Langkawi is an island on the north coast of Malaysia, it is also known as the “Jewel of Kedah”. Langkawi is actually an archipelago of nearly 100 islands, depending on the tide, and is popular for its magnificent beaches, diverse forests, and also as a duty-free island. When you visit Langkawi, make sure to include hiking waterfalls, visiting mangroves, and the numerous water activities on your itinerary. The island is known for being home to eagles native to the region, interesting legends and myths, and also for being a duty-free island. Welcome to the best things to do in Langkawi.
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#1 THING TO DO
Go up to the Cable Car + Skybridge
This is a great way to see all of the island from the top. The skybridge is pretty spectacular and you don’t need to be fit to get all the views! Get skip-the-line tickets and go straight to the front!
Langkawi was home, in the past, to orang laut, or sea people, and many myths and legends abound – some folktales say that the island was cursed by a woman named Mahsuri after she was accused of adultery and eventually put to death. Langkawi was also home to many pirates for a long time, as they used it as a base to attack boats in the Straits of Malacca, but this changed when the British colonized the country. In the period from December 1945 to March 1946, a series of operations cleared much of the piracy. The island was ruled by the British until 1967 when Malaysia gained independence. This island used to be a quiet little haven, but in 1986, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad made a massive reform to attract local and foreign visitors. Today, Langkawi is a firm favorite holiday destination for locals and international visitors alike.
The Best 23 Things to Do in Langkawi
Since the Langkawi that we see today was designed specifically to attract visitors, many of the attractions here are manmade. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get to see the island’s natural gems. When you visit Langkawi, there are many opportunities to explore its beaches, there are lots of hiking through the forests, and trying out tasty local food. So let’s start with some of the best things to see in Langkawi.
1. Ride the Langkawi Cable Car
When creating your itinerary for Malaysia, riding the cable car is one of the top things to do in Langkawi. The cable car travels up to 600m above sea level and is 2.2 km (1.37 miles) long, showcasing a scenic panoramic view of the island from above. It really is one of the best ways to get the scale and scope of the island, as well as your bearings. The cable car leads to the famous Langkawi Skybridge.
The ticket to the Cable Car includes a pass to SkyDome, 3D Art, SkyRex, and Oriental Village. At the top, there’s a series of viewing platforms for a 360-degree view that will give you a hint as to inbound weather, and for us, it told us to get a move on towards the bridge to try and beat the impending rain heading our way. There are different fares for the Cable Car based on your Nationality (fees are cheaper for Malaysian citizens) – and the best way to visit the Langkawi Cable Car is to buy a skip-the-line ticket – you can check prices for Langkawi’s Cable Car skip the line here and avoid queues.
Once you get to the top of the Cable Car, there is an extra fee to enter the Skybridge.
If you don’t have your own transport on Langkawi, then this option to take a ride in the Langkawi Cable Car includes a transfer from your hotel.
- Address of Langkawi Cable Car: Cable Car, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Langkawi Cable Car: 9:30 MA to 6 PM
- Entry Fees for Langkawi Cable Car: RM85 ($19.28) for adult foreign visitors, RM65 ($14.74) for 2-12 years old, RM43 ($9.75) for adult Malaysian citizens, RM33 ($7.48) for 2-12 years old, there’s also an additional fee for the express lane. Check Langkawi Cable Car ticket prices here.
2. Walk the Langkawi Sky Bridge
Now that you are already in the cable car, you definitely have to walk on one of the most popular locations in Langkawi – Sky Bridge. Take a scenic walk along the bridge while overlooking the water and even the main town. You can even see Thailand’s forests from here! This was the first stop on our Langkawi island tour – it’s another bucket list item (like the Plank Road in Huashan and the Cloud Bridge in South Korea) and it doesn’t disappoint.
The Sky Bridge of Langkawi is located northwest of the island. It’s a very well-known attraction, but if you go at lunchtime, you can have the bridge nearly all to yourself and take the best pictures – just remember to put a hat and sunscreen on.
