Professional Documents
Culture Documents
YOUR FREE LANGKAWI GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS www.asiawebdirect.com
An archipelago of 99 islands, Langkawi is the countrys most enthusiastically promoted tourist destination. Away from the main islands developed areas, Langkawi is rural with mountainous interior, villages, rice paddies and junglecovered hills. A dutyfree location, Langkawi is also the perfect place to buy cheap luxuries and its recognized for its excellent dive sites and what some say are the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia. Besides all that, sightseeing attractions that range from the Underwater World and the Cable Car & Skybridge to natural draws such as Langkawis offshore islets and the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls make Langkawi Malaysias most popular tourist destination.
Malaysias three main cell phone service providers are Celcom, Digi and Maxis. You can obtain prepaid SIM cards almost anywhere especially inside largescale shopping malls. Digi and Maxis are the most popular services, although Celcom has the most widespread coverage in Sabah and Sarawak. Each state has its own area code to make a call to a landline in KL, dial 03 followed by the eightdigit number. Calls to mobile phones require a threedigit prefix, (Digi = 016, Maxis = 012 and Celcom = 019) followed by the seven digit subscriber number.
CURRENCY
The Malaysian currency is the Ringgit Malaysia (MYR or RM) . US$1 roughly converts into MYR3.00 youll find uptodate conversion rates at the top banner of the langkawiinfo.com.
GETTING AROUND
Langkawi has no trains so the best way to get around the island is to rent a car. Roads are easy to navigate and traffic is almost nonexistent you can rent a car when you exit the arrival hall of the Langkawi International Airport or book one in advance at http://www.langkawiinfo.com/rentcar/. If youre arriving via the Kuah jetty, touts from travel agencies will approach you upon arrival rates start at around RM60 per day, but drops with bargaining. The bus service that departs from the stand opposite the hospital runs only three routes out of Kuah to Pantai Cenang, Padang Lalang and Pantai Kok. Alternatively, cabs are a good option fares are a little pricey and taxis arent exactly ubiquitous but theyre convenient. They dont operate using a meter, rather with a set fare a journey between Kuah and Pantai Cenang will cost you around RM24. Theres a taxi station at the Langkawi Fair mall and at the jetty.
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TIME ZONE
Malaysia is eight hours ahead of GMT (the same as China, Hong Kong and Singapore).
ELECTRICITY
Main voltage in Malaysia is 220 volts. Connect to the reliable electricity supply (220V240V, 50 cycles) with a UKtype three squarepin or twoparallelflatpin (British BS1363) plugs.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Langkawi doesnt have a comprehensive public transportation system. There are only a few ways to get to your hotel from the Langkawi International Airport (or the Kuah jetty) the best of which is to hire an inexpensive airport transfer at http://www.visitmalaysia.com/langkawi transfer.htm. Taxis are another option but they dont operate on a meter system so fares are relatively high a trip will cost you RM10 and RM20 to Padang Matsirat and Pantai Cenang. Meanwhile, from the Kuah jetty it costs RM5 to Kuah Town and RM26 to Pantai Kok. Additionally, if youd like an outoftheordinary experience a helicopter transfer to your resort is the way to go book one now at http://www.visit malaysia.com/langkawitours/helicoptertransfer.htm.
hhttp://www.visitmalaysia.com/langkawitransfer.htm
LANGKAWI GUIDE
YOUR FREE LANGKAWI GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS www.asiawebdirect.com Book online or call us at +60 3 2302 7555
1.Pantai Cenang
Dubbed Langkawis main vein, Pantai Cenang is not as rowdy as Bangkoks Khao San Road but its still the islands most popular stretch. 25 km west of Kuah and 500 metres north of Pantai Tengah, the bay forms a white-sand beach strip, and the area is crammed with unobtrusive budget and mid-range beachfront accommodation. Mostly due to the burgeoning package tour clientele, Cenang has plenty of places that offer water sports and boat rentals. Good restaurants with an emphasis on Westernised local dishes, and the best nightlife in Langkawi, results in an odd jumble of backpackers, expats, Asian tourists and families crowding the restaurants and bars come nightfall.
