Langkawi: An island of great escapes

One of the first areas to open in Malaysia for domestic visitors and then international travellers, Langkawi has repositioned itself as safe and adventurous destination with many offerings for the Middle East tourist. Nasaruddin Bin Abdul Mutalib, CEO Langkawi Development Authority shares with TRAVTALK.

Shehara Rizly

Do share with us about Langkawi Development Authority?

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) is the leading agency on the island together with the stakeholders are committed in making sure the island unleash its true potential. LADA envisions to brand Langkawi as a world-class tourism destination. To this end, LADA will mobilize the implementation of tourism industry development in Langkawi to benefit the community, state, and country through strategic planning and governance.

What are the top tourism products available in Langkawi?

Langkawi is encouraging tourists to explore the island’s varied attractions, heritage and natural beauty logging the trip with the high spots of a visit the northern Malaysian island.

• Langkawi Skycab: The perfect photo spot set against the Machinchang Mountain, Langkawi SkyBridge brings you to the best viewing point on Langkawi. The spectacular view of Langkawi is all at a glance. The suspended bridge challenges you to stride proudly 100m above ground and at 660m above sea level while still striking Instagram-worthy poses.
• Mangrove Tour at Kilim Geoforest Park: Experience the wonders of nature at Langkawi’s coastal mangrove forest. Stopping at the jetty, you can then walk along a wooden platform through a mangrove swamp while admiring the natural beauty of the overhanging Bogak tree, tree crabs, macaques and unique limestone formations. The path leads you directly to a bat-filled cave! You can also explore the forest reserve via boat and learn all about its ecology and migratory birds.
• Mangrove Tour at Kubang Badak Bio Geo Trail: A perfect blend of a rich river estuary ecosystem, mangrove forests, high geological diversity and a history of early Thai community settlement pushes the path to develop a new geotourism around the village. The concept of biogeotrail expands based on the idea of conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.
• Island hopping at Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park: Most tourists visit the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden as part of an island-hopping tour, unaware there is more to explore in Dayang Bunting’s populated north. Those who sail around to the island’s northern jetty can spend a day exploring marble rock and terra rosa (red clay) formations, caves filled with stalactites and stalagmites, local villages, and unique flora and fauna, including hornbills, kingfishers, and macaque monkeys.
• Paradise 101: Tourists who want to spend the day relaxing, enjoying some watersports activities or even spend the night at a private island party, this island caters to all. Located near Telaga Harbour at Pantai Kok in Langkawi, Paradise 101 can be accessed via boat shuttle which gets to the island in minutes.
• Eagle Square: This 12m tall eagle is the most iconic landmark of Langkawi, and of course, it is on the top of the list! The best time to take a picture with this majestic eagle is in the morning with the big blue sky as the background. Folklore has it that Langkawi got its name from two Malay words: ‘helang’ – eagle and ‘kawi’ – reddish-brown. This eagle, specifically Brahminy Kite, can be seen around Langkawi.
• Waterfalls: This is the most picturesque waterfalls on the island consists of three main waterfalls which is Seven Wells, Temurun Waterfall and Durian Perangin Waterfall. While it requires some hiking, the view is all worth it once you witness the grandeur of the waterfall. Get your bathing suit ready and have a refreshing bath after the hike.
• Jet ski ride island tour: Doing a jetski tour is a completely different experience – you can get up close to the islands, and spend more time appreciating the environment.
• Underwater world: It’s the amazing Underwater World! Walk beneath the underwater tunnel and take a breathtaking shot with the sharks. Or you can opt for the cuter and chicky penguins! With three different climatic themes – Tropical Rainforest, Temperate and Sub-Antarctic, you get to see all about marine lives around the world.
• Beaches: Langkawi is the perfect beach getaway destination in Malaysia. Made up of 99 islands on the northwestern coast of Malaysia, this sunny tropical paradise is filled with jungle-clad hills, sandy beaches, duty-free chocolate, swaying coconut trees, and beautiful sunsets.
• Sunset Cruise: Enjoy waterways of Langkawi Island for a memorable occasion. A leisurely cruise around the world-famous islands, and other iconic landmarks while enjoying fabulous food, entertainment, and spectacular views is the perfect way to celebrate a special event – or make any day one of a kind.
• Splash Out: Designed with a classic coastal architecture at the forefront, Splash Out Langkawi, set amidst 12 acres, offers 12 slides and rides with a never-ending escapade of spills and thrills for everyone. Located in Kuah Town, 8 minutes from the Jetty Point Duty Free and 23 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport, Splash Out is the isle’s latest attraction.

