PULAU LANGKAWI

THE JEWEL
OF KEDAH

NAMA GURU: NURUL HIDAYAH

TARIKH: 2 FEBRUARY 2010
GROUP NAME: G.K.L™
GROUP MEMBERS: RUSYDI™
SYASYA
AKMAL
Z.IKA
ISI KANDUNGAN......

TAJUK PAGE
ABOUT PULAU LANGKAWI
LANGKAWI COMPRISES A GROUP OF NINETY NINE TROPICAL ISLAND LYING OFF
THE NORTHWESTERN COAST OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA, ABOUT THIRTY KM
FROM KUALA PERLIS AND FIFTY ONE KM FROM KUALA KEDAH ON THE
MAINLANDS. THE MAIN ISLAND IS KNOWN AS PULAU LANGKAWI. THE ISLAND
ARE SHROUDED WITH AN INTRIGUING HERITAGE OF MYTHS AND LEGENDS,
WHICH FEATURE OGRES AND GIGANTIC BIRDS, WARRIORS AND FAIRY
PRINCESSES, BATTLES AND ROMANCE.

AS A NATURAL PARADISE, THE ISLAND ARE PERHAPS UNMATCHED ANYWHERE

ELSE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA. FINE BEACHES OFFER SUN-FILLED DAYS OF
COMPLETE RELAXATION. THE CLEAR EMERALD WATERS AROUND THE ISLAND
ARE HATPERFECT MARINE LIFE BENEATH THE WATERS OF LANGKAWI BECKON
DIVING ENTHUSIASTS.

LANGKAWI HAS BEEN ACCORDED THE GEOPARK STATUS BY UNESCO, FOR ITS
BEAUTIFUL GEOHERITAGE FEATURES, CONSISTING OF STUNNING LANDSCAPE,
KARTS, CAVES, SEA-ARCHES, STACK, GLACIAL DROPSTONES AND FOSSIL. WITH
A GEOLOGICAL HISTORY DATING BACK FIVE HUNDRED-MILLION ODD YEARS,
THE ISLAND CONTAIN UNIQUE ROCK FORMATIONS THAT STIR THE
IMAGINATION AND BAFFLES THE MIND.

LANGKAWI IS PERFECT FOR DOING EVERYTHING OR NOTHING AT ALL. ENJOY

NATURE-BASED ACTIVITIES, OR SIMPLY LAZE BY THE BEACH. THERE IS OLSO A
HOST OFF UNIQUE ATTRACTION FOR THOSE WHO ENJOY SIGHTSEEING. YHE
GENTLE SMILES AND WARM HOSPITALITY WILL SOON CHARM YOU. COME TO
PULAU LANGKAWI FOR A HOLIDAY UNLIKE ANY OTHER.
 LANGKAWI VILLAGE
Kampong (village) life in Langkawi is all about traditional ways, friendliness and warmth in a
harmonious community. Perhaps not far at all to urban standards, but to the rural population of
Langkawi the bustle of the town in Kuah is light years away from the peaceful, laid-back, and
mellow atmosphere of the villages.
 
Babies quietly doze in their tiny batik hammocks, whilst carpenters, fishermen and paddy
farmers go about their daily routine in a relaxed manner. Pretty wooden houses line the paths
along most villages and the visitor will find the unhurried attitude of the villagers a relief from
the dizzying crowds of a city.

Take in the picturesque scenes of life in a village, or take a stroll around the rubber plantations.
Watch the buffaloes splash in the muddy wallows of the padi fields, oblivious to the toiling of
the farmers. Elsewhere you may still be able to observe the daily routine of fishermen mending
their nets or preparing to set out to sea.

These quaint kampongs give an insight of the life that most of us have relegated to the back of
our memories. Memories, but they are indeed real in rural Langkawi. If your Malingsia roots
were founded on the fertile soil of such places, the rural by-ways of Langkawi will give you a
chance to make a re-visit.

As for towns, there is only one, which is Kuah. You can make it two if you want to consider the
small commercial enclave just before the airport, a town.

Langkawi is traditionally divided into six geographical units known as mukims. Each mukim
hosts a number of villages.
 HEALTH & BEAUTY

The wide range of spas in Langkawi provides the ideal setting for complete rejuvenation and relaxation. Langkawi,
which is located at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, provides an ideal backdrop for health rituals that are amongst
the oldest in the world. The Malay, Thai, Balinese, Javanese, Indian and Japanese health practices make the island
an ideal setting for complete rejuvenation.

Experience a traditional Malay body massage, herbal soaks, facials and a host of other treatments, all based on
ancient rituals and health disciplines. Malay herbal treatments use a combination of indigenous herbs and plants,
which contain natural vitamins, minerals with therapeutic properties.

Indulge in luxuries such as traditional creme hair treatments, which employ the use of coconut milk, aloe Vera and
crushed hibiscus leaves, among others. Be enlightened by the jamu experience where medicinal plants and local
herbs such as turmeric are mixed with natural sweeteners, like honey or palm sugar and consumed for its detoxifying
and health enhancing properties. These jamu preparations, both in tonic and pellet forms have long been consumed
by Malay women in Langkawi as the ingredients are freshly-prepared and contain no chemical additives.

Enjoy stress-relieving body massages using oil made with local herbs or try out an invigorating body scrub. Bathe in
invigorating herbal floral water while enjoying a soothing cup of ginger tea. Give your hair a special treat of freshly-
prepared herbal and fruit shampoo and conditioner. Get a manicure or pedicure.

If all you need is a foot massage, there are foot reflexology outlets in Langkawi, including at the Langkawi Fair
Shopping Centre, Langkawi Parade, Pantai Chenang, Pantai Tengah and even at the top of Gunung Mat Chinchang!
These places offer the perfect respite after a day of exploring . Foot reflexology is believed to have many healthy
and therapeutic benefits such as relieving stress and stiff neck, whilst improving blood circulation and hormonal
imbalance.
 ISLAND ACTIVITIES

Island Hopping

Several operators offer tours to the smaller islands. Most trips include a stop at the 'wildlife'
reserve on Pulau Singa Besar and the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden or Pulau Dayang Bunting.
Some will stop at other islands. Tours usually leave from either the jetty in Kuah or from Pantai
Cenang. The seas are usually too rough for tours during the rainy season, which can start in June
through September.

Sailing

Get away from the ordinary and enjoy the pristine islands & beaches of Langkawi. Have a
communion with nature, explore the lush forests and wild life of the islands from a different
perspective. You will get to enjoy deserted beaches all to yourself as something special to
remember and cherish for a long time. Go on, hire a boat and just do it.

Snorkelling

Pulau Payar- a  jewel of an island, is one of Langkawi's major draws, famous for its spectacularly
beautiful coral gardens. You can either dive or snorkel to be among the fishes and explore the
corals. If you don't wish to get wet, the special Underwater Observatory allows you to experience
a close-up view of marine life.

Mangrove Tour

On the northwest corner of the island, near Tanjung Rhu beach, is a large mangrove forest with
spectacular natural scenery. You can take a trip through the forest by boat. Cruise silently along
the mangrove channels and appreciate what these natural living buffer zones mean to the
ecology. Some trips also include an eagle feeding session

Jet Skiing

Jet Skiing is a popular water-based activity in Langkawi. However, when engaging in this
activity please abide by the rules for safety of other water users. Avoid using boats anchored off-
shore as 'marker buoys' to zoom around, you could hit a vessel and be liable for VERY COSTLY
repairs, not to mention that there may be divers nearby.
Diving

Dive sites are plentiful.These include: Pulau Lembu, Pulau Kaca with its wrecks, the aptly
named spot known as Lobster Garden and the Tyre Reef of Pulau Segantang.  There are plenty
of groupers in most of these places as well as reef fishes, including schools of Barracuda,
snappers and black-tip reef sharks.

Kayaking

Langkawi is a great place for kayaking. With the 99 islands located close to each other, kayaking
is another way to do your island hopping - at your own pace. Resorts and tour operators offer
affordable daily rental of kayaks. Before starting off on your kayak tour check weather
conditions and plan your itinerary well.

