Water of Payar Island Marine Park,south of Langkawi.

The legendary Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Tasik Dayang Bunting)

Is a beautiful freshwater lake located on limestone and surrounded by

rainforest.

Associated limestone caves are another important feature and cave

Exploration is possible in several locations.Many are home to cave

dwellers like bats.It is possible to visit caves like Gua Pasir Dagang,

Gua Kelawar and Gua Cerita.

Langkawi is home to a variety of fascinating fauna including some

200 species of birds.Four primate species including the Long-tailed

Macaque.Dusky-leaf Monkey,Slow Loris and the Flying Lemur

(Colugo) live in the forests .Animals like the world’s smallest deer,

the Mousedeer, Giant Squirrels,Flying Foxes,Civet Cats and Pangolins

also live here.

A variety of lizards and snakes can be found all over the islands.

Many animals are camouflaged and seeing large animals is a bonus

But the myriad of smaller creatures such as insects, spiders and

Butterflies makes jungle trekking a rewarding and exciting

experience.

More informations :

www.bontonresort.com.my

: www.awana.com.my:

www.berjaya-langkawi.com

: www.pelangibeachresort.com

. www.casadelmar-langkawi.com

: www.ghmhotels.com


. www.fourseasons.com/langkawi

http://album-photo.geo.fr/ap/album/16343/ 

www.tourism.gov.my