Diwali Hindu festival of lights celebrated in Kedah

Hindu devotees perform prayers at their temple during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights celebrations. Diwali falls on the first day of the seventh month of the Hindu lunar calendar. Malaysia. 26th October 2011

Deepavali or Diwali popularly known as the "festival of lights," is a festival celebrated between mid-October and mid-November for different reasons. For Hindus, Diwali is one of the most important festivals of the year and is celebrated in families by performing traditional activities together in their homes. For Jains, Diwali marks the attainment of moksha or nirvana by Mahavira in 527 BC.

 

Demographics

Demographics

Kedah has a relatively heterogeneous populace constituted by the three major ethnic groups; the Malays, Chinese and Indians, similar to most of the other Malaysian states.

Religion

Religion in Kedah - 2010 Census[12]
religion			percent
Islam			77.2%
Buddhism			14.2%
Hinduism			6.7%
Christianity			0.8%
Chinese Ethnic Religion			0.3%
Other			0.7%
No religion			0.1%

As of 2010 the population of Kedah is 77.2% Muslim, 14.2% Buddhist, 6.7% Hindu, 0.8% Christian, 0.3% Taoist or Chinese religion follower, 0.7% follower of other religions, and 0.1% non-religious.

Kedah: Legends and mystical beauty

Kedah, the home state of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, is known for world-renowned Langkawi – the island paradise of the legendary Mahsuri.
What is lesser known are the serene, rolling hills, the rich archaeological sites and the scenic waterfalls. From relaxing sightseeing to strenuous outdoor activities like diving and hiking, Kedah has a lot to offer.
Many stop over in Alor Star on their way to Thailand or before turning off to Langkawi. This quaint town with historical buildings is not without charm. Thai heritage is particularly evident in relics and temples set against the modern skyline of the capital.
Revisit the childhood days of Dr Mahathir at Rumah Kelahiran Mahathir, which was restored and gazetted as a historical building in 1992.

The Panorama Langkawi cable car ride is an exhilirating experience.

A tour of the house gives a glimpse of Dr Mahathir’s growing up years. Photographs, furniture, household items and even his favourite bicycle are displayed.
Other historical buildings include the Balai Besar, an impressive wooden edifice with traces of Thai architecture. Built in 1898, this “great hall” is used frequently for royal and state occasions.
Not too far from it is the Balai Seni Negri or State Art Gallery with its collection of paintings, antiques and historical relics.
The Balai Nobat houses the sacred instruments of the royal orchestra, played only during royal ceremonies such as inaugurations, weddings and funerals.
For those into naval history, the Royal Boat House will be interesting. The antique royal boats are kept in mint condition and visitors can read about their origins and usage.
When tired of sightseeing, try out the Pekan Rabu, or the Open Bazaar. It’s nothing like your neighbourhood supermarket, but one can still find almost anything and everything there – from local farm produce to handicrafts.
The mountains and hills of Kedah have lovely picnic spots with lush greenery, cool mountain streams and fresh air.

Try out the Pekan Rabu, or the Open Bazaar, where you can find almost anything and everything – from local farm produce to handicrafts.

Spend a day with nature, at the scenic Puncak Janing Waterfalls in Padang Terap, about 25km from Alor Star.
For some sun and sand, Pantai Merdeka in the outskirts of Alor Star is ideal. One can laze for hours on the white sandy beach amidst swaying palms, or try out water sports like water skiing and sailing.

Gunung Jerai

Formerly known as Kedah Peak, Gunung Jerai rises 1,200m above sea level. On a clear day, you get breathtaking views of rolling rice fields, the mysterious emerald sea and the islands of Langkawi.
The phenomena surrounding the peak is fascinating. Recent archaeological findings show the existence of the Temple on the Ninth Water pool (Chandi Telaga Sembilan), believed to be the private pool of the mythical Raja Bersiong or the king with fangs.