Jungle Trekking

Start by taking in the breathtaking view across the Langkawi archipelago from its highest peak,
Gunung Raya, at 890 m above sea level. Then  hike through the verdant rainforest along the river
at the Lubok Sembilang Recreational Park. Discover medicinal plants, uniquely camouflaged
wildlife and other wonders of nature. The trekking convener can customise the outing for all age
groups and abilities.

Air Trekking / Canopy Adventure

Air Trekking involves abseiling, rappelling, climbing, jungle trekking and gliding high above the
ground on a cable system resembling a flying fox. The adventure appeals to extreme sports
enthusiasts and offers a fantastic adrenalin rush. Made famous by Sean Connery in the movie
'The Medicine Man', Langkawi is the second location in the world to have this activity.

Biking

Bicycles can be hired from a number of outlets throughout the island and many resorts rent them
out at reasonable rates to guests. The terrain of the inhabited areas of Langkawi is conducive for
cycling. Besides being more environment friendly, quieter and healthier, exploring the island on
a bicycle allows you to access more remote areas easier than driving a car.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Kota Mahsuri

About 12km from Kuah is Makam Mahsuri or the Tomb of Mahsuri, which is located within the
Kota Mahsuri Complex in Ulu Melaka. Locals say this was the exact spot the fair maiden
breathed her last after her execution in Padang Mat Sirat. 

This newly re-built complex replaces the previous one. It now  features a museum with
dioramas, the must-see Mek Mulung traditional theater auditorium and reconstructions of
Langkawi houses that represent the architecture popular during Mahsuri's time hundreds of years
ago.

This pleasant historical enclave makes for a leisurely walkabout. A traditional Malay warung
(stall) sells refreshments with a sitting area over-looking the vast padi fields of Ulu Melaka.
Mahsuri's Well is also located within the complex.

Where the restored Rumah Kedah (traditional Kedah house) stands is believed to be where
Mahsuri's house originally stood. Before reaching Rumah Kedah you will see four local women
preparing traditional snacks.The snacks - kuih loyang, kuih peneram and kuih karas - are sold at
RM2 per packet or 20 sen per piece.

 
Pantai Chenang

Pantai Chenang is probably the most visited beach area in Langkawi. From just a sleepy and
tropically-correct long stretch of white sandy beach, which it was about two decades ago, today's
Pantai Chenang has taken a life of its own. Gone are most of the coconut trees, except for a few
that are being preserved to set the tropical island mood by the many resorts and hotel operators
who have taken up almost  every inch of land available. The range of accommodation starts from
the most basic  to the medium and five-star establishments. Today's Pantai Chenang is a bustling
beach thoroughfare that comes to live during the afternoons and evenings.

Dont expect a quiet deserted beach as the operative word here is excitement - whatever that may
mean to you. With the beach being the anchor feature, the land fronting it is almost all hotels and
resorts, while whatever is left in between have been taken up by shops sellling garments, trinkets
and souvenirs, restaurants, stalls, bistros, convenience stores and almost anything to share the
roaring tourism trade.

Pantai Chenang has been equated to the beach thoroughfares of Phuket, Thailand. Sharing the
same waters of the southern Andaman Sea, geological features and even persona, Pantai
Chenang is considered by many visitors as a more family-friendly destination that does not tout
glitzy night life and bacchanalian abandon despite the duty free beers and liquor. There is no sex
trade -- just a wholesome tropical island destination.

One of the most popular beach destinations among tourists and locals alike, Pantai Chenang is
known not only for its delightful sunsets but also for its long and sandy beach. Located about 18
kilometres from Kuah town and only three kilometres from the airport, it offers all kinds of water
sports and opportunities to go "island hopping" to the other Langkawi islands.

As for food, Pantai Chenang probably has the most to offer to suit your budget and taste. Take
your pick from Chinese, Thai, Thai-Malay, western, Indian, or fusion restaurants. Should you
want to go local on a shoestring (no less delicious),  try the nasi lemak bungkus (a favourite local
breakfast) stall opposite the Underwater World. Go early as they sell out fast. For tea, lookout for
the girl who sells a variety of Malay kuih (cakes) in the afternoon somewhere opposite Debbie's
Irish Restaurant. Whataver you do, shop around before deciding, as ambiance, prices and
offerings differ from outlet to outlet.
Underwater World

 Note: The Langkawi Underwater World continues to be open to the public despite the death of
over 500 fishes recently. The non-affected areas still welcome visitors.

