Langkawi Island is one of the most popular travel destinations in West Malaysia. Located just 3 hours ferry ride from Penang Island, Langkawi Island has been welcoming foreign travelers and tourists since 1986, when the Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir decided to develop Langkawi into a major tourist hub. It was then that Langkawi became a duty-free island in Malaysia. In this blog post, let’s look deeper into the places to visit in Langkawi Island to help your itinerary planning!
A quick introduction to Langkawi Island: Langkawi is a cluster of 99 islands separated from Kedah at the mainland. The duty-free status means that there are no taxes charged upon alcohol, tobacco, and all products. Some Penangites enjoy traveling to Langkawi just to enjoy this benefit; Cheap chocolate as well anybody?
By 2012, Langkawi had been receiving more than 3 million tourists per year. People visit for the duty-free products, but stay for the surreal nature and chilled out island atmosphere. It’s a very different lifestyle to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital (but if you’re heading there too, click here for a 1-2 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary!)
Now, let’s dive into the main topic on the top places to visit in Langkawi Island, Malaysia!
The Best Places to Visit in Langkawi
1. Langkawi Sky Bridge
Built in 2005, Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125-meter long cable-suspended bridge at the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang. It’s located 660 meters above the sea level and only accessible by the cable car, which we will get into later.
At the Sky Bridge, you’ll get a great panoramic view over the entire island, and a cool breeze only the
eagles got to enjoy.
Since it is some sort of a suspended bridge, expect some shakiness when the wind blows. I’m afraid of heights, like a lot, even though I’ve tried skydiving before I tackled this bridge. And when the bridge, hundreds of meters above the forest below shook, my legs went numb and my heart shrank.
There are some transparent tempered-glass tiles on the bridge. Pay attention or you’ll get freaked out when you step on them before realising.
As of 2019, the ticket price is MYR5 per adult and MYR3 for kids.
2. Langkawi Sky Cab
As I mentioned, there is a cable car that brings you up to Langkawi Sky Bridge. Yep, it’s called Sky Cab. Around the base of the cable car, there are lots of attractions like SkyDome, SkyRex and 3D Art Langkawi museum for you to explore. The ticket you bought for the cable car will include those attractions.
And at the peak, there are viewpoints, the Sky Bridge, souvenir shops and more. You can easily spend half of your day here!
As of 2019, the SkyCab ticket costs from MYR30-55. And here’s a fun fact: this cable car is one of the steepest in the world!
3. Tanjung Rhu Beach
Tanjung Rhu Beach is of the best places to visit in Langkawi island to enjoy the sunset. Due to its location facing the west, you’ll get to see the sun slumbering into the horizon.
Often voted as the best beach in Langkawi, Tanjung Rhu Beach is free from the huge tourist crowds, due to its more remote location. You’ll basically need to rent a motorbike or a car to get here. The beach is around 50 meters wide, and you’re allowed to swim here. With fine white sands stretched miles across the coast, it’s perfect if you have a mat for a picnic or just fancy some sunbathing.
Planning to stay here a little longer? There are plenty of resorts nearby for accommodation!
Psst… It’s my favorite beach in Langkawi Island!
4. Seven Wells Waterfall
Seven Wells Waterfall is the perfect side trip for those visiting Langkawi Sky Cab. Located at the base of Mount Mat ChinChang, it’s undoubtedly the most popular waterfall in Langkawi Island. The name came from seven natural pools being formed at different levels by the water stream that flows down. The total vertical fall is 91 meters.
It’ll require some hiking to get to the waterfall from the parking lot, but nothing too technical, just steep gravel road. Treat yourself a coconut after the hiking, but beware of the aggressive, stubborn, crazy wild monkeys – I hate them. A lot.
The top of the waterfall is 480 meters above sea level. It’s worth bringing some food here for a picnic while enjoying the water plunging down. Bring your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing bath here too!
The entrance is free of charge but you’ll have to pay MYR1 to park your motorcycle and MYR2 to park a car.
5. Eagle Square
This is the main landmark of the island and also one of the free places to visit in Langkawi; a perfect attraction for those watching their Malaysia travel budget. Eagle Square is best visited when you have just arrived in Langkawi Island, or when you’re leaving. It’s located just next to Kuah Jetty, the main jetty on the island. If you’re coming from Penang, you’ll be arriving in Kuah Jetty.