2.Pantai Tengah
The first of Langkawis western beaches, Pantai Tengah is situated just around the southern bend of the Pantai Cenang road. A family-friendly strip, with some low-key chalets as well as a few all-inclusive resorts, Tengah has the longest stretch of beach on the main island. The bays out-of-the-way location means that the water isnt renewed by the tides and as a result looks quite murky. Theres not much sightseeing here, but there are quite a few spas, and tour operators are abundant. Eating out used to be limited to the various restaurants attached to the motels and resorts along the strip, but lately local enterprise has begun to hit Tengahs food scene. The nightlife isnt as prolific as Cenang but its popular with the locals.
3.Kuah
With an estimated 11,000 inhabitants, Kuah is easily Langkawis largest town. The arrival point for most ferries, it features a strip of modern high-rise hotels and duty-free shops along the main road, which hugs what little beach there is. Sitting on reclaimed land, its more of a fishing beach than a recreational one. Kuahs not an unattractive place in fact, the whitewashed Al Hana Mosque, which dominates its waterfront, is one of Langkawis most popular sightseeing attractions. The town will probably be your first view of Langkawi and its the place to settle any business matters as its one of the only places on the island for banks, post office, police station, a hospital and fast food eateries.
4.Padang Matsirat
Located towards the northern end of the island (skirting the airport), a right turn off the main road brings you to Padang Matsirat (The Field of Burnt Rice). Its only a few kilometres off the road that leads to the west coast beaches, and it offers many sightseeing spots (Makam Mahsuri, Snake Sanctuary and more). Youre going to need to rent a car to get to them as most of these spots are located far from each other. That being said, it takes the top spot as one of the best places to stay, especially if youd like a quieter atmosphere than Pantai Cenang or Tengah. There are a few good restaurants and attractions in the vicinity but if youre looking for nightlife then stick closer to less provincial areas of Langkawi.
5.Pantai Kok
Pantai Kok is on the far western stretch of Langkawi. Hands down its the best beach in Langkawi its quieter and more secluded than Cenang or Tengah and enjoys a very intimate feel. Major sightseeing attractions include the popular Oriental Village plus its only 2 km from the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls. High-end resorts like the Sheraton and Tanjung Sanctuary dominate lodging options here, but there are also a number of attractive chalets along the beach. The beach itself is beautiful with clean sand and clear waters, a thoroughly modern marina (Telaga Harbour Park) with a string of good shops, bars and restaurants, plus a petrol station, bank and post office.
6.Datai Bay
Halfway along Pantai Koks main road, theres a right turn that takes you down a narrow stretch of road leading to the north coast. After 10km, a road to the left leads to Datai Bay home to some of Langkawis most exclusive resorts. The site of Datai Bay Golf Course (one of Malaysias top-ten golf clubs), the areas crowning glory is located at the end of the curving road that takes you past the headland, where a couple of secluded coves afford great views of several Thai islands in the distance. Back-tracking from Datai Bay, there are a couple of reasonable stretches of undeveloped beach; youll find Pantai Pasir Hitam (Black Sand Beach) here a strip of beach with sand that looks as if it has been sluiced with tar.
