Langkawi is within the state of Kedah (one of 13 states within Malaysia and is located off the northern tip of Peninsular Malaysia), and bordering Thailand. The picturesque state of Kedah is one of Malaysia's major rice growing regions as well as an entry point to neighbouring Thailand. Langkawi has a population of approximately 60,000 people with native Malays being the major ethnic group followed by ethnic Chinese, Indians and some Thais.
Although Langkawi consists of a cluster of many islands, only four of the 100 or so islands are inhabited, Pulau Langkawi (the main island), Pulau Tuba, Pulau Singa and Pulau Dayang Bunting. The main island of Langkawi is divided into six districts; Mukim Kuah; Padang Matsirat; Ayer Hangat; Bohor; Ulu Melaka; and Kedawang.