Langkawi is a beautiful archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and amazing wildlife. It's also a duty-free island, which means you can shop till you drop without paying any taxes!
But Langkawi has been struggling to attract tourists since the pandemic hit the world in 2020. The island, which used to welcome 3.9 million visitors in 2019, saw its tourism industry collapse as Malaysia closed its borders and imposed lockdowns to contain the virus. Many hotels, restaurants, and tour operators had to shut down or reduce their operations, leaving thousands of locals without income.
So what are the reasons behind Langkawi's tourism slump? And what can we as Malaysians do to promote Langkawi to the world? Let's find out!
According to some experts, Langkawi's tourism recovery has been slow compared to its regional neighbors, such as Thailand's Phuket, which allowed quarantine-free entry to vaccinated international tourists in July 2021. Malaysia, on the other hand, only reopened Langkawi to domestic tourists in September 2021, and to international tourists in November 2021, under strict conditions and protocols.
Some of the requirements for visiting Langkawi include being fully vaccinated, having a negative RT-PCR test result within 48 hours before departure, booking a travel package through an approved travel agent, and staying at a certified hotel. Visitors also have to download the MySejahtera app and scan QR codes at every location they visit. Sounds like a lot of hassle, right?
Well, not really. If you think about it, these measures are necessary to ensure the safety and health of both the visitors and the locals. Langkawi has done a great job in vaccinating more than 80% of its population and implementing the MySafe Langkawi recognition for tourism-related businesses that adhere to social distancing protocols. These efforts have paid off, as Langkawi has not reported any major Covid-19 outbreaks since its reopening.
But safety alone is not enough to attract tourists. Langkawi also needs to offer something unique and appealing that sets it apart from other destinations. And that's where its natural beauty and cultural heritage come in.
Langkawi is home to the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, a Unesco-listed site that boasts 550-million-year-old rock formations, ancient caves, diverse flora and fauna, and scenic views. You can explore this park by taking the cable car to the Sky Bridge, a curved suspension bridge that hangs 700 meters above sea level. Or you can join a kayak or boat tour to discover the mangroves, limestone cliffs, and wildlife of the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park.
If you're looking for some adventure, you can hike to the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls or the Temurun Waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural pools. Or you can snorkel or dive at the Pulau Payar Marine Park, where you can see colorful corals and fish. Or you can visit the Underwater World Langkawi, one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia.
If you're more into culture and history, you can visit some of the museums and galleries in Langkawi, such as Art In Paradise, a 3D interactive art museum that features over 200 paintings. Or you can visit the Langkawi Wildlife Park, where you can feed and interact with various animals. Or you can learn about the legends and myths of Langkawi at places like Mahsuri's Tomb or Dataran Lang.
And of course, you can't miss out on the beaches! The beaches in Langkawi are perfect for relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the tropical scenery. Some of the best beaches in Langkawi are Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Pantai Kok, Tanjung Rhu and Datai Bay Beach. Each beach has its own charm and features, such as white sandy beach, clear water, palm trees, water sport activities, and resorts. If you are looking for a beach holiday with a touch of adventure and culture, Langkawi is the ideal destination for you.
Another popular reason why Langkawi is such a beloved destination for Malaysians is because of its delicious food scene. The island is home to a wide range of culinary offerings, from street food stalls to high-end restaurants.
One of the must-try dishes in Langkawi is Nasi Dagang Pak Malau. Nasi dagang is a traditional dish of rice cooked in coconut milk and herbs, served with various curries and accompaniments. Nasi Dagang Pak Malau is one of the best places to enjoy this dish, as they offer a variety of choices such as kari ikan tongkol, chicken, beef as well as kurma kambing (lamb stew).
Nasi Dagang Pak Malau is located next to a scenic paddy field, which adds to the charm and ambiance of the place. You can enjoy your meal while admiring the greenery and the fresh air. The nasi dagang here is cooked to perfection, with fluffy and fragrant rice that goes well with the rich and flavorful curries. The portions are generous and satisfying, and the prices are reasonable. The nasi dagang here is so popular that it often sells out by noon, so make sure you come early to avoid disappointment.
Another local favorite is the ikan bakar, which is grilled fish that's usually served with rice and a variety of sauces. One of the best places to enjoy this dish is at Mawar Sari, a small restaurant located on the outskirts of Kuah town. The fish here is always fresh, and the flavors are simply delicious.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy hearty, healthy and delicious food in Langkawi, you should definitely check out The Fat Frog at The Datai Langkawi. The Fat Frog is a cozy and charming cafe that sits in the middle of the rainforest surrounded by lush greenery and flowers. The cozy and charming restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, from local Malay cuisine to Western favorites. Whether you are in the mood for a spicy curry, a juicy burger, or a fresh salad, you will find something to satisfy your taste buds at The Fat Frog.
If you have a sweet tooth, you will love their desserts. They have a selection of cakes, pies, ice creams, and puddings that will make your mouth water. The desserts are decadent and indulgent, and the perfect way to end your meal.
Overall, Langkawi's food scene is diverse, delicious, and not to be missed. Whether you're in the mood for street food or fine dining, there's something for everyone on this beautiful island.
As you can see, Langkawi has so much to offer for every type of traveler. It's a paradise for nature lovers, culture buffs, adventure seekers, and beach bums alike. And it's also a great place to support local businesses and communities that have been affected by the pandemic.
So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Langkawi today and experience its beauty and charm for yourself! You won't regret it!
Kamarul Azwan is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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