Langkawi, Tropical archipelago in Strait of Malacca, Malaysia
Langkawi is an archipelago in the Andaman Sea off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, made up of 99 islands and islets scattered across shallow waters. The main island carries the same name and features low hills, forested slopes, sandy coves, and limestone outcrops that rise sharply from the shoreline.
Traders from India, China, and the Middle East used these islands as stopover points along the maritime routes through the Strait of Malacca during medieval times. Control passed from the Kedah Sultanate to Siam and later to British colonial administration before the territory became part of independent Malaysia in the mid-20th century.
Fishing villages still follow the rhythm of tides and monsoons, while mosques, temples, and Chinese shrines mark the religious life of the communities. Markets sell fresh catch alongside spices, betel leaves, and local desserts shaped by generations of exchange between mainland Asia and the islands.
Ferries run from the mainland to the main island, while the international airport offers connections within Southeast Asia. Once there, visitors can rent motorcycles or use taxis to move between villages and beaches, as public transport options remain limited.
Among the smaller islands lies Pulau Dayang Bunting, which contains a freshwater lake enclosed by limestone ridges and separated from the sea by a narrow strip of rock. Boat tours bring visitors to this sheltered lagoon, where local fish breed in water that remains calm year-round.
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