Adventure awaits in Langkawi

Langkawi, and by extension, Kedah, is on the edge of greatness.
From this vantage point at Gunung Matcinchang, it seems that the skys the limit.

Tourism in Kedah is inseparable from Langkawi, as the island has become a famous name thanks to international events such as the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, the inaugural Le Tour De Langkawi in 1996 and the Royal Langkawi International Regatta, with its 14th edition scheduled to be held next January.

Coupled with its duty-free status, Langkawi is in itself an incredible tourist attraction, especially with the reopening of the Sky Bridge at Mount Machincang in February.

For thrill seekers, it is an ideal place to visit as the Sky Bridge features the world’s steepest cable car ride up the mountain.

Other interesting events for the year are:

June

> Awal Ramadan or the start of the Muslim fasting month is expected to start on June 18. Fasting month in Langkawi is marked by a lively food bazaar at Kuah in the late afternoon, which is open to all visitors.

July

> Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Expected to fall on July 17, the two-day national holiday showcases plenty of banquets and merriment. Expect hotels to be extra busy as this holiday coincides with along weekend.

September

> Langkawi International Lawn Bowls (Mahsuri Cup) 2015

An international lawn bowling competition that attracts players from the South- East Asia Region, this year’s event will take place from Sept 22-27. It is organised by the Kedah Lawn Bowl Association.

Tel: 016-474 7044

October

> Langkawi International Fishing Tournament

A popular fishing event organised by Berita Harian which will be held off Tukun Perak Island from Oct 9-11.

Tel: 019-314 1642

> Langkawi International Mountain Bike Challenge 2015

Touted as the hottest mountain bike race in South-East Asia and organised by Human Voyage (M) Sdn Bhd, the sixth edition will feature a five-day stage race from Oct 18-24.

Tel: 03-9222 0786

Website: www.mtbmalaysia.com

November

> Ironman Langkawi

Organised by IRONMAN Asia-Pacific, this gruelling event will take place on Nov 14.

Website: www.ironman.com

> Eighth Royal Kedah World Muay Thai Challenge

This regional kickboxing event will be held on Nov 7 and 8.

Website: www.facebook.com/Z1MuayThai

> The Langkawi leg of the Raja Muda Selangor International Regatta will arrive on Nov 26, the culmination of a week-long journey from Klang.

Website: www.rmsir.com

> Inaugural Naturally Langkawi Bird And Butterfly (B&B) Fair

Set to be held from Nov 27-29, this fair will showcase Langkawi’s birds and butterflies in a natural setting to encourage youths to appreciate nature.

Langkawi alone is home to an estimated 220 and 520 species of birds and butterflies respectively.

December

> Langkawi International Junior Tennis Championships 2015

The Langkawi Tennis Association will bring together promising junior players from Russia, South Korea, Singapore, Uzbekistan, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand, South Africa and Malaysia to battle for honours under the blazing Langkawi sun from Dec 4-8.

Tel: 04-966 6323

Website: www.langkawi-tennis.com

> ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship 2015

As the world’s leading youth sailing championship, this event has attracted thousands of participants since its introduction in 1971.

This competition will see up to 680 participants from 80 countries and will be hosted by the Kedah Sailing Association from Dec 27, 2015 to Jan 3, 2016.

Tel: 04-966 3099

E-mail: sailmalaysia_mas@yahoo.com.my

Website: www.isafyouthworlds.com

-thestar online.