BoBoiBoy to bring Langkawi to new heights


Catch BoBoiBoy and friends at the Langkawi SkyCab. — Handout

Animonsta Studios is collaborating with a cable car operator to bring BoBoiBoy to the island of Langkawi in Kedah.

The studio and Panorama Langkawi will bring BoBoiBoy for a performance, entertaining folks during the school holiday at the Langkawi SkyCab.

The special episode, BoBoiBoy: Journey To Space, will be shown at the Langkawi SkyDome. This show has been produced in a 360° 3D image projection format, employing 12 state-of-the-art projectors that will allow audiences to immerse in a visually stunning experience.

Animonsta chief executive officer Nizam Abd Razak said the Langkawi SkyDome, a pioneer recreation centre of its kind in the region, promises an unparalleled and exhilarating show for visitors.

He also said that the collaboration signifies an innovative initiative aimed at drawing tourists to Langkawi as it combines the strengths of two local companies that appeal to families with children and also BoBoiBoy’s global fans.

“We hope this collaboration will attract more tourists to visit Langkawi island, and also be a stepping stone for BoBoiBoy to become a Malaysian tourism icon,” he said.

He added after 12 years in action, the local superhero BoBoiBoy is a well-known brand in the region and is excited that Panorama Langkawi is using BoBoiBoy as a tourism icon.

Visitors can ride a cable car decorated with BoBoiBoy stickers at Langkawi SkyCab, watch a special episode of BoBoiBoy: Journey To Space at Langkawi SkyDome and buy exclusive merchandise from Animonsta and Panorama Langkawi at the tourist attraction.

The latest series, BoBoiBoy Galaxy SORI, is available for streaming everywhere in Asia, through popular streaming platforms Netflix as well as on the official Monsta YouTube channel. Local television station TV9 is also showing the programme. – Bernama

 

 

Source : https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/travel/2023/12/29/boboiboy-to-bring-langkawi-to-new-heights

Langkawi back with a bang


170,000 tourist arrivals at island from Dec 1-20, says Lada

LANGKAWI: Tourism is making waves again here with thousands of holidaymakers converging since the school holidays began.

According to statistics released by the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), 68,000 visitors set foot on the island during the first week of the school holidays beginning Dec 15.

Average daily arrivals were 11,000 against the usual figure of 7,300. There were a staggering 170,000 tourist arrivals from Dec 1-20, it said. “From Jan 1 to Dec 20, there were a total of 2.63 million visitors to Langkawi,” Lada said in a statement to The Star.

It listed sea connectivity as the top mode of travel to Langkawi, accounting for 58% of arrivals. Of these, 70% arrived by ferry from Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis, 15% by ro-ro (roll-on/roll-off vessels) and 6% by ferry from Thailand. The remaining 42% arrivals were by air, with the bulk (90% of the portion) coming via domestic flights.

Lada said 19 cruise ships have berthed at Langkawi, with more than 30,000 excursionists so far this year. With the momentum picking up, Lada said things were looking good for 2024.

“Next year, Lada expects three million visitors and this forecast is based on better air connectivity and also because Langkawi will host Routes Asia 2024 and other major sporting events such as Ironman Langkawi and the Langkawi International Half Marathon.”

The authority said Routes Asia 2024, to be held from Feb 27-29, will serve as a platform for the region’s airlines, airports, tourism authorities and aviation stakeholders to meet and share best practices.

Lada also announced that it will introduce a new incentive for scheduled flights to Langkawi from Jan 1 to enhance air connectivity, with a one-off US$10,000 (RM46,285) extended to participating airlines.

Air connectivity will get a boost when Flydubai begins daily flights from Dubai to Langkawi from Feb 10 next year. Lada said AirAsia will commence direct flights from Kualanamu, Medan, to Langkawi in the first quarter of next year.

Itaka, one of Poland’s biggest tour operators, will also launch chartered flights to Langkawi for three years starting from 2024.

 

Source : https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/27/langkawi-back-with-a-bang

Kedah targets 3 mil visitors for Langkawi in 2024


Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin (2nd-right), Lada deputy chief executive officer Ahmad Fuad Che Ani (right), Lada Tourism director Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari (2nd-left) and Panorama Langkawi acting chief executive officer Abu Hashim Abd Rahman, during the anniversary ceremony in Langkawi. - NSTP/HAMZAH OSMAN


LANGKAWI: The Kedah government has set a target to attract three million domestic and international visitors to this island next year, affirming Langkawi as among the best nautical holiday destinations in Asia.

State Tourism, Culture and Entrepreneur Minister Datuk Mohd Salleh Saidin said the target has been set based on a positive momentum of higher numbers of visitor arrivals for the fourth quarter of this year.

Salleh said the target is also aligned with the target set by the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), an agency under the Finance Ministry," he said after launching the 21-year anniversary of Langkawi SkyCab.

He added that Flydubai is on track to commence its direct flight services from the United Arab Emirates' capital in Dubai by next Feb 10.

"At the same time, Lada will continue to collaborate with other international airlines to bring in more direct flights to the island in order to revive its tourism sector that was severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the ceremony, Langkawi SkyCab operator, Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd also launched its four products SkyTrail; BoBoiBoy; SkyATV Ride and 3D Photo.

Present were Ayer Hangat assemblyman Shamsilah Siru, Lada deputy chief executive officer Ahmad Fuad Che Ani and Panorama Langkawi acting chief executive officer Abu Hashim Abd Rahman.

 

Source : https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/12/989983/kedah-targets-3-mil-visitors-langkawi-2024

LADA Launches Dynamic B2B Collaborations in Jakarta

Matras News, Jakarta – The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) is proud to share their engaging initiatives with B2B partnerships in Jakarta.

The event unfolded at Holiday Inn Gajah Mada Hotel, attracting 120 travel agencies eager to engage with Langkawi’s tourism stakeholders.