And the bridge? Yes, it’s incredible. It’s hundreds of feet above the forest, so you’re looking down on the tree canopy. There are occasional glass pavers, so you can look beyond your feet to the forest below if you dare! It’s a beautiful construction, with incredible views of Thailand and the harbor here on Langkawi. Best of all it was empty when we were there. Perfect. Crossing the bridge certainly doesn’t give the same sense of accomplishment that the Plank road did, or the Cloud Bridge gave me, but it’s glorious all the same. (And our timing was perfect. We make it back to the return cable car as the clouds roll through and obscure the bridge from sight.)
Klook.comTo get to Langkawi’s Skybridge, you can either take a taxi, private car service, or drive your own rented motorbike. The Skybridge of Langkawi is a 26-minute drive, around 18 kilometers (11 miles) from Pantai Cenang.
The Skybridge does get busy at peak times and you’re advised to buy a ticket ahead of time to skip the lines.
- Address of Langkawi Sky Bridge: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Langkawi Sky Bridge: 9:30 AM to 7 PM
- Entry Fees for Langkawi Sky Bridge: RM5 ($1.13) on top of the cable car fee
3. Go to Sky Trex on Langkawi
If you are looking for breathtaking things to do in Langkawi, then go to Sky Trex. It is also located in the Cable Car Area. Langkawi’s Sky Trex offers high-rope courses, it’s suitable for beginners, intermediates, and those who are brave, advanced high-rope. You can also zip-line through the rainforest. You can easily walk in and pay the fee for your chosen course. Booking online will give you a little bit of a discount and can skip the waiting line. Check ticket prices and reserve your skip-the-line Sky Trex tickets here.
- Address of Sky Trex: Jalan Teluk Yu, Kampung Kok, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Sky Trex: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fees for Sky Trex: RM118 and up
4. Go to the Oriental Village at the top of the Cable Car
The Oriental Village is also located at the top of the Langkawi Cable Car, and it’s where we headed to as the cloudburst rolled in. There’s a food court here, which serves a great, and cheap Nasi Goreng – There’s also an excellent (indoor) Geo Park Information Office here, where you can. Here you can learn about the National Parks and UNESCO world heritage/eco-park status of them here on Langkawi.
Anyways the entire Oriental Village is designed with traditional Malay houses, however, each house is a location for business such as food, clothing, cafe, and souvenirs. This is an awesome location after you explore all the popular attractions in the area. Here, you can have a bite while enjoying the view.
- Address of Oriental Village: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Oriental Village: 8:30 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fees for Oriental Village: RM55, it’s included on the ticket for Cable Car and 3D Art
5. Take a Mangrove Tour of Kilim Geopark
On the northern part of Langkawi Island is the Kilim Geopark, most of the trips to Kilim Geopark take to the water near the Tanjung Rhu beach. Exploring this part of Langkawi will give you a feeling that you are in a nature documentary. You will be riding a boat for 2 hours to discover Malaysia’s unique forest and ecosystem.
You can sign up for a day tour of the mangroves at Kilim Geopark which includes a knowledgeable local guide to give you information and answer your questions about Southeast Asia’s diverse rainforests. Along the way, depending on the weather, you can also go for a dip, the tour also includes a home-cooked lunch and a stop by the magnificent Cave Pinang and Charcoal Kiln.
- Address of Kilim Geopark: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Kilim Geopark: 8 MA to 6 PM, daily
- Entry Fees for Kilim Geopark: RM90 ($20.41)and up
6. Visit Eagle Square in Langkawi
Eagle Square aka Dataran Lang in Malay can be found in the town of Kuah, directly east of Pantai Cenang, about a 30-minute drive away. The centerpiece of Langkawi’s Eagle Square is a massive 12-meter tall statue of, yes, you’ve guessed it, an eagle. Legend has it that the name “Langkawi” came from two words: “helang” which means eagle and “kawi” which means reddish-brown.
Seeing the Eagle in the light of the day versus at night is a very different experience. During the day, you can get a photo with an awesome backdrop of the ocean. But at night, the Eagle is lit up in various colorful LED lights.
