Situated 30km off the north-western Malaysian state of Kedah, Langkawi is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. This tropical island paradise in the Andaman Sea is famed for the turquoise waters surrounding its lush interior tropical rainforests. Having visited the island in Jun-2019, let us share with you the Top Things to do in Langkawi! Go ahead and share this with your travel buddies!
Langkawi Travel VLOG (2019)
Our related blogs on Langkawi:
- Langkawi Itinerary and Expenses
- Where to stay in Langkawi
- Guide to Renting a Car in Langkawi
Advertisements
Top Things to do in Langkawi
Langkawi, in the native Malay language, translates to “island of the reddish-brown eagle”. Administratively, it is an archipelago of approximately 99 islands in the Andaman Sea. With its main island officially known as Langkawi Island.
With a wide variety of attractions, Langkawi is perfect as a short one-week getaway for both domestic and international visitors. Below, we list down the top things to do for your holiday in Langkawi. (Listed in random order)
Advertisements
#1: Eagle Square (Dataran Helang)
Any visit to Langkawi would not be complete without a trip to Eagle Square. Located at the south-eastern tip of the island, Eagle Square is a promenade at the edge of Kuah, the biggest town on Langkawi.
The most prominent structure at Eagle Square is the 12m tall statue of a reddish-brown eagle about to take flight. Reminding visitors of the origins of the island’s name. If you’re visiting close to sunset, do stay around and wait for the spotlights to illuminate the statue.
Our tip for Kuah: Kuah has a good number of restaurants and duty-free retail shops. For those looking for Chinese food, try this popular restaurant that serves cheap and tasty Chinese cuisines. If you’re looking for discounted sportswear, try this duty-free sports outlet near to the restaurant.
Statue of the reddish-brown eagle at Eagle Square (Dataran Helang)(360 photo)
Eagle Square (Dataran Helang)(360 photo)
Advertisements
#2: Seven Wells Waterfall
For those looking to enjoy nature, just head to Seven Wells Waterfall. It is the most popular waterfall in Langkawi and is a short drive from the famed SkyBridge.
Seven Wells Waterfall is made up of two areas. The top of the waterfall is named “Seven Wells”, and consist of a series of rock pools and an observation platform. While the bottom of the waterfall offers frontal view of the fall with a small plunge pool.
Visiting Seven Wells Waterfall
There is a parking area at the entrance to Seven Wells Waterfall. The parking fee is a flat rate of RM2 per car.
There are a couple of street food stalls next to the parking area. No food vendors would be available in the waterfall from this point onwards.
Hike up to Seven Wells Waterfall
From the parking area, visitors would hike up a series of stairways to reach the waterfall. There is a road (only accessible to authorized vehicles) running parallel to the stairway during the initial part of the hike. However, due to its extremely steep gradient, visitors are not advised to walk on the road.
After climbing 10 minutes (230m horizontal distance), visitors will come to a branch-off. From here, follow the branch-off (turn left) for another 100m walk to reach the bottom of the waterfall (view of waterfall + plunge pool).
To reach the top of the waterfall, ignore the branch-off and continue the climb on the stairway for another 15 minutes (250m).
Top vs Bottom of Seven Wells Waterfall
Though the climb to the top of the waterfall (Seven Wells) requires some effort, it is surely worth it. The view from the “half-bridge” observation platform is great. And the SkyCab cable car can be seen in the distance. The rock pools here provide visitors with a refreshing dip, especially after the hike. Also, certain parts of the rock pools double up as water slides.
For the bottom section of the waterfall. Although there is no landscape view here, visitors are still rewarded with the full frontal view of the waterfall. Not to mention that the plunge pool here is deeper compared to the rock pools at the top.
For those visiting, we recommend first making the full hike to the top of the waterfall for the view and rock pools. And then exploring the bottom of the waterfall while on the way back to the entrance.
Total hike(to top of waterfall): 638 steps/480m climb (horizontal distance)
Toilet facilities: Both the top and bottom of the waterfall have basic toilet facilities.
