It's no wonder Langkawi is a haven for tourists looking to escape bustling cities and drench themselves in nature.
The island's ancient jungle-strewn mountains, unique mangrove habitats, and rare wildlife species earned it accreditation as Southeast Asia's 1st UNESCO Global Geopark.
Langkawi's 550-million-year-old natural history is best learned at the Geopark Discovery Centre before venturing out to explore its jungle, rivers, mangrove forests, and beaches first hand.
More attractions in Kuala Lumpur, and Penang.
Beaches here are amongst the most beautiful in the world. The powder-fine beach sands and panoramic ocean views of Tanjung Rhu make it an oasis for sunbakers and serenity seekers. Adventurous types will find jet-ski hire, island hopping tours, and watersports abounding at Pantai Cenang or Paradise 101.
Paradise 101
The islands 2 tallest mountains, Gunung Raya and Gunung Machinchang promise unforgettable adventures for jungle trekkers, bird watchers, and waterfall chasers alike. Wildlife species likely encountered include dusky leaf monkeys, oriental pied hornbills, and colorful butterflies.
Below the mountain peaks are 2 rivers best explored on a boat tour to witness thriving mangrove habitats, traditional fishing villages, and remote tropical islands.
Langkawi's Geopark status isn't all about its nature. UNESCO also honors the island's rich cultural heritage with eerie local legends and a history as rice farmers and fishermen.
Folklore stories like the tale of a beautiful woman who cursed the island after being wrongly executed are best explored at Kota Mahsuri or Taman Legenda.
Also read: Best of Langkawi
Durian Perangin Waterfall
Visitors can live the life of a traditional Malay villager at Langkawi Kampung Cultural Excursion, or step back in time at the partially modernized fishing villages on Tuba Island. To delve into the island's rice farming history, visit Laman Padi, an active rice farm, and museum.
More modern experiences also abound with the world's steepest cable car, a world-class go-cart track, zoos, and an aquarium. Shoppers are spoilt for choice with local handicrafts at Langkawi Craft Complex and duty-free shopping outlets across the island offering discounted clothing, toys, perfume, liquor, and more.
Langkawi may be small in size, but its range of attractions is vast. We've compiled everything you need to know about the best things to do in Langkawi.
Let's dive in.
36 Attractions in Langkawi:
Geopark$$$$$
Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
One of 3 main sections of Langkawi's UNESCO-listed geopark, Kilim Geoforest Park is home to some of the island's most exquisite and geologically significant landscapes, with Setul rock formations dating back 490 million years. At 100 sq kms, Kilim Geoforest Park is best explored by boat. Local tour operators ferry tourists to a selection of 14 attractions, covering caves, islands, beaches, eagle spotting, and a floating fish farm.
Cable Car$$$$$
Langkawi SkyCab
Soar up to the tip of Langkawi’s second tallest mountain, Gunung Mat Cincang on Langkawi SkyCab, the world’s steepest cable car. The 15-minute ride in a standard or glass bottom gondola will have you soaring above the Langkawi’s lush rainforest to see nearby waterfalls, beaches, rock formations, and wildlife from a new perspective.
BeachFree
Pantai Cenang (Chenang Beach)
Langkawi’s most tourist-friendly beach. This 2km stretch of soft white sand is lined with coconut trees, beach umbrellas, jet ski vendors, and beach bars. By day, sunbathers, swimmers, and watersport enthusiasts dominate the sparkling shoreline. As the sun softly sets, a series of beach bars become the center of attention as beanbags and cocktail menus are brought onto the sand.
MonumentFree
Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)
Standing at 12-meters high (39.3 feet), this commanding statue is inspired by Langkawi's namesake sea eagle. Poised to take flight, the statue is the focal point of the waterfront Dataran Lang, a star-shaped plaza located on Kuah Bay, and is one of the first sights to greet visitors arriving via ferry or cruise ship.
Bridge$$$$$
Langkawi Sky Bridge
An engineering marvel, this suspended pedestrian bridge swings out over Langkawi’s second highest mountain, Gunung Mat Cincang providing otherwise impossible views of the mountain’s texture and surrounding jungle. The bridge’s wonder lies in the single 82-meter-high pylon from which the 125-meter-long bridge curves out around the mountain, 100 meters above the ground. The Sky Bridge can only be reached by taking Langkawi Sky Cab to the top station and purchasing a separate ticket.