This 4th to 10th December, LADA has arranged to bring forty local Langkawi stakeholders to Medan and Jakarta.

This initiative is supported by Tourism Malaysia Medan, Tourism Malaysia Jakarta and Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), and the group consists of travel agencies, hotels and tourism products from Langkawi. A business session took place over two days with an interesting exchange of industry best practices and ideas.

These engaging initiatives are part of LADA’s ongoing efforts to position Langkawi as a go-to destination for international travellers specifically from Medan and Jakarta, and boosting Langkawi’s tourism and economy.

LADA has also collaborated with Air Asia to facilitate this programme by offering a special promo code to Langkawi stakeholders. Moving forward, Air Asia is interested to start offering direct flights from Indonesia to Langkawi, from Q1 2024.

Dr. Azmil Munif bin Mohd Bukhari, Tourism Manager of LADA, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to work closely with Tourism Malaysia and our partners in Medan and Jakarta to encourage B2B partnerships across both parties.

Langkawi is not just a destination; it’s an experience and we are looking forward to welcoming our Indonesian partners and travellers to experience all that this beautiful island has to offer.”

Taking a significant step to boost the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, LADA is also now offering incentives specifically tailored for MICE activities.

Furthermore, LADA has introduced the Charter Flight and Schedule Inaugural Flight incentive for 2024, providing an enticing reward of $10,000 USD per inaugural direct flight.

These efforts come alongside LADA’s latest partnership with Tourism Malaysia and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) to launch the eagerly awaited ‘MyTriple E’ incentive offer under the esteemed Meet in Malaysia campaign.

With this partnership, LADA, Tourism Malaysia, and MyCEB are joining forces to facilitate the ‘MyTriple E’ venture, which aims to create a lasting impact on the business events industry by enticing Indonesian corporations and associations to explore the myriad opportunities available in Malaysia.

This includes exceptional facilities, a thriving business environment, and an enchanting cultural landscape, all within a vibrant and diverse nation.

All of these initiatives further underscore LADA’s commitment to strengthening the ties between Indonesia and Langkawi, fostering an environment ripe for new business ventures, enriching travel experiences, and lasting partnerships.

For more information on LADA, please visit https://www.lada.gov.my/en/ and www.naturallylangkawi.my

 

Source : https://www.matrasnews.com/lada-launches-dynamic-b2b-collaborations-in-jakarta/info-wisata/

Ten Instagrammable Spots In Langkawi

Published in TTR Weekly
https://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/11/ten-instagrammable-spots-in-langkawi/

Langkawi is encouraging domestic visitors to explore the island’s varied attractions, heritage and natural beauty logging the trip with 10 instagrammable moments; the high spots of a visit the northern Malaysian island.

1. Eagle Square/ Dataran Lang
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.

2. Langkawi SkyBridge
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.

3. Underwater World Langkawi
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.

4. Dayang Bunting Lake
Vest up and take a dip! Dayang Bunting Lake or the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden is located on the second largest island in Langkawi. According to folklore, this is the bathing pool of Mambang Sari – a celestial princess. Happily married to the prince Mat Teja, their son died at the age of seven days. They decided to leave their son’s body in the lake to allow him to rest in peace. She then blessed women who bathe in this lake be endowed with a child. If you look for long enough, you’ll spot the pregnant lady figure from the shape of the hills!

5. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
Explore the Kilim Geoforest Park while taking a picture with the signboard. This nature reserve guarantees you a good view of limestone cliffs, hunting eagles, various species of birds, bats in caves, lush mangrove trees and many more. Take a boat ride around, and you definitely won’t be disappointed!

6. Kubang BadakBiogeo Trail
Get closer to the geological creation that is unique to Langkawi! Kubang BadakBiogeo Trail features 13 locations that bring you through the river along mangrove forest, geological-diverse spots, and early settlement of the Thai community. You can even take pictures with nine elephants along the trail! Wait, what? There are elephants on Langkawi? It’s actually a part of the limestone formation at the cave entrance of Gua Pinang that resembles elephant trunks. It will be a fun-filled and eye-opening journey other than plenty of photo ops!

7. Seven Wells Waterfall/ TelagaTujuh
This is the most picturesque waterfall on the island. While it requires some hiking, the view is all worth it once you witness the grandeur of the waterfall. The name Seven Wells refers to the seven natural pools from the cascading waterfalls. You can even get up the red hanging bridge or viewing deck to look over the entire waterfall. That spot makes a great place for pictures too. Get your bathing suit ready and have a refreshing bath after the hike.

8. Lagenda Park
Situated next to the Eagle Square, Lagenda Park is a folklore park where you can learn and know more about all the mythical stories on Langkawi. The legend behind the split of GunungMachinchang and Gunung Raya – the battle of two giants, Mahsuri’s legend, story of birds and ogre, and many more myths await you to uncover. The arched pathway in the park is a perfect spot to snap symmetric photos.

9. Gunung Raya
Gunung Raya is the highest peak on Langkawi, standing at 881m above sea level. The myth has it that this mountain, together with Machinchang Mountain, is formed from a fight of two giants! Whether taking a shot of “I conquered Langkawi’s highest peak!” or just a leisure drive up the mountain, you will find your spot. A new proposal to enhance the space included a park, museum, resort and restaurants at the top of the hill. You can probably relax and enjoy the view while having a meal.

10. Beach shots at literally anywhere on the island!
What’s left? How can you leave Langkawi without a shot at the beach? Literally, all beaches on the island are worth getting a spot on your Instagram. TanjungRhu for the serenity and exclusiveness, Pantai Cenang for the lively and happening night scenes, Black Sand Beach for the mysterious and mythical black-coloured sand, Pantai Kok for the chill vibe and mouth- watering local food, Pantai Tengah for viewing the longest stretch of beach on Langkawi, and the list never stops. We recommend sunset shots so that you can glow in the golden hour!

