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Mangrove - Basically, a mangrove is a small tropical tree that grows in the wetlands of the coastal areas. But, more specifically, it is any of certain shrubs and trees of the families Rhizophoraceae, Verbenaceae, Sonneratiaceae, and Arecaceae (palm) that grow in dense thickets or forests along tidal estuaries, in salt marshes, and on muddy coasts. However, the term also applies to the thickets and forests of such plants, that are generally called, mangrove swamps.

Characteristically, mangroves have prop roots (exposed, supporting roots). In addition, in many species respiratory, or knee, roots project above the mud and have small openings through which air enters, passing through the soft, spongy tissue to the roots beneath the mud.

Mangrove fruits put out an embryonic root before they fall from the tree; the root may fix itself in the mud before the fruit separates from the parent. Likewise, branches and trunks put out adventitious roots which, once they are secure in the mud, send up new shoots. The common mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) grows to about 30 ft (9 m) tall and bears short, thick, leathery leaves on short stems, and pale-yellow flowers. Its fruit is sweet and wholesome, if you'd care to have a bite!

If you wish to know more about this complex eco-system that acts as nature's kidneys, filtering out life-endangering rubbish... sign-up for a "mangrove tour." .

Map - Here is a popping-up-at-you map of Langkawi - in the event that it loads! Refresh if it doesn't load the first time around.

Marble - It is, basically, a kind of limestone, but, more specifically, it is granular limestone or dolomite that has recrystallized under the influence of heat, pressure, and aqueous solutions. The main mineral in marble is calcite.

Commercially, "marble" includes all decorative calcium-rich rocks that can be polished.

Principally, marbles are used for buildings and monuments, interior decoration, statuary, tabletops, and novelties. Color and appearance are their most important qualities. Statuary marble, the most valuable variety, must be pure white and of uniform grain size.

Quite interestingly, Langkawi is blessed with high quality marble deposits of varied colours and the most notable being the "Royal White," which is NOT found elsewhere! However, the factory that produces them, closed down! Click here to know, why?

Mecca - No, silly... this Holy city is NOT in Langkawi, but, for the benefit of Muslims who can't find the "little green arrows" in their hotel rooms, the general direction in which you're supposed to face, while praying, is where the sun sets. This little info, however, is only relevant to those who wish to carry out their second obligation as Muslims!

For non-Muslims, now you know the purpose of that "little green arrow," that is (normally) found painted on the ceiling/wall in your hotel room!

Moon - Living in the city you cannot appreciate how brightly the moon shines, but in Langkawi you can!

If you happen to find yourself unable to sleep, on those nights of the full moon, just go down to the beach and experience something wonderful.

After your eyes have adjusted to the darkness, (as the beaches are not lighted) you'd be surprised to see how white and silvery the beaches really are!... due to the reflection from the moon. And, as the full moon descends, its reflection thrown on the surface of the calm sea helps to further illuminate the darkness.

Looking up, you'd see an almost perfect sphere shining down on you with each and every line clearly visible. And, if you look long enough, you'd get the feeling that it is so low and near that you could just reach out with your hands and hold it.

It's one of those nights when you'll be saying to yourself, "There MUST be a God... for, something so beautiful could NOT have evolved... someone must have CREATED it!" (Thanks, Ryoko, for the reminder!)

Moped - See below.

Motorbike - See below.

Motorcycle - Some call it a moped, some call it a motorbike and some even call it a scooter but they all mean a motorcycle!

It is the most efficient and economical means to explore the island. Generally speaking, the small-engined, clutchless motorcycles are easy to handle, but please remember that, in Malaysia, we do our driving on the left.

It was one fine morning when a Dutch tourist rented a motorcycle, and set-off to explore the island. Everything was fine until late in the afternoon, when it started to rain. As she came off the intersection at Pantai Tengah, and quite inexplicably, she veered into the right lane. Unfortunately, for her, an oncoming car also chose, at that moment, to appear around the slight bend and in trying to avoid a head-on collision, she ended up next to a ditch but not before picking up some cuts and bruises along the way.

It later transpired that due to tiredness and a lapse of concentration -- in which, momentary disorientation and the onset of the rain-shower played crucial roles -- the force of habit took her over as she veered to the "other" side of the road!

Needless to say, there have been many of such instances and there'll lots more to come if the rule of "keeping left" is NOT adhered to.

Lastly, remember to wear the obligatory crash-helmets.