More at http://www.langkawi-info.com/areas.htm
LANGKAWI GUIDE
YOUR FREE LANGKAWI GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS www.asiawebdirect.com Book online or call us at +60 3 2302 7555
LANGKAWI GUIDE
YOUR FREE LANGKAWI GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS www.asiawebdirect.com Book online or call us at +60 3 2302 7555
LANGKAWI GUIDE
YOUR FREE LANGKAWI GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS www.asiawebdirect.com Book online or call us at +60 3 2302 7555
4. Dataran Lang
Built on a pier extending into the bay, beside the Kuah jetty, Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) a 12metre tall monument of a sea eagle preparing for flight is Langkawis most important landmark. Its a good photo opportunity with landscaped ponds, terraces and bridges, but the best part about the site are the small souvenir carts and food stalls surrounding it, plus the Jetty Point mall is just next door. Youll be more comfortable visiting during the early morning or late evening to avoid the heat. Open : 24 hours Location : Kuah Jetty Tel: +604 966 7789 (Langkawi Tourist Information Centre)
6. Mahsuri's Tomb
Just past the Langkawi Golf Course, a signpost directs you to Mahsuris Tomb in Kampung Mawat. Though there are many versions of Mahsuris tale, the basic elements remain the same many years ago Mahsuri, a beautiful, young woman, was unjustly accused of adultery and sentenced to death. As she lay dying she placed a curse upon the island to remain barren for seven generations. The Tomb of Mahsuri houses a slab of white marble, a recreation of a traditional Malay house, a theatre, a well and a handicraft shop. Open : 08:00 18:00 Location : Kampung Mawat, Mukim Ulu Melaka (17km northwest of Kuah) Tel: +603 955 6055
7. Galleria Perdana
Situated in Kilim, Mukim Air Hangat, the Galeria Perdana houses a lavish collection of gifts to former Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahatir and his wife during his tenure as Prime Minister. The doublestorey building exhibits gifts from a variety of global leaders, statesmen and Malaysians, ranging from Malay wooden architecture to a collection of motor vehicles. The outdoor greenhouse is home to a collection of exotic plants from various regions of the world. Open : 08:30 17:30 Location : Kilim, Mukim Air Hangat Tel: +604 959 1498 or +604 959 1863 Entrance Fee: Adults RM10; Kids RM4
8. Al Hana Mosque
The whitewashed Masjid Al Hana is one of Kuahs most easily located attractions. Dominating the waterfront, the gold domed mosque is an imposing peachandgold structure, with intricate Moorish architecture. Erected in 1959, it follows conventional mosque design theres a gilded main dome as well as several smaller peachcoloured domes that surround it. Featuring motifs and carvings from Uzbekistan, along with timehonoured Malay elements, it is the best known mosque on the island as well as the largest. Open : 24 hours Location : Lencongan Putra 2 (beside the Kuah Tourism Information office) More at http://www.langkawiinfo.com/attractions/
LANGKAWIGUIDE
YOURFREELANGKAWIGUIDE FROMTHEASIATRAVELSPECIALISTS
WHATTODOINLANGKAWI
Langkawisbeachesaregreat,buttheresahostofexperiencesoff-shorethatmakeitaworld-classdestination.Langkawis not perfect it doesnt have Miami Beachs well-worn-yet-well-maintained feel, nor isitanuntouchedretreatalaKohKood, but it offers world-class diving opportunities, a healthy number of sightseeing attractions that dontdetractfromitsseaside offerings,andanabundanceoftouroperatorsmakingitsupremelyeasytovisititsoffshoreislets.
1.PulauPayarMarineParkExcursion
Tour Duration: 9hrs The4kmPulauPayarMarineParkisaclusteroffourislandscomprisingPulauPayar(thelargest),PulauKaca,Pulau LembuandPulauSegantang.Drawinginhundredseachyear,weatherconditionsareusuallysunny,makingiteasyto see the tropical undersea action without even having to go snorkelling. The perfect excursion for those whowantto escapethemorepopularwhite-sandbeachesofPantaiCenang&PantaiTengah,thisnine-hourtourintroducesyouto theparksworld-classdivingandsnorkelling.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
2.LangkawiStardust&AdventureDayCruise
