The Langkawi Islands lie in the Andaman sea, just 30 kilometres off the Kedah coast.There are 105 islands in the Langkawi group, most of which are uninhabited or sparsely populated. The largest and most developed island -known as Langkawi- is the focal point for most visitors. The island is 487 square kilometres in size, with a growing population of around 62,000 people, most of whom live in small villages, dotted around the countryside. Most development is centred in the South East corner around Kuah, the islands main town. Just a few years ago Kuah was a sleepy backdrop, with a single main street and a few places to shop, stay and eat. However in 1987 Langkawi was awarded Duty Free status, and the town has since grown to become the primary business and shopping centre on the island. All visitors by sea arrive at the ferry terminal on the edge of town. Regular ferry services now bring visitors from Penang island, Kuala Kedah, on the Kedah mainland, Kuala Perlis in Perlis state and from Satun in Thailand. Visitors can also take day trips to Pulau Paya Marine Park, a natural island haven ideal for enthusiastic snorklers and scuba divers. In recent years, Langkawi has extended its international airport at Padang Matsirat, and most foreign visitors now arrive to this modern facility, which is well located close to nearly all the major beach resorts. |
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