LANGKAWI: The Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) has introduced the "Langkawi Cyclotourism Trail' as a tourist attraction that offers visitors the chance to explore the island's natural beauty through cycling.

LADA joint chairman Datuk Mohd Suhaimi Abdullah said a total of seven routes had been prepared and tourists would also have the chance to enjoy other tourism products as well as take in the lifestyle and culture of the local community.

The seven routes are the Legendary Route; Ironman Route; Gunung Raya Route; 99Bikes MTB Trail; Chengkuan MTB Trail; Bukit Sawak Trail and Buffalo Park Trail.

"Langkawi has great potential to become a pioneer of the 'cyclotourism' concept because the island is already known as the venue for international-standard cycling tourism events such as the Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) and Ironman Malaysia.

"The uniqueness and variety of its landscape, as well as its biodiversity, makes each cycling route in Langkawi more interesting to be explored through cycling," he said after officiating the 'Langkawi Cyclotourism Trail' and introducing the 'Ridescape' in Kuala Sungai Melaka here today.

Mohd Suhaimi said that LADA would also introduce the 'Ridescape', which is a 2.4-kilometre cycling track in Kuala Sungai Melaka, to be used as a community-based tourism product for cycling enthusiasts.

"The development of the second phase for upgrading works to provide basic facilities will be implemented in that area. A total of RM80,000 has been spent to revive the area.

"A lot of European countries have become famous destinations through the 'cyclotourism' concept. In Langkawi, we are lucky to have interesting flora and fauna... hopefully, one day Langkawi will also become the destination of choice for tourists and the international cycling fraternity," he said.

Meanwhile, he said LADA had also prepared 'Langkawi Cyclotourism Trail' pamphlets, which contain basic information about the routes that can be used for cycling activities apart from details of sales and service centres for bicycles on the island.

-- BERNAMA