Lembah Bujang

Lembah Bujang, the valley at the foot of Gunung Jerai is one of Malaysia’s richest archaeological area with its history as an ancient centre of Hindu civilisation within the region. Numerous temples (chandi) were found along Sungai Bujang, a few of which have been restored to their original form using the same original materials.
At the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in Pengkalan Bujang, Merbok, one can see the numerous artificial stone caskets, gem stones, beads which tell of the history of the ancient civilisations.

Visitors check out the remnants of Bukit Batu Pahat temple from the ancient Hindu-Buddhist Malay Kingdom on the grounds of Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum in Merbok, Kedah. The site is home to Malaysia’s oldest civilisations dating back to more than 1,500 years.

Langkawi

This archipelago of 104 paradise islands is full of legend and mystic. While Langkawi’s main attraction is its white sandy beaches and clear water, the island is not nicknamed Pulau Lagenda for nothing.
The most famous legend is that of Mahsuri, who is said to have cursed the island for seven generations. Luckily, the seven generations have passed and Langkawi Island is fast gaining popularity among tourists worldwide.

Pulau Payar

For more adventure, go off the beaten track to Pulau Payar, which can be reached by ferry from Pulau Langkawi. The marine park has gorgeous coral gardens, and if you are lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two.

Pedu Lake

Where else can you dream of coming across elephants and tigers while enjoying the clear waters of one of Malaysia’s most beautiful lakes?
A prime eco-tourist destination, Pedu Lake boasts of wide array of flora and fauna. The 12km-long lake is situated in the middle of virgin rainforest, approximately 5km from the Malaysian-Thai border. An ideal holiday spot for the whole family, there is so much to do here – water sports, fishing, camping, bird watching and even golfing.
For those interested in jungle-trekking, the lush jungle is home to a plethora of wildlife – including deer, wild boar, leopards, birds, bats and albino snakes.

Serene Pedu Lake in northeast Kedah.

With specially created hideouts and canopy walks, nature lovers can enjoy the wilds in comfort. And the adventure doesn’t stop when night falls and the cacophony of jungle insects, the hooting of night owls, and the strange cries of wild animals evoke a mysterious world. On a moonlit night, it’s almost surreal.

Ulu Muda

This large animal reserve in north-eastern Kedah is a good alternative to Taman Negara. Camping facilities are available, and no special equipment is needed. Facilities for tourists are limited, but that is the fun.
High Adventure Travel, in Kedah, has some interesting nature tours here, including jungle treks to observe elephants in the wild.
To learn more about Kedah, visit the website of the Tourism Ministry (Kedah highlight).

http://allmalaysia.info/2012/06/25/kedah-legends-and-mystical-beauty/

Introduction

Kedah (also known by its honorific, Darul Aman, or "Abode of Peace"^{[citation needed]}) is a state of Malaysia, located in the northwestern part of Peninsular Malaysia. The state covers a total area of over 9,000 km², and it consists of the mainland and Langkawi. The mainland has a relatively flat terrain, which is used to grow rice. Langkawi is an archipelago of islands, most of which are uninhabited. Kedah was called Kadaram (Tamil:காடாரம்) by Tamil people and Syburi (Thai: ไทรบุรี; RTGS: Sai Buri) by the Siamese when it was under their influence.^[3]
Kedah borders the state of Perlis and shares an international boundary with the Songkhla and Yala provinces of Thailand to the north. It also borders the state of Perak to the south and Penang to the southwest.
The state's capital is Alor Setar and the royal seat is in Anak Bukit. Other major towns include Sungai Petani, and Kulim on the mainland, and Kuah on Langkawi

Flag :

Kedah is also known as "Jelapang padi Malaysia" - (Economic resourse)

