Best Things to Do in 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cruise$$$$$

Sunset Cruise by Fantastic Tour

Spend an evening floating upon Langkawi’s turquoise water, surrounded by steep-sided islands on this 3-hour sunset cruise. Once clear of the main island, staff drop a large net at the rear of the boat for guests to climb down and enjoy a “saltwater jacuzzi”. Other activities include a photo-stop for selfies with Langkawi’s iconic Eagle Square and a karaoke machine. Because every party needs a feast, the cruise includes free-flow drinks and a set barbecue dinner.

BeachFree

Black Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Hitam)

Located on Langkawi’s north coast, Black Sand Beach is remarkable for its marble-textured black and white beach sand. Several theories claim to explain the two-toned beach, from local folklore about a battle between land and underwater kingdoms, to scientific studies revealing the presence of minerals washed down from Mount Raya.

BeachFree

Pantai Rekreasi Kastam

Only a 10-minute drive from luxurious beach Tanjung Rhu, the lesser known Pantai Rekreasi Kastam offers an equally pristine beach lined with comfy lounge chairs under colorful beach umbrellas. Located beside the prestigious Four Season’s Resort’s private beach, visitors here can indulge in a world-class beach without the price tag.

ParkFree

Taman Lagenda (Lagenda Park)

50-hectares of elaborate, landscaped gardens between Langkawi's mascot, Eagle Square, and Pekan Rabu Pier. The parklands are most famous for the 17 colorful larger-than-life sculptures depicting local legends and folklore stories. The park entrance features a stone wall portraying the tectonic plate movement that formed Langkawi and a map of the UNESCO-protected island. Also, in the parklands are shaded pathways, 4 man-made lakes, and a quiet sandy beach where locals come to picnic.

ReligiousFree

Wat Tham Kisap

A temple with a towering golden Buddha statue would be a major tourist draw in most Southeast Asian cities. But in Langkawi, Wat Tham Kisap and its ornate statues are hidden down a quiet backroad, unbeknownst to many locals. The intricate and brightly colored temple complex is built into a limestone cliff, with a small cave located at the back the main prayer hall.