Langkawi (Malysia, November 2007).

Langkawi is one of the 104 paradise tropical islands located in the Andaman sea at the northwest coast of Malaysia near the Thailand border. The name of Langkawi is a combination of two Malay words, 'Lang' meaning eagle and “kawi” stone or marble. The legend says that once upon a time an enormous eagle saved the last inhabitants by transporting them in the inland far away from a lethal epidemic on the shore. There stands nowadays the gigantic statue of the benefactor bird.

The island is also famous for having erected a shrine in honor to Mahsuri, a fair maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery more than 200 years ago. Legend says that those conducting her execution had to use a special kris (short dagger) to kill her and that she bled white blood which signified her innocence.

Where to stay ? ___________________ Where to play ?___________________ What to see ?

  Where to play : at the Datai Golf Club the 19th is not bar but par!

 

The Datai is one of those golf courses on an “island-in-the-sun” which every golfer dreams to play once in a life. Yes, Datai is one of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in Malaysia . It is nestled between the emerald green massif of Gunung Mat Cincang and the sapphire blue waters of the Andaman Sea . So, this tropically landscaped 18 hole, par 72 golf course boasts the duality of both mountain and costal vistas with centuries-old rainforest as a dramatic backdrop. It is secluded by nature and by design.
You can find yourself among the towering trees while rewarding with a great round of golf.

Amidst the deep jungle hush, you can catch glimpses of tame deer and eagles soaring above. A broad stream runs through the entire course, with an interesting water stairway and many bridges. While varanian lizards stroll on the fairways and monkeys can fall down the trees to pick up your balls or other things if you leave your cart too far away. An humoristic sign reminds golfers to be careful!
In this jungle retreat, the club provides the full comforts of an international class golf club, including full buggy facilities, modern locker rooms, Pro Shop and F&B amenities, all in a location that guaranteesexclusivity.


The interesting, and challenging feature is the presence of a 19 th hole nwhich is not the bar but, a par and moreover a par-3 of 185-metre carry across the bay. Nicknamed as the "Signature Hole", it will be quite a challenge to get the ball onto the green especially when there is strong wind blowing from the sea.

The Gunung Raya Golf designed by American golf architect Max Wexler, is situated at the base of mythical Raya Mountain in Kisap. The course features beautiful rolling greens, panoramic tees, and impeccable fairways that are magnificently contoured with sand traps and water hazards. It is also the most recent 18-hole, 72-par golf course to be built in Langkawi.

 

  What to see

 

The giant eagle stone statue, the "lang-kawi", stands at the Kuah Jetty, a mini park filled with scenic ponds, bridges, covered terraces, restaurants…

Concerning the legend of Aka Mahsuri, visitors can see and read the full story at her tomb in Kampung Mawat, several kilometres away from Kuah. Nearby is also a traditional Malay house for internationals to explore.

 

Kuah Town is the busiest place on the island. It regularly receives visitors who flock to the centre to purchase tax-free goods. Kuah is today a hubbub of commercial activity; luxury hotels, business complexes, banks, duty-free shops, small emporiums and large shopping malls litter the landscape.

 

At the the Cultural Craft Complex located in Teluk Yu, gleamin silverware, meticulously-crafted wooden figures, delicately-crafted bamboo carvings, tapestries of intricate batik silk, an array of traditional Malaysian handicrafts for the visitor to admire and maybe even purchase. Built to promote Malaysia 's cultural heritage, the gallery is free to enter.

 

Rice, rice and rice – This is the bread of Asians, a necessary ingredient to every meal. The Rice Garden is dedicated to the humble grain, imparting knowledge of its history from the museum, demonstrating its cultivation in the farm and finally tasting its goodness in the restaurant! Located just ten minutes away from the airport, the ticket price costs RM2 but children get to go in free.

 

Cable car : located inside the Oriental Village , the clear bubble shaped cable car takes the 2.2km ride up the mountainside on a 42 degree incline. Gunung Macincang at 708 metres offers a spectacular view. Starting from about sea level, the Cable Car rises from about sea level to an altitude of over 700 metres . Along the near vertical lift, tourists are presented with the towering cliff face named 'Matahari Face'.

  Where to stay :

 

The Andaman has been the first palace on Langkawi island to set up the highest standards of luxurious accommodation in Malaysia attracting VIPs. Even if the high residential suites still open their large windows on a paradise bay view, most of its 186 rooms are hidden under the high humid rainforest. It has been!

Much more important are the new luxury hotels and resorts opening their windows and balconies here and there over white sandy beaches and rocky bays. Perdana Bay is a much better location.