Contact:
About Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) was established by the federal government to plan, promote and implement development on the island of Langkawi. LADA was officially established on March 15, 1990 under the Langkawi Development Authority Act 1990 (Act 423) and placed under the authority of the Ministry of Finance.

For further details, please visit www.lada.gov.my or visit www.naturallylangkawi.my

Langkawi Development Authority, LADA
Tel : 04-9600600
Faks : 04-9661019
Email : [email protected]

Langkawi, Taman Geo Global Pertama Di Asia Tenggara

Dataran Lang yang terletak di Persiaran Putera Kuah, Langkawi. Foto Facebook Jalan Jalan Langkawi

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 OKT: Geopark atau taman geo adalah tapak warisan yang menampilkan aspek sejarah dan geografi yang boleh dimanfaatkan oleh semua pihak bagi tujuan pembangunan, pendidikan dan pemuliharaan lestari.

Di Malaysia, terdapat beberapa tapak yang diisytiharkan kerajaan sebagai geopark, namun hanya dua bertaraf global, iaitu diiktiraf oleh Pertubuhan Pendidikan, Kebudayaan dan Saintifik Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu (Unesco) setakat ini – Langkawi yang menerima status itu pada 2007, dan terbaharu pada Mei 2023, Kinabalu Geopark.

Menurut Penasihat Langkawi Unesco Global Geopark Prof Emeritus Dr Ibrahim Komoo, bukan mudah untuk memperoleh status itu dan cabaran seterusnya ialah mempertahankan penarafan tersebut.

Langkawi yang juga geopark global pertama Asia Tenggara, menampilkan keunikan menerusi himpunan 99 buah pulau dan ini turut menjadi cabaran kepada pentadbir, iaitu kerajaan Kedah dan Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (Lada) dalam mengekalkan status geopark global Unesco hingga ke hari ini.

Ibrahim berkata pelbagai usaha dilaksana bagi memastikan taman itu dapat mempertahankan status kad hijau buat kali keempat berturut-turut sejak 2007.

“Kad hijau adalah pembaharuan label Unesco Global Geopark. Sejak menerima status itu, kita berusaha tanpa mengenal lelah untuk memastikan kita dapat mengekalkan status geopark global, dan status ini berjaya dipertahankan sekali lagi pada awal September lalu,” katanya dalam temu bual dengan Bernama baru-baru ini.

Ujarnya, pencapaian itu adalah sesuatu yang harus dibanggakan oleh seluruh negara kerana tidak mudah untuk memenuhi kriteria yang disyaratkan di bawah Unesco Global Geopark.

Pemandangan Tasik Dayang Bunting. Foto Facebook NF Vibrant Holidays Sdn Bhd

Serampang dua mata

Ibrahim yang juga Felow Utama Institut Alam Sekitar dan Pembangunan, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, berkata pembabitan pelbagai pihak diperlukan dalam mempertahankan status itu.

“Contohnya, semasa penilaian ketiga pada 2019, antara yang kami ketengahkan kepada penilai Unesco ialah penyertaan pengusaha hotel yang mewujudkan galeri geopark di hotel masing-masing, sekali gus mencerminkan kefahaman mereka tentang perlunya pembangunan geopark ini dilakukan secara bersama-sama.

“Kemudian, semasa penilaian terbaharu pada tahun ini, kami mewujudkan dua produk berkaitan pelancongan geo. Satu daripadanya ialah mengubah Gunung Raya menjadi kawasan taman hutan geo baharu. Kawasan ini merangkumi Kilim Karst, Machinchang dan Tasik Dayang Bunting.

“Selain itu, kita juga berjaya mewujudkan lima denai geo baharu sebagai tambahan kepada Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail,” jelas beliau.

Satu daripada denai baharu tersebut ialah di Pulau Tuba, dan menurut Ibrahim, laluan itu dibangunkan sejak dua tahun lalu susulan penemuan penyelidikan bahawa terdapat 28 tapak yang mempunyai nilai geologi, biologi dan warisan kebudayaan di pulau berkenaan.

“Menerusi penyelidikan ini, Lada membangunkan beberapa denai yang menghubungkan kesemua 28 tapak dengan bantuan penduduk setempat. Pemandu pelancong akan memberi pencerahan tentang kesemua lokasi ini sambil pelancong melewati tempat-tempat berkenaan.

“Penduduk juga telah menubuhkan Persatuan Best Tuba yang bagi saya agak menarik kerana mereka terlibat secara aktif dalam projek denai geo ini. Mereka juga bersedia menawarkan pelbagai jenis pengangkutan seperti bugi elektrik bagi memudahkan pelancong menyelusuri denai,” katanya, menambah projek turut bertujuan meningkatkan lagi sosioekonomi penduduk setempat.

Kereta kabel Langkawi terletak di Gunung Mat Chinchang, barat laut pulau Langkawi. Foto Facebook Nik Nurfarahin Abdullah

Kerjasama semua pihak

Bercerita lanjut, Ibrahim berkata Langkawi Unesco Global Geopark mempunyai biodiversiti yang luas meliputi paya bakau, pantai dan muara sungai, sekali gus membuatkan kawasan itu begitu bernilai dan perlu dilindungi tanpa kompromi.

Taman geo ini mempunyai jujukan sedimen atau mendapan era Palaeozik paling terdedah dan lengkap di Malaysia, iaitu dari tempoh Kambrium hingga Permian yang berlaku sekitar 220 juta tahun dahulu.

Mujurlah katanya usaha menjaga dan memulihara warisan alam itu mendapat sokongan penduduk setempat yang bukan sahaja menyediakan pelbagai kemudahan untuk pelancong tetapi turut memastikan kemudahan tersebut seiring usaha memulihara.

