Langkawi - Things To Do, Sights To See

Besides the sun, sea and sail factor, there are many activities awaiting you in Langkawi. These include simple jungle treks to guided bird watching outings, kayaking through mangroves and mountain walks. For the more adventurous, there is the Langkawi Canopy Adventures. Thrill-seekers will enjoy the ride of their life along wire cables strung between tall trees high up in the rainforest canopy. The view from the canopy is simply magnificent. For something different, try horse riding into the pristine rainforests, passing by rubber estates, golf courses and villages. Spot interesting flora and fauna along the way, or rest along the cool mountain stream. Horse riding along the beach is also available.

Your First Stop - Kuah

Kuah is located on the south-eastern tip of Langkawi and is the island's main town with Kuah Jetty being the take-off point to the neighbouring islands. The name Kuah is a Malay word meaning 'gravy' and is associated with an ancient legend of two battling giants who overturned a gigantic pot of curry at the spot where the town now stands.

Once a rustic town with a few streets, present day Kuah is a thriving centre of hotels and shopping-cum-business complexes, fortunately without the bustle of modern-day cities. Kuah offers a wide variety of duty-free goods such as tobacco, liquor, cosmetics and electrical items at attractive prices.

EAGLE SQUARE or Dataran Lang is Langkawi's most prominent landmark for visitors arriving by sea. Situated near the Kuah Jetty, the main attraction of the square is the magnificent statue of the reddish brown eagle majestically poised for flight. According to local folklore, Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or helang. In old Malay, kawi denotes reddish brown, hence Langkawi means 'reddish brown eagle'.

Eagle square in Kuah, Langkawi (pic by gardkarlsen.com)

The square is beautifully landscaped and features scenic ponds, bridges, covered terraces, restaurants and barrel vaults made of bricks. The square is beautifully illuminated at night and presents a dramatic scene as you approach the island by sea.

Taman Legenda (Legenda Park) Kuah, Langkawi

TAMAN LAGENDA is a scenic park with beautiful gardens of vivid local blooms, plants and fit trees. This 50-acre park has been designed and landscaped with exhibits detailing the myths and legends of the island. It houses 17 monuments, each with an intriguing story to tell.
Opening hours: 9am-7pm (daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Phone: 04 966 4223

Rich Island Culture

CRAFT CULTURAL COMPLEX is located on the northern coastline of Langkawi in the vicinity of Teluk Yu, about a 30-minute drive from the airport or 45 minutes from Kuah Town. Nestled on a hillside overlooking the sea, this magnificent complex offers a wide range of Malaysian handicraft such as delicate hand-drawn batik and intricately carved silverware.
Opening hours: 10am-6pm (daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Phone: 04 959 1913

IBRAHIM HUSSEIN MUSEUM AND CULTURAL FOUNDATION is dedicated to the promotion development and advancement of art and culture. This museum features a collection of works by Datuk Ibrahim Hussein, one of Malaysia's renowned artists.
Opening hours: 9am-6pm (daily)
Phone 04 959 4669

Air hangat village, Langkawi

AYER HANGAT VILLAGE is situated on four acres of land about 14 km north-west of Kuah. This modern complex is constructed around a 3-tier fountain believed to spring out warm curative waters, next to a riverstone mural depicting the legends that enshroud this location. Browse through the souvenir shops and enjoy the cultural performances held here.
Open hours: 9am-6pm (daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Phone: 04 959 1357

Atma Alam Batik Art Village, Langkawi

ATMA ALAM BATIK ART VILLAGE, langkawi's original art village in Padang Matsirat highlights Malaysian art and culture. Individuals or groups are welcome to be a part of the batik workshop. Original batik and oil paintings are for sale and can be specially requested.
Open hours: 9am-6pm (daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Phone: 04 955 2615

CRYSTAL VILLAGE is located at Jalan Pantai Cenang, about 15 minutes away from the airport. It offers an attractive and exquisite range of glass products. Visitors will find a wide choice of skillfully crafted crystal items to suit every occasion. Here you will be mesmerised by the extraordinary glass blowing skills of craftsmen.
Open hours: 10am-10pm (daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Phone: 04 955 8188

THE LANGKAWI WATERFALL is the highest man-made waterfall in the country at a height of 67 metres. The cool, cascading waters of the 3-tier waterfall is indeed a refreshing sight. Situated along Jalan Datai, the waterfall is unique as it flows over a 50-metre road cave tunnel. Driving through the tunnel, you can also see fascinating mini waterfalls, which complement the surrounding natural flora.

