Langkawi Island

Langkawi IslandTourist resort area, Langkawi Island, southern Peninsular (West) Malaysia.

Langkawi Island, main island of the Langkawi group, in the Strait of Malacca, Peninsular (West) Malaysia. It lies just south of the Thai island of Tarutao. Langkawi, 18 miles (29 km) long and 10 miles (16 km) wide, rises to 2,887 feet (880 meters) at Raya Mountain.

Langkawi Island, Malaysia
Langkawi Island, Malaysia

Though most of its inhabitants are engaged in fishing, the island is also intensively cultivated (coconuts and rubber). Kauh, the main village on the southern shore, is linked by road to the coastal settlements of Air Hangat and Padang Masirat. Langkawi Island has ferry connections with Kuala Kedah on the mainland and is frequented for its beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, colored cliffs, historic caves, and fishing grounds. Its steep-sided limestone hills are favored by climbers.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
Citation Information
Article Title: Langkawi Island
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 22 November 2023
URL: https://www.britannica.comhttps://www.britannica.com/place/Langkawi-Island
Access Date: November 21, 2024