Kedah is considered the "rice bowl"(Malay: Jelapang Padi) of Malaysia, accounting for one about a half of Malaysia's total production of rice. In 2008, the state government banned the conversion of padi fields to housing and industrial lots to protect the rice industry.
Tourism, particularly on the island of Langkawi is of growing importance.
More recently, Kedah has forged its economy towards the automotive and aerospace industries with Modenas and Asian Composites setting up bases here.^{[citation needed]} One of the main advantages is the low labour costs and the infrastructure in place with the North-South Expressway and the Penang International Airport close by. In 1996, the Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) was officially opened as the first high technology industrial park in Malaysia. The Park comprises a total land area of approximately 14.5 square kilometres (5.6 mi²).
According to the Ninth Malaysia Plan, this economic area is part of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). The Northern Corridor Economic Region is one of three development regions formed in Peninsular Malaysia; other development regions being the Iskandar Malaysia (or South Johor Economic Region) and the East Coast Development Region.


Link : http://www.kengsengchoo.com/news/kedah-artists-showcase-the-laid-back-rice-planting-environment-in-exhibition.html

 

 http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news_lite.php?id=273513

Education

 

AIMST University

Public universities and colleges

The state has a campus of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), which is located in Bandar Baru Sintok. It was formally incorporated on 16 February 1984. The University was established with the specific mission of providing a leadership role for management education in the country. The academic establishments in UUM include College of Business (COB), College of Law, Government and International Studies (COLGIS) and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
Kedah also has several public universities and colleges such as Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Merbok, the Malaysian Spanish Institute of Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL MSI) and the Polytechnic Institute of Sultanah Bahiyah (PSB) in Kulim, the Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST University) in Bedong, Kolej Universiti Insaniah (KUIN) in Mergong and the Polytechnic Institute of Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah (POLIMAS) in Jitra.
There are 2 teacher training institution in Kedah, Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Sultan Abdul Halim (IPGKSAH) in Sungai Petani and Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Darul Aman (IPGKDA) in Bandar Darulaman that are set up by the government to provide teaching courses for trainee teachers.

Private universities and colleges

Private universities and colleges that are located in Kedah include the Open University of Malaysia (OUM) Regional Learning Center for the state of Kedah and Perlis at Sungai Petani, the Albukhary International University in Alor Setar, Pusat Bahasa Titian Jaya the PTPL College and the Cosmopoint College.

Technical institutes

Kedah houses three technical institutes that are affiliated with MARA, that is Institut Kemahiran MARA Sungai Petani, Institut Kemahiran MARA Alor Setar and Institut Kemahiran MARA Sik.

Boarding school

MRSM Merbok in Kedah

This state also has several boarding schools such as Sekolah Berasrama Penuh and MARA Junior Science College or MRSM.

Private and Public Schools

Chio Min Secondary School, Kulim, Kedah.

Consists of several private and public primary school or secondary school. Public secondary school such as SMK Taman Jelutong, Keat Hwa Secondary School, Convent Secondary School (Formerly known as St. Nicholas Convent Secondary School), Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid,Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Badlishah, Sin Min Secondary School, Chio Min Secondary School,SMK Sultanah Asma, SMK Convent Father Barre, SMK Khir Johari, SMK Aman Jaya, SMK Bedong, SMK Bakar Arang, SMK Darulaman, SMK Ibrahim, SMK Jitra, SMK Mahsuri, SMK Tunku Panglima Besar, Keat Hwa Secondary School and etc. Private secondary school such as Keat Hwa High School, Sin Min High School and SM Sin Min.

Homestay in Kedah

One of the best ways to experience the local’s culture and heritage is through homestay. Homestay programmes provide an opportunity to visitors to experience the warm hospitality and traditional lifestyle of the locals at the rustic kampung or known as villages. These villages adhere to the strict rules imposed by the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism and the National Homestay Association. So, rest assured that everything is well planned and taken care of during your stay here.
Below are two of the homestay destinations that you could opt for if you prefer to live the way the locals do.

