Tag Archives: Langkawi

New Year’s Day – Celebrating in Langkawi

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An archipelago of numerous islands in the Andaman Sea makes up Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah. Known as the land of all one’s wishes these pretty islands offer a getaway to paradise. It is an entirely duty-free area and the entire island is full of activities to keep visitors engaged with. From scenic waterfalls to picturesque rice gardens and thrilling adventure parks to rustic villages, the time spent here will give you a diverse range of experiences. The highlight of Langkawi is its many beaches, soft sandy shores that can be quiet sanctuaries or happening party hotspots depending on what you are looking for.

Pantai Cenang is the most popular beach in Langkawi and stretches continuously for 2 kms. Pantai Kok in contrast is a quiet beach with less people. It also has many waterfalls located in its vicinity. Datai Bay is the most expensive beach in terms of prices. Pantai Tengah is known as ‘Middle Beach’ and is very popular among families. Tanjung Rhu has mangroves, limestone crags, ancient limestone caves and pristine beaches, making it the spot for those who love nature.

These beaches are very popular for parties especially during New Year’s. Watching a breathtaking display of fireworks and floating lanterns, while the waves lap at your feet is an ideal setting in which to share with that special someone as you await the stroke of midnight. Bonfires are lit on the beach and tourists and locals dance together ushering in a brand new year. Food and drinks are plentiful and there are activities for the little ones as well. The hospitable character of the locals makes you feel extremely welcome and sets the perfect mood for a party.

Look to stay at a Langkawi beach resort that also organizes New Year eve bashes for their guests. No matter what time of year you visit, a good option would be Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali. This 5 star hotel in Langkawi features a private beachfront providing an idyllic setting to enjoy a fun day by the sea. It also provides the very best in modern comforts and conveniences and lets you enjoy the very best the region has to offer.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Langkawi Harvest Festival – an exciting celebration

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The island of Langkawi is fast gaining popularity as a charming tourist destination, and its quaint offering of local festivals and traditions is an excellent way to mingle with the locals and learn more about Malaysia’s customs and society. When you’re in Langkawi, check into a luxury Langkawi beach resort that will enable full enjoyment of this unique location. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa is one of the finest options for a 5 star hotel in Langkawi with its gracious accommodation and friendly hospitality. When you’re here, make the most o f the local culture by participating in the various events happening throughout the year, especially during the month of December. The Langkawi Harvest Festival is one such even, where you can take part in a fun variety of traditional games that are associated with the harvest season of the rice paddy cultivated in the area. You’ll be given a front row seat to witness how the rice is harvested and celebrate with the local farmers at the abundance of the crop produced.  The Langkawi Craft Festival is another intriguing event at Kedah’s Craft Complex that celebrates the local talent of craftmakers across the island. You’ll be able to purchase some neat items that make great gifts, or try your hand at some of the local crafts such as batik painting.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Langkawi Craft Festival – the colours of craft

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Langkawi in Malaysia is known for its many festivals and events. For tourists the city is paradise to absorb authentic Malaysian culture. Throughout the year the area is adorned with an array of different occasions. Starting from the grand New Year celebrations up until the end of the year, there is some festival to look forward to, each bringing out the best of authentic Malaysia. The culture is intense and beautiful and comes with colour, dance, deep rooted religion and unique skill. One occasion that showcases the craftsmanship of Malaysians is the Langkawi Crafts festival. The Langkawi Crafts Festival takes place somewhere around the month of December. The end of the year is a holiday season throughout the world and Malaysia gets a good number of visitors. The Langkawi Craft Festival in addition to its festivity makes an excellent place to pick up handmade Malaysian souvenirs.

This annual event brings to life the Craft Complex at Kedah that showcases pretty much every imaginable type of Malaysian craft. Using a variety of local material, beautiful ornaments are created that work perfectly on the mantelpiece. The world of Malaysian craft is endless and has a tropical exoticness to it. The art of batik painting is brought to life in the many kaftans, skirts and sarongs available for sale. You can even get a glimpse of how it is all brought to life backstage.

December offers more for those holidaying in Langkawi for the harvest festival also takes place somewhere around this time. In this occasion you can watch and even take part in an array of traditional fun games all in conjunction to the rice harvest; an event that holds much importance in local culture. You can even see the process of harvesting rice and enjoy the company of happy local farmers who celebrate all their hard work with this festival.

While visiting the area the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa is an excellent 5 star hotel in Langkawi to stay at. This Langkawi beach resort has views that will literally take your breath away and comforts that will make you want to stay longer in this amazing hotel.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Deepavali Celebration – always a highlight

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The vibrant Deepavali Festival is an important event for Hindus around the world. Just as in Hindu communities the world over, the Hindus of Malaysia celebrate this occasion with great joy and festivity. Deepavali is the Festival of Light, a celebration of the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Accordingly at this joyous occasion a multitude of oil lamps are lit to dispel evil and darkness. The event falls on the final day of the final month of the traditional lunar based calendar.

The origins of the festival are steeped in myth and legend and several explanations are given for the event. In Malaysia most Hindus consider the festival to commemorate the slaying of the demon Narakasura by the might of Lord Krishna. The festive mood commences a month earlier, with the preparation of delicious Indian sweetmeats like the ommapadi, murukku, chippi and others. Everything in the home must be clean and fresh, with new clothes for everyone in the family. On the eve of Deepavali prayers and offerings are made to revered ancestors and deceased members of the family. After this rite the women busy themselves in the kitchen while the others tidy the house so as to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

On the day of the festival Hindus rise before the break of dawn, apply oil on their heads and take a bath. This is considered to cleanse the person from the impurities of the year that has passed. After prayers at the home altar, the family members obtain blessings from their elders.
Following these customs guests will start to arrive at the home, and halal food is cooked so that it can be savoured by Muslim Malays. People of all ethnicities visit their Hindu friends to take part in this joyous event. Children are especially happy as they receive yellow packets containing money. With all of these festive traditions Deepavali is truly a splendid festival for Hindus and their friends alike.
If you are visiting Malaysia during this time, select a Langkawi beach resort or a 5 star hotel in Langkawi to stay during this spectacle. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa with its soothing ambience would be a good choice in terms of luxury getaways in the area.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+