“Pendek kata setiap orang memainkan peranan mereka. Begitu juga institusi pendidikan seperti sekolah yang bekerjasama dengan kita. Ada 32 sekolah yang mewujudkan sudut maklumat taman geo di sekolah masing-masing, selain penyertaan pelajar dalam program kita, menunjukkan minat mendalam generasi lebih muda dalam melindungi permata alam semula jadi ini,” katanya.

Menjaga alam semula jadi

Sementara itu, Pengurus Pelancongan Lada Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari berkata agensi tersebut sentiasa bekerjasama dengan pelbagai pihak termasuk Jabatan Geosains dan Mineral dalam menangani impak perubahan iklim terhadap alam sekitar di Langkawi Geopark.

“Kami membangunkan sistem amaran awal yang ditempatkan di lokasi-lokasi strategik terutama di air terjun Telaga Tujuh, di mana di situ adalah laluan mendaki ke Gunung Machinchang.

“Sistem amaran awal ini akan memaklumkan jika hujan lebat melanda dan kemungkinan berlaku kepala air serta angin kuat yang boleh membahayakan pelancong di kawasan itu,” katanya.

Bagi melindungi nilai warisan alam semula jadi, Lada memastikan tidak ada sebarang pembangunan tidak perlu dilaksanakan di hutan simpan kekal di Langkawi.

“Kita bertuah kerana hampir 60 peratus kawasan geopark di Langkawi ini terletak di hutan simpan kekal yang dilindungi sepenuhnya oleh Akta Hutan Perhutanan Negara 1984.

“Sehubungan itu, kami mengehadkan pembangunan kepada seminimum mungkin, iaitu hanya sekadar memenuhi keperluan pelancong dan penduduk setempat, antaranya jeti, kawasan letak kenderaan, gerai serta pusat penerangan. Pembangunan tidak boleh dilakukan sewenang-wenangnya bagi melindungi lokasi warisan alam semula jadi ini,” jelas beliau.

-BERNAMA


Fourth Green Card Adds Feather In Cap For Langkawi Geopark

KUALA LUMPUR: Langkawi, known by its sobriquet the Jewel of Kedah, needs no introduction as it has since become one of the most visited tourist destinations worldwide.

For nature lovers, the Langkawi Unesco Global Geopark, which was formed on 99 islands that together made up the legendary Langkawi Archipelago, is definitely one not to be missed.Langkawi was declared a geopark by the Global Geopark (UGGp) network under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) on June 1, 2007, and subject to re-assessment every four years.

The island successfully retained the 'green card' status for the previous three re-assessments, which geology experts carried out in 2011, 2015 and 2019.

Langkawi was awarded the green card status for the fourth time after revalidation on June 30 to July 4 this year. This was announced at the 10th International Conference on Unesco Global Geoparks M'Goun Unesco Global Geopark in Morocco from September 7 to September 11.

A geopark refers to an area with geological and historical heritage sites that can be utilised by all parties for sustainable preservation, education and development. Hence, it is essential for a geopark to retain ecological, archaeological, historical and cultural attributes.

Fully supervised by the Kedah state government and the Langkawi Development Authority (Lada), its Adviser, Professor Emeritus Dr Ibrahim Komoo said various efforts had been taken to ensure the geopark preserves its green card status for the fourth time.

"A green card signifies renewal of the Unesco Global Geopark label, with Langkawi receiving its most recent green card in 2019. Due to our relentless efforts, we were able to retain our global geopark status early September this year, making this an important triumph for the entire nation," he told Bernama recently.

Two-pronged development

Ibrahim who is also a professor from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) said there is an array of regional developments that need to be undertaken for Unesco to grant such an honorary green card.

"For instance, in the third assessment in 2019, one of the advancements we highlighted to the Unesco assessors was the participation of numerous hotel sector parties who established geopark galleries in their hotels, exhibiting their understanding of the need for developing this geopark together.

"Then, for the recent evaluation which took place this year, we have created two geo-tourism-related products and one of which is to transform Gunung Raya into a brand new geoforest park area. Previously, the area consisted of Kilim Karst, Machinchang and Dayang Bunting Lake.

"Other than that, we were also able to establish five new geo-trails in addition to Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail, all of which would be maintained by neighbourhood inhabitants," he added.

Touching on one of the geotrails namely Pulau Tuba, Ibrahim said it has been under development for the past two years as a result of recent research showing that there are about 28 sites with geological, biological and cultural heritage values ​​on the island.

"Through this study, Lada has constructed several routes that connect all 28 of these places with the assistance of the island's residents. The tour guide will narrate tales about the uniqueness of these priceless locations as you travel down this path.

"The residents of the area formed the Tuba Best Association, which is quite interesting because they are actively participating in this wholesome geotrails project. They are also willing to offer various transportation facilities such as electric buggies to make it easier for tourists to make their way along this route," he said, adding that the projects are aimed at improving the socio-economic capacity of the local population.

Cooperation from all

Ibrahim added Langkawi Unesco Global Geopark is blessed with biodiversity in diverse habitats including mangroves, beaches and estuaries, hence making it

Ibrahim added Langkawi Unesco Global Geopark is blessed with biodiversity in diverse habitats including mangroves, beaches and estuaries, hence making it far more valuable to be protected at any cost.

At this reverie mangrove, tourists will not only have the chance to embrace the beauty of the mesmerising scenery, but will also get to see the fierce eagle, kingfishers, mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and monitor lizard, among others.

The Langkawi Geopark has the best-exposed and most complete Palaeozoic sedimentary sequence in Malaysia, from the Cambrian to the Permian period which took place around 220 million years ago.

