Panoramas from PULAU LANGKAWI, Malaysia

The lovely beach of Pantai Tengah 
with its powdery sand, taken at dusk.

Pulau Langkawi is an island off the north west coast of West Malaysia in the northern state of Kedah.. Known for its pristine, unspoilt beaches and wealth of natural sights, it is a perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the city. Quiet and sleepy for most part, it has become a world class tourist resort thanks to its promotion by former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Mahathir, who was himself a native of Kedah state. There are the usual tourist strips of hotels, restaurants and spas, but the national beauty of the land has not been diminished. Here are some photos I took of my short three night sojourn. Viewing them again really makes me want to come back sometime soon.   

One could easily forgive the bit of artifice 
that is the Oriental Village, a tourist trap but gateway 
to the cable car trip up Gunung Machincang.

A view of the cable car ride to the 
Upper Station from the Middle Station.

The dramatic looking Sky Bridge that links to smaller hills. 
Like many things in Malaysia, it was closed. 
It has been "under service" for an indefinite period of time.

Here is the reason why people take the Cable Car, 
a majestic view of the Machincang Range. 
The island seen in the distant background is part of Thailand. 

A view of Langkawi island itself.

Many tourists go on island-hopping tours, 
which take one to the secluded island  of Pulau Dayang Bunting 
(Pregnant Maiden Island), known for its freshwater lake.

A panoramic view of Pulau Dayang Bunting. 
With some imagination, one visualises in the hills 
a pregnant woman  lying on her back.

The freshwater lake of Tasik Dayang Bunting. 
Its serenity is immediately felt when one 
gazes into its clear reflecting waters.

Another popular destination is Pulau Beras Basah 
for its white sand beach and crystal clear water.

An idyllic view of Pulau Singa Besar from Pulau Beras Basah.