Langkawi Island is almost as big as Singapore and away from the main town of Kuah, Langkawi island is still, at heart, a rural fishing island home to villages, rice fields, water buffaloes, jungles and caves. Visitors will enjoy the laid back charm of the locals and the unhurried pace of island living. Mahsuri’s Tomb: is the resting place of the legendary Malay princess who was unjustly sentenced to death for a crime she did not commit. However, the princess used her magical powers to prevent her executioners from carrying out their task. Padang Matsirat (Rice Fields of Matsirat): was burnt by the villagers who did not want their rice to fall into the hands of the Siamese attackers. It is believed that this period of unrest was due to Princess Mahsuri’s curse on the island. Today, more than one hundred years since the fields were burnt; grains of burnt rice can still be seen after a heavy downpour when they are brought to the surface. Air Hangat Village: in the north of the island is famed for its two high mountains and is the site of another famous legend. It is said that the two most important families on the island once had a huge fight that led to all sorts of kitchen utensils being thrown at each other. Gallery Perdana: was founded by Dr Mahathir, ex-Prime Minister of Malaysia, and exhibits many gifts that were given to the state by foreign dignitaries. The collection of items is vast and comprises woodcarvings from the Easter Islands, Cambodian silver, puppets from Indonesia, velvet robes from Uzbekistan and also items from the South Pacific and Africa. The gallery is open from 10:00 to 17:00, except on public holidays and Fridays. Kuah Town: is the main town in Langkawi and is the site of many of the tourist spots. The town is fairly built up but it still retains its charm. There are several restaurants selling a variety of traditional and western cuisine, souvenir shops, craft shops and many other local shops. Langkawi is duty-free and the island is home to several duty-free shops which line the main street. Book Village: is South East Asia’s first. It is set amidst a forest and is the perfect place for bookworms to spend a day. The village is the home of thousands of books including new, second-hand and rare books in many languages and covering a wide genre of subjects. Each traditionally styled house stocks a particular subject. The village is open from 09.00 to 18:00 daily and admission is free, to encourage reading. Gua Dangli: lies to the north of Langkawi and can only be reached by sea during the low tide. Inside the cave there are stalactites in all sorts of shapes and forms including umbrellas and mushrooms. After walking a short distance through the dark limestone caves, visitors will be welcomed by a small hole with light streaming through. Climbing through this hole will lead visitors into a bamboo forest and a short distance away, another cave. | 