The waterfront landmark is located at a walking distance from the jetty, but visiting in early morning will guarantee you a less crowded photo. As there are no shades near the statue, visiting in the noon is definitely a bad idea.
The entrance is free of charge.
6. Gunung Raya
Do you fancy outdoor activities? Gunung Raya’s got you covered. Located at the center of the island, Gunung Raya is the highest mountain in Langkawi, standing tall at 881 meters above sea level. As the entire island is made for tourism, there is a driveway for cars – so you can reach the peak without working out a single drop of sweat. It takes 25-30 minutes to reach the peak by car.
But if you’re preferring to hike, here is an in-depth guide for hiking in Gunung Raya. Like in national parks, wildlife here roam all over the forest. Pay extra attention to the monkeys, which might snatch your snacks! And if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot a hornbill, the national bird of Malaysia.
7. Pulau Payar Marine Park
Let’s admit it, crystal clear water in the sea is extremely rare when it comes to the west coast of peninsula Malaysia. But it seems that somehow an island managed to escape from the bad reputation – Pulau Payar.
Located southeast from Langkawi Island, Pulau Payar makes an excellent day trip for travelers who have an extra day to spend on Langkawi. It takes an hour to reach the island on a boat from Kuah Jetty.
Due to its distant location compared to other islands near Langkawi (like Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Singa Besar), Pulau Payar Marine Park is only accessible with a tour.
With a water visibility between 30-50 meters, there’s no better activity other than snorkelling here. You’ll get to swim along with a variety of fish including harmless black tipped sharks.
8. Legenda Park
Like Eagle Square, Legenda Park is best visited when you arrive on the island, or are leaving. It’s just right next to the Eagle Square (Dataran Lang), making them a great combo for visiting.
Reclaiming part of the Kuah waterfront, the park opened in 1996. With the Gondowana stone wall, Legenda Park has one of the most badass entrance in Langkawi Island.
There are 17 sculptures spread across the park, each with a story around some myths or legends. Legenda refers to Legend in Malay language.
The only downside is that the park lacks proper maintenance. Some information boards are broken and weren’t replaced. But nevertheless, the park is clean and perfect for a quick visit.
9. Kilim Geoforest Park
Spanning across 100 square kilometres, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is famous for the mangrove swamps, pristine beaches and ridiculously vertical limestone karsts popping out from the sea surface. The limestone formation has been around for more than 500 million years!
Located at the northern end of Langkawi Island, the park makes a perfect destination combo with Tanjung Rhu Beach. Kilim Geoforest Park is accessible 5 minutes drive from the beach. It has lots of what mangrove swamps are known for, a variety of wildlife like monitor lizards and tree crabs.
To visit the park, you’ll have to pay for a tour, which will usually cost around MYR200-500.
10. Temurun Waterfall
We’ve talked about the most popular waterfall, Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, now let’s talk about the tallest waterfall in Langkawi Island; Temurun Waterfall.
Located in Datai Bay, Temurun Waterfall is a three-tier waterfall, totaling a 200 meters drop. The water stream comes from the northern slope of Mount Mat Chinchang.
From the parking lot, it’s only a few minutes walk to the first tier, but the most amazing part is at the topmost tier. Here, you’ll be able to see the waterfall plunging down and form a natural pool with crystal clear water.
Good news? You can swim here! More good news? It’s free entrance!
Ready To Enjoy These Amazing Places to Visit in Langkawi Island?
So here are all I’ve got to offer for the best places to visit in Langkawi Island of Malaysia. Hopefully, it will help you to plan your perfect Langkawi itinerary. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions, or simply loved the article. Enjoy your trip to Malaysia! Don’t forget to check out my blog!
Yen is a full-time university student who always takes full advantages of his holidays to travel for new experiences. He’s been to New Zealand for Working Holiday before having his road trip, volunteered in Kathmandu, Nepal and exchanged in California along with several backpacking trips through Southeast Asia. Having spent months in foreign countries, he gives in-depth travel tips and guides in his travel blog, Swing Abroad. Follow his adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
Pin Me!