The perfect time to come, for me, would be in the late afternoon, just before the sunset. Take a photo while it’s bright, and another shot once the sky is covered in magnificent sunset colors, finally, take a photo at night with the vibrant lights.
Don’t worry, there are food stalls around to keep you occupied while you’re waiting. You can also enjoy the wide-open green area of CHOGM Park nearby. Dataran Lang is located very near the ferry terminal, if you are arriving in Langkawi through the ferry port, you’ll spot this massive statue on your way past.
- Address of Eagle Square: Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
7. Go to Taman Legenda Langkawi
Taman Legenda Langkawi is Legenda Park in English, it is an attraction featuring sculptures and statues that revolve around local legends and folktales of the island. At the entrance, on the Gondwana stonewall, you will find a map of Langkawi and some texts and facts about the island.
Although the park is often deserted, many locals find this location a great area for jogging and a place for a quiet stroll since it leads to the ocean. You can visit this when you come to see Eagle Square, there are plenty of restaurants around to get food and drinks.
- Address of Taman Legenda Langkawi: Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Taman Legenda Langkawi: 24-hours
8. Visit Langkawi’s Galeria Perdana
The Galeria Perdana of Langkawi is a museum built by the very popular 4th and 7th Prime Minister of Malaysia – Mahathir Mohamad. The museum displays all the gifts and awards that the beloved Prime Minister and his wife have received over the years from leaders, statesmen, and fellow Malaysians.
The PM believed that everything he received during his service belonged to the country and that everyone should have access to and be able to view them in a public setting. You can get here in 40-minutes from Pantai Cenang by taxi, car, or motorbike.
- Address of Galeria Perdana: Jalan Ayer Hangat, Kampung Kilim, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Galeria Perdana: 8 AM – 6 PM (closed for renovation from February 2021 to March 2023)
- Entry Fees for Galeria Perdana: RM10 ($2.27)
9. Visit the Mahsuri Tomb and Museum on Langkawi
Mahsuri Tomb is also called as Kota Mahsuri. Mahsuri was a native woman from the 18th century who was executed for adultery, she was rested in this location. According to the folktale, Mahsuri cursed the island of Langkawi for accusing her of a crime that she didn’t commit. Visiting this museum will tell you more about Mahsuri and the legendary tale of the island. There are also artifacts on display and the buildings are built with traditional Malay houses.
- Address of Mahsuri Tomb and Museum: Makam Mahsuri, Kampung Mawar, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours ofMahsuri Tomb and Museum: Makam Mahsuri, Kampung Mawar, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Entry Fees for Mahsuri Tomb and Museum: RM12 ($2.72)
10. Go to Underwater World Langkawi
Learn about Langkawi’s ocean and marine animals by visiting Langkawi’s Underwater World. This is a massive aquarium with over 200 salt and freshwater species, a spectacular 3D theater, and an amazing underwater tunnel. If you are in Langkawi with young children, going to Langkawi’s Underwater World is a must-do. You will see penguins, and seals, and explore the deep sea world. Getting here is very easy, it’s sandwiched between Pantai Cenang Beach and Tengah Beach. Get tickets for Langkawi’s underwater world here.
- Address of Underwater World Langkawi: Jalan Pantai Chenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Underwater World Langkawi: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Entry Fees for Underwater World Langkawi: RM46 ($10.45) for non-Malaysians and RM36 ($8.18) for the locals, children below 3 years old can enter for free > buy tickets here
11. Visit the Hot Springs at Ayer Hangat Village
The village of Ayer Hangat is known for its outdoor spaces where you dip your feet in a saltwater hot spring pool which claims to be good for your blood circulation. There is also an on-site restaurant where you can order food and drinks after your relaxing massage experience.
- Address of Ayer Hangat Village: 16, Jalan Padang Matsirat, Ayer Hangat, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Ayer Hangat Village: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- Entry Fees for Ayer Hangat Village: RM15 ($3.40)
12. Climb Langkawi’s Highest Peak – Gunung Raya
For hiking enthusiasts, Gunung Raya, the highest peak in Langkawi is a must-visit. It is 853 m (2,800 ft) above sea level. Most visitors drive up a winding road, but you can also hike it on foot. However, the trail is mostly through the paved road and not through the forest. Gunung Raya is located right in the heart of the island, the drive will take about half an hour, on foot, it’s 3-4 hours. The trail starts at Jalan Gunung Raya, right next to Jalan Ulu Melaka.
