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About Langkawi
GEOGRAPHY
Langkawi situated just off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 30 km from Kuala Perlis and 51 km from Kuala Kedah comprises a group of 104 tropical islands during the low tides and 99 Island during the high tides. The main island Langkawi, is 47. 848 Hectare followed by Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Tuba while some of the others appear to be mere dots in the emerald green ocean when viewed from the air. Langkawi are richly blessed with a heritage of fabulous myths and legends: of ogres and gigantic birds, warriors and fairy princesses, battles and romance. Langkawi offers natural attractions unsurpassed by any other in the region.
With a geological history dating back 500 million odd years, the islands contain unique rock formations that stir the imagination and baffle the mind. Numerous caves, with their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, taunt the adventurous and unravel their ancient secrets.
Those who love a tropical island holiday and a place far from the maddening crowd will find their haven in Langkawi Island. The outstanding natural landscapes of the Langkawi Islands proclaim them a true tropical paradise. Fine beaches offer sun-filled days of complete relaxation. The clear, emerald waters around the islands provide a host of water sports and recreation and a magical world of marine life. Nestling amidst the mist-covered hills, limestone outcrops and lush forest are fascinating waterfalls that are host to other interesting fauna and flora would attract natural lovers.
HISTORY
The name Langkawi is the last surviving place of the ancient kingdom of Lankasuka. Lankasuka whose capital is said to have stood at the base of Kedah Peak south of Alor Setar on the mainland, is mentioned in Chinese accounts of the area as far back as 500 AD. According to the Liang Dynasty records, the kingdom was founded in the first century when its Hindu king, Bagatta, paid tribute to the Chinese Emperor of the time. The names of its kings resurface time and again in Malay legends and fairytales.Local folklore has it that Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or "helang" as it is known in the Malay language. "Lang" for short and in old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown; hence, Langkawi simply means reddish brown eagle. Langkawi steeped in legends was cursed by Princess Mahsuri who was condemned to death in 1355 for adultery. Her dying curse was that the island would remain barren for seven generations. Shortly afterwards Thais attacked Langkawi, razing all the settlements to the ground.Tourism took off in 1986 when Chinese dominated Penang lost its duty-free status to the then Malaysian backwater, Langkawi. Billions of ringgit has since poured into the area and the once sleepy fishing villages and endless paddy fields now harbors and resorts of world class standards.
Most of the development is in the main town, Kuah and along isolated beaches on the west and northern coasts. Away from the built up areas, Langkawi is still fairly rural, though many of the paddy fields have now been left to wandering buffalo and are no longer cultivated due to there being more money to be made in tourism, for the local ex-farmers.
The Langkawi you see today has been transformed almost beyond recognition. This is the legendary island is now major international businessmen meet to form new ventures and conclude deals whilst relaxing. Langkawi has now completed its seven generation cycle and seemingly, if all the development and prosperity now in so much evidence on the island, is anything to go by, the curse has finally been liftedCLIMATE
Situated at latitudes 6°10'N to 6°30'N and longitudes 99°35'E to 100°E, langkawi enjoys an Equatorial climate. Langkawi has a tropical monsoon climate with a high annual temperature of between 24°C to 33°C.
There are 2 distinct seasons. The dry season, November to March, when the winds blow predominately from the NE, the weather is generally fine with nice sailing breeze but tends to be much dryer than other parts of Malaysia and temperatures on the whole average around 32°.
The wet season in Langkawi is around April to During the wet season, one can expect rain, although showers tend to be over very quickly. The winds at this time are predominately from the W/SW. Its annual rainfall is heavy at averages 2500mm (100 inches) and on rainy days, thunder and lightning often accompany the heavy downpour. The humidity level is high, at 80% through out the year.
PEOPLE
POPULATION
Langkawi has a multi-racial society with estimated population at about 60.000.There are 3 main races in Langkawi. The Malay, who are Muslims, form the majority of Langkawi population (90%). The other 2 main racial groups are Chinese, who are mostly Buddhist and the Indians who are mainly Hindus, others who make up the population including Thais, Eurasian and foreigner who decided to make Langkawi as their homes.
LANGUAGE
Langkawian people speak Bahasa Malaysia and those originating from Thailand speak fluent Thai. English is widely accepted and understood by the younger generation and Chinese dialects are concentrated in the Kuah commercial centre.
RELIGION
The official religion is Islam which is synonymous with the Malays. Other races are free to profess and practice any religion. Among the other religion practiced is Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity. Mosques, Church and temples can be found in Langkawi. Most of the religious festivals are gazette public holidays and are celebrated regardless of race.
BUSINESS HOURS
Langkawi practice slightly different office hours from most of the states in Malaysia.Government offices are open From Saturday to Wednesday at 8.15 am and close at 4.45 pm. Their lunch break is from 12.45 pm to 2.00 pm. On Thursday open at 8.15 am to 1.15 pm. The first and third Saturdays of every month are off days. They are closed on Friday and during public holidays.
Banks are open for business at 9.30 am and close at 3.30 pm. open from Monday to Friday. On Saturday, banking hours are from 9.30 am to 12.00 noon and closed on Sunday. The first and third Saturdays of every month are off days. They are closed on Friday and during public holidays.
Money Changers in Kuah are open every day. However the private businesses and most of the shops in Kuah closed on Friday.
CURRENCIES
The Malaysian currency is called Ringgit Malaysia (RM). RM1 is equivalent to 100 cent. The denominations for RM notes are RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM 100 while coins are in denominations of 1 cent, 5 cent, 10 cent, 20 cent, 50sen and RM1. Most currencies are accepted for exchange into Ringgit, The Ringgit Malaysia is pegged at RM 3.75 to US$ 1. Major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted at major shopping complexes, restaurants and hotels. Tourist can also use their credit cards to withdraw cash from automated teller machines (ATM) that are located in town. Travelers Cheques can also be exchanged for ringgit Malaysia. Tourists are reminded to have their passports ready when they wish to exchange the cheques.
DO`S AND DON`TS
Langkawi is a small place and relatively new to tourism. It is important to know the local customs and practice in order not to offend anybody.
Dress modestly, especially in rural area and when visiting places of worship and leave skimpy clothing for the beaches and when on board!
Remember to remove your shoes when entering homes and places of worship.
Shaking hands is acceptable but kissing the hand or the cheek should be avoided. Muslim women particularly those who wear head scarf prefer not to shake hands with member of opposite sex. Therefore a nod or smile will do.
Necking and fonding each other in public should be avoided specially at the rural area.
Langkawi 10/4/2004