Seven Wells Waterfall Parking Area (360 photo)
Seven Wells (Top of Seven Wells Waterfall)(360 photo)
(For higher resolution of the images in this post, refer to our Facebook Page)
Advertisements
#3: SkyBridge, SkyCab, SkyGlide (Oriental Village)
SkyBridge is perhaps the most photographed attraction on Langkawi. The curve suspension bridge is situated 660m above sea-level at the peak of Mount Machinchang on the western part of Langkawi island.
To reach the SkyBridge, visitors have to take the SkyCab cable car service from the base of Mount Machinchang to its peak. The base station of SkyCab is located within an entertainment compound called Oriental Village at the foot of the mountain.
Oriental Village
The compound consists of the SkyCab’s base cable car station, various meagre attractions (e.g. 6D Cinemotion, Sky Dome, Sky Adventure Park, SkyRex, 3D Art Museum), a couple of touristy retail outlets, restaurants and a small non-air-conditioned food court.
The undisputed crowd-puller here is SkyCab (which leads to SkyBridge). The rest of the attractions felt distinctly underwhelming. Almost as if they were deliberately built to jump on the SkyCab/SkyBridge bandwagon. We shall not be elaborating on these meagre attractions.
Ticketing
The tickets for all attractions within Oriental Village (including SkyCab) is to be purchased at the cable car base station. (Note: Tickets for SkyBridge and SkyGlide are to be purchased on the mountain top at SkyCab’s Top Station.)
It is telling that there is no option to solely purchase the tickets of SkyCab. Instead, visitors are forced to choose between 4 combo packages (Basic Package, Combo A/B/C. See image below). All of which includes a few of the underwhelming attractions bundled with SkyCab.
Needless to say, since our priority is the SkyBridge, we opted for the cheapest package (Basic Package) during our visit.
Basic Package (international visitor price)
- Adult: RM55, Child: RM40
- Includes: SkyCab, Sky Dome (3D space simulator ride), SkyRex (3D simulator ride), 3D Art Museum (trick eye museum)
SkyCab
According to the operator, SkyCab’s free span length of 950m makes it the world’s longest free span single rope cable car service. It also claims to have the world’s steepest gradient.
There are three cable car station:
- Base Station (SkyCab ticketing booth)
- Middle Station (observation platform)
- Top Station (observation platform + access to SkyBridge)
Top Station has two circular viewing platforms offering great elevated views of both the island and SkyBridge. It is also the only access point to SkyBridge.
SkyCab facts:
- Opened: Jan-2003
- Horizontal distance: 2079m (Base Station to Top Station)
- Round trip time: 28 minutes
- Top Station altitude: 705m above sea-level
Tip: When ascending via SkyCab, many tourists make a stop at Middle Station to take in the view. However, this usually results in a long queue for the cable car at Middle Station. To avoid the queue, we recommend skipping Middle Station and going directly to the Top Station for its observation platforms and SkyBridge.
(For higher resolution of the images in this post, refer to our Facebook Page)
Advertisements
SkyBridge and SkyGlide
Built in 2004, SkyBridge is one of Langkawi’s most popular attraction. It is said to be the world’s longest curve suspension pedestrian bridge.
SkyBridge is only accessible via Top Station. And is a relatively easy 10 minutes’ walk (via a series of stairs) from it. Alternatively, there is a “cabin-style escalator” (SkyGlide) that transport visitors directly to SkyBridge. SkyGlide is strongly recommended for visitors who have movement difficulties.
The tickets for both SkyBridge and SkyGlide can only be purchased at Top Station. They cannot be purchased at the Base Station. And note that it is common for SkyBridge/SkyCab to be closed due to bad weather (e.g. rain).