There is a 13-kilometer winding road up, and the peak promises 360-degree views from the viewing tower at the top. Watch out, says Lonely Planet, for cars on the wrong side of the road. On our ride up we spot three cars in total and there are only two other folks there when we arrive. We pay our 10 RM each and ascend to the viewing platform. There’s nothing else to see at the base of the platform, apart from a hotel that seems slightly deserted. There are stunning views, very similar to those you get on the Skybridge, but for us, unfortunately, the clouds which have been following us all morning close in and bring torrential rain. Luckily, we think, the viewing platform has a glassed-in area where we are able to enjoy the wonderfully fragrant hot tea.
- Address of Gunung Raya Peak: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
13. Visit Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise
The Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise of Langkawi is situated northeast of Gunung Raya. It used to be called Langkawi Bird Paradise, but in 2006 it was changed due to the growing number of various species of animals in the park. Today, there are 150 bird species and other types of animals such as mammals, reptiles, and other wild animals.
Don’t expect to see big cats or giraffes here, the park houses animals that are easier to maintain and can live comfortably in the Malaysian climate. Visitors can interact with the animals but must follow and wait for the approval and guidance of the par’s staff. The entire place has a roof and is surrounded by plants and trees.
- Address of Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise: Lot 1485, Kampung Belanga Pecah, Jalan Ayer Hangat, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise: 8:30 AM to 5:30 AM
- Entry Fees for Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise: RM29 ($6.58) for adult foreign visitors and RM22 ($4.99) for children from 3-12 years old and senior citizens, RM24 ($5.44) for Malaysian adults, and RM16 ($3.63) for children 3-12 years old and senior citizens
14. Hike to Durian Perangin Waterfall
The Durian Perangin Waterfall is in the northern area of Langkawi, just past the Gunung Raya. If you come here with a vehicle, you can park it on the lot and start the hike there. It’s a quick hike, however, some parts have steep areas, so it’s recommended to have proper footwear.
It’s best to come and see the waterfall of Durian Perangin during the wet season, the pools at the bottom will have plenty of water and are perfect for a swim. In your hike, you will also see some hornbills and various butterflies.
- Address of Durian Perangin Waterfall: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Durian Perangin Waterfall: 8 AM to 5 PM
- Entry Fees for Durian Perangin Waterfall: RM2 ($.45)
15. Take a Walk in the Rainforest on Langkawi
Langkawi has so much to offer when it comes to exploring Southeast Asia’s diverse forests. Remember to take advantage of this during your visit by signing up for a walk in the rainforest. The Gunung Matchinchang Rainforest is an incredible area to explore for its incredible amount of different trees, plants, and animals. If you want a local guide who is very knowledgeable about the ecosystem of the region, you should book a tour. You can do the walk in the morning when the heat from the sun is still bearable. The tour usually lasts for 2 hours. Here are more details on rainforest walks on Langkawi
16. Cool down at Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
After you walk around the rainforest, take a dip and cool off at Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls which is also called Seven Wells. You will have to do a hike and climb some stairs to get here, but once you reach the waterfalls of Telaga Tujug, you can enjoy natural swimming pools and even spot some wild monkeys.
Getting here is easy, the waterfall is located near the Langkawi Skybridge. There is a parking lot where you can leave your vehicle before you start your hike toward the waterfall, the parking fee is RM2.
- Address of Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls: Telaga Harbour Park, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls: 8:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Entry Fees for Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls: Free
17. MARDI Langkawi Agro Technology Park
This place is also known as Taman Agroteknologi MARDI Langkawi to the locals and it showcases the agricultural technology of Malaysia. When you come here, you can sign up for different tours and also enjoy tropical fruit tasting.
