LANGKAWI ISLAND

Malaysian Pulau Langkawi main island of the Langkawi group, in the Strait of Malacca, West Malaysia (Malaya). It lies just south of the Thai island of Tarutao. Langkawi, 18 miles (29 km) long and 10 miles (16 km) wide, with an area of 203 square miles (526 square km), rises to 2,887 feet (880 m) at Raya Mountain. While most of its inhabitants are fishermen, the island is well cultivated (coconuts and rubber). Kauh, the main village on the southern shore, is linked by road to the coastal settlements of Air Hangat and Padang Masirat. Langkawi Island has ferry connections with Kuala Kedah on the mainland and is frequented for its beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, coloured cliffs, historic caves, and fishing grounds. Its steep-sided limestone hills are favoured by climbers. Pop. (1980 prelim.) 29,084.