Langkawi is one of the most scenic archipelago in Malaysia, with its pristine beaches, mountainous green heartland and nearby islets. A well developed island, it offers lots of things to do for the thousands of tourists thronging its gates everyday. From scenic visits like Langkawi Sky Bridge to the famous Eagle Square, treks up Gunung Raya and Telaga Tuju waterfalls to revelling in the lap of luxury in cable cars, all kinds of tourists find interesting places to visit in Langkawi.

What is exploring if not done on foot? The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a wonderful man-made bridge, 125 metres long and curved. It offers the people a stunning view of Telaja Tujuh waterfalls, foliage covered green mountains and the many islets surrounding Langkawi.

Not just for its adventurous walk 700 metres above sea level, Langkawi Sky Bridge is also known for its triangular platforms where people come to sit, relax and enjoy the view. It is one of the best ways to start a holiday, taking a long look at the island and its sunset.

Many epics believe that the island of Langkawi gets its name from the Eagle (Lang in Malay means reddish-brown eagle). To celebrate this, the larger than life statue of that eagle is created in Kuah. It is a 12 metre-tall, poised-to-take-flight statue of the lang. Your itinerary must have this place on the list to soak in the sheer magnificence of what a small belief can turn into. The Eagle Square is 5 minutes away from the Kuah Jetty, Taman Lagenda as well as many restaurants and duty-free shops. Along with the eagle, the square also houses small fountains, bridges and terraces.

It’s a 15 minute long ride to the top of mount Mat Cincang and is undertaken in a cable car. The ride is bound to make you dizzy with scenic views below, consisting of tropical stretches of rainforest, waterfalls, islets and endless sea in the distance. The ride up can be pleasant but may get chilly as you ascend, hence it is always advisable to keep warm clothes handy.

At the peak, tourists like to enjoy the view, sit atop the summit and see the sun mark its journey; or eat from the local vendors.

For the marine lovers, this trip is worth taking. Underwater World Langkawi offers more than 500 species of sea flora and fauna. You get to see sea horses, rockhopper penguins and seals along with some flamingos and mandarin ducks. There is also a walk through the underwater tunnel to feel one with the sea; with turtles and sharks swimming over your head in an arch. What’s more is, this is just a 15 minute drive from the Langkawi International Airport, making it a drop-by on your way back home.

For the animal lovers, Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise becomes the go-to place. With 2,500 exotic birds like canaries, owls and parakeets, the park also offers a walk-in aviary. Birds walk around freely here and you can interact with them.

The highest peak in Langkawi, Gunung Raya is said to be cursed by a giant named Mat Raya. It is home to a collection of flying foxes, leaf monkeys, squirrels and hornbills and offers the most awesome views of the island. A trek up to this mountain is a challenge but once there, the effort becomes more than worth it.

This is a marine park located 30 km south of the main island, known for its exceptional snorkelling and diving sports. It also boasts of a coral garden, filled with wonderful coloured corals. Fishing in this park is prohibited and exploration here requires permission from authorities before going into the waters. You can also book yourself a tour package (usually including snorkelling gear, lunch and potable water).

See paintings come alive here, literally. This is the largest art museum in Malaysia and includes 9 interactive zones (viz-a-viz illusion, aquatic, safari, fantasy, castles, Egyptian, Malaysian etc). You can find this place easily as it is right next to the Langkawi cable car. 

Entrance fees: RM38 (adults), RM28 (children)

It stands near the Kuah Jetty and is a folklore park, a very unique concept. Most tourists explore this on foot but buggies are also available for hire.There are 17 beautiful structures, each with its own unique folk story. You will see it all here, from giants of caves to mythical birds, ogres to valiant princesses. The entry here is not as expensive as other tourist spots. You could also take your family for a picnic in the gardens around this park.

Entry fees: RM5 (adults), RM2.5 (children)

This scenic place is abode to faeries, if fables are to be believed. Entranced by the awe of folk wrapped around it, the waterfall itself is a natural marvel, literally meaning seven wells because the waterfall feeds a series of seven inter-connected pools. Tourists enjoy the scenery and the cool of the place, along with a leisurely dip. The adventurous lot trek up to the top of the falls.

When in Langkawi, do indulge in Skytrail Jungle Trekking. Adventure seekers, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers enjoy every minute of this thrill. The trek through a jungle is as old as 500 years, and takes you through some very beautiful very exotic flora and fauna. You will see more than 1500 types of plants, herbs and medicinal shrubs. So it’s also pretty educational, this trek. Only, you need medium level endurance to complete this trek, age no bar.

Beach galore on Langkawi island begins with Tanjung Rhu Beach! It is a very popular local and tourist haunt, known for its powdered sand and glittering crystal-water. You can lounge back with a book, picnic with your family, build sandcastles with the kids or go dip your feet in the sea. As for sightseeing and photography, check out the limestone crags at the seams of this beach. And when hunger pangs hit — there are amazing cafes and shacks nearby too!

Crocodiles and adventure in the same breath? What’s not to enjoy then?

The Crocodile Adventureland park is perfect if you wish to explore the species of crocodile in their natural habitat. A variety of species are found here, from guinea crocodile to siamese to saltwater. More than 4000 of them populate the park. You can look at them lounge in the sun, sit through the interactive activities that are organised by experts and enjoy the wonder of ‘Heart Stopping’ show that they put up.

Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise is great for bird and nature lovers. You get to see rare and indigenous avifauna, enjoy a show of their everyday life, patterns, habits and feeding, as well as interact with them. The park has guides who happily take you through all these highlights and more.

Looking for more beaches in Langkawi? Here’s Pantai Cenang Beach, one of the busiest in the region. There are too many restro-bars, cafes and party haunts fringing the coast of this beach, making it very popular among tourists. Also, it is a mere 10 minute drive away from the main airport and hotels, keeping it within arm’s reach. Even so, you can take your families here as it is kid friendly with a rice garden museum, Kiki club and the Underwater world. Otherwise, you can enjoy jet skiing, swimming, parasailing and other water sports.

Another beach in Langkawi worth a visit is Pantai Kok Beach. It is slowly growing in popularity, what with its amazing waters for swimming and the gorgeous limestone hills surrounding the bay area. You get to enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the thick forest behind the beach and Telaga Harbour park nearby, and soak in all the quiet without much crowd.

Shaped like a half moon, Datai Bay is a private little peach paradise honed with pristine white sands and curvy coastlines. A couple of luxurious hotels and cafes share this private beach, allowing entrance only to their patrons. Which means the beach is kept squeaky clean and in the best condition. You can visit a cafe on this beach if you are not staying at the hotels and enjoy a stroll along the bay. Or lay on the white sand and sunbathe after a scrumptious meal.

Langkawi, an island haven, is also better known for the thickets of mangroves in its bay. Visit Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, located at the northeastern edge of the island. There are lush green forests, sandy beaches and mangrove swamps — all open for exploration on this safari. And during the migratory season, you will also find herds and herds of exotic birds chirping in these trees, from monitor lizards to kite eagles, kingfishers to white-bellied fish eagles. Visit between September and March for this wonder.

If you want to explore the wonder of modern and traditional in Langkawi, visit Air Hangat Village. Hot water springs, saltwater wells, jacuzzis and ponds… it’s a mix of wonders made by nature and man. You have a number of culture shows, shops, gardens and markets open for your entertainment. You can also pick up a horde of locally-made souvenirs before retuning home.