SkyBridge/SkyGlide Ticketing
- SkyBridge (walk from Top Station to SkyBridge): RM5/3 (Adult/Child)
- SkyBridge + SkyGlide: RM15/10 (Adult/Child)
- Opening hours: 9.30am to 7pm (subject to weather conditions)
SkyBridge facts:
- Opened: Feb-2005
- Total Length: 125m (curve)
- Altitude: 660m above sea-level
Langkawi Sky Bridge(360 photo)
Sky Bridge (as viewed from Top Station)(360 photo)
Advertisements
#4: Perdana Quay Lighthouse
A short drive from Oriental Village and Seven Wells Waterfall is a charming lighthouse that most tourist overlook.
Located in Telaga Harbour Park (Pantai Kok area), Perdana Quay Lighthouse is a lovely landmark overlooking the Strait of Malacca. Visitors can drive up to the lighthouse via a short dirt track. And the area around the lighthouse is peaceful due to the lack of crowds. Definitely a great place to chill out, enjoy some scenery and take in the lapping sound of waves during late afternoons.
Perdana Quay Lighthouse (360 photo)
Advertisements
#5: Pantai Cenang Beach
The most popular beach town on Langkawi, and rightly so. Pantai Cenang is situated at the southern tip of the island. And is a mere 10 minutes’ drive from its airport.
Great for swimming
As a beach, Pantai Cenang has a long and clean shoreline with good width. The sands are white, while the water is clear. Though not as crystal clear as some other destinations in the region.
Pantai Cenang is well suited for swimming. As its relatively shallow seabed extends a good distance into the ocean and the waves are mild. Making it ideal for novice swimmers and children. Plenty of water-related activities is available here (e.g. parasailing, jet skiing).
Trendy beach town
As a town, Pantai Cenang play host to the most diverse range of tourism-based establishments on Langkawi. Restaurants, cafes, retail outlets, accommodations, spas and other tourist-related businesses dot Pantai Cenang’s main street. Making this the most trendy town on the island after dark.
With such a high concentration of amenities and a good beach, it is unsurprising that many visitors choose to stay in/around Pantai Cenang. For the same reasons, we had stayed at a budget hotel in Pantai Cenang during our Jun-2019 trip. (Refer to our review on Sri Embun Resort)
(For higher resolution of the images in this post, refer to our Facebook Page)
Advertisements
#6: Night Markets (Pasar Malam) on Langkawi
In the native Malay language, “Pasar Malam” refers to night market. As with many countries in the region, night markets are an integral part of the local community. Enabling both locals and tourist to mingle around and indulge in colourful local cuisines.
On Langkawi, night markets operate every day of the week at different locations across the island. The locals have an agreed system that each night of the week is permanently assigned to a specific night market.
Night Market Schedule on Langkawi
- Mondays: Ulu Melaka Night Market
- Tuesdays: Kedawang Night Market
- Wednesdays/Saturdays: Pekan Kuah Night Market (Kuah)
- Thursdays: Temonyong Night Market (Pantai Cenang)
- Fridays: Ayer Hangat Night Market
- Sundays: Padang Matsirat Night Market
During our trip, we had the opportunity to visit Pekan Kuah Night Market (Wednesday) and Temonyong Night Market (Thursday). Compared to those in major cities, night markets here are much smaller in scale. However, it is still a great experience to join in the crowds and get our hands on some cheap and delicious local snacks.
Advertisements
#7: Pulau Payar snorkelling day-trip
Pulau Payar is a small uninhabited island with marine park status 35km south of Langkawi. From Jetty Point (beside Eagle Square, Kuah), it is a 1-hour ferry ride to Pulau Payar.
The island is a popular snorkelling and diving spot due to its marine life and corals. Snorkelling day-trips to Pulau Payar is one of the most popular day-tours amongst tourist on Langkawi. Thus, most travel agents on the island offer such packages.
Pulau Payar day-trip packages
There are two variants to the snorkelling day-trips offered by travel agents. Visitors can choose between shore-based snorkelling or platform-based snorkelling.
Pulau Payar Packages: Similarities
Both shore and platform-based snorkelling packages are usually all-inclusive. They typically include pick-up/return (only for major towns), ferry, lunch, bottled water (limited), life jacket, snorkel/mask.
