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Langkawi used to be a sleepy backwater until 1987, whilst it was granted tax-free status with the aim of promoting tourism. Consequently, its airport was upgraded and ferry links were improved. By 1990s, Langkawi contended with nearby Penang for the title of the largest tourist draw of Malaysia. Recently, in 2007, Langkawi has been bestowed a World Geopark status by UNESCO. Its main Geopark constituents are Mount Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Geoforest Park and Pulau Tasik Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake).
Langkawi has been geared towards tourism, yet many of its islanders are into farming, fishing and business. Once the Pulau Langkawi was touted as 'the best-kept secret of Malaysia' together with natural white sand beaches, verdant jungle foliage and rocky mountain peaks, however, hindered by inaccessibility. Today, Langkawi boasts of world-class infrastructure and a rich variety of vegetation and fauna. Being a duty-free island, it is a paradise of shopalcoholics with a wide variety of goods to choose from.
Besides, Langkawi is also an apt destination to relish the most exotic sea-food and delight in the five-star conveniences. It's a place to enjoy a relaxing holiday while taking pleasure in sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, yachting, swimming, golfing, trekking etc. And after every other thing if you don't get anything to do, then go for island hopping which is definitely the best bet. Browse the local villages, shopping malls, sandy beaches, meandering lakes, misty mountains, cascading waterfalls, cuddled islands and yes, the magnificent caves.
For experiencing its beautiful countryside, it is best to hire a car or bike and travel around the island. Though amazing structures have occupied much of the space, Langkawi is not short of small villages with wooden houses and has beautifully retained its old-world charm. It's a place where tropical sun, silky sands and beautiful beaches merge together to offer a complete holiday destination. To put the charm of Langkawi in words, in itself, is a task which is not viable. It's a place to come and experience the splendor on your own.