House of travel Singapore, Malaysia & Borneo Brochure 2017 | Page 24

Langkawi © Malaysia Tourism Highlights worth seeing along the way Explore Langkawi A n archipelago made up of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea just 30 kilometres off the coast of Mainland Malaysia. Langkawi’s main island is accessible by plane or ferry from the mainland or Penang and surrounded by beautiful beaches, paddy rice fields, lush tropical rainforest and incredible wildlife. Settle in for the perfect beach getaway and let the sand warm your toes with a walk along Tanjung Rhu Beach. Located in the north and lined with tall casuarina trees, limestone caves, and mangroves it’s a nature lover’s paradise. You’ll find plenty of resorts and restaurants all scattered along the beach. Located at the south-western tip of the island is Cenang Beach, one of the more lively beach areas and home to some of the most beautiful resorts. The beachside road stretches with bistros, pubs, cafés and al fresco restaurants, with the beach that offers most water sports to entertain the whole family. Datai Bay is an exclusive area featuring two beautiful resorts, fringed with lush rainforest. With crystal clear waters, white sand and a coral reef just off the beach, this area is a must visit. Just 30 kilometres south of Langkawi Island is Pulau Payar Marine Park, a great place for snorkelling and diving. Jump on a local catamaran or speedboat to gain access to its beautiful Coral Garden, a section filled with colourful corals and ample varieties of fish. Voted as ‘The most scenic golf course in Malaysia’ and nominated as one of the best golf resorts in Asia, the Els Club Teluk Datai immediately put Langkawi on the map of premium golf destinations. With two other golf courses on the island all with beautiful views, you can see why Langkawi is known as a golfer’s dream. Langkawi Cable Car & Sky bridge – A 15 minute journey by cable car will see you to the top of Mt. Mat Cincang. Admire the lush rainforests and the minuscule islands from the 708 metre peak. Head to the observatory deck or make your way to the 125 metre long curved skybridge. This bridge suspends by cable, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls – Also known as the Seven Wells, this is a group of seven pools connected by a series of waterfalls flowing down the side of Mat Cincang Mountain. Head to the foot of the mountain and walk up the steps to the lowest pool or hike to an upper pool. The locals believe the area is a favourite haunt for mountain fairies. Underwater World – Housing more than 500 species of sea creatures including penguins, flamingos and harbour seals. Take a walk through the underwater tunnel for up close and personal views of giant stingrays, green turtles and sharks. Mangroves – Take a mangrove tour of the beach area at Tanjung Rhu. Venture through limestone caves, mangrove swamps and further inland, to dense forest. Island hopping – Take a boat to a nearby island. One of our favourites is the island of the Pregnant Maiden, only 15 minutes from Langkawi. With a huge limestone hill in the middle of the island rising high above a dense rainforest. Make sure you take a dip in the refreshing Pregnant Maiden Lake to cool down. Canopy Trekking – Gunung Raya is Langkawi’s tallest mountain and home to 400 different tree species and an array of wildlife. Here you can abseil, climb, rappel and glide over treetops on a cable system 100 feet above the ground. Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) – Featuring a striking 12 metre tall sculpture of an eagle ready to take flight. Set in the township of Kuah, this area also features miniature fountains, terraces and great sea views. Gunung Raya – The highest peak in Langkawi at a height of 881 metres. Legend has it the mountain is the cursed giant called Mat Raya who once lived there. With lush rainforest it’s a great place to go hiking in search of local wildlife. If you’re looking for a peaceful relaxing holiday, you will not be disappointed with Langkawi. © Malaysia Tourism 20 © Malaysia Tourism