Kampung Relau Homestay

If you prefer a rustic, laid-back country living, Kampung Relau is the place for you. The small traditional Malay rural township is located away in the Bandar Baharu district Southern Kedah. The adopted family here will demonstrate how the stress-free way of life is still being preserved until today. You could also learn how to cook delish traditional Malay dishes and join in some of their country folk pastimes.

Kampung Raga Homestay

At Kampung Raga Homestay, you could take a dip at the Batu Hampar or Titi Hayun Waterfalls located at the foothills of Gunung Jerai. Else, you could also opt to trek up the Gunung Jerai all the way from Yan. This four-hour trek takes climbers past shady canopies, medicinal herbs and exotic plants to Tangga Kenari 1000 Tahun which is the gateway to Gunung Jerai from Yan.

Historical Places in Kedah - Lembah Bujang

 Bujang Valley Lembah Buiang, lying between Gunung Jerai in the north and Sungai Muda in the south, is regarded as Malaysia's richest archaeological area.



Lembah Bujang has a deep history that goes back 1,500 years . The rich archaeological finds have at least sealed an important part of Malaysia's history - the evidence that Malaysia and South East Asia had already entered the international arena of economics and ergonomics a long, long time ago.

Bujang Valley stretches all the way from Gunung Jerai in the North to Sungai Muda in the South. The area concentrated around the mouth of Sungai (River) Muda has been of economic importance to Kedah since as early as the 5th Century AD. By the 7th century, trade with the Indians, Arabs and Chinese merchants in the Straits of Melaka had increased tremendously and the Bujang Valley evolved into an entrepôt. The early mariners were totally reliant on the monsoon seasons, which also was dictated by the wind patterns. Therefore, it was impossible to make a voyage from China to India in one season. The traders had to wait out for the wind change in safe harbours such as at Bujang Valley.

With the influx of foreigners and locals alike, places of worship mushroomed - located up in the higher grounds. Kedah's cultural development during this era was strongly influenced by the people from various cultural origins namely a mixture of Indian, Sri Vijayan and Khmer. The valley became an archaeological paradise after the discovery of the candi in the area in the 1840's. Candi came from the word "Chandika' - the name of Lord Siva's wife. She was also known as Durga - the deity of death. The candi, in retrospect has two functions. One; it is a sacred place to pay respect to the deceased members of the royal families. Two; it is a place to conduct religious activities. The candi structure can be divided into 3 sections. 


Evidence indicates that the candi (pronounced 'chandi') can be divided into the Buddhist phase from the 5th to the 10th century; and the Hindu phase from the 10th to the 13th or 14th century. Hindu images have been excavated at the various candi sites such as the Ganesha (the elephant faced deity) and the Durga (the consort of Siva) and a bronze
image of Lord Vishnu.

Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum

Just 2km north of Merbok Village, beside the Bujang River, you will find the
Lembah Bujang Archaeological Museum which displays artefacts including pottery shards, ceramics and stoneware which dates back 1,500 years. Chinese porcelain, stone carvings, Indian tridents and gemstones from the Middle East are also among the objects displayed here.

The artefacts exhibited here are the results of years of archaeological diggings and surveys carried out since 1845. Some 1,000 of these artefacts are exhibited in the museum while another 2,500 artefacts are still being studied. The numerous artefacts uncovered in the Bujang Valley - celedon, porcelain, stoneware, clay, pottery, fragments of glass, beads and Persian ceramics are exhibited here
The most well-known 'exhibit' at the museum is the Candi Bukit Batu Pahat. It is believed to be built in the 17th Century on the summit of the small hill behind the main building. It contains two principal parts - the vimana or sanctuary, and the mandapa or hall. There are also statues of Indian Gods and Goddesses, similar to those uncovered of historical sites in India.

