Editor's note ..LD: WHEN everything is fast paced and developing at a frenetic pace, a bit of old world charm is most welcomed. This is the story of Kuala Kedah, remaining rustic despite its close association with one of the country's major tourist destin.

(From New Straits Times (Malaysia))

WHEN everything is fast paced and developing at a frenetic pace, a bit of old world charm is most welcomed. This is the story of Kuala Kedah, remaining rustic despite its close association with one of the country's major tourist destination - Langkawi. Kuala Kedah is one of two points, the other being Kuala Perlis, where tourists to the fabled island would board ferries. So while tourists do see a bit of the town, lingering while waiting to board their ferries, they do not really stay. This has its pros and cons. The major disadvantage of this being the locals do not benefit more from the tourism industry on the island. The benefit …