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LANGKAWI
Malaysia’s tropical gem
L A N G K A W I
LANGKAWI Malaysia’s tropical gem Lying off Malaysia’s west coast, Langkawi’s 99 islands are awash with hidden natural wonders that keep visitors coming back for more Writer: Tom Wadlow | Project Manager: Joe Palliser
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ONE ARCHIPELAGO, 99 islands – Langkawi is a self-contained tropical paradise sat in the Strait of Malacca. Just off the west coast of Malaysia, the popular tourist destination revolves around Langkawi Island, the largest of the 99 at 29 kilometres long and 16 kilometres wide. Rising to 880 metres atop the Raya Mountain, the interior of the main island is characterised by jungle-clad hills. The district is officially known as Langkawi Permata Kedah, or the Jewel of Kedah, of which it is a part of despite sitting 30 kilometres away from its coastline. In 2008, Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah consented to this change of name in conjunction
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with his golden jubilee celebration. Kuah is the main administrative centre and entry point for most visitors coming to Langkawi by ferry from the mainland and Penang Island. Over the years it has developed into a vibrant destination powered by the enormous growth in visitor numbers. Tuba Island is the only other of the 99 which is inhabited, containing around a quarter of the estimated 85,000 residents. Asides its astounding beaches, picturesque paddy fields and mountainous backdrop, the fact Langkawi is a duty-free zone makes serves as another major draw for visitors.
ASIA FACTS & FIGURES
Capital: Kuah Number of islands: 99 Population (approx): 85,000 Vehicle registration: KV Currency: Malaysian ringgit Time zone: UTC+8 Climate: Tropical
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The Business End THOUGH TOURISM HAS driven the development of major villages such as Kuah, most of Langkawi Island’s inhabitants earn their livings through fishing and farming. The island is intensively cultivated with coconuts and rubber being the primary goods produced and sold. Increasing numbers of Malay and international visitors, however, is proving to be the key economic stimulus for the region. Kedah province, and by definition Langkawi, is a crucial part of the Malaysian Government’s Northern Corridor Economic Region, a scheme designed to increase northern peninsular tourism revenues to more than $20 billion a year by 2020. The plan was launched in 2007 with a target of transforming the four northwestern states into a sustainable, socio-economically balanced region by 2025. It targets five core economic sectors: agriculture, manufacturing,
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tourism, logistics, and education and human capital. UNESCO, also in 2007, awarded Langkawi Island World Geopark status, designating three conservation areas – Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest park. These are among the most popular destinations for visitors, along with the abundant golden beaches.
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Recharge + Restore Awaken to restorative sunshine and inspiring views of Andaman Sea at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, where wholesome menus, revitalizing treatments and our signature Heavenly® Bed leave you feeling your best.
To book your stay, please call: +604 960 8888 or visit www.westinlangkawi.com
©2018 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Starpoints, SPG, Preferred Guest, Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Le Méridien, Design Hotels, Tribute Portfolio, Element, Aloft, Four Points and their respective logos are trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.
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Essential Visit Completed in 2005, Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125-metre (410 ft) curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge, located 660 metres (2,170 ft) above sea level at the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang on Pulau Langkawi, the main island of the Langkawi archipelago in Kedah. The bridge can be reached by first taking the Langkawi Cable Car to the top station, where an inclined lift called SkyGlide takes visitors from the top station. Maintenance and upgrading meant the construction was closed in July 2012 and the reopening was put off several times, but partially reopened in February 2015. The bridge is now fully accessible.
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Out & About
Island hopping is a popular passtime
LANGKAWI IS RENOWNED for its diving opportunities, with operators organising daily tours to the nearby Payar Island, around 35 kilometres to the south. Those who enjoy boat cruises will also not be disappointed, as various options are always available during the day or evening. Island hopping is another popular option, again with different options available such as taking it slow and spending time on selected islands or sitting on a speedboat for a quick tour of the area. Further inland, and forest parks provide a rich array of wildlife for guests to explore, including sea otters, brown-winged kingfishers, monitor lizards and macaque monkeys. At Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, comprising three river estuaries over a 10 kilometre stretch, visitors often make the trip just to see its bat cave. In terms of food and drink, Kuah,
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Long Tailed Macaque
on the southeast corner of Langkawi Island, is home to a wealth of dutyfree stores and many restaurants. Eateries are spread right across the island, with many hidden gems serving local delicacies including fresh crabs, lobsters, prawns and squid. Malay and Chinese cuisines are especially popular here, although Langkawi does cater for those seeking cuisines from other parts of the world.
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Meeting Success Whether you are catching up with colleagues or convening for a celebration, our professional planners are dedicated to make your meeting or event effortless. Through Langkawi International Convention Centre innovative meeting programs and initiatives, we offer countless ways to connect and collaborate in the heart of Langkawi
• Full-day meeting package | MYR 230 nett per person • Half-day meeting package | MYR 200 nett per person Meeting Package Inclusions: : • Full/Half Day Usage of Meeting room for 9/5 hours • 'Go Local' themed lunch and coffee breaks • Free flow of coffee & tea throughout the meeting • Complimentary use of motorized/portable LCD projector and screen • Complimentary use of flipchart and/or whiteboard • Complimentary use of 2 microphones (choice of wire or cordless microphone) • Complimentary Wifi Internet access throughout the meeting • Conference stationery, mints and bottled water are provided throughout the meeting To begin planning your next Westin and LICC event, please visit: westinlangkawi.com/langkawi-meeting or email: westin.langkawi@westin.com
LANGKAWI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE
There are two main island areas: the southern islands, with a heavier tourist population and the islands to the north east which are more secluded with little tourist traffic. Langun Island has a fresh-water lake like Pregnant Maiden Lake only without the tourists and has Sand Spit Beach on its south-facing orientation. Dendang Island next to it forms a bay used by Langkawi sailing yacht tour operators.
