Langkawi of Indonesia lies north of the Strait of Malacca in the southern Andaman Sea near the border between Malaysia and Thailand. Situated in the state of Kedah, the Langkawi Archipelago is actually made up of 104 islands, the largest being Langkawi Island. While most are uninhabited, a few have been designated for tourism so that visitors from all over the world can admire and appreciate the magical beauty of Langkawi.

Tourists flock here for the delightful beaches, superb resorts and refreshing nature-based activities. The best beaches include Pantai Cenang, Burau Bay, Pantai Kok and Pantai Datai.

The charming island of Langkawi, rich with legends and folklore, historical landmarks, luscious greenery, scenic lakes and many others, form the ideal backdrop for Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort.

The name Langkawi is a combination of "Lang" and "Kawi". "Lang" comes from the Malay word helang which means eagle. In the past, the land was a home to innumerable eagles. "Kawi" is Sanskrit for marble, which is found in excess in this part of Malaysia. Both words are joined to form the word "Helangkawi" which ultimately became Langkawi.

The name "Langkawi" is believed to be related to the kingdom of Langkasuka, centred in modern-day Kedah. The historical record is sparse, but a Chinese Liang Dynasty record (c. 500 AD) refers to the kingdom of "Langgasu" as being founded in the 1st century AD. 'Langkawi' mean's Eagle Island, it may be noted, and indeed there is a great abundance of eagles in the area. In Kuah, there is an eagle monument in Eagle Square which commemorates the origin of Langkawi's name.

Langkawi is also the site of the Mahsuri legend. The legend speaks of a young woman who was accused of adultery and was executed by the public despite her pleading innocence. Mahsuri, before her death, made a curse on the island for seven generations of bad luck. Langkawi eventually came under the influence of the Sultanate of Kedah, but Kedah was conquered in 1821 by Siam and Langkawi along with it.

A perfect hide-away for those seeking the rejuvenating experience of relaxing amidst tropical greenery and sun-soaked beaches, the island has been promoted as a holiday paradise and a duty-free port since 1987. Besides being tax-free, the beach and eagle, another attraction in Langkawi is the Cable Car to the tops of Gunung Mat Cincang at 705 m above sea level.

On June 1, 2007, Langkawi Island has been given a World Geopark status by UNESCO. Its main Geopark components are Mount Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Geoforest Park and Pulau Tasik Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake).

Pulau Payar Marine Park
A collection of four islands about 35 km (22 miles) south of Langkawi, the waters around the marine park is a dazzling display of corals and aquatic species such as moray eels, rock groupers, black-tip sharks and clown fish (think Nemo). The island is a fantastic place for diving or snorkeling. Land-lubbers who don’t want to set foot in the water can ride in boats with transparent fiberglass bottoms to watch the life below.

The forests on the island are ripe for exploration while the beaches are perfect for picnics and sun-bathing. (CCNPIC Linda Lee)