Langkawi Facts

Once a sanctuary for pirates, only the locals knew the delights of Langkawi until it was made a duty-free port in 1987. Since then, the construction of modern amenities has created an idyllic Malaysian getaway. Its natural beauty and intriguing folklore make a visit here one to remember.

Situated off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Pulau Langkawi is the largest among an archipelago of 99 islands collectively known as Langkawi. With a resident population of only 54,000, the economy is driven mainly by tourism. The most comfortable way to reach this exquisite spot is by air from Kuala Lumpur or Penang. The Langkawi International Airport is situated 20 kilometers from Kuah, the...

...Island positions itself as one of the region's best island paradise destinations. Since 1990, Tourism Malaysia has dedicated itself to promoting the island and developing it as an ideal travel spot. Now, after almost 2 decades of work, the island has proven itself as one of this country's best holiday gems.

This small island also claims a Hollywood credit, as it was the backdrop for the 1999 film Anna and the King. Langkawi played the role of Thailand to Jodie Foster's Anna Leonowens and Chow Yun-Fat's King Mongkut (Rama IV). The Thais wouldn't allow the filmmakers to shoot on location in their kingdom, so Hollywood turned to neighboring Malaysia.

Technically, Langkawi is an archipelago of...