Langkawi that is also officially known as Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah is actually a district and also an archipelago of 99 islands in the Malacca Strait. Some 30 km off the coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of the state of Kedah, which is adjacent to the Thai border. The islands there are a few kilometers south of Ko Tarutao.
Langkawi is a great place to come if people want to sample some island living. Langkawi has a laid-back atmosphere that makes it very different from other parts of Malaysia, and many people flock here for the pretty beaches and also natural scenery. Some of the highlights of the island that people always visit include its soaring peaks. Even though Langkawi is just a small place, there is actually a huge amount to do. 7 best and interesting things to do in Langkawi:
1) Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)
Dataran Lang, also known as Eagle Square, is a striking 12 meter-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.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Location: Kuah Jetty, Langkawi
2) Langkawi Sky Bridge
Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125 meter-long curved pedestrian bridge that offers an exhilarating view of the verdant Gunung Mat Cincang, Telaja Tujuh waterfalls, and several islets surrounding Langkawi. Set 700 meters 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
3) 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.
- 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
4) Underwater World Langkawi
Set along with 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-meter walkthrough underwater tunnel, where you can enjoy close-up views of sharks, giant stingrays, and green turtles.
- 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)
5) Gunung Raya
With an altitude of 881 meters, Gunung Raya is hailed as the highest peak in Langkawi. According to local beliefs, the mountain is the cursed form of a giant called Mat Raya, who had once lived on the island. The dense rainforest is home to numerous wildlife such as leaf monkeys, flying foxes, macaque monkeys, squirrels, mountain hawk eagles, white-bellied sea eagles, and great hornbills. Gunung Raya is also a popular destination for hiking, but bringing a guide along is highly advisable as the trail can be quite challenging for novices.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Location: Jalan Air Hangat, Langkawi
6) Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise
Great for families and animal lovers, Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise houses over 2,500 exotic birds from 150 species such as canaries, ducks, parakeets, owls, eagles, toucans, hornbills, and flamingos. The park is fitted with a walk-in aviary and a 15 meter-tall manmade waterfall, where some of the birds are free to roam about and interact with visitors. Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise also hosts animal feeding sessions for raccoons, crocodiles, pelicans, and hornbills between 11:00 and 16:00. Set within a 15-minute drive from Kuah.
- Opening Hours: Daily 08:30 – 18:00
- Address: Lot 1485, Jalan Ayer Hangat, Kampung Belanga Pecah
- Price Range: RM28 (adults) and RM18 (children aged 3 to 12 years old)
7) Pulau Payar Marine Park
Just 30km south of Langkawi Island is Pulau Payar Marine Park, a prominent spot for snorkeling and diving. It is about 45 minutes away from Kuah Jetty and you can take either a catamaran or a speedboat to get there. One of Pulau Payar Marine Park’s best features is its Coral Garden, a secluded section filled with colorful corals. Those eager to explore the park will have to obtain permission from the authorities before venturing into the waters; alternatively, you can join a tour group, which is usually inclusive of snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinking water.
- Opening Hours: Daily
- Location: Langkawi
Sources: Langkawi.