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If you’re staying on Langkawi, whether at Kuah or not, there are quite a few places to visit nearby. These include the islands close by, as well as local sights.
Telaga Tujuh , about 23 kms from Kuah is on the slopes of Gunung Mat Cincang. The seven wells comprising Telaga Tujuh are in a series, originating from a mountain stream, which flows from one well into the next and so on. The local people say that the wells are the haunt of fairies that come there to bathe and wash their hair- but disappear when humans approach, leaving behind only the scent of the sweet herbs they use to wash their hair. An enchanting place, but only if you’re willing to do a good bit of trekking through the hills (for which you’ll have to hire a guide).
Payar Island is one of the islands closest to Langkawi, and is a beautiful marine park, protected by the government. It’s got lots of tropical fish and is a very pleasant place to spend your day- whether you just laze around on the beach, or go boating (take care, however, to anchor your boat only at places marked by red buoys- the rest of the park is off-limits).
Pantai Pasir Hitam , the beach of black sand is situated about 19 km from Kuah, and is so called because of the black streaks (probably due to minerals – either tin or oxides of tin), in the sand. A fairly unique and quiet place to spend an afternoon.
Tasik Dayang Bunting or the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden- also with a myth attached to it- is on Langkawi’s second largest island, Pulau Dayang Bunting. The story goes that a beautiful genie, after a long and trying love story, gave birth to a baby, who died seven days later, and was thrown into the lake by the desolate mother. The lake, surrounded on all sides by tall, forested slopes, is separated from the sea by a natural wall of limestone, and its waters are believed to help barren women conceive. The other story explaining the name identifies the silhouette of a supine pregnant lady in the surrounding hills.
Besides these, there are a few nearby islands which are also worth visiting- these include Pulau Beras Basah, Pulau Singa Besar, Pulau Tembus and Pulau Rebak .
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