Island$$$$$
Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden)
The second-largest island in the Langkawi archipelago, Dayang Bunting is one of 3 main geoforest parks within Langkawi's UNESCO Global Geopark, thanks to its 290-million-year-old marble rock formations. The island is best known for the 4,354-hectare natural lake in its southwest, known as Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. This oval-shaped freshwater lake is steeped in mystical legend and said to boost fertility in women who swim in or drink its waters.
Museum$$$$$
Langkawi Geopark Discovery Centre
Langkawi's UNESCO Global Geopark status attracts millions of tourists each year… but what does it actually mean? The Geopark Discovery Centre breaks down Langkawi's complex and ancient landscapes to explain how the earth was formed. The center should be the first stop on any Langkawi itinerary. Mangrove tours and even the Langkawi SkyCab take on a whole new meaning when you better understand the ancient landscapes and habitats surrounding them.
BeachFree
Tanjung Rhu Beach
Tucked away at Langkawi’s northeastern tip, Tanjung Rhu Beach is a secluded bay surrounded by a leafy jungle and towering mountains. It’s no wonder why some of the island’s most prestigious luxury resorts chose Tanjung Rhu. The beach itself welcomes visitors with a wide stretch of fine white sand and crystal-clear yet warm water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Island$$$$$
Paradise 101
Welcome to Paradise. Whether your idea of bliss is relaxing on a day bed with a cocktail, snapping Instagram-worthy photos, or the adrenaline rush of watersports, you’ll find it at private island, Paradise 101. Only 1km from the shoreline of Pantai Kok, Paradise 101 enjoys exquisite views of the turquoise Andaman Sea from its white sandy shore. The island provides the ultimate hub for watersports, sunbaking, and indulging your taste buds.
Wildlife Park$$$$$
Langkawi Wildlife Park
The gold standard in safe and ethical interactions between humans and animals. Langkawi Wildlife Park has over 45 species of animals from Malaysia and across the globe, many of which wander freely in semi-open enclosures for visitors to feed from purchased feeding packs. Most enclosures have been constructed to mimic the animal’s natural habitat. Successful breeding programs with several species are a sure sign Langkawi Wildlife Park receives the animals’ tick of approval.
Hot Spring$$$$$
Ayer Hangat Village
These natural saltwater hot springs were formed by unique layering of sedimentary rocks deep within the island heated by geothermal forces. The water and algae in the springs at Ayer Hangat Village contain restorative minerals and nutrients known to heal skin conditions like eczema and also relieve joint pain. Visitors can dip their feet in one 3 communal springs, ranging in temperature from cool to 42 degrees Celcius, or hire a private jacuzzi to rejuvenate their whole body.
WaterfallFree
Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh)
Named after seven natural pools connected by a gushing river, Seven Wells Waterfall is one of Langkawi's most captivating natural performances. The falls are split into 2 sections, the upper pools and the lower pools, separated by a striking vertical waterfall cascading down a 91-meter-high cliff face. The pools are only accessible by climbing a series of concrete steps through the lush rainforest. Around 200 steps must be conquered to reach the lower pools, and a monstrous 638 steps to reach the upper pools.
Geopark$$$$$
Kubang Badak Mangrove Reserve
Witness the raw natural beauty that thrust Langkawi onto the world tourism stage. Starting with serene mangrove habitats that open into the sparkling Andaman Sea, the Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail is home to thousands of wildlife species, from otters and kingfishers to sea eagles and tropical fish. The Mangrove Reserve is best explored by boat, with 12 stops available to delve into the region’s 500-million-year old geology and more recent history of fishing villages and Siamese settlers.
Aquarium$$$$$
Underwater World Langkawi
One of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia located on one of the region’s smallest islands. Underwater World Langkawi is split into the 3 main sections: tropical rainforest and river ecosystem; temperate & sub-Antarctic; and marine. Highlights include a walk-through rainforest with flamingos, fish, and birds; 3 playful fur seals; over 60 African penguins; and a 15-meter long tunnel tank with giant stingrays, sharks, turtles, and more.