Fortunately, he said, Pulau Langkawi residents from all walks of life have demonstrated their genuine dedication to maintaining the geopark by providing top-notch accommodations and facilities that are accessible to visitors around the clock.

"As you can see, everyone accomplished their part. School institutions are also collaborating with us to complete this global geopark mission. There are around 32 schools that have created a geopark information corner in their respective schools, while there is also participation of numerous children in the junior geopark guide programme which demonstrates the younger generation's keen interest in protecting this natural gem," said Ibrahim.

Safeguarding the nature

Meanwhile, Lada's tourism manager, Dr Azmil Munif Mohd Bukhari, said the agency has established cooperation with various parties including the minerals and geosciences department (JMG) in dealing with any impact of climate change on the environment from interfering with the development and sustainability of Langkawi Geopark.

"We have several early warning systems established, particularly in the Telaga Tujuh waterfall region where there is a climbing route for the Machinchang Mountain because we recognise that the tremendous climate change that is occurring throughout the world can undoubtedly have an adverse impact on everyone.

"This warning system will notify that there is heavy rain and the possibility of causing water heads and strong wind debris flow that could endanger tourists in the area," he added.

To prevent any harm to this natural heritage value, Lada has also protected the permanent forest reserves on the island from needless development.

"We are so lucky because almost 60 per cent of the geopark area in Langkawi are in a permanent forest reserve and it has been fully protected by the National Forest Act 1984 (Act 313).

"Therefore, we limit our development to the bare minimum required to serve both tourists and locals, such as piers, parking spaces, stalls and information centres. This is due to the fact that development cannot take place at random to maintain the protection of all these natural heritage locations," he elaborated. – Bernama


Langkawi Kekal Status Geopark Global 4 Tahun Lagi

Abdul Wahid (kiri) menyampaikan sijil penghargaan kepada Ibrahim (tengah) pada Majlis Makan Malam sempena Kursus Serantau GGN Ke-6 2023 di Mercure Hotel Langkawi. - Foto NSTP/Hamzah Osman


LANGKAWI: Status Langkawi sebagai geopark global Pertubuhan Pendidikan, Saintifik dan Kebudayaan Pertubuhan Bangsa Bersatu (UNESCO) dilanjutkan selama empat tahun lagi apabila diberi penarafan kad hijau baru-baru ini.

Ia membanggakan kerana pulau pelancongan ini mengekal pengiktirafan peringkat dunia itu buat kali keempat berturut-turut termasuk tiga proses penilaian semula sebelum ini pada 2011, 2015 dan 2019.

Timbalan Ketua Setiausaha Kementerian Sumber Asli, Alam Sekitar dan Perubahan Iklim, Datuk Abdul Wahid Abu Salim berkata, Lembaga Pembangunan Langkawi (LADA) telah dimaklumkan pengekalan status itu dibuat pada Mesyuarat Majlis Geopark UNESCO pada 5 September lalu.

"Tahniah kepada Langkawi kerana berjaya mengekal status kad hijau dalam pengesahan semula baru-baru ini, sekali gus melanjutkan keahlian pulau itu dalam Rangkaian Geopark Global (GGN) sehingga 2027.

"Pulau itu telah diberi status geopark global pada 1 Jun 2007 dan muncul Geopark pertama di Asia Tenggara pada masa itu," katanya ketika berucap pada Majlis Makan Malam sempena Kursus Serantau GGN Ke-6 2023 di Mercure Hotel Langkawi, malam tadi.

Yang turut hadir, Naib Presiden GGN dan Penasihat Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo; Pegawai Pemasaran Kanan Biro Pengurusan Geopark Kepulauan Oki, Jepun, Yagoda Waloszyn dan Timbalan Ketua Pengarah Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi, Prof Datuk Dr Norzaini Azman.

Julai lalu, akhbar ini melaporkan dua pakar iaitu Dr Yuanyuan Zheng dari China dan Dr Yongmun Jeon (Korea) berkampung di pulau ini selama lima hari bagi menjalankan proses penilaian semula status Langkawi Geopark.

Pada majlis makan malam itu, Abdul Wahid turut menyampaikan sijil penghargaan kepada tiga tokoh yang membantu membangunkan Langkawi Geopark.

Mereka termasuk bekas Pengurus Besar LADA yang juga Presiden Kawan-Kawan Geopark Langkawi, Datuk Kamarulzaman Andul Ghani; Ahli Paleontologi, Felo Penyelidik Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia dan Penasihat Geopark Lembah Kinta, Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohd Shafeea Leman dan Dr Ibrahim.

Kursus serantau selama tiga hari bertujuan berkongsi pengalaman dan bertukar pandangan dalam memperkasa pengurusan geopark itu disertai 83 peserta mewakli Indonesia, Thailand, Filipina dan tuan rumah, Malaysia.


Land of Legends: Discover myths and Malaysian wildlife in the archipelago of Langkawi

Published in National Geographics 
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/paid-content-langkawi-malaysia-reasons-to-visit

An hour’s flight from Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi's cluster of paradise islands feels blissfully remote, with palm-swaying shores, towering mountain ranges and lush rainforests teeming with wildlife.

Nicknamed the 'Jewel of Kedah’, Langkawi is renowned for its unique topography, such as the steep limestone cliffs, sprawling mangrove forests and jungle-tangled mountains of Kilim Geoforest Park. 

Nature has been abundantly kind to Langkawi. Adorning the cerulean Andaman Sea, 18 miles from mainland Malaysia, this 99-island archipelago is blanketed in rainforest, brimming with exotic wildlife and home to picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. Once a haven for pirates, the largest island of Pulau Langkawi (commonly referred to as Langkawi) is now a sought-after location for its wildlife adventures and relaxing beachside stays.

Why should you visit the archipelago?