There is an entrance fee of 30RM that covers a buggy service to show you around the plantation complemented with information from the staff. The fee also covers a buffet fruit. Plan to spend about 1-2 hours when you visit.
- Address of MARDI Langkawi Agro Technology Park: 1, Jalan Padang Gaong, Lubuk Semilang, Ulu Melaka Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of MARDI Langkawi Agro Technology Park: 8:aM to 5 Pm from Sunday to Thursday
- Entry Fees for MARDI Langkawi Agro Technology Park: RM30 for foreign visitors and RM10 for Malaysians
18. Try out Jet Skiing in Langkawi on an island hopping tour
Get a little adventurous and hop on a jetski. This is actually an island hopping tour, but instead of sitting on a boat, you can be in a group of people, and drive yourself to each location on a jet ski! This is definitely unique and one of the best things to do in Langkawi. The islands you will explore are Singa Besar Island where you can do some eagle watching. Beras Basah Island, which possesses crystal blue sea and fine white sand, and a visit to Intan Kechil Island. See what it’s like to tour Langkawi islands on a jetski.
19. Visit Bunting Island from Langkawi
Bunting Island also known as Maiden Island and is located closer to mainland Malaysia. Bunting Island is connected via a bridge, the Pulau Dayang Buting is a different island. This island was named after Mambang Sari, an Ethereal Princess who unfortunately lost her baby only after a week of giving birth. From Langkawi, there are many tours you can take including a visit to Pulau Bunting. Bunting Island is popular because of the spectacular amount of eagles flying freely around the island. You can visit Bunting Island by helicopter, boat or the most popular way to get to Bunting Island is by Jetski
20. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise on Langkawi
Langkawi is the scene for some amazing sunsets, but one of the best Langkawi sunsets is from the water. And you can enjoy the sunset matched with an amazing dinner aboard a yacht while cruising through Langkawi waters, the Strait of Malacca. This sunset cruise includes a pick-up from your hotel and drop-off, a delicious set meal, and a chance to see some spinner dolphins and flying fish. The cruise and dinner last about 3-4 hours, and you can check availability here.
If you’re enjoying Langkawi, then you’ll also enjoy the Perhentian Islands, more of the Malaysian Islands that you should visit.
21. Go to the free Laman Padi Rice Garden, Langkawi
Explore this free open-air museum in Langkawi that tells the history and cultivation of rice planted and harvested in Malaysia. There are guided tours, hands-on activities, and traditional tools used for farming on display. There is a little paddy field which is great for photo ops, but bring a hat or an umbrella. The museum itself is indoors and has AC.
- Address of Laman Padi Rice Garden: Jalan Pantai Cenang, Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Laman Padi Rice Garden: 9 AM to 5 PM, every day
- Entry Fees for Laman Padi Rice Garden: Free
22. Visit the Night Markets in Langkawi
Whether you are looking to try a local snack or buy souvenirs, one of the best places for this in Langkawi is at a night market that features local artisans and products. The most popular night market in Langkawi is the one in Kuah Town which is open every Saturday and Wednesday only from 4 PM to 10 PM.
There’s another Langkawi night market at Padang Matsirat, but it’s only open once a week, on Sunday from 6 PM until 10 PM. Both locations offer various products from local food, clothes, toys, and even plants.
The Langkawi Night Market closest to Pantai Cenang is Temonyong Night Market, which is open only on Thursdays from 6 PM to 11 PM. This night market is only a 9-minute walk from Pantai Cenang Beach. If you visit, make sure to try satay partnered with a fresh mango shake.
- Address of Kuah Town Night Market: 165, Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Address of Padang Matsirat Night Market: Padang Matsirat, 07100 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Address of Temonyong Night Market: Kampung Lubok Buaya, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
23. Take an ATV Tour of Langkawi
Riding an ATV in Langkawi is quite a different way to explore Langkawi. You’re not only riding your own ATV and visiting Lubuk Semilang and an artificial waterfall, but you’ll also get to ride through streams, paddy fields, and dirt roads. This is a great way to see off the beaten track Langkawi.
Map of the Best Things to Do on Langkawi
You can also see the Langkawi things to do map here.