Set on 6.2 acres of land at Pantai Chenang, Underwater World is one of the largest marine and
freshwater aquaria in the region. It features over 5,000 varieties of fish and other exhibits from
500 species displayed in over 100 tanks. Highlights include the gigantic hexagonal tank and
walk-through tunnel tank containing six million litres of sea water. Here you can observe sharks,
stingrays, huge turtles and other sea creatures swim by, separated from the visitor only by the
laminated clear glass walls of the tunnel.

In 2005, the new RM30 million 60,000 sq ft  new wing to house  20 rockhoppers and 12
blackfooted penguins was opened to the public. The extension allows visitors to observe the
animals from close range.

The rockhopper penguins are placed in a tank containing rocks and water with the temperature
maintained at eight degree Celsius while the blackfooted penguins are allowed to swim freely in
a 20 degree Celsius tank. The 50 blackfooted penguins were brought in from South America.
Seals are also housed here. With the addition of the new wing the Langkawi Underwater World
now houses animals from three ecosystems - tropical, temperate and cold.

Also on display at the new wing is the anaconda from the Amazon, the arapaima - world's largest
freshwater fish, the capybara - world's largest rodent and the marmoset - world's smallest
monkey.

The Underwater World also has a 3-D cinema with a capacity of 200 visitors at any one time.The
cinema uses virtual reality technology to portray large and small sea creatures.Many of these
creatures are not able to live and exist in aquariums. The system enables visitors to view these
creatures up close and in as real a situation as possible.
Telaga Tujuh

From the Gunung Machinchang cable car you can see the waterfalls of Telaga Tujuh in the
distance. Likewise, you can see the cable cars hovering over the forest canopy from Telaga
Tujuh. 

Telaga Tujuh, which is part of the Gunung Machinchang Forest Reserve (mainly comprising
dipterocarp forests), is probably among the oldest natural and free attractions in Langkawi. In the
old days a visit to Langkawi would not be complete without climbing the steep slopes of Telaga
Tujuh to experience the cool waters of at least one of the seven wells.

 Today, Telaga Tujuh is still free to access but with better facilities for visitors.There is an ample
parking area, better shops selling souvenirs, food stalls, musalla (Muslim prayer rooms), toilet
facilities (one at the bottom, one on the way up and one at the top), A long flight of 638 concrete
steps inclines at about 45 to 60º lead all the way to the top, where there is a wooden lookout
tower and several shelters.

 If you don't fancy hiking all the way up, just make a detour halfway (10 minutes from the
bottom) where a concrete walkway takes you to the first tier of the Telaga Tujuh falls. It is a
great place for a cool dip or just to relax. Water from the mountain flows into the top well, then
the one below, and so on until it emerges from the seventh and lowest well into a waterfall that
cascades into another stream below in green, peaceful surroundings. Telaga tujuh is the source of
Sungai Perangin.

Hundreds of macaque monkeys roam the grounds at the bottom, so be mindful of your
belongings. The monkeys do not attack but they may feel threatened if you harass them or their
families. Try not to taunt or bare your teeth at them as they may take this as a sign of aggression.

If you travel to Telaga Tujuh by taxi, it is best that you ask the driver to wait until your return.
There are times, especially during weekdays when it is difficult if not almost impossible to get a
taxi for the return journey. Alternatively, you can walk a short distance down the road to the
Oriental Village where there are taxis available most of the time.

Telaga Tujuh is closely associated with many of Langkawi's legends. It is said that fairies used to
come down to frolic and bathe in these pools, thus giving it healing powers.
Dataran Lang

The Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) is a sprawling 19-acre landmark located to the front left of the
new Jetty Mall Complex in Kuah. Built on reclaimed land, the imposing 12-metre tall statue of
the brown eagle can be clearly seen from the air or from the sea.

If in the old days mariners would be guided by the gray hulk of Gunung Raya to help guide them
in to the Kuah harbour, today it is the effigy of the great eagle that has taken its place. In the
evenings when the eagle and the whole area is brightly lit, Dataran Lang takes on a new visual
dimension.