Langkawi is home to a vast assortment of white-sand beaches — Pantai Cenang is an idyllic spot on the main island's west cost, while Tanjung Rhu on the northern tip is a quaint, more secluded bay. Yet, it’s the sheer diversity of landscapes, from limestone cliffs to mangrove swamps and jungle-tangled mountains, that garnered the entire archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2007 — the first in the whole of Southeast Asia.

Astonishing wildlife and plant species inhabit all corners of the islands, including 226 species of birds and over 500 types of butterflies. Travellers should keep their eyes peeled for Langkawi’s fabulous ‘flying five’ — the red giant flying squirrel, the paradise tree snake, the twin-spotted flying frog, the flying lizard and the fascinating colugo, the world’s only flying primate.

Langkawi is also known as the ‘Land of Legends’ due to the myths attached to various sites and monuments. Mahsuri Museum, located at the southeastern tip of the main island, is worth a visit for its assortment of Malay arts and artefacts. It's also home to the tomb of Mahsuri, a local woman said to have cursed the island for seven generations. As the legend goes, when the curse lifted, Langkawi’s tourism began to thrive.

A panoramic view of the Langkawi Sky Bridge and the Langkawi SkyCab cable cars on the Gunung Machinchang mountain range. PHOTOGRAPH BY SONATALI, GETTY IMAGES

What are the best outdoor activities to try in Langkawi?

Langkawi has four designated ‘geosites’ — protected areas that have distinct natural wonders. The most striking is the Gunung Machinchang mountain range, Langkawi’s second-highest peak and geologically the oldest mountain in Southeast Asia. A steep cable-car, the Langkawi SkyCab, whisks visitors up to the summit in ultra-modern, glass-bottomed gondolas.

At the top, visitors can walk the 410ft-long SkyBridge, a majestic feat of engineering whose curved footbridge is suspended high above the jungle canopy. After taking in the vistas of the surrounding islands and ocean, stroll down the mountain following one of the Langkawi Sky Trail hiking paths.

On the east side of Langkawi, 38sq miles of colossal limestone cliffs, beaches and caves make up the Kilim Geoforest Park. Its meandering rivers and narrow channels are best explored by boat, where travellers can observe cheeky macaque monkeys, scuttling tree crabs and white-bellied sea eagles. Meanwhile, on the west side of Langkawi, the Bio-Geo Trail in Kubang Badak gives a fascinating insight into the island’s 500-million-year old geology, rich mangrove habitat and 18th century settlements.

Another popular excursion is the 15-minute boat ride from Kuah Jetty, Langkawi’s main ferry terminal, to Pulau Dayang Bunting, the archipelago’s second-largest island. Its name translates to ‘Isle of the Pregnant Maiden’, as its shape resembles an expectant mother, and, legend has it, its freshwater lake has magical properties to help women’s fertility and replenish body and mind. After a refreshing dip, be sure to explore the various other wonders of Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park, including Gua Langsir and Gua Kelawar, two remarkable limestone caves, and the surrounding mangrove forest which is accessible via a boardwalk.

What is there to eat and drink?

The stalls across Langkawi’s various night markets are a great place to sample the local fare, which is seafood-rich and infused with herbs and spices. Try the gulai panas, a fragrant, spicy curry, or the kerabu bronok, a seafood salad with an unusual marine creature, similar to a sea cucumber, used as the main ingredient.

Who should visit?

Life is lived outdoors in Langkawi, making it ideal for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. The main island makes a great destination for families, too, with its laid-back beachside stays and its small size allowing for easy travel between attractions.

When’s the best time to go?

High season runs from November to April, when Langkawi enjoys clear skies and warm temperatures (between 30°C to 35°C). Showers and storms can be more frequent from May to August, while September to October is rainy season.

Plan your trip Flights between London and Langkawi take around 16 hours and include one stop via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Once on the island, hire cars and taxis are the best way to get around — the main roads are well maintained for driving. Boat operators are readily available and offer tours to neighbouring islands. For more information, visit naturallylangkawi.my

Contact:
About Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) was established by the federal government to plan, promote and implement development on the island of Langkawi. LADA was officially established on March 15, 1990 under the Langkawi Development Authority Act 1990 (Act 423) and placed under the authority of the Ministry of Finance.

For further details, please visit www.lada.gov.my or visit www.naturallylangkawi.my

Langkawi Development Authority, LADA
Tel : 04-9600600
Faks : 04-9661019
Email : [email protected]

A Glimpse at Langkawi’s Sisters: Pulau Tuba and Pulau Dayang Bunting

Bestowed with nature’s marvel, Malaysia is often in travellers’ bucket list. While the manufacturing sector is the main driver of its’ economy, tourism is the third-largest contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A developing nation that is growing fast and catching up to the pace of other Asian peers. With a low poverty rate of 0.4%, the Gini index that measures economic inequality still stands at 41.0, a considerably high number. Inequality persists and this will become more apparent as we dive into the two gems we are discovering soon. While the economic focus has always been at the heart of Peninsular Malaysia, the northern states are growing strong.

One of the states, Kedah, has always been the rice bowl of Malaysia, producing the largest volume of Malaysian staple food. Over the Malacca straits, an archipelago shines like a jewel and harbours a wealth of heritage. Destined to sparkle, the archipelago – Langkawi sprout as a tourist destination decades ago. The main island, eponymously named, Langkawi Island, is surrounded by many other smaller islands and two of the islands are our focus as we understand the context better.

Before this Jewel of Kedah state became tourism-oriented, its’ economy depends on agriculture – paddy and rubber cultivation as well as fisheries. This underwent an overhaul back in the ’80s with mega- infrastructure projects erecting on the main Langkawi Island. After years of efforts, the Langkawi archipelago of 99 islands was awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2007. What entails is the aspiration to becoming a sustainable tourism hotspot. Yet the word hotspot brings along a certain degree of destruction due to the fragility of the island environment.

