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Dangli Island is one of the best snorkelling spots in Langkawi.

Home to three geoforest parks and some of the oldest rock formations in Southeast Asia - from Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park – Langkawi is a dream destination for those who love to lose themselves in nature.

Whether you are looking forward to enjoying a stroll in the sunshine at Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach), escaping to Telaga Tujuh Waterfall or appreciating the beautiful sightseeing of mangrove nature, there is plenty to get excited about!

Did you know Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea and is the first recognized UNESCO Global Geopark in Southeast Asia since 2007? The island’s karst landscape was shaped by the erosion and formation of rocks since 550 million years ago.

Meanwhile, the island’s high biodiversity consists of limestone forests, sandstone forests, granite forests and mangroves. Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, which has the oldest rock formation in Southeast Asia, is the only geoforest made from sandstone in the world!

The formation of Machincang peak geosite, for example, is derived from the uplifting of the ocean floors, forming sandstone deposition followed by prolonged weathering and erosion processes by rainwater.

Thanks to the SkyCab by Panorama Langkawi, 360 degrees of Langkawi’s breathtaking viewpoint at the peak of the Machinchang Range is now accessible via this world’s steepest cable car.

There are myriads of places to explore in Langkawi, but here are some recommended destinations and activities for a perfect getaway on the island.

Pulau Tuba (Tuba Island)

A herd of buffaloes roaming freely on the paddy field at Pulau Tuba.

Leave the skyscrapers and crowded cities behind and head out to this lesser-known inhabited island, located about 5 kilometres off the south coast of Langkawi's main island.

The best way to explore this idyllic fishing village is by renting a bike or a van, and it is accessible by boat from Pekan Rabu Jetty. For a leisurely and laid-back experience, you can enjoy paddy field scenery with buffaloes roaming the roads or discover colourful village houses at Desa Keda Teluk Berembang.

Alternatively, you may opt for hiking at Bukit Licin, exploring Gua Wang Buluh and Gua Kelawar, trekking Bukit Kecik for its geological wonders or enjoying prawn noodles at Tanjung Pandan.

The formation of striped stones found in Bukit Kecik was due to high-pressure phenomena about thousand years ago.

Prawn noodles.

For a fantastic experience, try Dayang Bunting Island Jet Ski Safari conducted by Mega Watersports based in Pantai Cenang. Embark on four hours adventure zipping on the Andaman Sea, complete with a professional guide and enjoy several stops at eight islands, including Dayang Bunting, Beras Basah, Singa Besar, Rebak Besar as well as The Fjords of Langkawi.

Feel the rush of adrenaline as you accelerate and increase the speed once you turn on the jet ski ignition switch. A good rule of thumb to avoid capsizing is to keep the load balanced and centred. Believe me, you will not fall off even though you are a beginner!

Cruising around Dayang Bunting Island by jet ski.

The Langkawi Cable Car

Hopping on Langkawi's cable car will bring you an elevated experience at 708 metres above sea level. Located on the west coast of the island, this SkyCab journey by Panorama Langkawi covers a total distance of 2.2 kilometres linking the Base Station at the foot of Machinchang Range to the top station at the summit.

Besides that, visitors can go on a spine-chilling walk on the 125-metre Sky Bridge, the longest free span and curved bridge in the world.

Other activities in Panorama Langkawi include visiting SkyRex, Oriental Village, 6D Cinemotion and 3D Art Langkawi.

The longest free span and curved bridge in the world in Langkawi.

Kuah Town Tour & Laman Padi

Spend a day in Kuah Town, a former fishing village in Langkawi, now becoming a favourite tourist destination for shopping under the duty-free island. Some of the must-buy items among the local tourists include chocolates, kitchenware, and perfumes. There are also other tourist attractions such as iconic Dataran Lang, National Art Gallery Langkawi and Maha Tower.

Experience dining in a little wooden hut overlooking paddy fields at Kerisik Restaurant, Laman Padi, near Pantai Cenang, with several choices of Malay traditional cuisines, including Nasi Set Tuba, Nasi Set Padang Lalang, Nasi Set Sunda and Nasi Set Kedawang. The view is certainly stunning at night. Another nearby attraction is Underwater World Langkawi.

Dining at Kerisik Restaurant, Laman Padi.

Kubang Badak BioGeoTrail

This island’s newest eco-tourism destination has bagged the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards 2021 under Heritage Category. Kubang Badak BioGeoTrail consists of 12 sites to explore by boat, starting at Kubang Badak Jetty.