The statue sits high at the centre of a massive star-shaped (if seen from the air) concrete platform
that juts out to the sea. The square comprises the statue, a high-roofed pavilion where events are
held and kiosks selling anything from titbits to souvenirs. During the afternoons the square itself
can get unbearably hot as the midday heat is reflected from the concrete floor. The best time to
enjoy the place is during early evening and night when all the heat has dissipated.

Opposite the Dataran Lang is a lake with a fountain and beyond it is a row of food stalls serving
local and some western cuisine. Some of the stalls are reputed to offer among the tastiest
versions of laksa kedah (rice noodle in thick fish gravy). A wooden walkway traverses the lake.

The Dataran Lang is contiguous with the other main attractions, including Taman Legenda
(Legends Park), CHOGM Park and the Jetty Point Shopping Mall.
Beras Terbakar

Expansionist designs of the invaders from the north had relegated Kampung Raja to ashes in
1821. The village rice granary was put to the torch in what was akin to ancient Langkawi's
scorched earth policy that was aimed at depriving the Siamese invaders of the grain.

Today Kampung Raja is no more. Modern developments such as the building of the Langkawi
International Airport have taken away the glory of this ancient capital of old Langkawi. Now
known as Padang Mat Sirat, this state of infamy was supposed to have begun when the Chief of
Langkawi, Datuk Kerma Jaya unjustifiably put Mahsuri to death. Legend has it that with her
dying breath, Mahsuri laid a curse on the islands for seven generations.

It was not long after this tragic episode that the Siamese attacked Langkawi, swiftly making their
way to Kampung Raja to commandeer the rice stockpile. The invader's 'blitzkreig' was to come
to nought upon reaching the place as what was left was the smouldering mound of scorched rice.

So huge was the rice reserves at Kampung Raja that it took a long time for the fire to burn out.
The remains of the scorched rice and Kampung Raja was soon buried under the ashes of time
and the whole episode immortalised in the tragedy of Mahsuri.

Today, local visitors and tourists make a bee-line for the still remaining patch of ground where
some grains of burnt rice would be revealed, especially after a rainy spell. The area has now been
fenced up to protect the place from the relentless ravages of tourism.

Should you find yourself visiting this historic site, please remember that it is situated within the
compounds of a private residence and the owner has taken it upon himself to maintain the area.
Entrance is free but some donation is most welcome to help pay for the upkeep.

To reach the Malay house where the patch of ground holding the remains of the scorched rice is
located, you will have to pass a gauntlet of small shops within a bazaar. These shops sell
anything from cheap Thai-made clothes to authentic Langkawi traditional medicines such as the
famous Golden Gamat (Berche de Mer),Tongkat Ali root (Longifolia Jack), Kacip Fatimah, and
others.

There is a Pasar Malam (night market) right opposite the bazaar every Sunday.
Cable Car

Located on the southwest coast of the main island, about 30 minutes drive from Kuah Town and
15 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport is the craggy hulk of Gunung Machinchang.

The Langkawi Cable Car route links the Base Station at Oriental Village to the Peak Station on
top of the mountain. The exhilarating 20 minutes journey you take in a four-seater cable car
silently ascends the height over a distance of 2.2 kilometres --  all the way hovering over the
verdant forest canopy. Due to some repair works, the Middle Station where visitors can take a
pause before proceeding on the jouney to the peak, is temporarily closed.

 The 360 º panorama from the peak offers a breathtaking view of the islands, the rural lowlands
and the seas as far as Thailand. Take in the great vista of hillside flora, a bird's eye view of the
Telaga Tujuh waterfalls and an occasional glimpse of the wildlife, including the high-flying
birds. Depending on the weather, you can sometimes find yourself ' levitating'  in thick mist as
the cable car climbs higher.

The air up here is crisp and much cooler than the sweltering lowlands. Early evenings are the
best times to be at the top for another perspective of the Langkawi sunset. However, be sure of
the time to go up lest you miss the dazzling fiery display that splashes the horizon with all shades
of red until darkness claim the islands.

There is a 2.5 kilometre mountain trail that links Telaga Tujuh to the Middle and the Peak
Stations. If you chose to take this trail please be aware that it is a hard and arduous climb most of
the way.

The Langkawi Cable Car has won three international awards.