The massive influx of tourists has brought income to the locals, yet this destroys the beauty and balance in nature which in turn makes the islands a less favourable place to visit. Currently, 70% of employment relies on tourism and this information is crucial when prioritising sustainability in tourism. Finding a solution to address this nature vs. socioeconomic challenge is direly needed.

While the main island of Langkawi gets all the spotlight, there are other islands that worth the shine too. Separated by a strait, Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Tuba are the second and third largest islands in the Langkawi archipelago. Only a 10 to 15 minutes boat ride away from the Langkawi island, these two islands give off different charm. On Pulau Dayang Bunting, the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park, one of the three geoforest parks in Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, spans across 8,261 ha – the spectacular scenery on the island speaks for itself, attracting tourists to adore its beauty from land, the lake to the sea. Lives on Pulau Tuba, on the other hand, feel like fishing villages from decades ago adorned with lush nature.

Like gems waiting to be discovered, the slower-paced lives on the two islands are in the midst of catching up. Yet, how can both the islands grow sustainably in the process? How to ensure that socio-economic development aligns with conservation and sustainable use of natural resources? How to preserve the intrinsic value unique to the people residing on the islands? How accepting are the island communities with embracing changes moving forward? These are some of the questions worth pondering when making geopark tourism in the entire archipelago a success.

Making a living on the islands
There are around 414 residents on Pulau Dayang Bunting and 1472 residents on Pulau Tuba. Together, there are less than two thousand locals on both islands. There are slightly more men are than women. A study in 2019, sampled from 100 respondents, shows that 82% of the families on the island earn less than RM1500 per month. A total of 40% of the household earn below RM999 – around the poverty line income for Peninsular Malaysia which is RM980. Even compared to Kedah state’s average of RM4778 for a household of two, the income level of the people on the island is still very much lower than that.

On average, men earn more than women. This is also owing to the fact that most women are housewives. Many of these housewives also follow their husbands to fishing or have side hustle such as looking after children of working parents or selling food items. There has yet to be a more holistic and exact census on the income level of the islands’ inhabitants. However, the numbers mentioned earlier paints a rough picture of how lives are like on the islands. With these numbers in mind, we can better gauge where will sustainable development leads to the livelihood of the people there.

Despite below poverty level, most of them are living in good conditions or are happy with the conditions of their homes. One of the context worth noting is that the cost of living in villages is way lower than the average urban living. Also, the level of happiness and living condition satisfaction is subjective to individuals. The idea of content living might not be associated with income level for some. Locals have the skills to build houses and do carpentry works. Some of them can even build temporary rafts and floating houses. This skillset nevertheless makes living comfortable. From a physical perspective, they are contented with what they currently own. Having the ability to enhance their homes significantly helps with that.

Yet, this is not the only way to look at poverty. The physical aspects are not a safety net to cushion them from any monetary stress. How the residents view survival tells a slightly different story. More secure cash flow is something anticipated among communities. Conversation with them reveals that most of them could survive less than a week in the event of income loss. In some instances, the state and welfare providing agencies identify those who needed financial assistance and help them through hardships while monitoring their progress.

Langkawi has an agro-centric economic structure before the tourism boost in the ‘80s. Fisheries still play a crucial role in the employment of the locals on Pulau Tuba. The scene of tenacious fishers who are still out at sea even way beyond the national retirement age is still very prevalent. Although coined as fishing villages, the residents pick up a lot of other jobs as well. The diversification of livelihoods seems to be inevitable when they see more opportunities arise. Manual jobs, including professional cleaning companies, security firms, contract gardener, ship’s crew, are some of the more common occupations among the community. Some of them have their businesses done on a smaller scale such as trading snacks or deserts, apparels, cosmetics, salted fish or providing tailoring services.

The rising numbers of tourists to the two islands also means that the residents are taking up the part of the pie by providing boat or van services to tourists. With their knowledge of the local landscape, some of the Tuba residents also bring tourists on guided sightseeing trips around the island. These touring deals are usually done at the jetties of the islands – a hotspot for the booming industry.

Another component that comes along with the growing tourism scene is the fast-expanding homestay programme. Started in late 1990, after going through a shrink at the beginning years, the programme is now very well received and revived to involve at least 30 families since 2018. The homestays were popular among educational institutions such as high schools and universities. The experience they get from the tranquillity of the islands, as well as the diverse natural environment, makes hands-on learning much more interesting and memorable. The interaction with the hosts also enhances their experience. Along with that, some locals also provide educational tours to mangroves and snorkelling sites.

This programme is something that the locals want to do. This enthusiasm will definitely fuel the programme much further. The potential of the homestay programme can be refined and elevated to a greater scale. However, before coming to that point, several fundamental issues are still yet to be looked into especially from a holistic point of view. Sustainable expansion of homestay in terms of infrastructure, human resources and management needs to be addressed. This includes repairing and maintenance of houses and training of locals with hospitality skills and tourism knowledge. The entire improvement comes in a package – from creating extrinsic value in terms of job opportunities and infrastructure to intrinsic value that includes a sense of belonging to the place and heritage knowledge.

On a similar note, the issue of land use comes into the picture. Some plots of land were bought by people from Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur. This land transfers open to the possibility of elite capture of land distribution, where certain public areas such as beaches can only be privately accessed by the landowner. Land use and planning need to align with the sustainable development goal of not leaving anyone behind. While that include the local communities, zoning for conservation and other needs should also be involved in the conversation. Ultimately, a land-use plan that benefits all stakeholders of the island is the most important element.

Use of Natural Resources
Seafood is one of the main sources of food and income for the people on Pulau Tuba. Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia estimated the fish landing from 2016 to 2018 to be close to RM1.1 million – a significant contributor to seafood production in Langkawi. Pulau Tuba is also one of the biggest producers of cuttlefish in Langkawi. All these production credits to the hard work of around 308 fishers, who are the registered members of the Fisherman’s Association of Langkawi – Tuba and Selat.

