Introduction

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands located off the northern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, at the eastern side of Kedah State. The main island is Pulau Langkawi, also called the Jewel of Kedah. Shrouded in myths and legends, Langkawi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, attracting visitors from all around the world who come to appreciate its natural beauty, cultural splendour, warm beaches and shopping opportunities.

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands located off the northern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, at the eastern side of Kedah State. The main island is Pulau Langkawi, also called the Jewel of Kedah. Shrouded in myths and legends, Langkawi is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malaysia, attracting visitors from all around the world who come to appreciate its natural beauty, cultural splendour, warm beaches and shopping opportunities. Recently, in 2007, Langkawi was recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site and properly accorded the status of a Geopark. The natural geological diversity of the island, evident in its unique landscape of karst forests, caverns, sea arches, sea stacks, limestone glaciers and other formations, brought about the award from UNESCO. This recognition has further propelled Langkawi to greater fame and popularity as a tourist destination. Still, it was not always like this in the past.

In history, Langkawi was once a nesting ground for pirates, a typical backwater alley in the Straits of Malacca. The island came under the control of various powers, including the Kedah Sultanate, British Forces and Thai Monarchy over the course of history. This has resulted in various cultural elements that blend Siamese and Malay features together, evident in the landscape and lifestyles. After World War II, Langkawi became a sleepy village with its residents sustaining themselves by fishing and planting paddy. The fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Dr Mahathir, however, recognised the tourism potential of the island. He modernised the island and developed it, turning it into a duty-free shopping zone. Today, Langkawi has become a major holiday destination for visitors and tourists.