Officially opened in 1980, the museum is surrounded by cool tropical forests and the Batu Pahat Waterfall is an added attraction for those in search of recreation and knowledge.

http://www.sabrizain.org/malaya/early.htm

Celebrations In Kedah

Kedah has a selection of exclusive events, with the vast majority of festivities taking place on Langkawi. The state also enjoys all of the country’s major festivals, which include those of Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist origin. The highlight of the non-religious events is perhaps the Langkawi Water Festival held in April. The weather at this time of the year is hot, making it the ideal time to enjoy water-based fun.

January

Thaipusam: is a Hindu festival which is celebrated mainly by the Tamil community. The festival celebrates both the birthday of Lord Murugan and his success in defeating the demon Soorapadman.

February

Chinese New Year: lively celebrations take place in Kedah among the Chinese community over Chinese New Year. This is also often a time for residents to return to their family homes in other parts of the country therefore some destinations are quiet during the New Year period. Locals like to buy new clothes and enjoy festive meals with family as well as make peace with any friends or relatives with who they have had grievances. Traditional lion and dragon dances take place in Langkawi and Alor Star.

Sauk Sotong: also known as the ‘Squid Scooping Challenge’, this popular event is held at Kuala Chenang Jetty and sees flocks of fishermen battle it out to see who can manage the greatest haul of squids and take the winning title.

Royal Langkawi International Regatta: now known across Southeast Asia, this popular event sees boat races involving over 50 yachts manned by expert sailors from across the globe.

Tour de Langkawi: Southeast Asia’s answer to the Tour de France, this popular event has been running for over a decade and sees riders from across the globe compete in a gruelling race from Langkawi to Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.

March

Chap Goh Meh: 15 days after the beginning of Chinese New Year celebrations, the Chinese community celebrates Chap Goh Meh, also known as the Lantern Festival. It’s traditional on this day to make and consume dumplings known as tangyuan, made from glutinous rice flour.

Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday: the large Muslim community of Kedah celebrates Prophet Muhammad’s birthday by visiting mosques for prayer and contemplation.

April

Easter: Kedah’s Christian community is not especially large, but Easter celebrations are enjoyed all the same with traditional religious ceremonies during Holy Week and family get-togethers on Easter Sunday.

Wilderness Langkawi Challenge: this annual sporting event is akin to a triathlon in terms of challenge and format and sees participants engage in a combination of cycling, kayaking and running in a bid to secure the prestigious winner’s title.

Langkawi International Water Festival: Telaga Harbour Park on Langkawi hosts this fun-filled annual event which sees a variety of light-hearted games and activities.

Langkawi Koh Adang International Fishing Challenge: professional anglers and enthusiasts of the sport gather at Langkawi for three days of competitive fishing.

May

Wesak Day: this important Buddhist festival is celebrated across the country and sees the faithful commemorating the three most important events in the life of the Buddha; his birth, enlightenment and achievement of Nirvana.

June

Langkawi Fire-fighting Competition: the Langkawi Fire and Rescue Department presents this unusual event in conjunction with the Langkawi Tourism Association. During the competition, local fire-fighters get to show off their skills in an effort to promote fire safety habits.

July

Langkawi Food and Fruit Fiesta: all of Malaysia celebrates food during the month of July, with the events and activities at Langkawi being especially lively. Visitors can expect restaurants across the state to hold special gourmet food tastings and present a wider variety of dishes than would ordinarily be available on menus.

Rambutan Trail: the unusual looking seasonal fruit known as the rambutan is the focus of this fun event which sees tastings, fruit carving demonstrations and other odd but entertaining activities.

August

Merdeka Day: Kedah along with the rest of the country celebrates Merkeda Day, a national holiday held in commemoration of Malaysia’s declaration of independence. Typically, large towns and cities enjoy street parties and firework displays.

September

Mid-Autumn Festival: often referred to as the Moon Cake Festival, this annual affair sees the Chinese community remember the success enjoyed by their ancestors against Mongol oppressors during the 14th century. Locals make and eat tasty moon cakes, since legend holds that their ancestors distributed details of their rebellion inside these cakes. Lanterns are also hung outside houses in memory of those used to give signals between Chinese camps.