Located on the northwest coast of the island, Kubang Badak BioGeoTrail is generously endowed with high geological diversity, pristine mangrove forests and a history of an early settlement of the Thai community with the discovery of 100-year-old igloo-like charcoal kiln remnants used for fuel production dating back to the 18th century.

In short, visitors can admire three different types of rock formations with sandstone Machincang Range in the west, granite rocks of Bukit Sawar in the south, and landscape of karst hills of steep slopes as well as rough peaks of limestone in the east.

Gua Pinang is a remnant of an ancient sea cave formed by waves when the sea level was about 15 metres higher than the current level, about 6,000 years ago.

Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas

Discover postcard-perfect 20 traditional Malay style houses at Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas owned by renowned Malaysian designer Datuk Radzuan Radziwill on a trip to this Langkawi gem. Each of the interior designs is also befitting the kampung lifestyle with a blend of modern furnishings.

Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the resort’s saltwater pool and indulge in the speciality dishes of Malay cuisine at Pohon Beringin Restaurant. Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas is just a stone’s throw from Langkawi International Airport, and it is definitely an awe-inspiring sight.

The open space next to Pohon Beringin Restaurant for visitors to unwind at Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas.

Address: Kunang Kunang Heritage Villas 1947A, Jalan Pantai Cenang, Kampung Gelam, Kedawang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.

Phone:+604 952 3656

WhatsApp: +6013-4372378

Website : http://www.kunangkunangresort.com

Facebook:Kunang Kunang Heritage Villas

Instagram:kunangkunangheritagevilla

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Langkawi Mangrove & Geoforest Park Tour

About the geoforest park.

What to expect in Geoforest Park?

Visit the Floating Fish Farm

Watch Eagle Feeding

Visit fossil island.

Visit Hidden Cave and See Mangroves

Visit a lovely beach

Enjoy your lunch

Watch monkey feeding from the boat

Visit crocodile cave.

Visit Bat Cave

How to take mangrove & geoforest park tour.

• Carry enough sun lotion and drinking water. While most boats have plastic shades, there is also some open space for seating. Try to avoid the open sun exposure. Even while the boat moves and the breeze feels nice, on a sunny day you won't know how your skin may take a battering from the sun. 
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, contton T-shirts, a hat and shorts. 
• Carry swimwear and towel if your tour offers time at Tanjung Rhu beach. 
• If you plan for a short tour for an hour or two, then reach the Kilim Jetty, take a boat and start around 4pm in the afternoon. By this time most of the tour boats would have returned and you will get a free way of exploring the geopark. 

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About Langkawi

The first unesco geopark in southeast asia.

Langkawi Geopark Earth's Historic Heritage

UNESCO Endorsed Geoforest Park

Langkawi’s Geopark is noteworthy in its array of impressive rock formations surrounded by ancient jungle, vast caves with stalactites and stalagmites, winding mangrove reveries, sea caves and tunnels, wildlife and waterfalls. Over 90 geo-sites have been found in the region but there are three distinct areas that form the Langkawi Geopark, each with its own unique geological significance.

Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

Explore the Kilim Geoforest by boat in order to reach places inaccessible by land, or walk around and discover some of the unique geological features, including ancient fossil beds and stalactites. Here you can find plenty of marine life in the emerald green waters below as well as spot birds, including the islands famous eagles, up high.

Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park

The rock here is predominantly sedimentary sandstone and granite and forms a spectacular landscape that dominates the skyline. Machinchang is Malaysia’s oldest mountain range, and home to what is probably the most ancient rainforest on the planet. The oldest part of this Geopark is Teluk Datai. This is where the oldest grains of sand rest, its history displayed in the exposed surface of sandstone in the upper part and mudstone/shale in the lower part.

Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park

Famous for the fresh water lake found nestled amongst hills of rugged forest, it is also known as Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. The lake originated as a massive limestone cave which collapsed. There you will also find the finest Permian marble formations in the world.

Kubang Badak BioGeoTrail

Gunung Raya Granite Geosite

This unique granite contains abundant dark minerals, notably tourmaline and minimal ilmenite. Weathering and erosion of the rock transport quartz and dark minerals via rivers, eventually creating black sand beaches like Pantai Pasir Hitam. Gunung Raya holds great geotourism potential and is currently under consideration as the fourth geoforest park in Langkawi.