LAMAN PADI LANGKAWI highlights the history, heritage and development of padi cultivation as the oldest agricultural industry in Malaysia. Among the attractions here is a rice museum displaying artifacts, charts and photographs depicting the significance of padi cultivation in the country. For the uninitiated, try your hand at padi planting using both traditional as wel as modern methods of cultivation. There is also a restaurant offering popular traditional Malay recipes and local delicacies, which are prepared using rice as the main ingredient.
Open hours: 9am-5pm (daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Phone: 04 955 4312

KOTA MAHSURI with its fabled and historical past is a significant sire on the island that has been preserved for posterity. Located about 12 km from Kuah, this memorial is erected in honour of Mahsuri, a fair maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery. According to legend, she bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. In her dying breath, she laid a curse on the island that it would remain barren for seven generations. Fact or fiction, seven generations have since passed and today, Langkawi is a flourishing tourist destination. There is also a museum here where tourists can view a recorded interpretation of the Mahsuri legend.
Open hours: 8am-6.30pm (daily)
Phone: 04 955 6055

ORIENTAL VILLAGE overlooking beautiful Burau Bay, is one of the region's most unique shopping, cultural and culinary destinations. Specially designed to provide a new concept in resort duty-free shopping, the Oriental Village also houses fine-themed restaurants, reflecting Asia's culinary delights. Located at Burau bay, it is a 15-minute drive from the airport. The oriental village also serves as the entrance to the Langkawi Cable Car, which takes visitors up to the top of Mt. Mat Cincang, where a spectacular view of the whole island can be seen.
Open hours: 10am-10pm (daily)
Admission Fee: Free
Phone: 04 959 1606

GALERIA PERDANA about 11 km from Kuah, houses an impressive collection of over 2,500 state gifts and awards presented to the former Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah bt Mohd Ali. The exhibits at the gallery include crystalware and gifts fashioned out of wood, leather, silver, copper, pewter, ceramics and glass. There are also musical instruments, Islamic art and craft, textiles and weapons. Be inspired by the intricate Islamic architectural designs which adorn the gallery's ceiling.
Open hours: 10am-5pm (daily)
Phone: 04 959 1498

LANGKAWI CABLE CAR is situated at the Oriental Village in Burau Bay, about 30 minutes away from Kuah town. Enjoy an exhilarating cable car ride to the top of Gunung Machincang. Visitors can enjoy marvellous views of the Andaman Sea and the Langkawi island group, as well as breathtaking sights such as overhanging cliff walls and isolated pinnacles. With a length of 919.5 m, the Langkawi Cable Car has been recognized as 'The Longest Free Span Single Rope Cable Car' by the Malaysia Book of Records. It also has one of the steepest gradients in the world, at 42°. At the middle and top stations, walking trails and viewing platforms are available for visitors to further enjoy the panoramic views. Another impressive attraction here is the 125 m suspension bridge. A remarkable feat of engineering, the curved bridge links the cable car station to the Machincang mountain range. After the ride, drop by at the Oriental Village to browse through the assortment of souvenirs.
Open hours: 10am-6pm (Mon-Thurs), 9.30am-7pm (Fri-Sun and public holidays)
Phone: 04 959 4225

UNDERWATER WORLD LANGKAWI features the island's rich treasure trove of marine life. Located at the popular Cenang Beach, this aquarium features more than 5,000 types of aquatic life, exhibited in more than 100 tanks of different sizes. The highlight is a giant tank housing large marine species such as sharks, stingrays, moray eels and green turtles, with a 15-metre tunnel for visitors to walk through. Witness these magnificent underwater creatures being fed for an enjoyable visit. At the New Wing, visitors have the chance to view the latest additions to the Underwater World - penguins and seals! The penguins comprise of Sub-Antartic Rockhoppers and include Blackfooted penguins from Africa. The former is fed at 11.30am and 3.30pm, while the latter at 9.30am and 2.30pm. The harbour seals are fed at 11am and 3pm daily. Drop by these hours for a delightful experience! This new facility also has a three-dimensional (3D) theatre which airs informative documentaries on the island's marine life.
Open hours: 10am-6pm (daily)
Phone: 04 959 6100

LANGKAWI WILDLIFE PARK is home to birds, monkeys, squirrels, crocodiles and other animals. Stroll along the park pond or visit the crystal, pearl or natural stone gallery. Visitors can shop at the souvenir shop located here.
Open hours: 9am-6pm (daily)
Phone: 04 966 5855

CROCODILE FARM or Taman Buaya, located at Kubang Badak, some 32 km from Kuah, is home to more than 1,000 crocodiles of various species. Here, one can witness and photograph crocodiles and alligators playing and feeding in controlled environment that closely resembles their natural habitat.
Open hours: 9am-6pm (daily)
Phone: 04 959 2559