IslandFree
Tuba Island (Pulau Tuba)
Want to witness Langkawi’s history as a sleepy fishing island before its tourism boom? Spend a day on partially-modernized Tuba Island, part of the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park. The island is home to geologically significant granite and marble rock formations dating back over 500 million years. Other popular attractions include a series of caves with exquisite stalactites and stalagmites, jungle trekking, birdwatching, swimming at idyllic beaches, and indulging in world-class seafood.
WaterfallFree
Temurun Waterfall (Air Terjun Temurun)
Langkawi’s tallest waterfall with 3 cascading tiers towering 200 meters (656 feet) in height. After a short, 5-minute walk down a shady path lined with lush green trees, visitors are met with a glimpse of Temurun Waterfall’s striking 39-meter (128-feet) vertical stream at the falls’ middle tier. The stream ends in a natural rock pool ideal for swimming. Another refreshing pool is located at the upper tier, for those brave enough to climb the rocky stairs.
Beach Club$$$$$
Dash Beach Club
Stylish beachfront hotel, Dash, opens its infinity pool, bar, and restaurant to the public to become Dash Beach Club, the ideal place to sip cocktails and soak up the sun. So, don't worry if your Langkawi accommodation has no swimming pool, just splash over to Dash. By day, sit back in a cozy daybed then slip into the pool for a cocktail at the swim-up pool bar. Party up by night as the DJ arrives to pump up the beat and neon shades of pink, purple, and blue light up the pool and bar.
MuseumFree
Laman Padi Langkawi
Learn traditional Malay rice farming methods on an active rice farm. Verdant, water-filled rice fields provide a serene backdrop for the Laman Padi complex. Museum galleries are the main attraction with informative posters and examples of traditional rice farming equipment, from small tools to large threshing hubs and winnowing machines. You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for your next bowl of rice.
Horse Riding$$$$$
Island Horses Langkawi (Perdana Stables)
For a horse lover, no vacation is perfect until they feel the wind in their hair on the back of a steed. Island Horses offer 3 unique riding trails, 1 along Langkawi's pristine white beach sand, 1 through the lush rainforest, and 1 through a traditional Malay village. Horses here are highly trained and responsive, making Island Horses the perfect place to learn, practice, or simply enjoy the ride.
Cultural$$$$$
Langkawi Kampung Lifestyle Excursion
Step back in time and spend a day as a traditional Malay in a kampung (village) house. The wooden house has been constructed using local architecture methods and fitted with traditional furnishings, tools, and ornaments. Every item in sight could have been found in a similar house decades before modern technology and western influence arrived in Malaysia. Try some activities including tasting and cooking local delicacies and playing traditional game, congkak.
Zipline$$$$$
Skytrex Adventure Langkawi
Explore Langkawi’s ancient rainforest from a different perspective… amongst the treetops. Skytrex Adventure has built over 30 ‘games’ in the jungle, from rope ladders and plank bridges to flying foxes and extreme swings, at the foot of Gunung Mat Cingang.
Waterfall$$$$$
Durian Perangin Waterfall (Sona Waterfall)
This lush, jungle-clad picnic grounds centers around a series of cascading waterfalls and natural rock pools. Durian Perangin waterfall consists of 14 shallow tiers, accessible via a series of footpaths and bridges. Those adventurous enough to climb the 200-meter long steep staircase to the highest level are met with a gushing vertical stream and cooling pool to swim in.
Cultural$$$$$
Kota Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Tomb)
A historical and cultural complex that portrays local village life during the time of Mahsuri who, according to one of Langkawi's most revered legends, was a wrongly-accused woman who cursed the island with her dying breath. Set against thriving rice fields, the complex includes cultural music and dance performances, live plays, and a museum dedicated to Mahusuri. The heroine's tomb, a reconstruction of her home, and the well said to be the source of her famed beauty are also within the complex.
Go-kart$$$$$
Morac Adventure Park
Channel your inner Formula 1 driver on the longest dedicated go-karting track in Malaysia. Feel the adrenaline rush in the lightweight state-of-the-art Sodikart SR4, reaching speeds up to 60km/hr (37mi/hr) around the 1,290m track. Real-time kart tracking technology provides accurate lap timings so you can find out which of your buddies is the fastest.
Wildlife Park$$$$$