Moving onwards to land, forests provided the community with traditional medicine. The use of traditional medicine has become an important aspect of life for them. A plethora of plants are used for maintaining health and curing diseases. Every part of the plant is useful for traditional treatment - leaves, shoots, bark, roots, flowers and branches. Traditional healers use only forest produce for treatments even when marine resources are readily available in the vicinity. The healers are using these traditional medicines to mostly cure fever, skin conditions and internal diseases.

The use of wells is also prevalent on the islands even though clean pipe water is available. Some of the wells on Pulau Tuba might be used for rice irrigation. However, these wells were abandoned as the growth of organic rice could not gain enough local interest and support. Otherwise, wells are kept mainly for drinking. Having the misunderstanding that treated water is mixed with chemicals, the villagers use piped water for bathing and washing instead, even though the water supply system is supposed to provide clean and safe drinking water in replace of well water. The monitoring and assessing of well water quality are still not in place and when left unchecked, well water brings potential health risks to the people.

Knowledge within and beyond classrooms
Formal education for people on the islands is the institutionalised learning that follows Malaysia’s education system with primary school education made compulsory. Focusing on secondary education, there is only one high school in Pulau Tuba – SMK Langkawi. Compared to the university entrance exam, STPM, students on the islands prefer to build their skills in a certain field by attending vocational colleges. In a way, they can enter the workforce faster with relevant techniques and knowledge.

As for the parents, most of them express disappointment with the schools. The dissatisfaction comes from poor grades, high drop-out rates and overall low level of achievements of students. The lack of extracurricular activities also means that students missed the opportunity to build their soft skills and explore their interests. From the students’ point of view, there are still quality and enthusiastic teachers who truly motivate them. The low percentage of students who managed to pass SPM, the secondary school national exam, is a worrying trend for parents as well.

Noticing the small improvement in grades between years, the teachers are still hopeful to aim for better overall performance. On the other hand, parental role in guiding their children’s progress is also important but they lack the capacity even if they want the best for their children. A bridging programme at promoting networking among parents, between parents and teachers, as well as linking students with other schools will be able to provide students with a different kind of exposure and eventually brings to better performance.

Community knowledge about Geopark is still rudimentary, ranging from complete incomprehension to listing some of the tourism aspects of the geopark. The award of UNESCO Global Geopark status to the Langkawi archipelago in 2007 has yet to ingrain stewardship in people on these two islands. This status is exclusively granted to sites and landscapes with significant geological values, in Langkawi’s case, the abundance of Palaeozoic (540 million to 250 million years ago) geological record in the region. The concept of the geopark is holistic, with the inclusion of nature protection, education and sustainable development. Utilizing a bottom-up approach, public consultation is often taken place to encourage local participation in the geopark. A more robust effort to consult communities on the rest of the satellite islands is equally important. Thus, there is a need to inspire local communities to involve in creating heritage values through the dissemination of information and knowledge about history. Only with the sense of ownership of this heritage, the geopark can be a successful tourism driver for the villagers.

There is a high potential to develop tourism sustainably as the residents are aware of the need to manage resources locally. They prefer to manage the packaged tours to the island on their own, which include tours around mangroves, caves, forests and swimming spots. Coupling this willingness with better knowledge about the heritage of the islands is crucial to promoting the place from the lens of the locals.

Catching sight of the future
The residents prefer a bottom-up approach when it comes to development. In this case, the opinion of the community needs to be taken seriously into consideration – a truly community- based project development. Previous top-down development has attracted little support from the community and was brought to a halt, such as organic rice farming. This type of decision process often neglects local voices. Some programmes do gain support from residents, especially the young entrepreneur’s programme that provides youth with grants to start up their businesses. The monitoring system and support also helped businesses thrive and grow. The local group is also supportive of the idea of community-based management of natural resources. The community cooperative had initiated three livelihood projects to grow green lip mussel, seaweed and mussels. The cooperative also helped with the administrative and management side of the homestay programme. Any future development should always include residents’ opinion into the picture.

Tourism proved to kindle diversification of livelihood among youths and certain degree, the middle-aged. Yet, the exact nature and extent of underemployment despite increased job opportunities needs to be investigated. This issue is also linked to the little upward mobility among the community. A better model for community participation that involves appropriate economic concepts and activities should be considered as well. Concerning geotourism, the geological and cultural heritage of the islands is important. Through substantial participation in community-based resource management, local communities can be better equipped with such knowledge and have a sense of ownership towards the heritage. Similarly, formal and informal education, when planned properly, could create intrinsic value and add more dimension to the development of the islands.

Putting everything together, the future of Pulau Tuba and Pulau Dayang Bunting should leave no one behind. This principle resonates with the emphasis on sustainability in geopark tourism. Socioeconomic development that is more participatory, inclusive and economically productive will be the next theme for the two gems. This step forward should also consider the protection of geological resources. By cultivating a sense of pride in the land and sea they live through innovative entrepreneurship, job creation and excellent training courses, sustainable geotourism will reinforce their identification with the area. With the breath-taking landscape of limestones, mangroves and the rest of the wonders, the development should be on par with the beauty of the two islands and complements the growth on the entire Langkawi archipelago.

Contact:
About Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) was established by the federal government to plan, promote and implement development on the island of Langkawi. LADA was officially established on March 15, 1990 under the Langkawi Development Authority Act 1990 (Act 423) and placed under the authority of the Ministry of Finance.

For further details, please visit www.lada.gov.my or visit www.naturallylangkawi.my

Langkawi Development Authority, LADA
Tel : 04-9600600
Faks : 04-9661019
Email : [email protected]