All Latest Malaysia Today Trending and Breaking News Brief

Malaysia to focus on eco-tourism in langkawi.

• Kazi Mahmood

Kuala Lumpur: Langkawi escaped the worst of the pandemic and as a result, Malaysia plans to reopen tourism there in a pilot scheme. However, not everyone is aiming for a return of the masses in the tourism sector there.

Instead, the focus will be on ecotourism and the 550-million-year-old Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park.

A three-phase Langkawi Tourism Recovery Plan 2021-2022 – introduced by the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada) – focuses on quick wins to prepare and rebrand Langkawi as a Covid-19 free destination, concentrating on safety and sustainability.

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Low carbon island status helps Langkawi to shine as world’s preferred destination

The government’s intention to transform Langkawi into Malaysia’s first low carbon island by 2030 will help it shines as the world’s preferred tourist destination.

Langkawi Member of Parliament, Datuk Ir Nawawi Ahmad said the selection of the legendary island as the venue for the implementation of the pilot project to reduce carbon emissions was in line with the tourism concept adopted by Langkawi over the years.

“It is in line with our objective of making Langkawi a famous eco-tourism and geopark island, as well as supporting the national agenda to reduce carbon emissions to 40 per cent by the year 2020,” he told Bernama.

Nawawi said this in response to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s announcement that the government, through the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KeTTHA), had embarked on a pilot project to transform Langkawi into Malaysia’s first low-carbon island at the 6th International GreenTech and Eco-Products Exhibition and Conference 2015 held in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.

Najib said a feasibility study on Low Carbon Langkawi 2030 was being conducted in collaboration with the government of South Korea, using Jeju Island as a comparative benchmark.

According to Najib, if Langkawi could be a showcase for renewable energy, electric mobility, waste management and green buildings, it would create a ripple effect on local industries.

“(It will) create more job opportunities for locals and increase the island’s income by promoting green tourism,” Najib said.

Commenting further, Nawawi said the Langkawi Infra and Green Practices Parliamentary Council chaired by himself had also been set up to coordinate the planning and action towards achieving the low carbon island status.

He said the Langkawi Municipal Council, the City of Tourism (MPLBP) would act as the secretariat of the parliamentary council and would be assisted by the KeTTHA.

“All agencies, including professionals in the field of green technology from across the country will also be involved (in the council),” he said.

The first meeting of the parliamentary council was held here on Sunday, after which Nawawi announced that a private company, Worldwide Green Bhd, would be appointed as the consultant to help the island achieve the low-carbon status.

Nawawi said in order to ensure success of the low carbon island concept, the government should give priority to providing subsidies or allocation to Langkawi to implement more green technology projects here.

“To achieve this low carbon island status, we should have green activities. If possible, we will move towards electric car adoption in Langkawi,” he said.

While admitting that the proposal would take between five and 10 years to be implemented, he said the first step could be taken by promoting the use of electric-powered motorcycles.

He said Langkawi status as a duty-free island could also be utilised to bring in the latest green technology products to be used by people here at affordable costs.

“I call on the government to consider providing subsidies or grants to taxi associations to reduce the cost of switching to electric cars,” he said.

Meanwhile, MPLBP president Isahak Murat said the council had already implemented a number of actions that were in line with the government’s intention of making Langkawi as a low carbon island.

He said emphasis had also been given to green and sustainability aspects in the MPLBP Langkawi District Local Plan 2030, which was currently being drafted, apart from forging a collaboration with KeTTHA through the establishment of the Low Carbon Island Technical Committee.

Isahak said the technical committee had conducted two series of workshop regarding the concept with the third series to held on Oct 19 and 20 to discuss on the formulation of an action plan.

He said although Jeju Island in South Korea was chosen as a comparative benchmark, Langkawi had certain advantages to achieve the low-carbon status as plans and methods of implementation of the project were already and being put in place.

“Jeju embarked on the project 10 years earlier, but they started from zero. We have already initiated a number of green projects now…we will move faster to set up a planning framework to meet the concept,” he said.

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Tan Sri Khalid Ramli, who also attended the parliamentary council’s meeting on Sunday said the new Langkawi tourism blueprint for 2016-2020 would involve green technology and low carbon agenda.

He said the agenda would be integrated in LADA’s current development plans before being made an important part of the overall development plan for Langkawi over the next five years.

“Green technology and low carbon island status will become a new platform for us to improve our position as a geopark, which will make great contribution to Langkawi,” he added.

