All direct flights to Langkawi from the UK & Ireland

Mark Says

Since 1990, Langkawi has been comprehensively re-branded as an exotic but relatively inexpensive resort. The area has, also, been blessed with more than its fair share of luck: where nearby Phuket was effectively wiped out by the Asian tsunami of late 2004, Langkawi remained more or less unscathed. What remains is a paradise of near fairy-tale dimensions; indeed, the islands even have their own prevailing myth - recalled and celebrated over at Mahsuri’s Mausoleum - of a princess, wrongly accused of adultery and sentenced to execution, who bled white blood - signifying her innocence - upon her death. The dominant element, as you’d expect from a group of islands, is water. Even away from the coast, there are attractions such as Underwater World and the Pulau Payar Marine Park to be getting on with, while the altogether less man-made Temurun Waterfall never fails to inspire with its beauty. Quirks include the Summer Palace, a still-standing feature of the set for 1999’s Jodie Foster film Anna and the King, the historical retelling of musical favourite The King and I in which Langkawi doubled for Siam. Somewhat less glamorous, though nonetheless relevant to this part of the world, is the Rice Museum, dedicated to the oldest industry in Malaysia. Of course, the clear blue waters and lush tropical surrounds make the islands a big draw for those of a sporty persuasion: snorkelling, diving and air trekking are all on offer, while the Gunung Raya Golf Resort provides what’s likely to be one of the most visually stunning 18 holes you‘ll ever play. A further bonus: the Malaysian government recently declared Langkawi should be regarded as a duty-free area, so leave plenty of room in your luggage to bring back cheap luxuries.