Best Things to Do in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur Shopping MallFree

Plaza Low Yat

Tech nerds and shopping malls don’t often go hand in hand, but Kuala Lumpur’s Plaza Low Yat is an exception to the rule. In this 6-storey mall, fashion boutiques and homewares stores are replaced with laptops, mobile phones, and the latest electronic gadgets and toys.

Langkawi BeachFree

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Tucked away at Langkawi’s northeastern tip, Tanjung Rhu Beach is a secluded bay surrounded by a leafy jungle and towering mountains. It’s no wonder why some of the island’s most prestigious luxury resorts chose Tanjung Rhu. The beach itself welcomes visitors with a wide stretch of fine white sand and crystal-clear yet warm water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Langkawi Island$$$$$

Paradise 101

Welcome to Paradise. Whether your idea of bliss is relaxing on a day bed with a cocktail, snapping Instagram-worthy photos, or the adrenaline rush of watersports, you’ll find it at private island, Paradise 101. Only 1km from the shoreline of Pantai Kok, Paradise 101 enjoys exquisite views of the turquoise Andaman Sea from its white sandy shore. The island provides the ultimate hub for watersports, sunbaking, and indulging your taste buds.

Langkawi Wildlife Park$$$$$

Langkawi Wildlife Park

The gold standard in safe and ethical interactions between humans and animals. Langkawi Wildlife Park has over 45 species of animals from Malaysia and across the globe, many of which wander freely in semi-open enclosures for visitors to feed from purchased feeding packs. Most enclosures have been constructed to mimic the animal’s natural habitat. Successful breeding programs with several species are a sure sign Langkawi Wildlife Park receives the animals’ tick of approval.

Langkawi Hot Spring$$$$$

Ayer Hangat Village

These natural saltwater hot springs were formed by unique layering of sedimentary rocks deep within the island heated by geothermal forces. The water and algae in the springs at Ayer Hangat Village contain restorative minerals and nutrients known to heal skin conditions like eczema and also relieve joint pain. Visitors can dip their feet in one 3 communal springs, ranging in temperature from cool to 42 degrees Celcius, or hire a private jacuzzi to rejuvenate their whole body.

Langkawi WaterfallFree

Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh)

Named after seven natural pools connected by a gushing river, Seven Wells Waterfall is one of Langkawi's most captivating natural performances. The falls are split into 2 sections, the upper pools and the lower pools, separated by a striking vertical waterfall cascading down a 91-meter-high cliff face. The pools are only accessible by climbing a series of concrete steps through the lush rainforest. Around 200 steps must be conquered to reach the lower pools, and a monstrous 638 steps to reach the upper pools.

Langkawi Geopark$$$$$

Kubang Badak Mangrove Reserve

Witness the raw natural beauty that thrust Langkawi onto the world tourism stage. Starting with serene mangrove habitats that open into the sparkling Andaman Sea, the Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail is home to thousands of wildlife species, from otters and kingfishers to sea eagles and tropical fish. The Mangrove Reserve is best explored by boat, with 12 stops available to delve into the region’s 500-million-year old geology and more recent history of fishing villages and Siamese settlers.

Langkawi Aquarium$$$$$

Underwater World Langkawi

One of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia located on one of the region’s smallest islands. Underwater World Langkawi is split into the 3 main sections: tropical rainforest and river ecosystem; temperate & sub-Antarctic; and marine. Highlights include a walk-through rainforest with flamingos, fish, and birds; 3 playful fur seals; over 60 African penguins; and a 15-meter long tunnel tank with giant stingrays, sharks, turtles, and more.

Langkawi IslandFree

Tuba Island (Pulau Tuba)

Want to witness Langkawi’s history as a sleepy fishing island before its tourism boom? Spend a day on partially-modernized Tuba Island, part of the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park. The island is home to geologically significant granite and marble rock formations dating back over 500 million years. Other popular attractions include a series of caves with exquisite stalactites and stalagmites, jungle trekking, birdwatching, swimming at idyllic beaches, and indulging in world-class seafood.

Langkawi WaterfallFree

Temurun Waterfall (Air Terjun Temurun)

Langkawi’s tallest waterfall with 3 cascading tiers towering 200 meters (656 feet) in height. After a short, 5-minute walk down a shady path lined with lush green trees, visitors are met with a glimpse of Temurun Waterfall’s striking 39-meter (128-feet) vertical stream at the falls’ middle tier. The stream ends in a natural rock pool ideal for swimming. Another refreshing pool is located at the upper tier, for those brave enough to climb the rocky stairs.

Langkawi Beach Club$$$$$

Dash Beach Club

Stylish beachfront hotel, Dash, opens its infinity pool, bar, and restaurant to the public to become Dash Beach Club, the ideal place to sip cocktails and soak up the sun. So, don't worry if your Langkawi accommodation has no swimming pool, just splash over to Dash. By day, sit back in a cozy daybed then slip into the pool for a cocktail at the swim-up pool bar. Party up by night as the DJ arrives to pump up the beat and neon shades of pink, purple, and blue light up the pool and bar.

Langkawi MuseumFree

Laman Padi Langkawi

Learn traditional Malay rice farming methods on an active rice farm. Verdant, water-filled rice fields provide a serene backdrop for the Laman Padi complex. Museum galleries are the main attraction with informative posters and examples of traditional rice farming equipment, from small tools to large threshing hubs and winnowing machines. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for your next bowl of rice.