Upcoming Products

• Maha Tower: One of the best things in life is a stunning view, hence with this in mind, the Maha Tower was conceptualised. Visitors can rise up and take in the beauty of Langkawi Island within the same tower that adds a unique and impressive presence to the existing landscape.

Envisioned as a new landmark public space with a performance stage to boot, the Dataran will serve as the hub of a neighbourhood masterplan containing world-class retail, residential zones, hotels, and entertainment facilities. The Maha Tower and Square will support the goals of the Langkawi Local Plan 2030, which is aimed at establishing the island as a modern tourism centre without compromising its traditional elements.

• Eco Marine Park: The Perdana Quay Eco Marine Park is Asia’s First Interactive Seawater Theme Park located in Pantai Kok, Langkawi. Set to open in the first quarter of 2021, the Perdana Quay Eco Marine Park will be an exciting new addition to the island.

What are new tourism strategies to re-introduce Langkawi to the Middle East travelers?

• My Safe Langkawi – ‘My Safe Langkawi Campaign, where we accredited premises and business owner of accommodation, F&B, travel agent, tourism attraction and shopping outlet that adhere to the SOP. Upon qualification, they will be awarded with the Certificate of Compliance COVID-19 SOP and Travel Quality Best Practices. These premises will be promoted by LADA, Tourism Malaysia and National Security Council.
• Langkawi International Travel Bubble (LITB): The Malaysian Government launched its first International Travel Bubble by reopening Langkawi Island to fully-vaccinated international tourists beginning November 15 last, with no quarantine requirements. LITB packages launched on December 30, 2021 include Langkawi International Travel Bubble Tour Packages sell to Middle East tourists.
• Other than that, LADA also offers MICE incentives to DMC / travel agents who brings the MICE group to Langkawi. The group will stay a minimum of 3 nights in Langkawi with maximum 50 pax and above will entitled to get a welcome dinner / high tea, a cultural performance / welcome ceremony upon arrival and goodies bags.

How will you proactively promote this destination among agents?

We will regularly promote Langkawi both domestically and internationally. Promoting through Langkawi Travel Fair that organized by LADA with the joint promotion by the travel agents to promote Langkawi. We are also in line with Tourism Malaysia while promoting Langkawi to the international market together with travel agents. We also do the FAM tour to familiarize the agents about Langkawi’s tourism products. Similar to reopening of Langkawi for domestic, LADA are working closely with MOTAC (Ministry of Tourism) in coming out with the complete SOP for International Market. The plan is to first open up via Charter Flight Arrangement by this year. This is to allow a more sustainable and manageable environment, where the tourists are made compulsory to purchase their holiday packages prior travelling to Langkawi. Having said that, LADA has spoken to Langkawi Industry Players, and they look forward to offer a personalized itinerary to cater for the international tourist. Coming back to the Charter Flight Arrangement, there are a few interested parties that has reached to us thus far such as, Russia, China and Singapore. They are ready to fly to Langkawi once our borders are open for tourism purposes. We also look forward to welcome international tourist via scheduled flight early next year. Prior to this, Langkawi enjoys the international connectivity to more than 160 destinations worldwide via Qatar Airways that fly directly from Doha.

Are there any new features to attract the Middle East visitors?

Mostly, the Middle East market love beaches, waterfalls and nature. They would love to come with family and friends to Langkawi. Majority of them come for honeymoon. They also like to spend to stay at the luxury accommodation while having the private nature tour in Langkawi.