Tour Duration: 7hrs There are dozens of tours that will take you around Langkawismainandoffshoreislets,butthisparticulartourallows youtoexperienceitsbestofferingsnamelybooze,lazywaves,goodfoodandhiddenlagoons.Perfectforagroupof friends,thefinaldestinationforthislazycruiseistheHiddenLagoonorDeadChinaman'sCave,butanopenbarand onboardbarbecuelunchmakesthejourneyitselfunforgettable.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
3.LangkawiIslandHopping&EagleFeeding
Tour Duration: 4hrs The Langkawi Island Hopping & Eagle Feeding Tour takes you to three offshoreislets:PulauDayangBunting,Pulau SingaBesarandPulauBerasBasah.It'sanexampleofsomeofthesightsandactivitiesonofferawayfromLangkawi's famousbeaches.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
4.LangkawiSkybridgeTour
Tour Duration: 4hrs LocatedintheOrientalVillageinPantaiKok,thegondola-stylecabsofLangkawisCableCarwilltakeyouonadizzying ridetothetopofGunungMatchincangandtheLangkawiSkybridgeoneoftheworldshighestsingle-supportbridges. There are observation decks set along the bridge allowing for great photo opportunities. Thistouralsoallowsyouto explore the Oriental Village and wraps up with a visit to the Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells waterfalls), TamanBuaya Langkawi(LangkawiCrocodileFarm)andPantaiPasirHitam(BlackSandBeach).Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
5.LangkawiEagleFeeding&MangroveTour
Sungai Kilim Nature Park Tour Duration: 4hrs Theres more to Pulau Langkawi than its beaches: the island has a lush interior of paddy fields,mountainsand mangroveswamps.Thisfour-hourtourexplorestheKilimNatureParkaswampwithbrackishmangrovesthatprotect thecoastlinefromerosion.StartingoutatthemouthoftheKilimRiver,youllgettoseethe100kmKilimNatureParks vastecologyincludingprotectedmangroveforests,isolatedbeachesandlagoonsthathouseoverhangingbogaktrees, treecrabs,monitorlizards,macaquesandmore.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
6.LangkawiDiscoveryTour
Tour Duration: 5hrs This easy day trip to visit Pulau Langkawis main offerings is perfectforfamilies.Packedwithsightsandhistory,youll startoutwithavisittothe19-acreEagleSquare;nextdoorneighboursincludetheJettyPointmall,whichmeansyoure in luck when it comes to duty-free bargains. After lunch, head to the Galleria Perdana a museum dedicated to Malaysia'sfourthPrimeMinister,TunDr.Mahathir.LatervisittheOrientalVillage,homeofLangkawisCableCar.The laststoponthetourisUnderwaterWorld.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
7.LangkawiSunsetDinnerCruiseWithSeafoodBBQ
Tour Duration: 3hrs Alateafternoontouronboardaluxurycruiser,thistouroperatesunderaverysimplepremiseyougettolazehappily ondeckenjoyingtheseabreezes,beautifuloceansightsandopenbar.Thebestpartisthatwhilethecruiseheadsin forup-close-and-personallooksatLangkawisoffshoreislets,(includingPulauDayangBunting)youllbeabletoenjoy thewarmoceanwatersviaatrawlingnetattachedtothesideoftheboat.Onareallygoodday,youmightevenchance uponspinnerdolphinsandflyingfishswimmingaroundtheyacht!Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555
8.LangkawiUnderwaterWorldTour
Tour Duration: 4hrs Langkawis undersea attractions arent confined to the seas: Underwater World Langkawi, Southeast Asiaslargest aquarium, is here! Home to over 5,000 species of fish and various types of marine life, youllalsoseeanarrayof animals,birdsandinhabitantsofthesub-Antarctic,temperateandtropicalrainforestregions.Thefacilityalsofunctions asaneducationalhubwhereguestscanlearnaboutmarinecreaturesthroughtheinformationkiosks,3Dtheatreand wildlife gallery. This tour includes a visit to the aquarium and continues on to the Atma Alam BatikArtVillage,Eagle SquareandMahsurisTombmb.Book now, call +60 3 2302 7555 Moreathttp://www.langkawi-info.com/tours.htm
LANGKAWI GUIDE
YOUR FREE LANGKAWI GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS www.asiawebdirect.com Book online or call us at +60 3 2302 7555
WHAT TO EAT
Just as Langkawis visitors are diverse in cultures, youll find the food on the island carries influences from around the world: from shrimp on the barbie and burgers to bratwurst and seafood platters. Plenty of upmarket resorts offer contemporary international cuisine and excellent local food but for that rustic feel, it cant get any better than eating out with the locals at their regular hide-outs. Worth particular mention is BNZ Sempoyy and Tomato Nasi Kandar here youll get to sample Langkawis best take on favourite Malaysian dishes.
