Langkawi Hotels
Langkawi Information
Things to see and do in Langkawi
From mythical legends and giant crocodiles to duty-free shopping and traditional handicrafts, Langkawi offers many places of interest for the adventurous. There's simply so much to see and do in Langkawi that it certainly warrants a return trip. Here are some of the most popular attractions:
Al-Hana Mosque - the Al-Hana Mosque holds a very special place in Langkawis history; it was opened by the first Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1959. The Islamic architecture of this majestic mosque is simply amazing, incorporating motifs and carvings from Uzbekistan along with traditional Malay elements. The mosque is conveniently located next to the Tourism Information office in Kuah.
Crocodile Farm - watch over 3,000 crocodiles of various species feeding and basking in the sun but dont fall over into the pens! The crocodile farm is situated in Datai Bay, just 30km away from Kuah. The farm harvest crocodiles for their skin and besides leather products, visitors can even buy stuffed baby crocodiles from the souvenir shop.
Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) - visitors arriving at the Kuah Jetty will notice a giant red eagle statue permanently suspended in mid-flight. That marks the location of the Kuah Jetty Eagle Square; a mini park filled with scenic ponds, bridges, covered terraces, restaurants and barrel vaults made of bricks. The square is a great place to take a stroll with friends and family as the sea breeze gently caresses your face.
Kuah Town - undoubtedly the busiest place on the island, Kuah is the commercial centre of Langkawi and where everyone congregates for shopping. If you follow the story behind Gunung Raya and Mat Cincang Mountain you'll understand why its name means 'gravy' in Malay.Kuah arose because a pot of curry spilt on the ground from the battle between two giants.
The town regularly receives visitors who flock to the centre to purchase tax-free goods. In additon, there are many famous seafood restaurants that offer extremely fresh crabs, prawns, fish and squid cooked in a variety of styles. Indeed, Kuah is today a hubbub of commercial activity; luxury hotels, business complexes, banks, duty-free shops, small emporiums and large shopping malls litter the landscape.
Laman Padi (Rice Garden) - Rice, rice and rice This is the bread of Asia, a necessary ingredient to every meal. The Rice Garden is dedicated to the humble grain, imparting knowledge of its history from the museum, demonstrating its cultivation in the farm and sharing its tasteful goodness in the restaurants!
Located just ten minutes away from the airport, the Rice Garden is a delighful place that feels like a park. Visitors cross a bridge overlooking mini-rice fields into a square that has a museum and exhibits on display. Finally, they can adjourn to the restaurants at the end which serve both local food and upmarket international entrees.
Langkawi Snake Sanctuary - located in Kampung Tok Senik, the establishment houses a wide variety of local and international snakes. From the majestic King Cobra to the docile Boa Constrictor, the Snake Sanctuary is a fascinating place to visit. Visitors can also watch snake shows during the afternoons, where foolhardy charmers risk their lives kissing king cobras and playing with vipers.
Oriental Village - located near Pantai Kok, the Oriental Village is a collection of duty-free shops combined into a scenic park, with fusion Chinese architecture. In the middle of the village is a pond with fountains and mini-bridges. There are also plenty of al-fresco cafes and restaurants which really light up at night. Besides shopping, the Oriental Village is also the gateway to ride a cable-car up Mat Cincang Mountain. Souvenir shops that sell attractive hand-crafted items and clothes are concentrated around the ticketing booth. Finally, the latest attractions use animals, including photography with live snakes, deer-feeding and riding a jumbo elephant!
Day trips ferry tourists out to some of the other islands in the Langkawi chain. Tours leave regularly from Kuah and Pantai Cenang, taking in a few different islands in one day, with the opportunity to get ashore and the chance to snorkel too. Private charters are also available for groups. Sailings can be curtailed outside the dry season.
