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So much to do, so much to see
After a hectic Christmas season, imagine being able to get away for a few carefree sun-filled days... Picture waking up to a breathtaking view, being dazzled by clear emerald waters and strolling on sandy beaches in the evenings.

Langkawi is not only a perfect getaway from the usual hullabaloo of city life, it is also a fascinating shopping, cultural and culinary destination. A group of 99 tropical islands sprinkled off the northwestern coast of peninsular Malaysia, about 30 km from Kuala Perlis of the mainland, Langkawi with a geographical history dating back million years, is blessed with an intriguing heritage of fabulous myths and legends of ogres and gigantic birds, warriors and fairy princesses, battles and romance.

Kuah, the main island, was once a rustic town with a few streets. It is now a thriving hub of modern hotels and shopping-cum-business complexes, but without the overcrowding of many modern cities. Kuah is a duty-free shopping haven with a wide variety of goods sold at attractive prices. Its restaurants offer excellent culinary delights, especially seafood.

The islands are outlined with hills and rocky outcrops and the coral reefs of Marine Park teem with a fascinating diversity of life and vegetation. Each of the islands of Langkawi can fulfill the desires of any visitor with their wide variety of entertainment. For instance, if your idea of a super holiday is spending time with Mother Nature, you can go to the island of Telaga Tujah. The waterfall with its cascading waters, broken by a series of seven natural ponds is a geological marvel. The lush green forest around it adds a mystical touch to the natural splendour.

Going on cruises is another great way to relax and take in the breathtaking scenery as your boat weaves between islands. If you are a book lover, Kampung Buku Malaysia, better known as the Book Village is the place for you. Located 10 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport, and situated amidst a lush green forest, the island has houses stocked with a variety of books on numerous topics and in many languages.

If you are the adventurous type, your choices are many. The clear emerald waters around the islands provide numerous opportunities for a host of water/recreational activities. Palau Payar is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal for snorkeling, diving and swimming. Among the enchanting dive spots is the 'Coral Garden' an area covered with bright misty hued, soft corals. The sandy beaches are good for picnics and there are many hiking trails. The enchanting marine life beneath the waters of Langkawi islands beckons diving enthusiasts.

Langkawi is a duty-free shopping haven offering an attractive range of local and imported goods for those with a yen for shopping. The many department stores stock a wide selection of items such as perfumes, cosmetics, accessories, sports gear, leatherwear, household appliances, exquisite glass products and Malaysian handicrafts such as delicate hand drawn batik and intricately carved silver ware.

Langkawi offers a wide range of accommodation from modern deluxe hotels as well as resorts. For the budget conscious, there are smaller hotels at reasonable rates. Wondering how to get there? Visitors travelling by road would have to get to the northwestern coast of peninsular Malaysia, and take off by ferry to Langkawi. The journey takes six hours.

For travellers by air, direct air services from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi are provided by Malaysian Airlines on a daily basis, and by Air Asia, five times weekly. Among local travel firms, George Steuarts offers package tours to Langkawi.

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