Kedah’s Island Jewel of Nature, Tourism, and Duty-Free Charm
Langkawi District, located in the northwestern waters of Kedah, Malaysia, is an archipelago of 99 islands, with the main island being Pulau Langkawi. Known as the “Jewel of Kedah”, Langkawi is famous for its pristine beaches, geological wonders, world-class resorts, and duty-free shopping—attracting millions of local and international tourists each year.
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Langkawi District |
| State | Kedah |
| District Capital | Kuah |
| Area | Approx. 478 sq. km (land area) |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 120,000 |
| Parliamentary Seat | 1 (Langkawi) |
| Local Authority | Majlis Perbandaran Langkawi Bandaraya Pelancongan (MPLBP) |
Major Islands in the District
- Pulau Langkawi (Main Island)
- Pulau Tuba
- Pulau Dayang Bunting (famous for freshwater lake)
- Pulau Beras Basah
- Pulau Singa Besar
- Pulau Rebak & others
Key Towns and Areas
- Kuah – Capital town and administrative center; duty-free shopping hub
- Pantai Cenang – Tourist hotspot with beaches, bars, and resorts
- Padang Matsirat – Airport area with cultural and shopping attractions
- Ayer Hangat, Tanjung Rhu, and Telaga Harbour – Luxury resorts, spas, nature
Economy & Industry
- Dominated by tourism, hospitality, and duty-free trade
- Fishing and agriculture in rural zones and small islands
- Eco-tourism and adventure tourism contribute significantly
- Rapid real estate and property development in coastal areas
Education & Healthcare
- Local schools and Islamic religious institutions
- Several private international schools for expatriate community
- Hospital Langkawi – government-run hospital in Kuah
- Private medical clinics and pharmacies island-wide
Transport & Accessibility
- Langkawi International Airport (LGK) – connects to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore, China, and more
- Ferry terminals: Kuah Jetty & Telaga Terminal – ferry services to Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, and Penang
- Well-developed road system across the island
- Public buses, taxis, rental cars, and motorcycles available
Tourism & Attractions
- Langkawi Sky Bridge & Cable Car (Panorama Langkawi) – stunning views from Mount Mat Cincang
- Langkawi Geopark (UNESCO Global Geopark):
- Kilim Karst Geoforest Park – mangrove tours, eagle feeding
- Machincang Cambrian Geoforest
- Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park
- Beaches:
- Pantai Cenang, Tanjung Rhu, Pantai Tengah, Pantai Kok
- Duty-Free Shopping:
- Perfumes, chocolates, liquor, kitchenware
- Cultural Sites:
- Mahsuri’s Tomb, Langkawi Craft Complex, Laman Padi
- Wildlife & Nature:
- Langkawi Wildlife Park, Crocodile Adventureland, waterfalls
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Predominantly Malay-Muslim population with Chinese, Indian, and Siamese minorities
- Dishes to try:
- Ikan Bakar Langkawi, Laksa Kaw Ikan Sekoq, Nasi Dagang, Cendol Pulut, Kerabu Mangga
- Night markets rotate across different locations each night
- Local artisans produce batik, handicrafts, and traditional kuih
Summary
Langkawi District is Kedah’s international window to the world—a paradise of nature, relaxation, culture, and commerce. Whether it’s a sunset on Pantai Cenang, a mangrove cruise through Geopark, or shopping in Kuah, Langkawi offers a world-class island experience rooted in Malaysian heritage.