1.Nasi Lemak
A dish so popular, even the Chinese and Indians serve their own similar version. At its very basic, Nasi Lemak is a plate of white rice cooked in coconut milk. Accompanying it on the plate is 'sambal', a chilli paste mixed with salted anchovies or 'ikan bilis'. Then there is an egg served, either boiled or fried, with cucumber slices and a helping of salted anchovies and peanuts. Finally, you may add beef or chicken 'rendang', essentially pieces of meat cooked in rich coconut milk and curry.
3.Roti Canai
A breakfast favourite, Roti Canai is the ultimate in simplicity and taste. It is a kind of pancake made by combining wheat flour, oil, ghee or butter, rolled up into a ball and then flipped into the air until it takes a flat, oval shape. It is then fried on a hot iron plate and served with dhal, chicken or fish curry. There are many variations on the same theme that include putting in eggs to make 'Roti Telur', sardines to make 'Roti Sardin', bananas to make 'Roti Pisang' and so on.
4.Satay
Satay is our Malaysias version of a kebab, only sweeter and somewhat smaller. Pieces of softened, marinated meat are skewered on a thin stick made of coconut frond. It is then barbecued over a tray of hot steaming charcoals until brown, moist and tender. A wide range of meat can be used from rabbit to venison, but beef and chicken are the most common. Accompanying it is thick peanut gravy and 'ketupat', which is rice cooked in coconut milk, cut into cubes and wrapped into an attractive weave of coconut leaves.
6.Nyonya Food
The Nyonya food that you can find in Kuala Lumpur is heavily influenced by Malacca's rich Peranakan culture. The Nyonya style of cooking is the result of a fusion between Chinese and Malay ingredients and recipes, the result of Chinese traders in the past settling in Malacca and adopting the Malay way of living. Some of the most common ingredients in Nyonya cuisine are coconut milk, lemon grass, turmeric, screw pine leaves, chillies and sambal.
8.Roti Jala
Roti Jala is a popular tea-time entre. It literally translates to 'net bread' referring to its thread-like pattern that resembles a fishing net. Essentially a type of crepe, Roti Jala occasionally replaces rice in the Malay home for meals. The batter is made from a mixture of plain flour and eggs, with a pinch of turmeric powder and butter that gives it a yellow colour. A special cup or mould with small holes is then used to make the lacy crepe which is cooked over a hot griddle. More at http://www.langkawi-info.com/food/
LANGKAWI GUIDE
YOUR FREE LANGKAWI GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS www.asiawebdirect.com Book online or call us at +60 3 2302 7555
3.Nam Restaurant
Located within Bon Ton Resort, Nam Restaurant one of Langkawis most popular and respected restaurants boasts a wellexecuted menu, with Thai and local influences especially evident. The upscale eaterys specialities include the crispy Indianstyle samosas, barbecued rock lobster tails, chargrilled rack of lamb and steamed apple, macadamia and butterscotch pudding. Although a bit on the pricey side, the price tag is expected given the delectable fare and luxurious atmosphere. Open : 11:00 23:00 Address: Bon Ton Restaurant & Resort, Pantai Cenang Tel: +603 955 3643
6.The Loaf
An upscale Japanese style bakery and bistro owned by former Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir, The Loaf offers more than 90 different types of bread as well as an la carte menu featuring western dishes such as cheeseburgers and rib eye steaks. Fronting the Pantai Kok harbour, prices are a little steep but its a good place to get a variety of fresh and tasty fare especially if youre looking for nonMalaysian food. Open : 8am 11pm Address: Lot No C9, Perdana Quay, Telaga Harbour Park Tel: +604 959 4866
LANGKAWI GUIDE
YOUR FREE LANGKAWI GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS www.asiawebdirect.com Book online or call us at +60 3 2302 7555
1.Bar Centro
Perhaps Pantai Koks best drinking joint, Bar Centro is relatively new. Located in Telaga Harbour Park, it is quiet here at the beginning of the evening, but as the night wears on theres a steady stream of regulars and the atmosphere livens up considerably. Theres a huge flatscreen TV and drinks are reasonably priced; its not located along the Harbour Parks waterfront stretch, but the bar is plainly visible from the main road, which means that holidaymakers should have no trouble finding the place. Open : 19:00 03:00 Address: Lot 7, Perdana Quay, Harbour Park Tel: +6012 592 2645 How to get there : Taxi