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THE 5 BEST Langkawi Eco-Friendly Hotels

Eco-friendly hotels in langkawi, property types, distance from, traveler rating, hotel class.

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1. The Danna Langkawi – A Member Of Small Luxury Hotels Of The World

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Langkawi Hotels Information

• The Danna Langkawi – A Member Of Small Luxury Hotels Of The World
• The Datai Langkawi
• The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
• Casa del Mar, Langkawi
• Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia

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Water and environmental sustainability in Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Malaysia: issues and challenges towards sustainable development

• ICWEES2018 & IWFC2018
• Published: 12 June 2021
• Volume 14 , article number  1168 , ( 2021 )

Cite this article

• Rahmah Elfithri 1 ,
• Mazlin Bin Mokhtar 1 &
• Md Pauzi Abdullah 2  

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Langkawi is an island which is characterized by its exceptional geological and biological landscape, ecological diversity and wildlife, cultural and heritage values, recreational and tourism attraction, and uniqueness of its own local community. Langkawi has been selected as UNESCO Global Geopark since 2007 (the first in Southeast Asia). In 2015, Langkawi has been selected as one of the UNESCO Sustainability Science Demonstration Sites to apply sustainability science concepts for resolving water and environmental-related issues in the area through education and ecotourism, linking with local stakeholders. Identification of issues and challenges related to water and environmental sustainability towards sustainable development in Langkawi Geopark has been done through (1) local stakeholder consultation workshop; (2) field data collection and survey on water and environmental quality state condition in Langkawi; (3) water quality sampling; (4) questionnaire distribution to local stakeholders and community; as well as (5) detailed discussion/interview sessions with selected local government agencies, local authorities, private entities, NGOs, and local community in Langkawi Geopark. Six key issues related to water and environmental sustainability in Langkawi have been identified out of 21 issues that occurred in Langkawi Geopark. A strategic recommendation and way forward towards sustainable development in Langkawi Geopark have been formulated for implementation, including promoting sustainability science as a platform to respond to the future needs in dealing with water and environmental sustainability-related issues in Langkawi. The sustainability science framework for action has been developed with five ways of feasibility (stock and flow feasibility; environmental feasibility; social, cultural, institutional, and policy; integration; and monitoring and evaluation). The Community Learning Alliance for Sustainability Science (CLASS) through Langkawi Research Centre (LRC) of LESTARI, UKM, has also been recognized as a pathway towards sustainability to promote sustainability science practices in Langkawi Geopark.

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Acknowledgements

A study on “Water and Environmental Sustainability Education linked with Ecotourism in Langkawi Geopark, Malaysia,” was carried out by the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and workshops and research works/activities related to sustainability science demonstration site establishment in Langkawi are fully funded by UNESCO through the UNESCO Office Jakarta, with Malaysian Funds-in-Trust (MFIT) financial assistance through “Science Harnessed for ASEAN Regional Policy” (SHARP) Project. The authors would like to express appreciation to all research team members involved in this project as well as to the UNESCO team for their technical support and assistance directly or indirectly in this study, as well as participation and contribution from key agencies and stakeholders in Langkawi Geopark which involved and provided data and information during this project including during stakeholder consultation workshop, data collection, site visits, questionnaire distribution, and dialogues/discussions/interviews conducted under this study.

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Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Selangor, Bangi, Malaysia

Rahmah Elfithri & Mazlin Bin Mokhtar

Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia

Md Pauzi Abdullah

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Correspondence to Rahmah Elfithri .

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Responsible Editor: Mohamed Ouessar

This article is part of the Topical Collection on Geo-environmental integration for sustainable development of water, energy, environment and society

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Elfithri, R., Mokhtar, M.B. & Abdullah, M.P. Water and environmental sustainability in Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Malaysia: issues and challenges towards sustainable development. Arab J Geosci 14 , 1168 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07537-x

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Published : 12 June 2021

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-021-07537-x

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Community approach to tourism envisions self-sufficient communities in developing countries through self-managed sustainable touristic enterprises. Though earlier studies have analyzed community tourism projects in many parts of the world, less attention has been given to the relational dimension of local tourism organizing activities. Using Social Network Analysis, this present case-study examines how social networks sustain community tourism in Pamilacan Island, the Philippines. The study argues that failure of formal tourism organizing activities does not necessarily mean total loss of community tourism industry. Local people continue to participate in and benefit from the industry by engaging in informal transactions. The case demonstrates that villagers are capable of addressing the problems of limited resources, internal conflicts, and competition by restructuring their social networks to gain access to resources and build mutual support.

