About Langkawi
Geography
Langkawi,
a cluster of 99 islands separated from mainland Malaysia by the Straits of
Malacca, is a district of the state of Kedah in Northern Malaysia and lies
approximately 51 km west of Kedah. The total land mass of the islands is 47,848
hectares, while the main island of Langkawi itself has a total area of 32,000
hectares. The main island spans about 25km. From north to south and slightly
more from east to west. The coastal areas consist of flat, alluvial plains
punctuated with limestone ridges. Two thirds of the island is dominated by
forest-covered mountains, hills and natural vegetation.
Climate
A sunny, hot and humid, tropical
climate with an average annual temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius. The
rainy season is during August/September although there are occasional showers
throughout the year.
Population
Only four of the 99 islands are
inhabited - Pulau Langkawi (the main island), Pulau Tuba, Pulau Singa and
Pulau Dayang Bunting and the population is an estimated 54,000 of which 90%
are Malays. The other ethnic groups consists mainly of Chinese, Indians and
Thais.
Districts
The main island is divided into
the six districts of Mukim Kuah, Padang Matsirat, Ayer Hangat, Bohor, Ulu
Melaka and Kedawang.
Economy
An agro-based economy of padi and
rubber cultivation and fisheries is fast being overtaken by a tourism driven
economy, taking into consideration, the natural, unspoilt, ecological beauty
of the islands and major Governmental emphasis.
Language
The official language is Bahasa
Malaysia, although English is widely used.
Currency
The currency, known as Malaysia
Ringgit (RM), is issued in denominations of RM1000, RM500, RM100, RM50, RM20,
RM10, RM5, RM1. The coins, referred to as 'sen' (cents) are in denominations
of 1 Ringgit, 50sen, 20sen, 10sen, 5 sen and 1 sen.
Exchange Rates
The current exchange rate is about :
1 US $ for RM2.60
1 Pound Sterling for RM4.00
1 Deutschmark for RM1.80
100 Yen for RM2.50
1 Singapore dollar for RM1.80
Banks
Banks are open for business at 9.30
am and close at 3.30 pm, while on Thursdays they are open from 9.30 am to
12 noon. Friday is a religious holiday for the state of Kedah. Money changing
facilities are available at most banks.
Customs
Being a duty-free port, hotel tariffs
and retail goods are exempt from government duty. Visitors with more than
72 hours stay in Langkawi are exempt on items like wines and liquor (1 liter),
tobacco (200 cigarettes), apparel, cosmetics, souvenirs and gifts, food and
food preparations and portable electronic items (one item). Video cassettes
require clearance from customs.
Immigration
Visas are required by citizens of
Commonwealth countries (except India and Sri Lanka), most European countries,
United States, Japan, South Korea, etc. provided their stay does not exceed
three months. Valid travel documents/passports is a must for entry and they
should be valid for a period of not less than six months.
Credit Cards
International Charge and Credit
Cards like American Express, Visa and Mastercard, as well as local Bank cards
are widely accepted in Langkawi as well as throughout Malaysia.
Tipping
Widely practised but not mandatory.
Religion
Although Islam is the official religion
of the country, freedom of worship is guaranteed under the Malaysian Constitution.
Dress Code/Etiquette
Malaysian etiquette requires that
visitors dress modestly with respect to the religious beliefs of the country,
and therefore, topless sunbathing is not allowed.
Health Regulations
Except for yellow fever vaccinations
for visitors from infected areas, no other vaccinations are required