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HISTORY

Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands located in Malaysia's Andaman Sea, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The island's name is believed to be derived from the Malay words "helang" (eagle) and "kawi" (reddish-brown), reflecting the abundance of eagles and stunning landscapes. Throughout its history, Langkawi has been a strategic trading hub for merchants from India, China, and the Middle East, attracting a diverse mix of cultures.

ECONOMY

Langkawi's economy is primarily driven by tourism, making it one of Malaysia's key tourist destinations. With its duty-free status and stunning landscapes, the island attracts a steady stream of domestic and international tourists. The tourism industry encompasses various sectors, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, water sports, and souvenir shops.

COMMUNITY

Langkawi has more than 62,000 inhabitants, most of which live in the capital town of Kuah, the rest of the population is spread over a number of small villages and around a large number of resorts on the island. Most inhabitants of Langkawi are of Malay origin (around 90%) followed by a small Chinese and Indian community; in contrary of neighboring island Penang, where the majority is of Chinese origin.

TOURISM

On 1 June 2007, UNESCO granted Langkawi Island a World Geopark status. Within Langkawi Geopark, the most popular tourism areas are Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park (Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake).