Cultural History

Langkawi is an island of legends. Its name is believed to have originated from the abundance of eagles on the island: helang (eagle in Malay) and kawi (marble in Sanskrit), begets the moniker helang-kawi which was eventually toned down to Langkawi. The main settlement of locals is in Kuah, a dusty town noticeably beloved for its array of duty-free stores and Chinese seafood restaurants. Other popular areas include the Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah stretch, the quite strips of Pantai Kok and Padang Matsirat and the exclusive beaches of Datai Bay and Tanjung Rhu. No matter where you go on Langkawi you will find that myths and legends permeate its culture and history, so read up on them and familiarise yourself with the island’s most popular stories.

Food & Dining

Street food in Langkawi can be found right across the island meaning that you can enjoy authentic Malay, Indian, Chinese and fresh seafood dishes throughout your holiday. Served mostly in open-air restaurants and at roadside stalls, a downside to these eateries is that they can be difficult to spot as there is hardly any signage to point you in the right direction. A good option is to visit a pasar malam – a night market. One is held each day of the week in prominent beach towns, such as Pantai Cenang, Kuah and Padang Matsirat. Open from 17:00 until late, visitors can enjoy a variety of authentic and cheap Malay dishes for as little as RM2.

R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S

Summer Destinations

Coastal Italy

African Safari

Mayan Trail