Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands separated from mainland Malaysia by the Straits of Malacca, is a district of the state of Kedah in Northern Malaysia and lies approximately 51km west of Kedah. The total land mass of the islands is 47,848 hectares, while the main island of Langkawi itself has a total of 32,000 hectares. The main island spans about 25km from north to south and slightly more for east and west. The coastal areas consist of flat, alluvial plains punctuated with limestone ridges. Two thirds of the island is dominated by forest - covered mountains, hills and natural vegetation.

Population - Only four of the 99 islands are inhabited - Pulau Langkawi ( the main island ), Pulau Tuba, Pulau Rebak and Pulau Dayang Bunting. The population is an estimated 54,000 of which 90% are Malays. The other ethic groups consist mainly of Chinese, Indians and Thais.

Life on Langkawi is idyllic. Whether you wish to soak in the sun and do absolutely nothing or join in the fun and do everything, on Langkawi, you can do so without a care in the world. Be it a round of golf on one of the world's most challenging courses or some shopping on this duty-free haven, everything you'll ever need will be taken care of. Quietly, unobtrusively. For that's the way things are done on Langkawi.

The Pulau Payar Marine Park is a sanctuary for a multitude of marine life. The park offers beautiful beaches and an underwater observatory for those who do not dive or snorkel.

At the Langkawi Bird Paradise you can discover the exciting world of birds and nature .... with hundreds of world's rarest and most beautiful birds greeting you as you stroll through tropical gardens.

UnderWater World Langkawi - the largest in Asia - features more than 5,000 marine and fresh water fish in over 100 tanks.Unique to Underwater World is the gigantic 15-meter long Walk-Through Tunnel Tank containing 800,000 litres of sea water. Watch various marine life, even sharks, swim just inches away from you, separated only by 38mm laminated tempered clear glass.

The Snake Sanctuary, a beautiful parkland with an undulating setting, is home to a collection of venomous and non-venomous snakes from all over the world and Langkawi's Oriental Village Was specially designed and crafted to provide a new concept in resort duty free shopping. More than 30 speciality outlets offer a diverse variety and range of brands and products.

Laman Padi is Langkawi's latest attraction and one that should not be missed for agro-tourism lovers. It showcases the history, heritage and development of the nation's rice growing industry.The Seven Wells located at Burau Bay, on the slopes of Mt. Cincang, are 91 meters high seven level waterfalls and are truly spectacular and are a must-see for all nature lovers.

The Pasar Malam ( Night Market ) is a place where all the locals gather, selling daily use goods and local Malay foods. It's just like a market place but just that they don't sell fresh fishes or vegetables here. This kind of night market is available 5 nights a week but in deferent locations such as Kuah Town, Kedawang, Ulu Melaka, Air Hangat, Padang Matsirat. The best part of it is the superb range of food available through the evening.

Buying Property or Land in Langkawi, Kedah

Most of the land in Langkawi is designated as "Malay Reserve Land". The Malay Reservations Enactments of the respective Malay States seek to ensure that certain land in the State is alienated only to Malays and that the land thus alienated or any interest in it will continue to remain in the hands of Malays.

Article 89 of the Malaysian Constitution deals with Malay reservations. Only a Malay may own land or posses an interest in a Malay Reservation area. A Malay Holding includes any registered interest of a Malay, a proprietor or co-proprietor in any alienated land included in a Malay Reservation Area which has been duly declared and gazetted.

Once land is gazetted as a Malay Reservation, it can only be sold, leased or otherwise disposed of only to Malay individuals or corporations.

Some people say that, with expert help, land for building or buying your own house or villa or a larger development plot can be safely and legally negotiated and the title changed. Others claim that by 'swapping' a piece of Malay Reserve land on Langkawi for another similar-sized parcel elsewhere (on the mainland, for example) the Malay Reservations Enactments can be circumvented and a secure freehold legal title can be established. There are apparently a few examples where this has been done. Also, some States may re-categorize Malay Reserve land and the Malaysian government has done so on many occasions.

However, we strongly suggest that anyone considering these strategies to purchase Malay Reserve land on Langkawi or elsewhere take the best legal advice possible and have all legal documents drawn up, scrutinised and meticulously checked by reputable, independent lawyers and not by those with an interest in selling the land or property.