E-Journal of Tourism

Resti Meilani , Harini Muntasib , TRI RAHAYUNINGSIH , Arzyana Sunkar

Social capital is an often-unrecognized staple of community participation in a tourism site’s development, although social capital comprises elements essential for successful community-based participation. This paper discusses how the host community’s participation in the tourism development of Cibalay Megalithic Site was driven by local social capital. Cibalay Megalithic Site is one of the last reminders of ancient beliefs and is an iconic landmark, located within the Bogor Regency of West Java, Indonesia. It is also within the protected area of Gunung Halimun Salak National Park. Cibalay Megalithic Site is a product of a socio-cultural environment, deriving from the relationship between man and nature. Thus, its tourism development should interpret this history and promulgate environmental education as one of the key elements of sustainable tourism. The local Village of Tapos I was established as a tourism village; within this village, the hamlet of Sinar Wangi was declared a co...

Alexandra Zbuchea

World Heritage Sites are justifiably considered as valuable cultural and economic resources of a place. Previous research was dedicated to identifying the impact of world heritage sites on local development, as well as their ability to interact with local communities and to attract tourists. The present analysis describes the social fabric around the World Heritage Sites, aiming to understand better how these sites connect with various actors for identifying lines of sustainable management for these heritage sites. The study pinpoints that social interactions are very important in this context and that there is a shift towards two-way relationships between heritage and local communities, public administration, resident businesses, and tourists as well. Heritage site management should consider increasingly more its social value, the local social fabric, communities' ideals, and subjective well-being, locals' and tourists' stories, the voices, characteristics, and interests of multiple stakeholders.

piyadech ar

Review of applied socio-economic research

Manuela Epure

Sometimes the concept of ecotourism is widely misunderstood and it is often used as a marketing instrument in order to promote tourism businesses related to nature. Ecotourism means not only nature, it also includes indigenous cultures. It is about fostering respect for nature and for cultures, too. The true ecotourism represents only “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of the local people” (TIES 1990). This paper clarifies the definition of the ecotourism concept versus related concepts as “sustainable tourism”, “responsible tourism”, “nature based travel” or “green travel”, presents the principles and benefits of ecotourism which is seen as a win-win solution and a Business Biodiversity model. We approach also the issue of commodification and ecotourism and the implications for local cultures and people. The key of a successful ecotourism which avoids the risk of corroding local cultures is the incorporation of local cult...

Estudios de Economia Aplicada

Jun Zhou Thong

Ecotourism or sustainable tourism, which is often advocated especially in natural areas for relaxation. The richness of natural areas in Malaysia has led ecotourism to become one of the fast-growing industries within the nation. A full understanding of ecotourism practices in planning, development and resource management is therefore needed to ensure sustainability without causing environmental degradation. The goal of this study is to discover the impacts of created resources (e.g.: tourism infrastructure and range of activities) and supporting resources (e.g.: destination accessibility and quality of tourism services) towards competitiveness of tourism destinations from both the perspective of domestic and international tourists along with the moderation of social media marketing.

ASF Meetings

Ryzki Wiryawan

The success of heritage conservation initiatives depends on the understanding and participation of the community. Various forums such as Code of Ethics, E.C.C.O. (2003) and the European Cultural Heritage Forum (2005) also recognized the importance of active involvement of institutions and individuals in the context of heritage conservation which can be raised by the existence of heritage awareness among the people. Along with the development of information technology, community involvement in various issues also enters a new form, especially through the use of social media. Social media is a term used to describe the interaction between groups or individuals in which they produce, share, and sometimes exchange ideas, images, videos and many more over the internet and in virtual communities. These technologies have also stormed the cultural heritage field, causing major changes in how institutions, stakeholders and communities approach their heritage. The author takes a case study of the Facebook group called "Bangunan Kolonial di Kota2 Indonesia" which has about 16,000 members and two hundred of them are active members. What are the activity and impacts of the group concerning heritage conservation efforts in Indonesia? What are the benefits of the group exists for its members in particular and the public in general? Those are the basic questions of which the author will try to answer in this research.