Langkawi Horse Riding$$$$$

Island Horses Langkawi (Perdana Stables)

For a horse lover, no vacation is perfect until they feel the wind in their hair on the back of a steed. Island Horses offer 3 unique riding trails, 1 along Langkawi's pristine white beach sand, 1 through the lush rainforest, and 1 through a traditional Malay village. Horses here are highly trained and responsive, making Island Horses the perfect place to learn, practice, or simply enjoy the ride.

Langkawi Cultural$$$$$

Langkawi Kampung Lifestyle Excursion

Step back in time and spend a day as a traditional Malay in a kampung (village) house. The wooden house has been constructed using local architecture methods and fitted with traditional furnishings, tools, and ornaments. Every item in sight could have been found in a similar house decades before modern technology and western influence arrived in Malaysia. Try some activities including tasting and cooking local delicacies and playing traditional game, congkak.

Langkawi Zipline$$$$$

Skytrex Adventure Langkawi

Explore Langkawi’s ancient rainforest from a different perspective… amongst the treetops. Skytrex Adventure has built over 30 ‘games’ in the jungle, from rope ladders and plank bridges to flying foxes and extreme swings, at the foot of Gunung Mat Cingang.

Langkawi Waterfall$$$$$

Durian Perangin Waterfall (Sona Waterfall)

This lush, jungle-clad picnic grounds centers around a series of cascading waterfalls and natural rock pools. Durian Perangin waterfall consists of 14 shallow tiers, accessible via a series of footpaths and bridges. Those adventurous enough to climb the 200-meter long steep staircase to the highest level are met with a gushing vertical stream and cooling pool to swim in.

Langkawi Cultural$$$$$

Kota Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Tomb)

A historical and cultural complex that portrays local village life during the time of Mahsuri who, according to one of Langkawi's most revered legends, was a wrongly-accused woman who cursed the island with her dying breath. Set against thriving rice fields, the complex includes cultural music and dance performances, live plays, and a museum dedicated to Mahusuri. The heroine's tomb, a reconstruction of her home, and the well said to be the source of her famed beauty are also within the complex.

Langkawi Go-kart$$$$$

Morac Adventure Park

Channel your inner Formula 1 driver on the longest dedicated go-karting track in Malaysia. Feel the adrenaline rush in the lightweight state-of-the-art Sodikart SR4, reaching speeds up to 60km/hr (37mi/hr) around the 1,290m track. Real-time kart tracking technology provides accurate lap timings so you can find out which of your buddies is the fastest.

Langkawi Wildlife Park$$$$$

Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi

Malaysia's largest crocodile park home to almost 4,000 crocs. Crocodile Adventureland focuses on conservation, education, and safe interactions with humans. A series of interactive shows include crocodile jumping, stunts by a daring keeper, and feeding or holding juveniles. Don’t miss the park's most recent addition "The Legend of Sarcosuchus", a live performance where Jurassic Park meets Indiana Jones. The show features the world’s largest animatronic dinosaur.

Langkawi Museum$$$$$

Galeria Perdana

1 of 3 museums in Malaysia to display gifts, awards, and souvenirs received by Malaysia's 4th Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, who believes they belong to the Malaysian people. The 3,000 items on show were given to Mahathir by foreign heads of state, corporations, and members of Malaysian high society. The collection sprawls across 3 multi-story buildings with highlights including original paintings; crystal, silver, and bronze wares; Islamic art; weapons; and a Formula 1 racing car.

Langkawi Retail StoreFree

Langkawi Craft Complex (Kompleks Kraf Langkawi)

Your one-stop-shop for authentic, handmade Malaysian handicrafts. Products for sale represent traditional items from all 14 Malaysian states, including batik sarongs and clothing, woven baskets and homewares, and wooden toys. Modern handicrafts, like ceramics and hand-blown glass are also available. Towards the back of the complex are several product demonstrations, cultural shows, and 2 small museums, 1 dedicated to marriage customs and the other to heritage.

Langkawi MountainFree

Gunung Raya (Mount Raya)

At the center of Langkawi's mountainous landscape sits Gunung Raya, the tallest peak at 881 meters (2,890 feet) high. Visitors can access the mountain’s summit via road or by climbing 4,287 steep steps, called Tangga Helang Seribu Kenangan, or Thousand Memory Eagle Stairs. Climbers are best positioned to experience Gunung Raya's impenetrable rainforest habitat, formed atop the 220-200-million-year-old granite foundation.

Langkawi MarketFree

Kuah Town Night Markets

Every night of the week, night markets selling meals worthy of Malaysia's foodie reputation are held in various locations around Langkawi. The largest collection of food, clothing, and souvenir vendors gather on Wednesday and Saturday nights at Kuah Town Night Markets. Some stalls sell local produce like freshly caught fish or fruit and vegetables while others sell pre-prepared or hot cooked local meals, like fried rice, noodles, satay & dim sum.

Langkawi ReligiousFree

Wat Koh Wanararm (Lucky Temple)

Hidden on a quiet backroad behind Kuah Town, you may not expect to find this glistening gold-trimmed Buddhist temple. Wat Koh Wanararm is best known for its commanding statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy carved into a section of limestone mountain. The white-grey statue is contrasted against colorful Tibetan pagodas in the main courtyard. Most visitors come to walk around the peaceful courtyard with intricate mosaics, zen gardens, and golden Buddha statues.

Langkawi Farm$$$$$

MARDI Agrotechnology Park

This 35-hectare farming complex is dedicated to agricultural research, but opens part of its fruit farm to tourists. See over 20 tropical fruit varieties, including rare locally-grown grapes, mango, jackfruit, and rambutan, all organically grown. Visitors are escorted around the complex on a 30-minute tram tour, making several stops to learn about current projects or varieties of fruit, vegetables and herbs. The tour ends with a tasting at the fruit buffet.