If you are seeking an idyllic tropical getaway, Langkawi is the place to go. An archipelago of 99 islands located off the coast of Penang in Malaysia, steeped in legends and folklore, Langkawi has a touch of mystique to its charm. The island is known for its outstanding natural beauty, pearl-white beaches, lush mangroves, picturesque waterfalls and sweeping vistas. Explore the vibrant local culture, indulge in delicious cuisine, enjoy duty-free shopping and engage in outdoor activities while enjoying laid-back island life.
Things to see and do in Langkawi
- Relax under the tropical sun at Pantai Cenang, Langkawi's most popular and vibrant beach. This 2-kilometre stretch of golden sands and turquoise waters offers many activities and attractions for a perfect beach day. Apart from basking in the sun, you can indulge in water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing and enjoy beachfront dining at the numerous restaurants and cafés lining the shore. The beach gets lively in the evening with bustling markets and live music performances.
- Journey back in time at Langkawi Geopark, Southeast Asia's first UNESCO Global Geopark, and witness the world's rarest natural wonders. It is a geological and ecological marvel home to ancient rock formations, dense mangrove forests and diverse wildlife. Explore the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, characterized by limestone cliffs, caves and hidden lagoons, accessible via boat tours.
- Take a thrilling ride on the Langkawi Cable Car to the peak of Gunung Mat Cincang, the island's second-highest mountain. It is the world's steepest cable car ride that takes you 660 metres above sea level to the Langkawi Sky Bridge, providing aerial views of the jungles, waterfalls and the Andaman Sea. The Sky Bridge is a beautifully constructed curved pedestrian bridge suspended between two peaks and offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding landscape from every viewpoint.
- Hike through the lush rainforest to reach the top of Telaga Tujuh, also known as the Seven Wells Waterfall. Enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the seven interconnected natural pools fed by seven cascading waterfalls. The falls are also visible from the cable car on the way up to the sky bridge.
- Experience Langkawi's local culture and cuisine at the night markets. These markets are held at different locations on different nights of the week for specific specialities, and they offer a variety of street food, local handicrafts and souvenirs. It's an excellent opportunity to indulge in traditional Malaysian food and the local vibe of the island.
- Visit Underwater World Langkawi, one of the largest freshwater aquariums in Asia. You can observe marine life up close from the underwater tunnel installed there. You will see a diverse range of aquatic life gliding by, including sharks, seahorses, stingrays, turtles and colourful coral reefs. It's an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
Tips for travellers
Due to its tropical environment, Langkawi is best visited during the dry season, which spans from mid-December to mid-February. This period offers sunny days and is perfect for outdoor activities like island hopping, exploring the beaches and hiking in the rainforest. Don't miss traditional Malaysian delicacies like Nasi Lemak, Laksa and Satay. Try Langkawi's speciality, 'Ikan Bakar,' which is grilled fish served with mouthwatering sauces. Visit the Atma Alam Batik Art Village for handmade crafts, batik clothing, and other locally made products to bring home a piece of Langkawi.
