Langkawi is the main island in a group of 104 islands that comprise the Langkawi archipelago. Once a sanctuary for local pirates, Langkawi was a well-kept secret until it became a duty-free port in 1987. Since then, the construction of modern amenities has created an idyllic Malaysian getaway. Its natural beauty and intriguing past make Langkawi a treasure trove for visitors to discover. While the island’s main attractions are found in the mountainous interior, which offer tropical rainforests and verdant paddy fields, its glorious white sand beaches beckon all toward the western and southern coastlines, which are fairly built up with hotels and resorts.