UNDERWATER WORLD LANGKAWI

HISTORY

Underwater World Langkawi is one of the largest marine and fresh water aquaria in South East Asia. Since the start of its operation on 26 August 1995, it has become one of the must visit tourist destinations in Langkawi and has attracted a large number of foreign as well as local tourists.

The concept and theme of Underwater World Langkawi are geared towards Knowledge, Education and Entertainment. It is built to raise awareness on the importance of conserving our precious aquatic life forms, thus creating understanding of the deep and inseparable bond between man and nature.

Unique to Underwater World Langkawi is the gigantic 15-meter long walk-through tunnel consisting of 500,000 liter seawater which houses many big fishes and sea creatures.

Other attractions include the Freshwater Fish Section, the Seashell Display, the Koi Pond, the Reptilian Section and the Coral Reef Section.

The 34,701 square foot oceanarium is located adjacent to a shopping centre and the Neptune Café. Visitors are thus provided with a one-stop shopping, eating and entertainment package, all of which are available within one area.

A new building (with 60,000 sq. ft built-up area) which displays Tropical Rainforest, Temperate and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems, and info theatre with a 200-seating capacity will be opened to the public in early 2005. The Sub-Antarctic Ecosystem Display includes a spectacular “penguinarium” with an underwater tunnel for visitors to view swimming penguins.

THE BEST BEACHES IN LANGKAWI ISLAND

PANTAI CENANG

The most popular beach in Langkawi, features fine powdery sand and many beachfront restaurants and bars. Located at the south-western tip of the island, 2km long.

PANTAI TENGAH

 Located just south of and contiguously with Pantai Cenang. 1 km long. Means ‘Middle Beach’. Peaceful and tranquil alternative to the hustle and bustle of Pantai Cenang. All inclusive resorts popular with families.

PANTAI KOK

Isolated, relatively undisturbed stretch of beach in the western part of Langkawi Island, 12km north of Pantai Cenang. Telaga Harbour as well cable-car ride to the peak of Mat Cincang Mountain and the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls are located here.

TANJUNG RHU

Northernmost tip of the island. Centuries-old limestone caves, mangroves, waterways, limestone crags and sandy beaches make it a nature lover's paradise. This beach is made up of 2 long stretches that include Tanjong Rhu Resort and Four Seasons.

DATAI BAY

The most expensive resorts are located here. Characterised by boulders at both ends of the beach and dense forest in the background, this beach gently into the clear turquoise waters. 

BURAU BAY

Beach lined with rocky outcrops located at the West Coast of Langkawi. Nearby Burau island is also a roosting place for migratory birds. This beach is the one of the most peaceful places. 

PANTAI PASIR HITAM

Means ‘Black Sand’. The sand is mixed in white and black shades, due to rich tin and iron ore deposits. There is an ancient fishing jetty with its sense of history nearby.

PANTAI PASIR TENGKORAK

Very beautiful small beach in the North of the island.This beach is the favourite  picnic spots during weekends. This divine beach awaken the images of pirates and their adventures. 

Welcome to Mara Travel Langkawi

History of Langkawi

Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Malay: Langkawi Permata Kedah) is an archipelago of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state ofKedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. On July 15, 2008, Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah had consented to the change of name to Langkawi Permata Kedah in conjunction with his Golden Jubilee Celebration. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of some 64,792, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba. Langkawi is also an administrative district with the town of Kuah as largest town. Langkawi is a duty-free island.

Langkawi means reddish brown eagle in colloquial Malay. The Malay word for eagle is helang - shortened is "lang". Kawi means the colour reddish brown.It was given the title of "Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah" in 2008 by Kedah's Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah as part of his golden jubilee to impress on tourists that it was part of Kedah.

Langkawi was traditionally thought to be cursed. However, in 1986 then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad decided to transform it into a tourist resort, helping to plan many of the islands buildings himself. On June 1, 2007, Langkawi Island has been given a World Geopark status by UNESCO.Three of its main conservation areas in Langkawi Geopark are Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest park.(Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake). These three parks are the most popular tourism area within Langkawi Geopark.