THINK Langkawi, and mesmerising blue waters come to mind.

An archipelago of 99 islands, Langkawi is well-known for its beautiful beaches.

What to do

Tour operators and hotel resorts offer snorkelling and scuba diving.

Experienced divers can guide you one-on-one, so even first-timers can take the plunge.

You can view the coral gardens and swim with the fish of Pulau Payar Marine Park, or see larger schools of fish in deeper water.

If you're a nature buff, there's plenty of flora and fauna in Langkawi to excite you.

Langkawi Island was designated a World Geopark by Unesco last year and island tours will get you up-close-and-personal with the wild.

Cruise down a river in Kilim Geoforest Park to observe the delicate balance of rich mangrove forests.

Long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, pangolins and civet cats may also make an appearance. You can also witness brown eagles swooping by as they are fed from your boat.

What to eat

The variety of marine life around Langkawi makes seafood the mainstay of many menus. Restaurants and cafes offer glorious seafood spreads, most fresh from the ocean.

Places with more reasonable prices tend to be quite packed at night.

How to get there

Malaysia Airlines operates flights from Kuala lumpur (KL) and Penang to Langkawi. Singapore Airlines also has flights to Langkawi.

You can also drive from KL to the Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis or Penang jetties, from where you can catch an hour-long ferry ride to the island.

Where to stay

Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi

Located on one of Langkawi's main beaches, Pantai Tengah, the beach resort is offering attractive rates for the upcoming school holiday season.

$$$: A 3D2N stay for two in a Superior Room is priced at RM498.00 nett ($210).

It includes a daily buffet breakfast, a welcome drink, and a celebration gift, as well as a 20 per cent discount on selected spa treatments. The package ends on 7 Jun.

You also stand to win prizes if you book your Holiday Villa rooms online at www.holidayvillahotels.com. Winners can win a 2D1N stay for two at Holiday Villa Langkawi or Cherating.


This article was first publised in The New Paper on May 16, 2008.