October

Hungry Ghosts Festival: is observed by both Buddhist and Taoist members of the Kedah population. The festival is intended to appease troubled and restless souls that roam the earth in search of retribution against persons responsible for wrong doings against them during their lives. Joss sticks are lit and offerings of food are left on street corners in order to discourage the ghosts from entering abodes.

Hari Raya Haji: also referred to as Eid al-Adha, this Muslim festival is one of the most significant in the Islamic calendar. The theme revolves around sacrifice as Muslims remember the time when Ibrahim was asked by Allah to sacrifice his son Ishmael. Mosques are filled with worshippers offering thanksgiving prayers and animals are sacrificed as part of the festival rites.

November

Deepvali: also referred to as the Festival of Lights, Deepvali is a Hindu celebration in commemoration of Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon King Narakasura. The devoted take herbal baths at dawn then put on new clothes and offer prayer to Krishna. Oil lamps are hung outside houses to attract the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.

December

Christmas: celebrations are similar to those enjoyed by Christians across the world with a mix of festive activity and religious service.

Kedah Culture

As a multi-racial country, Malaysia has multiple races living together. Majority are Malays, Chinese and Indian. It is no exception in Kedah, except that it also has Thais living among them. Although Islam is the national religion of the country, freedom of worship is guaranteed throughout the whole Malaysia. These include Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism.
Bahasa Malaysia is the national language of Malaysia and it is widely used and spoken till this day. The locals also have their own slang and dialects. However, English is also spoken in majority parts of the country. Hence, language is not a barrier for those visiting to Malaysia especially Kedah.
Kedah’s architecture and lifestyle reflect its tradition of cultural diversity. This can be seen in their food, songs and dances. Among the local traditional songs and dances which are reflective of daily lives are Tarian Cinta Sayang, Lagu-lagu Berendoi and Wayang Kulit.
In Kedah, the Silat is also popular. It is a form of traditional Malay self-defence before guns and rifles are brought in. The silat comes in various forms and normally performed at occasions such as weddings and formal or traditional functions.
The buildings here are also fine and old, with atmosphere of the colonial rule. These include the Balai Besar, Balai Seri Negeri, Masjid Zahir, Courthouse and General Post Office. Also, you could visit the State’s Museum to have an insight into Kedah’s rich cultural heritage. It houses a collection of artifacts, fine paintings and wide range of historical relics. Being the oldest state, it has plenty of memorable and precious antiques on display.

Food in Kedah

Feast on mouth-watering delicacies and traditional gourmet offered by Kedah. Not only they are unique but it appeals to the whole wide range of food lovers.

Rice Delights

As Kedah is known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Malaysia’ and rice being the staple food in Malaysia, it has several distinctive rice delights that whets up any appetite. One of the local’s favourite is Nasi Ulam. It is actually rice mixed with various fresh raw vegetables and rare spices. Ingredients include ginger flower, dried shrimp, bird’s eye chilli, and cucumber and fruit julienne. It also has kerisik or known as toasted grated coconut. This is a very vital ingredient as it gives texture to the mixture and aroma to the rice. It also gets its share of lime juice and palm sugar gravy. It can be eaten like that alone or paired with meat or other dishes. It is usually eaten during the fasting month of Ramadhan.
Popular among people living in northern Kedah, the Pulut is one of their famous rice dishes. It is glutinous rice which is paired with fruits such as mango, durian and bananas. Aside from fruits, it could incorporate savoury side dishes such as sambal. Pulut Inti and Tapai Pulut are other variations of glutinous rice found here.

