L A I D B A C K   L A N G K A W I

Yearning for a tiny tropical island, far from the madding crowds? Try Langkawi, Malaysia. This is a splendid tropical idyll with nothing to do but relax. Bring along a good book, catch some rays and enjoy the laid back atmosphere.

With the ocean dominating, popular outings are to Pulau Payar Marine Park 30km south of Langkawi, where you can dive, snorkel and even feed baby sharks. Or take an excursion to Pulau Dayang Bunting, the “Island of the Pregnant Maiden”, 15 minutes by boat from Langkawi.

If it's beach you’re after, seek out the Pantai Cenang strip near the airport, or Tanjung Rhu. The best stretch of white sand though is right at Datai Bay in the northwest, framed spectacularly by encircling rainforest. Langkawi is tailor-made for a Malaysia golfing holiday. Try the Datai Bay Golf Course.

At first glance, Langkawi hardly seems like a shopping destination, but it is in fact a duty-free island with occasional bargains. Check out the Langkawi Fair south of Kuah Town, nearby Jetty Point, as well as Plaza Langkawi and Teow Soon Huat.

For good, cheap seafood, Kuah Town has hawker stalls selling spicy local fare. There are a number of restaurants in the area. Telaga Harbour at Perdana Quay, Pantai Kok, has trendy eateries and bars alongside gleaming moored yachts.

Kids might like the crocodile farm and aquarium, and a few laps around the FastTrack Speedzone go-kart track will get the adrenaline pumping.

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F U N   F A C T S

VIEW The neighbouring islands from atop the peak of Gunung Mat Cincang. Head there on the Langkawi Cable-car. Great panoramic views.

SEE: Take an excursion to the cool highlands of Mt Gunung Raya at the centre of Langkawi, where hornbills can still occasionally be sighted.

DO Take a river tour through the dense mangrove swamps on the east coast of the island or, for more adventure, try a "canopy walk".

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