Information and Fact about Langkawi

Government:
Constitutional Monarchy

Population:
64,732 (2008)

Ethnic Groups:
Malays - 65% (including Bumiputera 12%)
Chinese - 26%
Indian - 8%
Others - 2%

Languages:
The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, although English is widely used.

Climate
Langkawi is very warm and humid with temperatures ranging from 25c to 35c. The rainy season is during August/ September, although there are occasional showers throughout the year.

Prickly heat sometimes happen - to avoid it, keep cool, bathing often, dry the skin using prickly heat powder or resorting to air-conditioning.

Visas
All transit visitors who fly into Malaysia are eligible for a visa free visit, as long as the period does not exceed 72 hours. Regulations may change from time to time; please check with the nearest Malaysian Embassy before you start on your trip.

Currency
The currency, known as Malaysia Ringgit (RM), is issued in denominations of RM100, RM50, RM10, RM5, RM1. The coins, referred to as 'sen' (cents) are in denominations of 50sen, 20sen, 10sen, 5 sen and 1 sen.

Seven major banks are available in Langkawi: Namely Maybank, Public Bank, RHB Bank, Bumiputera Commerce, Perwira Affin Bank, Bank Islam and Bank Simpanan Nasional. Most ATM's are linked to international banking networks such as Cirrus, Maestro and Plus and not forgetting Visa and Mastercard allowing withdrawal from overseas accounts easy. ATM's are available at the Langkawi Airport, Kuah Town and the Jetty Point Shopping Complex.

License Moneychangers can be found all over the island namely: Langkawi International Airport, Jetty Point Complex, Kuah Town, Pantai Chenang, Padang Matsirat, Langkawi Fair. Banks and most hotel do provide money changing facilities.

Health Risk

The only vaccination requirements are yellow fever for those from infected areas. Cholera, smallpox and malaria have largely been eliminated. Tap water is safe for drinking in Malaysia. Hotels usually provide bottled water for guests in their rooms.