Measuring around 11½ mls from N to S and 15 mls from E to W, Langkawi is a tropical island with a largely unspoilt heartland characterised by virgin jungle, mangrove swamps, rocky outcrops, bat-filled caves and cascading waterfalls. Originally an area of fishing, coconut and rubber plantations, the island was awarded duty-free status in 1987. This successfully attracted various businesses and burgeoning international tourism, facilitated by the construction of a sizeable airport on the SW coast capable of handling jets. It also helped that the island boasts some of the most picture-perfect beaches in the world. On the SE corner lies the capital, Kuah, a small, predominantly low-rise, unsophisticated town boasting a couple of shopping centres, a handful of hotels, and a waterfront dominated by the island's only ferry terminal and the impressive Eagle Square.

Like several other countries in the region, Malaysia was affected by a series of tidal waves on 26 December 2004, following a major earthquake in the Indian Ocean. The NW coast of peninsular Malaysia was hit including the islands of Langkawi and Penang. Before travelling to the area, contact your tour operator for the latest information. You should also check the latest advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (www.fco.gov.uk). For those seeking unspoilt, often deserted beaches and an extensive range of water sports, who are content with a relatively unsophisticated infrastructure.

Predominantly first-class, self-contained, resort-style complexes dotted all around the coast, beside their own private - or at least secluded - beaches. Several simpler hotels and hostels for the budget conscious and backpackers. Many of the latter camp on the numerous public beaches.

Some of the world's most idyllic, secluded and photogenic stretches of soft white sand and clear, shallow water, fringed by tall palms and virgin jungle. Popular options include Cenang and Tengah Beaches on the SW coast; Kok, Burau Bay and Datai Bay on the NW coast; and secluded Pasir Tengkorak on the N coast. Many of the best bays are already occupied and maintained by the major resort-style properties. Amenities are largely limited to those supplied by hotels although there are some beachside restaurants, particularly at Pantai Cenang. The water is general safe for swimming and water sports are among the principal attractions, with windsurfing, diving, water-skiing, sailing, catamarans and snorkelling the most popular pursuits. Some beaches have banned motorised activities to protect coral reefs.

The main shopping establishments are found around Kuah, which has a small choice of select shopping centres and department stores; an increasing number of exclusive, out-of-town retail centres, including Oriental Village overlooking Burau Bay and the Atma Alam Batik Art Village for hand-made crafts. Duty-free status means that Kuah and some hotel emporia can offer significantly cheaper designer fashions, perfumes and electronic goods. The choice is not particularly wide, but visitors do not generally come here to bargain hunt. Traditional batiks, pewter and local jewellery are the normal souvenirs.

Daytime: largely centred on the individual hotels and geared towards beach relaxation or an energetic array of water sports and leisure activities; 3 golf courses; sailing and boat charters; go-karting. Nightlife: generally low-key and confined to the hotel complexes, some of which provide regular live music and unsophisticated discos.

Not a great deal of sophistication outside the hotels. Kuah has a couple of international fast-food chains and a selection of very affordable Chinese, Malay, Indian and Thai restaurants with seafood in abundance. Pantai Cenang has a good range of small restaurants, and a number of out-of-town shopping and cultural centres also boast restaurants and cafes.

There is no island-wide bus service. Taxis and hotel minibuses provide affordable transportation and many offer reasonable half- or full-day hire charged by the hour for local excursions. Regular ferries and hydrofoils to Kuala Perlis on the mainland (approx 1 hr) and Penang (approx 2½ hrs). Daily flights to the capital, Kuala Lumpur (1 hr). Car and motorbike hire available; roads are generally well maintained but watch out for water buffaloes, who wander everywhere!

Various waterfalls including Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells), Durian Perangin and Temurun. Choice of caves, such as Gua Kelawar to see bats in their natural habitat, Gua Cerita (Cave of Legends) or Gua Langsiar (Banshee Cave). Cable car at Oriental Village, up to island's second highest point. Deep-sea fishing; mangrove cruises; round-island boat tours; island hopping, taking in smaller islands of Dayang Bunting with its picturesque lake, Singa Besar wildlife sanctuary and Beras Basah. Pulau Payar National Maritime Park, popular with divers and snorkellers. Museum of rice production. Underwater World Aquarium and Penguinarium. Gunung Raya, the highest point on the island. Book village of Kampung Buku. Galeria Perdana, an exhibition of gifts given to the Malaysian Prime Minister. Jungle trekking. Crystal factory. Plantation tours. Crocodile farm.

Almost 20 mls off the coast of Malaysia's mainland peninsula and the port of Kuala Perlis, in the extreme NW of the country. A similar distance from S Thailand on the edge of its territorial waters. 333 mls NW of Kuala Lumpur. The international airport lies on the W side of the island.

The largest and most densely populated of an archipelago made up of 104 islands.

Telephone Area Code: 4
Website: www.mylangkawi.com

Airport : Langkawi
Airport Code: LGK