The Best Beaches on Langkawi
Any visit to Langkawi is not complete without exploring the impressive beaches here. Each beach on Langkawi Island offers different types of activities. Remember to pack your swimsuits, and beach towels, and put on some sunscreen!
Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
Pantai Cenang is inarugabably one of the most popular beaches in Langkawi. Enjoy its sandy shoreline which is known for parasailing and jet skiing. Right on its main road, you’ll find a large number of duty-free stores and souvenir shops. Pantai Cenang Beach is on the southeast side of the island, an 11-minute drive from the airport.
- Address of Pantai Cenang: 1Jalan Pantai Chenang
Tanjung Rhu Beach, Langkawi
Tanjung Rhu Beach is on the north of Langkawi near Langkawi Mangrove. It is covered in fine white sand and lined with palm trees offering great shade all day long. This is the beach for you if you want to bring a book and read. The water is clear and the beach is well-kept. Occasionally, you will see jellyfish, so be mindful. This is the beach where many of the boat trips to the mangrove forest leave from. Most of the beach and this part of the island is a private resort. We have to sign up to a series of rules and regulations before we’re allowed into the area. The boat tours turn out to cost 180 RM for a two-hour trip, the rain once again looks imminent and so we pass. If the weather is better for you, then check out these options to explore the mangroves here.
- Address of Tanjung Rhu Beach: Jalan Tanjung Rhu
Pantai Kok, Langkawi
Pantai Kok is close to the Langkawi Cable Car. This is a quiet area and away from big crowds, it is surrounded by trees. Although it’s a public beach, there are not many shops around, remember to bring your own food and drinks if you plan to come here.
- Address of Pantai Kok: Jalan Telaga Tujuh
Pantai Tengah Beach, Langkawi
This beach is just south of Pantai Cenang, but with fewer people. It’s popular as a place to wait for the sunset. You can try parasailing here and have an incredible sunset view from above.
- Address of Pantai Tengah Beach: 16, Jalan Pantai Chenang, Kampung Lubok Buaya, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Day trips on Langkawi
Langkawi day trips include visiting marine parks, exploring islands, and trying unique high-tech activities. Whatever your interests, Langkawi has options for you.
Take a day trip to the islands around Langkawi
The best and hassle-free way to explore Langkawi’s water is on a guided boat tour. This tour focuses on island hopping, snorkeling, checking out some rock formations, and doing paddle boats. The best day trips to Langkawi’s islands cover Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Beras Basah. See Langkawi island day trips by boat here.
Spend a day in Pulau Payar Marine Park from Langkawi
Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated on a tiny island between Kedah and Langkawi, which is 2-hours on a boat from Langkawi. This is a popular snorkeling and diving area because you can find many sharks, barracudas, and other marine animals right on the shore. You can book a day trip to Pulau Payar Marine Park that will take you to this island. The trip starts in the morning and includes lunch on the boat or on the island itself.
Take a Langkawi Day Trip to Pulau Tuba Island
Tuba Island is situated south of Kuah Jetty Terminal, right next to Pulau Dayang Bunting. There are two ways to get to Tuba Island for some exploration. You can either book a boat tour or take a boat and there yourself. From Kuah Jetty Terminal, the boats that go to Tuba Island leave 6x a day and also go back to Kuah 6x a day. When you get to the island, you can rent a bicycle to explore on your own. A tour will include jungle trekking, birdwatching, and checking out different beaches.
Private Island Paradise Paradise 101
Paradise 101 is a private island off the coast of Pantai Kok. It’s a cool attraction for visitors to Langkawi. However, the only way to visit and explore the island is by booking a private tour. The tour allows you to stay on the island for the entire day and enjoy water activities such as kayaking banana boat rides, zip lines, and access to the island’s inflatable aqua park. The day trip to Paradise 101 lasts until the evening, which means you can also enjoy it at night and party at OMG Bar. There is a restaurant on the island offering food and drinks at a reasonable price. See what a day trip to a private island from Langkawi is like here.