Laksa

The laksa is another popular dish among the people of Kedah as well as other states in Malaysia. The dish consists of thick rice noodles or rice vermicelli and is eaten with fish curry, cucumber slices and onions. It exudes the rich fish broth with spices and is slightly spicy and sweet.
It also has Laksam, a specialty also found in Kelantan and Terengganu. It is made with very thick flat white rice flour noodles in rich white gravy. The gravy is prepared from fish and coconut milk. Traditionally, laksam is eaten with hands due to the gravy’s thick consistency but now it is eaten with eating utensils.

Desserts

Kedah’s taste buds are more inclined to the sweet side hence desserts and sweet dishes are popular here. These sweet indulgences include Baulu and Dodol. These sweet cakes are made from flour, coconut and sugar.
Kuih Karas is also a popular dessert here. The crispy, sweet kuih that resembles fried vermicelli can be widely found at stall and markets around Kedah. Another sweet delicacy here is Serabai, a rice flour pancake laced with thin syrup made of coconut milk and sweetened with palm sugar.

Others

Traditional local delights include Gulai Nangka or known as jack fruit curry. The locals have a penchant for spicy food. Their dishes heighten their curries with the use of tamarind and sambals.
It is also popular with Sayur Kelado and Pekasam.
Kedah is also famous for its seafood. Grilled fish is one of the many local favourites. Fish choices include ikan terubuk, kembung, pari and keli. They are usually marinated in spices before grilled. You can try its chilli crabs, grilled squids or prawns. Salted fish and fish crackers are quite a delicacy here too.

What makes Langkawi, Malaysia the best holiday destination ?

Langkawi is a collection of 99 islands, 30 kms from the east coast of Malaysia. The place was once a best kept secret from the world until it was granted the tax-free status and promoted for tourism to people for all over. The Langkawi is a famous among foreign tourists, especially among European tourists. Soon there was a boom of foreign tourists all across the island and is known to be among every tourists all along the world. Its superb landscape and the beautiful sea beaches along with geographical location have made it accessible to tourists from all over. One can easily travel through boat, bike, car, taxi or a even a bicycle to travel from the Langkawi international airport.

Location and Climate

Langkawi is a very mountainous region of the peninsular Malaysia with a very less wintery monsoon and mostly sunny in the winter times. The place is great for tourists as the beaches are covered by great white sand, lush evergreen forests, and Rocky Mountains that are easily accessible to the people of the world. Langkawi usually offer a local tropical climate all throughout the year with temperatures ranging from almost 23 degree Celsius to 34 degree Celsius. Monsoon times occur usually during the months of April to October. June is also a monsoon period when rainfall is at its highest. UNESCO has declared the Langkawi region and the 99 regions as one of the best Geo parks in the year 2007.

Why and When to Visit Langkawi

Due to its breathtaking natural scenery and landscapes, langkawi has become more famous because of its local touch of cultural heritage. The simply amazing aquamarine contours and its unique geographic location have given the islands an edge over others to become a great tourist destination. The best time to visit Langkawi is from the month of November till March. These are times when the monsoon season is almost over and it is easier to travel during that time. After March, the rainfall begins again in June and continues.

Langkawi – A Great Diving Site

Langkawi is a great diving site and is known to be famous for offering diving al throughout the year to tourists and local residents alike. The best time to dive during the year are from the months of April to June. The diving sites are in excellent condition with water temperatures ranging from 29 degree Celsius. More of cheaper hotels, boats and five star hotels provide the tourists a reason to visit the site during this time of the year.

Beach Resort and Langkawi Festival

The best time to visit the beach resort is during the periods of February to October, mostly a time of monsoon and rain. The Langkawi water festival starts from April 21-22. It is one of the great sources of entertainment during those times of the year.

Enjoy the following on Visit

Langkawi National Sailboat Training Centre offers the Pre SUKMA Sailing, the wilderness challenge at the Tuba Island, program to choose best sailor at Langkawi National Sailboat Training Centre.

 

 

http://www.thestar.com.my/story.aspx?file=%2f2007%2f6%2f8%2fnation%2f17962886&sec=nation