Nur Izzati Mohd Rodzi

Cultural heritage is constructed from the intrinsic relationship between three fundamentals: society; tangible cultural heritage (TCH); and intangible cultural heritage (ICH). To sustain, cultural heritage relies on the social behavior of society. Thus, reflecting fragility of heritage. Hence, this paper attempts to discourse the society's behavior towards ICH. Exploratory case study was employed by adapting five social behavior related-criterions required by UNESCO. The data was analysed using two techniques: (1) simple statistical; and (2) thematic. The results indicate that the status of ICH is threatened due to the weak viability level and minimal safeguarding effort by the 'society'.

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Langkawi develops islands for eco-tourism

Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly

Langkawi is planning to open two outlying islands to visitors as a new eco-tourism destination.

Located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the Langkawi archipelago comprises 99 islands. And authorities are now planning to develop two of these islands – Pulau Tuba and Pulau Dayang Bunting – for eco and adventure tourism purposes.

The larger of the two islands, Palau Tuba, is home to approximately 2,000 inhabitants, but has been largely untouched by the tourism development taking place on Langkawi. Only limited motorised vehicles are allowed on the island to preserve its natural habitat, which the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) says makes it “the perfect site to cater to the adventurous eco-tourism market”.

From April 2016, a 30km trail that spans both  Pulau Tuba and Pulau Dayang Bunting will be opened to the public. The trail passes limestone cliffs, mangrove forests and other areas previously only accessed by locals.

And to launch the new attraction, a ‘Tuba Trail Run’ will be held on 2 April, with the aim of attracting 450 participants.

“As one of the few UNESCO Geopark destinations in Southeast Asia, LADA is committed to protecting Langkawi’s natural heritage for future generations to enjoy,” said Khaild Ramli, LADA’s CEO. “We aim to do this through education and controlled exposure to natural beauty, via exclusive events that target the eco-tourism and eco-sport market such as Tuba Trail Run.”

Designated a UNESCO Geopark in 2007, Langkawi hosts adventure sport event such as the Xterra and Ironman Triathlon Races.

flydubai launches daily service to Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia

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Langkawi, a captivating island nestled in Malaysia’s Andaman Sea, beckons with its natural beauty and rich cultural charm. Renowned for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning landscapes, Langkawi is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The island boasts iconic attractions such as the SkyBridge and Eagle Square, offering breathtaking views. Visitors can explore the vibrant local markets, savor diverse culinary delights, and indulge in water sports. Langkawi’s duty-free status adds allure to shopping experiences. With its serene ambiance and diverse activities, Langkawi promises an unforgettable escape, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and exploration.

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300 stray dogs neutered in Langkawi so far

NEUTERED strays in Langkawi can now be identified by their snipped off ear-tips.

Ecotourism and Conservation Society Malaysia (Ecomy) has been working with Langkawi Municipal Council to carry out the trap, neuter and release (TNR) programme on the island.

Ecomy volunteer Juliana Tang said so far 300 dogs had been neutered.

“If you see a dog in Langkawi with a snipped ear or with a tiny cut, it means this canine has been spayed or neutered.

“We are doing this to help reduce the number of strays on the island,” she said.

Tang believes the effect can only be seen in about three years’ time, similar to what Penang had gone through previously.

“The local council catches the dogs and we will take it from there.

“The concept is the same and we operate out of a dog kennel built by the local council here.

“We have veterinarians come in once a month to neuter or spay up to 20 dogs.

“While we would love to do more, we are doing what we can based on existing resources,” she said.

Tang said the initiative started in January 2023 and is an ongoing process.

“Ecomy has signed a memorandum of understanding with the council to run the kennel.

“The kennel operations and TNR procedures are completely funded by donors,” she said.

Tang said Langkawi also had plenty of stray cats, but dogs seem to be the main issue, with their numbers in the thousands.

Ecomy is however planning a spaying programme that includes felines.

“We are organising a mass neutering session with local veterinarians, involving 50 dogs and around 80 to 100 cats.

“This will be the largest number we will neuter in a span of two days.

“It is a collaboration between us and a few government agencies and private donors.

“While there will still be strays, this method will gradually reduce their number in the coming years.

“We encourage those who are familiar with stray dogs to co-exist with them.

“It is always better to have the dogs that you know rather than new stray dogs from other areas, which will turn up if you chase the old ones away,” she said.

Tang said challenges faced by Ecomy included funding, which had prevented the NGO from carrying out more procedures.

“Another challenge has been creating awareness on how TNR works,” she said.

Tang welcomes universities and veterinarians who would like to participate in their activities as well as companies that would like to sponsor the neutering programme.