Rainy Day Experiences in Langkawi
Many people might feel like getting caught in the rain during a vacation on an island is annoying, but Langkawi is ready to entertain you when this happens. During a rainy day or typhoon season on the island, you can still do many things such as visiting a 3D Museum and trying out VR. Here are some of the best Langkawi Rainy Day Experiences.
VR Experiences on Langkawi
Virtual Reality is a popular activity for people of all ages, especially on a rainy day in Langkawi. If this is something you’ve never tried and are curious to try, go to VR Universal which is also located near the Cable Car on Langkawi. There are different types of games, the most recommended are VR Roller Coast and Funky Racing. You can easily spend 30 minutes up to 3 hours at VR Studios. You can reserve your place for a Langkawi Virtual Reality experience here.
- Address of Name of Attraction: E01-E04, Oriental Village, Jalan, Kampung Teluk Burau, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Name of Attraction: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Entry Fees for Name of Attraction: RM60 ($15) and up
Art in Paradise 3D Museum Experiences
Take some cool or silly photos with fun and almost real-life interactive paintings. There are many kinds of paintings that you can “get involved with” here. There are underwater, historical sites from around the world, animals, and also replicas of famous paintings – you can easily spend an hour or more here. If it’s overcast or rainy while you’re visiting the Langkawi Cable Car, this is a great place to come!
- Address of 3D Art in Paradise Langkawi: Jalan Telaga Tujuh, 07100 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of 3D Art in Paradise Langkawi: 9 AM to 6 PM, daily
- Entry Fees for 3D Art in Paradise Langkawi: RM55, it’s included in the cable car ticket
Theme Parks, Adventure Parks & Water Parks to Visit in Langkawi
Remember when I said that today’s Langkawi was redesigned to attract visitors? This is the reason why the island not only has attractions based on its natural beauty but is also filled with theme parks. And Langkawi’s theme parks and the water parks of Langkawi are pretty darned good! Here are the best Langkawi water parks and theme parks to visit.
Langkawi Adventure and Extreme Park
There are some pretty exciting and nerve-racking activities you can try at Adventure and Extreme Park. The most popular are tight-rope biking aka sky rope bike, but there are also less intense activities such as ATV rides and Go-Kart driving. You can make the most out of your visit by purchasing a 6-in-1 ticket which allows you to try 6 activities but pay for less. There are also 8-in-1, 4-in-1, and activity-specific tickets. Prebook your tickets for the Langkawi Adventure and Extreme Park and save time in the line here
- Address of Langkawi Adventure and Extreme Park: Lot 1453, Kampung Kilim, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Langkawi Adventure and Extreme Park: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Entry Fees for Langkawi Adventure and Extreme Park: RM55 ($12.48) and up
Splash Out Water Theme Park, Langkawi
The Splash Out Park features thrilling slides and 12 water attractions and it’s a great day out in Langkawi for kids of all ages. It is located in the heart of Kuah near the busy road or Jalan Padang Matsirat, but it’s very spacious. You can also rent a gazebo and lockers. There are restaurants selling food and drinks inside as well.
- Address of Splash Out: Persiaran Mutiara 2, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Splash Out: 11 AM to 630 PM
- Entry Fees for Splash Out: RM75 for adults, RM55 for 90cm to 12-year-olds, and RM40 for 60-year-olds and above
Food and Drink in Langkawi
Langkawi is a great place for those must-try Malaysian local dishes plus unique food that originated in Langkawi. The best way to try the food here is to visit a night market, but if you visit Langkawi outside the night market’s schedule, you can still find places to try Malay dishes.
Nasi Kandar
This dish, Nasi Kandar, originated in the northern part of Malaysia, specifically from Penang. Nasi Kandar is a meal made from steamed rice and served with curry and varieties of side dishes. You can find it in almost any local restaurant or food stalls.
Eat at the Ayer Hangat Night Market
Ayer Hangat is a night market that is only open every Friday. If you are here on that day, make sure to visit Ayer Hangat and try out some local dishes and snacks. Delicacies such as Nasi Kerabu and Satay are one of the most recommended.
