The ninety-nine islands that form the tropical Langkawi archipelago is one of the emerging Malaysian holiday destinations. Still in essence a farming and fishing settlement, the largest island Langkawi is flanked by many more islands, each home to natural beauty and steeped in legends. The crowds are catching on and tourism is taking off, catering to the resort and relaxation crowd lured by the promise of the sun, sea and sand.

Beaches
Sun and surf and white sand are the main attractions for the tourists in Langkawi. There are plenty of beaches on Langkawi to choose from, not withstanding the endless options on the surrounding islands. The waters around Langkawi are both warm and shallow and at low tide you can even wade across to neighbouring islands. The best resorts are naturally situated along these beaches. Pantai Cenang to the south of the island is a good and popular strip of beach, whilst the bay of Pantai Kok in the west is considered the most beautiful on Langkawi island. Remember when bathing that nudity is forbidden.

Taman Legenda
Drop by the Taman Legenda Park in Kuah to receive a quick lesson on the legends that shroud the formation and future of Langkawi. Open daily, the 50-acre theme park stretches along the waterfront, adorned with local flora and fauna and supposedly improved by man-made lakes and an artificial beach. But the highlight of the park is the novel manner in which it increases awareness of the local culture. Seventeen sculptures tell the tales of Langkawi folklore that are integral to the archipelago’s heritage.

Pulau Payar
Pulau Payar, a group of small islands 40 minutes from Langkawi is a famed natural attraction. Officially declared a marine park, the protected waters around these islands have excellent visibility and teem with sea-life including baby sharks and coral. Tours include lunch, basic scuba diving instruction and/or snorkelling and are organised easily through the large tour operators on Langkawi or your hotel. Watch the baby sharks be fed or check out the underwater scenery from the safety of the underwater chamber attached to the floating platform or through a glass-bottom boat. A great day excursion.

Watersports
The boom in tourism in Langkawi has resulted in a great deal of modernisation designed to lure and entertain tourists. The natural emphasis on water in Langkawi has seen all sorts of water sports facilities popping up. Water-skiing, windsurfing, diving, boating, fishing, yachting, and the increasingly popular parasailing are all options on the main island Langkawi. A new addition to Langkawi is Acquabeat, a water theme park that has an aquarium and an artificial surf pool, located at Kuala Muda. Pack your floaties.

Underwater World
Another highlight of Langkawi is the impressive showcase of marine life at Underwater World, said to be the largest Oceanarium in Asia. The facility is located on popular Pantai Cenang and has more than 5000 varities of salt and freshwater creatures housed in 100 tanks and a walk-through tunnel. Included in the number are sharks, the endangered green turtle, stingrays and groupers with further exhibitions of fossils and shells. Underwater World is open daily until 6.00om.