Langkawi archipelago, home of the Million Dollar Island

Reality TV is all about characters, of course, and one of the strongest in Million Dollar Island is the island itself.

This Australian version of Million Dollar Island was filmed on two islands in the archipelago of Langkawi, Malaysia.

While readers may be familiar with Langkawi as an island, it is actually an archipelago of 99 islands off the north-west coast of Malaysia. Langkawi Island is the biggest of them.

They are remote and tropical, with rainforest and sandy beaches.

Two of the 99 islands were chosen as the primary filming locations for Million Dollar Island.

In the series, on Channel 7 and 7plus, 100 competitors are pitted against each other on the island, vying for a $1 million prize.

IN REALITY

+ The Langkawi archipelago is in the Strait of Malacca.

+ Only four of the 99 islands in the archipelago are permanently inhabited — Langkawi, Dayang Bunting, Tuba and Rebak.

+ Langkawi island is just under 30km long, more than 15km wide, and actually quite near the Thai island of Tarutao.

+ There are all sorts of activities available in the Langkawi Archipelago, including a four-hour jet ski tour for about $300.

+ On Langkawi island, head for Langkawi Skybridge Cable Car, a 2.2km ride also known as Langkawi SkyCab, which links Oriental Village at Teluk Burau to the peak of Gunung Machinchang. It takes about 30 minutes.

+ Langkawi’s 125m SkyBridge is one of the world’s longest curved suspension bridges.

+ The name of the second-biggest island in the group, Pulau Dayang Bunting, translates to “Isle of the Pregnant Maiden”. Its shape sort of resembles that of an expectant woman.

+ On Dayang Bunting, head to Gua Langsir — a cave which is home to thousands of bats.

+ Pulau Payar Marine Park is good for snorkelling. Islands offer catamaran and speedboat trips there.