The pick-up time is usually around 8.30am. With a drop-off time of around 5pm. Visitors will usually get to spend around 3-4 hours on Pulau Payar.
Pulau Payar Packages: Differences and rates
As the name suggests, shore-based package meant that visitors are dropped off at the beach on Pulau Payar and will be based there for the day. There are dedicated make-shift shelters (with tables/chairs) for visitors to use during meal/resting. Basic toilet facilities are available, though there is no freshwater supply on the island.
For the platform-based package, visitors will be based on a floating platform (named Langkawi Coral) which is anchored a short distance off the beach. Note that there is only one platform at the island, so all visitors having the platform-based package (regardless of travel agent) will be based here. Obviously, there are better tables/chairs and toilet facilities on the platform, as compared to those at the beach. However, we’ve read numerous online reviews about overcrowding and bad service on the platform.
For the rates, the platform-based package obviously attract a higher premium.
Price for international visitors*:
- Shore-based: RM160/120 (Adult/Child)
- Platform-based: RM300/200 (Adult/Child)
- Typical price only. Actual price differs across travel agents
- *Malaysians pay a lower rate.
Review: Shore-based vs Platform-based Package
The platform-based package is simply not worth it. Period.
There is only one snorkelling area at Pulau Payar. Thus, both shore and platform-based visitors will snorkel in the same area. The platform is anchored a mere 80m from the beach. Thus, visitors on the shore can easily swim to the vicinity of the platform and enjoy the coral there (not as if there’s any difference in coral from those nearer to shore). Therefore, in terms of snorkelling, there is really no advantage offered by the platform-based package.
As for the facilities, if online reviews of the platform are anything to go by, then it might be better to stay on the beach. Especially when the cost difference between the two packages is huge. Furthermore, isn’t snorkelling the main objective of the trip? In which case, there is no justification to pay extra for the platform. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that we also opted for the shore-based package during our trip.
Review: Overall snorkelling experience at Pulau Payar
During our day-trip to Pulau Payar, the weather, unfortunately, happened to be raining in the morning before clearing up by early afternoon. With less sunlight and slightly choppy conditions (churning up silt), the water isn’t as clear as what we’ve expected it to be.
The corals at Pulau Payar appears to be affected by bleaching and wasn’t as colourful as we’ve wished. There is, however, a relatively good variety and population of marine life at the island. In fact, we managed to see a few baby Black Tip Reef Sharks from the beach!
The maximum depth of the snorkelling area is around 4-6 metres. Thus life-jackets are a must for children and inexperienced swimmers.
To sum it up, we would rate the snorkelling experience at Pulau Payar as average. If you’re only travelling to Langkawi and would like to experience some snorkelling here. Then Pulau Payar is a possible option. However, if you’re on a trip across the region and had already done (or plan to do) snorkelling at more pristine locations (e.g. Kho Lipe, Kho Samui, Tioman). Then we would suggest giving Pulau Payar a pass.
Pulau Payar Marine Park (360 photo)
Advertisements
#8: Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
The first geopark in Malaysia and South East Asia. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park takes up the entire north-eastern coastal region of Langkawi Island. The park is popular for its striving mangrove ecosystems and towering limestone karst/caves. Limestone structures here can be traced as far as 500 million years and exhibits similarities to those found in the famed Ha Long Bay (Vietnam).
Other than observing the karst and mangrove structures/ecosystems, popular activities here include fish and eagle feeding. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to explore the park due to time constraint.
How to explore Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
The typical way of exploring the park is to engage the services of private motorboats anchored at Kilim Jetty or Tanjung Rhu (beside Tanjung Rhu beach). The boatman will usually double-up as the guide. Boats are hired based on per hour rates. And visitors will get to select from a list of park attractions (to visit) based on the boat hire duration.