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Outlook Recommends “Langkawi is synonymous with sandy shores, junglecloaked valleys and bargain shopping” – Lonely Planet
ACTIVITIES
HOSPITALITY & EVENTS
Umgawa Legendary Adventures With a mission is to share breathtaking nature experiences, Umgawa Legendary Adventures named itself after the legendary character Tarzan. Most renowned for its zipline adventures, thrill seekers can scale the heights of the forest 365 days a year from 8.30am to 4.30pm. Located in the west of Langkawi Island, highlights include flying 80 metres up and above the Seven Wells Waterfall. Umgawa also offers skybridge and jet ski combo tours and prides itself on the minimal environmental impact of its operations. Indeed, no trees were penetrated in during the construction of its site.
The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa Redefining the traditional retreat into an unrivalled wellness-fuelled tropical journey, The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa provides 191 guest rooms, 11 suites and 20 private ultra-luxury Ocean View Pool villas with lushly landscaped gardens, six dining venues, four outdoor pools and the Heavenly Spa.
The St. Regis Langkawi
Langkawi Nature Park Toro Watersports 12
The St. Regis Langkawi is located in an exclusive enclave in a pristine private cove on the island’s southern tip, fringed by a 600-metre private white sand beach overlooking the clear, emerald green waters of the shimmering Andaman Sea. Bordered by the sea and rainforest jungles, sprawling over 14 acres of lush gardens, the island’s only all-suite boutique resort features four overwater villas and 85 suites, including 20 private pool suites with cabanas.
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Langkawi International Convention Centre Whether you are planning an international conference, global summit, private wedding cocktail or themed dinner event, Langkawi International Convention Centre offers state–of-theart facilities. Our grand ballroom space capacity is of 1660 square metres with seating for up to 1,200 participants will be transformed into a spectacular venue for your world-class convention, conference, gala dinner, luxury wedding or corporate event.
Casa del Mar FOOD & DRINK The Gulai House at The Datai Langkawi The Cliff Langkawi FatCUPID
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Casa del Mar is Langkawi’s most personal hotel. It appeals to the leisure traveller seeking attentive, individual yet unobtrusive service. The hotel conveys a feeling of being at home.
TOUR OPERATORS Tour & Incentive Travel
Tel: +60 4 955 2388 | Fax: +60 4 955 2228 Email: info@casadelmar-langkawi.com www.casadelmar-langkawi.com
FTZ Travel
Outlook Creative Services
Outlook Publishing’s awardwinning in-house team is now utilising its extensive production skills to offer a full and bespoke range of editorial, design and marketing services via its new Outlook Creative Services division.
Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N V I S I T: www.outlookpublishing.com/creative-services
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LANGKAWI CAN BE reached by boat or by plane, with Langkawi International Airport, located 20km from Kuah, one of seven international aviation hubs in Malaysia and connecting the island to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang and Subang. Airlines serving these routes include Silk Air and Air Asia. Large numbers of visitors arrive from the Malaysian mainland by ferry, swarming the Kuah Jetty. Routes include to and from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang and Satun in Thailand, virtually operating around the clock. Travelling within Langkawi is predominately achieved by car, motorcycle or bicycle, with small boats also used to hop between the 99 islands. The main island’s road network is continually being upgraded, and because of a lack of public transport, car hire or taxis are how most decide to get around. Motorcycles are also a quick way of travelling from A to B, while some prefer to enjoy their surroundings on bicycles or even on foot, given Langkawi Island’s small size. Some resorts and hotels offer their own vehicles to rent or even chauffer guests.
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PHOTO: MITHUNAHAMED - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0 PHOTO: ILYA PLEKHANOV - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0
Boarding a flight at Langkawi International Airport
PHOTO: ZAMWAN - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0
PHOTO: HZH - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 4.0
Transport Links
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Landmark Attractions
PHOTO: FLICKR USER “ THE DILLY L AMA”, CC-BY-2.0
Dataran Lang
“Also known as Eagle Square, Dataran Lang is one of Langkawi’s best-known manmade attractions, a large sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight. A sight that greets visitors to the island via ferry, the 12-metre-tall statue is one of the island’s most instantly recognisable monuments” – Hotels.com
Langkawi Sky Bridge
“Completed in 2004, this suspended bridge is built on top of the Machinchang mountain. Accessible from the Top Station, the bridge is suspended from an 82-metre-high single pylon, hangs at about 100 metres above ground and it can accommodate up to 250 people at the same time” – Panorama Langkawi
Taman Lagenda
“This beautiful parkland spreading over 20 hectares of area has been themed on folklore and myths from the prehistoric era to the modern times of Langkawi” – Langkawi Insight
Gunung Raya
“The tallest mountain on the island (881 metres) can be reached by a snaking, paved road through the jungle. It’s a spectacular drive to the top with views across the island and over to Thailand from a lookout point and a small teahouse” – Lonely Planet
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BusinessTravel Guide joe.palliser@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 676
ryan.gray@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 672
jordan.levey@outlookpublishing.com
+44 (0)1603 959 668
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