Langkawi : The Economy of Tourism

Pulau Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah is a district and an archipelago of 99 islands (+ 5 small islands visible only at low tide) in the Andaman Sea some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border.

Tourists can enter the island via ferry from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis and Penang. Or by domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)  and  Subang Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB).

A duty-free island with an estimated population of 64,792, the largest of the islands is the eponymous Langkawi Island (Pulau Langkawi). Langkawi is also an administrative district, with the town of Kuah as its largest town

It was given a World Geopark status by UNESCO in June 2007. Surrounded by sea, there are various water-based activities that tourists can indulged in. 

Snorkeling is one of the popular activities that tourists can participate in, with operators organising daily tours, it is surely a-must-do if you're in Langkawi. 

Snorkeling. One of the famous attractions of Langkawi.

Other than that, the multiple number of islands also makes island hopping tours a fun thing to do. Tourists can choose to either do it slowly by traveling and spending time on selective beaches/private islands. Or travel fast via speedboat where the tour guide will take you for a quick spin around the various islands available in Langkawi.

Although Langkawi doesn't have public transportation, tourists can still take a taxi or rent a vehicle which includes motorbike, car, bicycle and bus. All taxis have a standard fixed price system where a fare from one part of the island to another is always at the same standard price.

Renting a van is recommended if travel with groups.

With delicious seafood served at local restaurants, Pulau Langkawi is a famous spot for tourists, both locally and internationally. Although the price may differ from the mainlands, the experience that people will get is unbeatable.