Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands, approximately 51 km northwest of the state of Kedah on Peninsula Malaysia. It is the oldest rock formation to have risen from the seabed some 550 million years ago during the Cambrian period. Of the 99 islands (104 during low tides) only four are inhabited, inclduing the 32,000-hectare main Langkawi Island.

Geologically, Langkawi is made up of three different rocks: sandstone, limestone and marble. The primary focal point of Langkawi Geopark, the 550-million-year-old Mt. Machincang is made up of sandstone. Pulau Dayang Bunting (Pregnant Maiden Island) has a high composition of marble. Limestone found in other parts of Langkawi has contributed to the establishment of a cement factory, the only heavy industry on the island.

Perhaps Langkawi is best known for the story of Mahsuri as it is often mentioned in local schools. Mahsuri was a Langkawi maiden who was accused of adulty and subsenquently stoned to death. Legend has it it that as she lay dying she cursed that Langkawi would be barren for seven generations. And as a testament to her Inncocence, she bled white blood. More than seven generations have since passed and, as the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) would claim, Langkawi is now a "prospering island."

Langkawi popularity began to rise, really, when the Malaysian granted the island a duty-free status. Since then, investors from around Malaysia and around the world have set-up businesses on the duty-free island in the hospitality, food & beverage, yacht manufacturing & repairs and other sectors. Langkawi is popular amongst Malaysians and foreigners alike. Langkawi offers a better family-oriented destination compared to other nearby resorts such as Bali or Phuket.

Langkawi's more popular tourist destinations include Panorama Langkawi (previously known as Langkawi Cable Car), Oriental Village, Underwater World Langkawi, Pantai Cenang and the very many duty-free stores around the island. The island is also punctuated with many accommodation options from the budget to the ultra-five star Four Seasons Resort, for example, and many in between. There are also many memorable activities to partake on the island.