Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands offering the best of many worlds: beautiful beaches, world- class infrastructure, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra- cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends. Langkawi has a lingering legend woven into its history. Ask anyone on the island about the tragic story of a beautiful young lady named Mahsuri, and you'll hear a tale of love, jealousy and a curse that was placed upon the island by her for seven generations.
Today, the seventh generation of Langkawi's inhabitants has long come and gone, but people here still believe that the prosperity and blessings the islands enjoy today and the passing of the curse is no mere coincidence. The mysticism of this legend can be felt in many parts of this island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum), where Mahsuri is said to be buried. Despite what looks like a slant towards tourism, many of the islanders are actually farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi's most rustic and memorable views are along the road that circles the island.
You'll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children pedalling their old bicycles on errands. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi. Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang - Langkawi's second highest mountain - for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond.
Other popular destinations are the Field of Burnt Rice, Hot Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat tours are organised to Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave). For a more intimate time with nature, go trekking through the pristine rainforest that covers most of Langkawi, or go on a boat tour of the mangroves. There are also opportunities to go for a dive, or play a round of golf at some of the 5-star resorts. Langkawi also has an underwater world, with an underground tunnel that runs through a giant aquarium, that has received rave reviews.
2.Carnivall Water And Theme Park
The Carnivall Water and Land theme park is located within the grounds of the Cinta Sayang Golf and Country Resort at Sungai Petani in Kedah state. The Carnivall Water Park is home to all the usual suspects when it comes to water park rides, you can float along the river of adventure for 300 metres on an inner tube or enjoy the twists and turns on the many varied water slides available within the park.
3.Mount Jerai
Mount Jerai or formerly Kedah Peak is the highest mountain in the Malaysian state of Kedah with the height of 986 metres (3,235 ft). Within Kedah itself, the mountain stands at the border of Kuala Muda and Yan districts. The mountain is a massive limestone outcrop and is a lone feature from the surrounding geography of the area. There is an information board on top of the mountain stating that it used to be an island called Pulai Serai before the sea levels receded letting it form a mountain, but this fact has no research or historical basis.
The height of Mount Jerai relative to its surroundings allowed Indian traders and seafarers to use the mountain as a navigational point more than 1500 years ago. The mountain was considered sacred by the ancient Malays so they built temples from the foothills up to the summit. Hindu-Buddhist priests would pray at these stupas for the safety of Bujang Valley, the richest archaeological site in Malaysia located on the southern reaches of the mountain.
4.Independence Beach
Independence Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the mainland of Kedah in Malaysia. Located in Kuala Muda district, about 26 km from Sungai Petani is the perfect destination for one to relax and enjoy the sea breeze of the one kilometer stretch long sandy beach shaded by trees.
It is a famous seaside picnic spot for the locals and the neighbouring states of Penang and north Perak.The beach is also excellent for swimming at high tide. Wide range of watersport activities available here such as Banana boat riding, sailing, waterskiing,surfing, canoeing are popular along the stretch of coastal water And for those with a taste for some island marooning and island-hopping, there is a cluster of three islands off Yan district near Kota Kuala Muda. They are Pulau Bunting, Pulau Song Song and Pulau Bidan. The local boatmen with their sampan docked at the beach area are readily available to ferry visitors to the islands.
Visitors can also get an insight of the fishing village lifestyle by taking a 10-minute boat ride to the nearby Telok Nipah and Kampung Pulau Sayak. At the beach, there is a historical remnant of World War II bunker which was built in 1941 by the British to protect the inhabitants from falling bombs or other attacks from Japanese invasion.
5.Ulu Gelong Hot Spring
The Ulu Legong Hot Spring Recreational Centre, located 22km from Baling, is a popular spot for those wanting to enjoy a therapeutic soak in its hot mineral waters. As the only hot spring in operation 24 hours, a hot dip is particularly gratifying when the temperature decreases at night. Apart from those seeking relaxation, people with ailments and skin problems go there to seek therapeutic treatment by immersing themselves in the five hot spring pools which contain high sulphuric content and water temperatures between 30ºC and 60ºC.
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