Typical Rates per boat:
- 1 hour: Rm250 per boat
- 2 hour: Rm350 per boat
- 3 hour: Rm450 per boat
- 4 hour: Rm500 per boat
Park sights include:
- Bat Cave
- Fish Farm
- Eagle feeding
- Andaman Sea
- Crocodile Cave
- Langsir Cave
- Mempelam Bay
- Dangli Island
Kilim Karst Geoforest Park (viewed from Kilim Jetty)(360 photo)
Kilim Karst Geoforest Park (viewed from Kilim Jetty)(360 photo)
Advertisements
#9: Scarborough Fish and Chips
Scarborough Fish and Chips is one of the most famous eateries on Langkawi. It is located at the northern tip of the island.
In spite of its popularity, the restaurant is simply a small shack by the sea with a couple of tables and an unassuming façade. In fact, it could be easily missed even though its located along the road to Tanjung Rhu Beach and the upmarket Four Seasons Resort.
Though not the cheapest on the island, Scarborough Fish and Chips definitely serves some great and fresh seafood. The simple décor, wonderful sea breeze and top-notch seafood definitely make dining here a great experience. Not to be missed when in Langkawi!
Scarborough Fish & Chips- Tanjung Rhu (360 photo)
Advertisements
#10: Tengah Beach
On the last day of our trip, we stumbled upon Tengah Beach. Situated after a large outcrop at the southern end of Pantai Cenang, Tengah Beach is approximately 1.5km long and extends southwards.
Less crowd
Tengah Beach is noticeably less crowded and developed than Pantai Cenang. The beach width is narrower (as compared to Pantai Cenang), which might explain for the thinner crowd. And the shoreline is mainly lined with larger beachfront resorts.
The lesser crowd here does translate into some advantages. For one, the atmosphere is more laid-back and thus makes for an ideal place to have a peaceful sunset. Couples looking for a romantic stroll, look no further.
Water sports
Similar to Pantai Cenang, there are water sports operators here. During our visit (close to sunset), several operators were touting their parasailing services. Some were offering discounts (off their listed rates) presuming to bump up revenues before closing for the day.
There is a road further inland that runs parallel to the shoreline. As with the main street in Pantai Cenang, the street is lined with restaurants, retail outlets, hotels and other tourist-related establishments. Though general feel (of the street) is more laid-back compared to Pantai Cenang.
For those that want to avoid the crowds and over-development associated with Pantai Cenang, Tengah Beach is surely a great alternative.
Tengah Beach (360 photo)
Advertisements
Our 6-days Langkawi Itinerary and Expenses
Want to know our 6-days itinerary for Langkawi and the total amount we’ve spent? Refer to our other blog “Langkawi Itinerary and Expenses”.
How to get around Langkawi | Guide to Renting a Car in Langkawi
Public transport options on Langkawi are generally limited. For most visitors, renting a car is usually the most convenient and cost-effective way of exploring the island. To know more about car rentals in Langkawi (including procedures, reviews and pricing), refer to our other blog “Guide to Renting a Car in Langkawi”.
Where to stay in Langkawi | Sri Embun Resort (Pantai Cenang) Review
Want to know which is the best town in Langkawi to stay at? Refer to our other blog “Where to stay in Langkawi”. Includes our review of Sri Embun Resort at Pantai Cenang.
Related posts on Malaysia:
- Malaysia: Sipadan/Mataking
- Malaysia: Sarawak
- Malaysia: Kota Kinabalu
- Malaysia: Pulau Tenggol
- Malaysia: Genting Highlands
- Malaysia: Johor
- Malaysia: Tioman
- Malaysia: Penang/Ipoh
Find this article (free) in GPSmyCity app
Download this article to your mobile device for FREE. This article is available within the GPSmyCity travel app. Once the app is installed, search for the article name and save it for your offline usage! You could also upgrade (small fee) the article to get a map with GPS navigation to the sights. The map + GPS navigation can be used offline. Thus saving you money from mobile data!
Disclosure: We do receive a small royalty fee whenever someone upgrades our travel article. This fee goes a long way in helping us to maintain this travel blog. So that we can continue to do what we do best; inspiring the traveler in YOU!
Advertisements
Have something to tell us? Leave a comment!