A Compulsory Stopover For Many Foreign Tourists

By Hazlinda Hamzah LANGKAWI (Kedah, Malaysia), May 30 (Bernama) -- Langkawi, one of Malaysia's exotic island resorts, still exerts a charm over many foreign tourists, as they make the destination a must visit place during their trips to the country. Recently at this island, this writer approached Oom Fahd, a mother from Saudi Arabia, who said she would return to Langkawi in July with her husband's family. Oom Fahd and her husband visited the island for the first time some 18 months ago, on their honeymoon trip. Places like the Mahsuri mausoleum, Pulau Dayang Bunting (Dayang Bunting island), the Cenang and Kok beaches, and Gunung Matchincang are among several locations that attract tourists to Langkawi island. FOREIGNERS This writer also met a man from Shanghai, China, at the international airport here. The man, who could only speak a smattering of English, said that he decided to visit Langkawi after hearing other tourists in his homeland describe the resort island as a very enchanting destination. Mohamad Dudha, a British national and his wife Noerunisa, who is a Malay from Capetown, South Africa, said, "We love (to visit) Malaysia. We like to visit the islands in this country, and as we are both Muslims, it is easy to find halal food. "Here we are staying at a hotel in Kuah, and have spent nearly US$6,335 (RM20,000) to stay in Malaysia for almost one month, along with two of our small children." Their favourite food while holidaying in Langkawi is tom yam soup. During their stay on this resort island, the couple have hired a Toyota Avanza vehicle from Toyota Avanza. "The fees for hiring cars here are reasonable, and many tourists tend to hire vehicles here for easy transportation," he added. GOOD BUSINESS The influx of tourists means good business for local entrepreneurs. Duty-free shops such as the Haji Ismail Group (HIG), Idaman Suri, Coco Valley, and the retail outlets at Langkawi Saga shopping centre and Billion Supermarket are always full of shoppers. "I like to shop at Haji Ismail Group outlets. Shoppers can buy batik, cutlery and chocolates at cheap rates. This place is located near the ferry jetty, which is convenient for those who use the ferry," said Rosniyah, a teacher from Jitra, Kedah state of north Malaysia. Many tour and excursion buses that disgorge hundreds of visitors on a daily basis can be seen parked in front of these shops. GOOD PRICE The goods offered for sale here, indeed, are cheaper than the same products being sold in mainland Malaysia. In fact, this writer discovered that a box of 30 chocolate balls is available for less than US$7.59 (RM24) here, when it costs three Dinar at Kuwait International Airport (equivalent to US$12.34) and about US$13.93 (RM44) at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). In Kulai, Johor state of south Malaysia, the price of the same box of chocolate balls is RM36. The same is true for other chocolate items, and some of the products are sold elsewhere at double their price in Langkawi. An average-quality batik sarong costs around RM7 here, while a good-quality piece is available for around RM29 at the HIG outlets here. The same piece of batik is usually sold for RM60 elsewhere on the mainland. ACCOMMODATION Regarding accommodation on this resort island, the average prices are very competitive and affordable for all tourists, both foreign and local. There are many price promotions for hotel rooms, which are also available online to facilitate group reservations and early bookings. For example, a chalet with three bedrooms – which can comfortably accommodate seven adults and is equipped with facilities like a kitchen and microwave oven – is priced at only RM300 per night! Cheap food and lodging as well as the possibility of visiting fascinating and exotic sites are among the factors that continue to lure visitors to Langkawi. (US$1 = RM3.15) -- BERNAMA