Scarborough Fish and Chips Tanjung Rhu
Being on an island, you have to try some seafood. For those craving good fish and chips, go to this restaurant where this dish is their specialty. Scarborough Fish and Chips is located right on the shoreline of Jalan Tanjung Rhu. There are different types of fish you can choose from, but there are also chicken dishes. Wash it down with some cold draft beer, cocktails, or wines. The Pan-fried Dorry and Battered Dory and fat chips are fabulous and this beachside cafe has spectacular views of the ocean, surrounding islets, and, also, the cement works.
- Address of Scarborough Fish and Chips: Lot 1388, Jalan Tanjung Rhu, Mukim Air Hangat, 07100 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
- Opening Hours of Scarborough Fish and Chips: 10 AM to 10 PM
How to Get Around Langkawi
One thing you must know and remember is that there are no public buses on Langkawi. There are traditional taxis everywhere and you can use ride-hailing apps like Grab. If you are staying around Pantai Cenang, you can easily walk around. Renting a motorbike is very popular and it costs about RM30-RM50 per day ($5-$10). You can also rent a car which is a good choice if you are here with a big group.
Where is Langkawi
Langkawi Island is in the northwest of Malaysia, almost to the border with Thailand. It’s very near the Thai National Park Tarutao and situated on the Strait of Malacca and the Andaman Sea.
When is the best time to travel to Langkawi
The best time to travel to Langkawi is from November to March which is the driest season. It’s less likely to rain and you get to enjoy the sun without getting a sunburn because the temperature is lower than usual. Although 60% of Malaysians are Muslims, Christmas is a public holiday and many locals travel around Malaysia during December.
Where to stay in Langkawi
Since Langkawi is a duty-free island, it’s very easy to find accommodations that are within the budget of locals and foreign visitors. Backpackers can easily find hostels that have great facilities and lots of comforts without paying too much, there are mid-range hotels, and for visitors who prefer luxury, there are plenty of five-star resorts to choose from.
The Four Season Resort in Langkawi is a perfect choice for people looking for comfort, luxury, and privacy. It is located in a secluded area in Jalan Tanjung Rhu surrounded by tall trees and highlighted by mangroves. The Four Seasons Resort has an outdoor pool, BBQ facilities, and a sun terrace. You can check room and suite availability here.
Stay at SR Villa if you don’t want to spend too much money on a hotel but still want to get quality sleep and be near some of the top things to do in Langkawi such as the Wildlife Park and Galeria Perdana. The room has basic furniture and an AC, and there are also kitchen facilities available if you prefer to self-cater. There’s more on Langkawi’s SR Villa here.
One of the most affordable places to stay in Langkawi is the Tokman Inn which has an impeccable location. It’s right in the middle of Pantai Cenang. Just outside its doors are an incredible amount of places to eat plus it’s only an 8-minute walk to the beach. We stayed at the Tokman Inn, on our first visit to Langkawi and it’s still receiving excellent reviews, you can see some of them here.
How to get to Langkawi
Langkawi has its own international airport that has direct flights to nearby countries. Coming from anywhere in Malaysia should also not be a problem.
From Kuala Lumpur, you can take a direct an hour flight to Langkawi for as low as RM 176 ($40) or a 9-hour bus to Kuala Perlis then another hour ferry from there to Langkawi. If you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, then our guide to Malaysia’s capital city is here.
From Penang, you can take a direct 2 hours and 45-minute ferry ride, which costs about RM60 ($13.61). There is also a short 40-minute direct flight for RM70 ($15).
Our guide on how to go between Penang and Langkawi is here.
If you’re traveling from Thailand, the Krabi to Langkawi route is popular, and here’s our guide to the Krabi-Langkawi route.
Malaysia Travel Tips
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Final Words on The 23 Best Things to Do in Langkawi
Langkawi might only be a small island up north in Malaysia but it has so much to offer. When you visit Langkawi, you can get to know Malaysia’s rainforests, wild animals, impressive beaches, and manmade theme parks. Whether you plan to stay for just a few days or even a week, there are plenty of things to do in Langkawi that are filled with adventure and exploration.
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