PULAU LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA

Malaysian Peninsula divides the monsoon weather zone into two seasons so there is always good weather on one or the other side of the Peninsula. Langkawi Island is situated on the western side of the Peninsula so Christmas time, New Year and Chinese New Year are the best-spent on Langkawi. But it is not just the sunny and hot weather that counts. Langkawi being part of some 100-island cluster has also amazing and dramatic scenery and abundance of wildlife.

Many of the surrounding islands are Geoforest Parks or National Parks. The geological history of Langkawi is rich and it is reflected in variety of different rock formations, some covered by dense jungle. Pulau Dayang Bunting is a wilderness paradise full of flora and fauna that can hardly be believed. Sometimes it is hard to determine if one is awake or dreaming listening to the bird song, watching eagles soaring in the sky or Kingfishers flying low, monkeys jumping from branch to branch, otters venturing to the beach, monitor lizards and many jungle animals walking under foliage.

The waters are so warm that swimming can hardly be called refreshing, fish is jumping and glistening silver in the sunshine, eagles are fishing and coral reef is plentiful. Many islands surrounding Langkawi are worth visiting for nature lovers. Pulau Tuba, Timun, Datai, Beras Basah, Singa Besar, Payar and the natural fresh water lake, Lake Mashuri can be reached by a local fishing boat or ferry from Kuah or Cenang Beach. All senses can be satisfied in a Geopark. The views are spectacular, the air has a fresh, jungle smell, the birds are singing and jungle noises of monkeys are ever present. The sunsets are impressive.



The beauty of nature and opportunity of absolute relaxation is not the only asset of Langkawi. Langkawi is a duty free port so shopping is amazing and the prices, of especially alcohol, are unbelievable. Langkawi has an airport but the main tourist traffic comes by ferry. Langkawi became a stop for backpackers travelling from Penang to Satun or Ko Lipe in Thailand. The natural beauty of Langkawi Geoparks can easily compare with the famous Phnang Nga Bay in Thailand. The difference is that Thailand is busy and noisy with many tourists interrupting the nature while in Langkawi one can enjoy the true wilderness with only a few visitors for company.


So let’s keep Langkawi, its amazing natural beauty and duty free benefits, a secret. Let’s enjoy one of the astonishing sunsets and drink to Langkawi.