Why Langkawi is a haven for the wild at heart
Article by Tigertales Asia on January – Feb 2015 Why Langkawi is a haven for the wild at heart: tiger tales...
Article by Tigertales Asia on January – Feb 2015 Why Langkawi is a haven for the wild at heart: tiger tales...
From deep within the rainforests of Langkawi, a peak of sandstone rises that’s one of the oldest in South-East Asia. It’s called Gunung Machinchang and is a mountain that’s been at battle with its nemesis, Gunung Raya, for millennia.
Languid and laid-back, the island destination of Langkawi offers considerably more than the usual sand and sea associated with such holiday retreats. Travel photojournalist David Bowden explores the wilder side of Langkawi and finds it an ideal place to get back to nature.
The eight-day event is a travel trade meet organised for the Americas, Europe and Oceania (AERO) markets to introduce Malaysia’s tourism products and attractions. It aims to reinforce Malaysia’s tourism promotions in these markets, besides establishing a stronger tie with its foreign travel trade partners.
Animate, engaging and humourous, Irshad grips you with stories of the jungle and talks about every critter, bird, insect and plant like family. He towers over us with his large build, which is an apt size for his larger-than-life mission to protect Langkawi's natural heritage.
‘‘Welcome to the jungle, miss! It’s a gecko.’’ As the massage continues and the sun sets, a bird starts up – one of the island’s many, I learn. It’s a cacophony of wildlife tunes with a background beat of breaking waves. It’s brilliant. Suddenly I understand why people stay at The Andaman on Malaysia’s Langkawi, rather than the slicker, five-star establishments dotting the island.
Langkawi situated just off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia comprises a group of 104 tropical islands during the low tides and 99 Island during the high tides. The main island Langkawi, is 47. 848 Hectare followed by Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Tuba while some of the others appear to be mere dots in the emerald green ocean when viewed from the air.
Clad in lush tropical rainforests and surrounded by stunning turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is a treasure trove for nature lovers. Langkawi has been conferred with the Geopark status by UNESCO in 2007 for its beautiful geological history dating as far back as 500-million years.
Just to prove that I am working in bed, I've been tinkering with this article today... As the peaceful surface of the river started to shudder, I moved out from under the boat’s shelter to feel the refreshing bursts of large, warm raindrops on my skin.
A rapidly growing aspect of tourism is nature. Dubbed ecotourism, it is a timely effort towards preserving the natural heritage and environment of tourist destinations. It is also a smart move as more and more major tourist destinations are losing their appeal along with the attractions they advertise.
He’s been on TV and works out of an exclusive resort area. He also set up the first eco tourism programme for Langkawi together with the late Miles Baddeley. Irshad Mobarak really is committed to Langkawi and sharing an appreciation for its natural wonders.
"Langkawi is one of the most ravishing places in southeast Asia and is already being talked of as a rising star, yet it is still a hideaway where insiders come to revel in the ecological diversity and to drop out of sight in a handful of five–star hotels.
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BomohGlossary of Malaysian ghosts: Pontianak or kuntilanak – A type of vampire in Malay folklore. Langsuir – A version of pontianak but said to be the deadliest banshee in Malay folklore.