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8 | MALAYSIA LANGKAWI: RECHARGE IN ISLAND ESCAPADES Poised to become one of the world's top 10 eco-tourism hotspots, Langkawi Island – in Kedah state – is Southeast Asia's first Global Geopark designated by UNESCO. It comprises 99 islands that make up the idyllic Langkawi Archipelago. Nature's rolling hills, beautiful white sandy beaches and charming traditional Malay villages co-exist harmoniously with the island's robust plans towards becoming a world-class destination for meetings, conventions and exhibitions, upping the island's appeal for incentive programs. For many business events planners, the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) remains the top choice for large-scale events. The island's biggest facility is conveniently located adjacent to Langkawi International Airport. The PATA Travel Mart 2018 was held there, covering three halls with a total of over 1,400 delegates from 70 global destinations. Conference organisers who wish to organise events may opt for the multi purpose-built Langkawi International Convention Centre (LICC), a stunning modern 34,195sqm facility set amidst a tropical rainforest. MEET By flight, Langkawi Island is a mere 1 hour 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur. Its international airport is well-connected to countries such as Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and Thailand. The Langkawi Development Authority's Tourism Division provides support for business events of 80 or more delegates with at least three nights' stay. The island boasts more than 8,600 rooms and suites from a range of 4-star and 5-star hotels and luxury resorts, many of which offer meeting facilities. FAST FACTS Three conservation areas enchant with their geological beauty: the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park, and Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. For Kilim Karst, the visual experience begins the moment visitors sail towards the mangroves and bat cave, experience eagle feeding, then carrying on the journey amongst formidable rock faces. Delegates at Machinchang can also consider buckling up for a zip line adventure with Umgawa. Sky rangers will be at hand to lead the way through the Geoforest Park, explaining its natural wonders while maneuvering teams through 12 zip lines, sky bridges and the Seven Wells Waterfalls. For stunning aerial views, ride the Langkawi SkyCab. Touted as the "longest free span mono-cable car", the gondolas hover at a precariously steep incline over emerald jungles beneath, but it's all worth the adrenalin rush once the ride reaches the SkyBridge. The massive curved bridge is built above two Machinchang Mountain peaks, suspended on a single pylon 100m above ground, offering breathtaking vistas of the island. EXPLORE