5.Juan ChitoD'Enigma
A favourite local hangout, Juan ChitoDEnigma located within Aseania Resort is one of those places that takes you by surprise. This nightspot operates till the wee hours of the morning and stays crowded throughout; its one of the only places on the island that could possibly be labelled a disco. Theres a live band at this dance club and drinks are decentlypriced. Open : 20:00 02:00 Address: Aseania Resort Pantai Tengah Simpang Tiga How to get there : Taxi
LANGKAWI GUIDE
YOUR FREE LANGKAWI GUIDE FROM THE ASIA TRAVEL SPECIALISTS www.asiawebdirect.com Book online or call us at +60 3 2302 7555
WHERE TO SHOP
Besides the beaches, Langkawis dutyfree shopping is the next best reason to visit. Kuah has a large concentration of dutyfree stores; these supermarket style outlets stock indemand items ranging from cigarettes, liquor and chocolates to luggage, sports shoes, perfume and cooking utensils. The malls are popular among locals, but boutique stores such as those along Cenangs strip offer good taxfree bargains as well.
2.Coco Valley
Though you keep stocking up on chocolate, your stash keeps disappearing. Fear not, Coco Valleys got all your favourites from Cadbury and Toblerone to Kit Kat and Snickers bars, the stores selection is almost incomparable. Located beside Underwater World, prices start as low as RM5 for a bar, and besides the cocoa offerings, theres also alcohol, perfume and cigarettes. Open : 10:00 18:30 Address: Zon Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang (beside Underwater World) Tel: +604 955 6100 How to get there : Taxi to Underwater World.
3.Cote De Perfume
The closest rival to the shopping centres in Kuah when it comes to perfume selections, Cote De Perfume retails the latest designer scents like DKNY and Dior at dutyfree prices. The store is located almost directly opposite Bayview Hotel, and its next door neighbours include the 16 Degree Wine Shop and the Cuban Attitude cigar store. The store also retails a selection of locally made fragrances at cheap prices. Open : 09:00 21:30 Address: 16, Jalan Pandak Mayah 6, Pusat Bandar Kuah Tel: +604 969 8286 How to get there : From the main entrance of Bayview, walk down Jalan Pandak Mayah 6 the store is on the left.
Gastronomic tips
The countrys staple dish is rice and noodles. Malaysian hawker fare is relatively safe, but you should always take care not to dine out in the grungiest shops as their levels of cleanliness can be debatable. When eating with your hands, wash them first and (for cultural reasons) try to use your right hand use utensils to take food from a communal plate, never your fingers. Muslims are forbidden from eating pork and most of them are incredibly strict about this rule so never offer pork to Muslims. This is also true for alcohol although there are plenty who do partake in a little liquid indulgence now and again, especially the younger generation.
Measurements
Malaysia uses the metric system for weights and measurements.
Taxi Scammers
There are unscrupulous taxi drivers in the city who love to take advantage of unsuspecting foreigners. These cabbies do not charge fares according to their taxi meters (as they are supposed to do) but charge inflated rates. The best way to deal with this is to refuse to pay the inflated price. Inform them that you are aware that theyre supposed to use the meter and demand that they charge you the proper fare. A good rule of thumb is to knock off at least RM5 from the inflated price but be warned that its not a hard-and-fast rule also be sure to take down the details of errant cabbies as you can report them to the authorities.
Women Travellers
Malaysia is a fairly liberal nation, but rules of propriety still exist. Women are especially subject to the laws of convention and female tourists are encouraged to adhere to these standards. Dress modestly and try to blend in with the locals by being respectful, especially in areas of stronger Muslim religious sensibilities, such as the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.