GEOGRAPHY

#  An archipelago of 99 islands.
# Total land area is 47,848 hectares(478.48 sq. km)
# Census July 2000 - 69,579a
# There are only 3 islands that are inhabited.

1. Langkawi Island (65,202)
2. Dayang Bunting Island (501)
3. Tuba Island (3,894)

Climate
A sunny, hot and humid, tropical climate with an average annual temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius.
The rainy season is during August/ September, although there are occasional showers throughout the year.

Population
Only four of the 99 islands are inhabited
- Pulau Langkawi (the main island), Pulau Tuba and Pulau Dayang Bunting - and the population is an estimated 64,792 of which 90.4% are Malays. The other ethnic groups consist mainly of Chinese,Indians and Thais.

Economy
An agro-based economy of padi and rubber cultivation and fisheries is fast being overtaken by a tourism driven economy, taking into consideration, the natural, unspoilt, ecological beauty of the islands and major Governmental emphasis.

Language
The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, although English is widely used.

Currency
The currency, known as Malaysian Ringgit (RM), is issued in denominations of  RM 100, RM 50, RM 20, RM 10, RM 5,RM 1. The coins, referred to as 'sen' (cents) are in denominations of 50 Sen. 20 Sen, 10 Sen and 5 Sen.

Exchange Rates
The current exchange rate is about:-
1 US $ for RM 3.80
1 Pound Sterling for RM 4.00
1 Deutschemark for RM 1.80        Currency
100 Yen for RM 2.50
1 Singapore dollar for RM 1.80

Banks
Banks open for business at 9.30 am and close at 3.30 pm, while on Thursdays they are open from 9.30 am to 12noon. Friday is a religious holiday for the state of Kedah. Money changing facilities are available at most banks. Most of the larger banks in Malaysia have their branches in Kuah, Langkawi as well as at the Airport.

Customs
Being a duty-free port, hotel tariffs and retail goods are exempt from government duty. Visitors with more than 48 hours stay in Langkawi are exempt on items like wines and liquor (I litter), tobacco (200 cigarettes), apparel, cosmetics, souvenirs and gifts, food and food preparations and portable electronic items (one item). Video cassettes require clearance from customs. Antiques and historical items need the relevant licenses from the Director of Museums, Malaysia. Illegal drug trafficking is prohibited in Malaysia and carries the death penalty.

Immigration
Visas are not required by citizens of Commonwealth countries (except India and Sri Lanka), most European countries, United States, Japan, South Korea. etc. provided their stay does not exceed three months. Citizens of Asean countries do not require visas for visits of less than a month. Citizens of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and South Yemen do not require visas for visits of less than two weeks. Citizens of Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Rumania, Russia and Yugoslavia do not require visas for visits of less than a week. Citizens of North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam, People's Republic of China, South Africa and holders of Hong Kong identity certificates are only allowed to enter Malaysia subject to visa approval. Citizens of Israel are not allowed to enter Malaysia. However, it is advisable to check with your nearest Malaysian embassy/consulate as regulations are subject to change.

Valid travel documents/passports is a must for entry and they should he valid for a period of not less than six months.

Credit Cards
International Charge and Credit Cards like American Express, Visa and MasterCard, as well as local Bank cards are widely accepted in Langkawi as well as throughout Malaysia.

Tipping
Widely practiced but not mandatory.

Religion
Although Islam is the official religion of the country, freedom of worship is guaranteed under the Malaysian Constitution.

Dress Code/Etiquette
Malaysian etiquette requires that visitors dress modestly with respect to the religious beliefs of the country, and therefore, topless sunbathing is not allowed

Health Regulations
Except for yellow fever vaccinations for visitors from infected areas,no other vaccinations are required.

ACCESSIBILITY

Cruise from Singapore

Domestic and International Flights

    * KLIA/LTCC/Subang and Penang for domestic flights.
    * KLIA and Penang as a transit for international flights.
    * Direct flight from London to Langkawi twice a week.
    * Direct flight from Bangkok to Langkawi twice a week.

EVENTS LEADING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANGKAWI

• 1983       Development of Tanjung Rhu.
• 1984       Estab. Of Development and Coordinating Committe at State and Federal Levels.
• 1987       Declaration of Langkawi as a Duty Free Port.
• 1990       Establishment of Langkawi Development Authority - Act of Parliment Malaysia 423
• 2001       Declaration of Langkawi as Tourism City.
• 1st June 2007    - Declaration as Geopark by UNESCO

 TOURIST ARRIVAL

 TOURIST FACILITIES

WHERE TO GO?

 SPECIAL FEATURES OF LANGKAWI

• Geopark Tax Free Island ...more info
• Beaches, sea and exotic islands.
• Mountains and hills.
• Caves
  
• Tropical rainforest and Mangrove Swamps.
• Birds and wildlife.
• Pre-hestoric caves, rivers, waterfalls and lakes.
• Tropical climate.
• Legends and history.
• Duty free port.
• Friendly people.
  
  

MAJOR INTERNATIONAL EVENTS OF LANGKAWI.

• Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospece Exhibition (LIMA) - since 1991 Bi-Annual event.
• Langkawi Internatioan Festival of Arts (LIFA) - Bi-Annual event.
• Ironman Triathlon Competitions - since 1999 annual event.
• International Cycling Competition (Le Tour de Langkawi) - Annual event.
• Indy 40 Enduro Prime Minister's Cup (Go-Kart Racing) - annual event.
• Langkawi International Dialogue - every alternate year.
• Sailing Competition's (Langkawi Regatta) - annual event.
• Regatta Perdana - Optimist and Laser Class.
• Click for latest of Langkawi Annual Events .

Info Source : Web info LADA-Langkawi Development Authority