Happy TravellerWelcome to Kuah, the district capital of Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. This resort town and mukim is the entry point for those coming by ferry from either the mainland or Penang Island. Despite not having a proper beach, Kuah has become a major town due to the growth of visitors after Langkawi developed into a tourist center since 1986. Today, Kuah is a commercial center with shopping complexes, restaurants, fast food outlets, hotels, and handicraft shops. But there’s more to Kuah than just shopping and dining. Let’s explore some of the places of attraction in this charming town.
One of the main highlights of Kuah is Dataran Lang, also known as Eagle Square. This landscaped area features a 12-meter high sculpture in the shape of a sea-eagle perched on rocks in pre-flight pose. The eagle is the emblem of Langkawi Island, and the square is a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the scenic views.
Another must-visit attraction in Kuah is MAHA Tower, formerly known as Langkawi City Tower. This 138-meter-tall tower serves as the landmark of the Langkawi City development and is Malaysia’s second tallest tower. Langkawi City is set to be completed in 2024/2025.
For those interested in Langkawi’s heritage of myths and fables, Langkawi Legend Park is a recreational area that features 17 sculptures depicting the many legends found in Langkawi. The park covers an area of 50 hectares of reclaimed land and is more of an open-air garden museum featuring scenic gardens, ponds, and fountains. There are also four artificial lakes and a man-made beach to complement the picturesque scenery.
Adjacent to Taman Lagenda is CHOGM Park, built to commemorate the 1989 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malaysia. The park has a man-made beach next to it and a children’s play area.
For those interested in architecture, the Al-Hana Mosque is one of Langkawi’s largest and most popular mosques. It is located in Kuah and incorporates motifs and carvings from Uzbekistan along with traditional Malay elements. The mosque was opened by the first Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1959.
Kuah is also a duty-free zone within the country, and there are plenty of shopping centers and shop lots that retail duty-free goods and souvenirs. Jetty Point Mall is part of the jetty complex itself and caters to tourists making last-minute shopping before they embark on the ferry back to the mainland. Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in Langkawi with over 100 individual shops and an adjoining supermarket cum departmental store. Langkawi Parade MegaMall is a large duty-free shopping mall with over 40 outlets, 8 food and beverage outlets, and a supermarket selling fresh, frozen, and canned foods. Saga Shopping Centre provides a wide range of household items and perishables such as wine, beer, spirits, confectionery, dried food, and tobacco. Haji Ismail Group Complex sells a variety of items such as chocolate and other foodstuff, kitchenware, household furnishing, batik, and clothing.
Kuah may not have a proper beach, but it has plenty of attractions to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in shopping, dining, or exploring Langkawi’s heritage, Kuah is a great place to start your journey. Come and experience the charm of this hidden gem for yourself!
