Malaysia’s best-known holiday destination, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 Malaysian islands in the Andaman Sea.
The islands are located close to the Thai border in the Andaman Sea. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of about 65,000, the only other inhabited island being nearby Pulau Tuba.
With its many diverse landscapes of beaches, mountains, rainforest and mangrove wetlands, Langkawi offers tourists the greatest variety of things to see and do.
A popular activity here is to take a cable car ride up to Gunung Mat Chinchang and walk across the Sky Bridge to see incredible views across to Thailand. Nearby is Langkawi’s highest peak, Gunung Raya, which features a resort hotel, restaurant and splendid lookout tower at its summit.
Many attractions abound here like the Laman Padi Rice Garden, the indoor aquarium at the Underwater World, and Oriental Village where visitors can enjoy cultural shows, watch snake charmers and ride elephants
Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast. Surrounded by turquoise sea, the interior of the main island is a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. If you’re intent on carting off duty-free alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate, then this is the place to be. Still, nature lovers will find the island just as agreeable as the shoreline is fringed by powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees.
The island is especially recognised for its excellent diving opportunities and this tropical gem hides a treasure trove of other exciting holiday opportunities. From the expansive Underwater World Langkawi along Pantai Cenang to the soaring Cable Car in Pantai Kok, Langkawi is an electrifying locale that keeps visitors coming back for more. Not convinced yet?
The best attractions in Langkawi make the most of the natural landscapes, expansive parks, and iconic structures that no first-time visitor should skip on their travel itinerary. As one of Malaysia’s best-known and most popular beach destinations, the massive island is home to historical attractions, great fare, excellent diving opportunities, exciting nightlife and dirt-cheap shopping.
Langkawi’s pristine beaches – namely Datai Bay, Pantai Cenang, and Tanjung Rhu – are also rated among the best in the world while vast roads provide easy access to its vibrant beach towns. Due to the size of the island, Langkawi’s best attractions are best explored by rented vehicle. There are a few sights that you definitely need to check out before leaving this island, so check out our comprehensive list of the most popular Langkawi attractions.
1. Langkawi Sky Bridge
Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125 metre-long curved pedestrian bridge that offers an exhilarating (and sometimes terrifying) view of the verdant Gunung Mat Cincang, Telaja Tujuh waterfalls, and several islets surrounding Langkawi. Set 700 metres above sea level, it is only accessible via the final station of the Langkawi Cable Car ride, which is priced at RM35 for adults and RM25 for children (two to 12 years old). This sturdy bridge can accommodate up to 250 people at a time, and is fitted with double steel railings, an enclosed wire mesh, and two triangular platforms where you can relax and enjoy the cool breeze.
Opening Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10:00 – 19:00, Wednesday 12:00 – 19:00, Thursday 10:00 – 19:00, Friday & Saturday 09:30 – 19:00
Address: Jalan Telaga Tujuh Teluk Burau, Langkawi
2. Dataran Lang
Dataran Lang, also known as Eagle Square, is a striking 12 metre-tall sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight is displayed atop an elevated platform. Set in Kuah, this prominent landmark is just a five-minute walk from Kuah Jetty, Jetty Point Mall, Taman Lagenda Dalam Langkawi, as well as numerous restaurants and duty-free shops. Dataran Lang also houses beautiful miniature fountains, terraces and bridges, while its close proximity to the sea makes it a popular spot for watching ferries ply across the harbour in the evening.
Opening Hours: Daily
Location: Kuah Jetty, Langkawi
3. Underwater World Langkawi
Set along the vibrant Pantai Cenang beach town, Underwater World Langkawi houses more than 500 species of sea creatures including harbour seals, rockhopper penguins, seahorses, as well as flamingos and mandarin ducks. One of the highlights is a 15-metre walkthrough underwater tunnel, where you can enjoy close-up views of sharks, giant stingrays, and green turtles. Accessible via a 15-minute drive from Langkawi International Airport, Underwater World Langkawi is also set next to The Zon Shopping Paradise and Coco Valley where you can shop for an array of duty-free goods.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 09:30 – 18:30, Friday – Sunday 09:30 – 22:30
Address: Zon Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang
Price Range: RM40 (adults) and RM30 (children aged 3 to 12 years old)
4. Langkawi Cable Car
Langkawi Cable Car takes visitors on a vertiginous 15-minute ride to the top of mount Mat Cincang, offering breath-taking views of Langkawi’s rainforests, islets, and waterfalls. The journey starts out at the Oriental Village where you’ll pass several stops fitted with open-air view decks along the way. As it gets a little chilly towards the top, we advise bringing a sweater along for the ride. After reaching the 708 metre-tall peak, visitors can enjoy the cool breeze, grab a quick bite, browse through the stalls selling T-shirts and souvenirs, and of course take lots of photos from the observatory deck. Read More...
Opening Hours: Monday & Tuesday 10:00 – 19:00, Wednesday 12:00 – 19:00, Thursday 10:00 – 19:00, Friday & Saturday 09:30 – 19:00
Location: Jalan Telaga Tujuh Teluk Burau, Langkawi
Price Range: RM35 (adults) and RM25 (children aged two to 12 years old)
