Langkawi, Malaysia’s Island Paradise: 7 Reasons to Visit

Want to relax on a tropical island in Southeast Asia or elsewhere? Consider heading to Langkawi, Malaysia’s ultimate getaway from its frenetic cities. Langkawi offers a variety of activities, including wildlife watching and rainforest trekking.

1. Cocktails and Free Flow by the Sea

There are still some brilliant beach shacks on Langkawi, most of them on the sands at Pantai Cenang. Kalut Café and Bar offers a relaxed atmosphere where you can watch the sunset on beanbags right at the beach. This is also a great place to dance as the night progresses, and you might be lucky enough to catch the bar’s live fire show.

2. It’s Full of Weird and Wonderful Animals

At Kilim Jetty, board a boat to explore the waterways in Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. You can see pythons in the mangrove roots and bonnet macaques eating. When you stop to admire the amazing sight of bat colonies in caves formed by limestone 550 million years ago, keep your mouth shut—who knows what could fall from above?

More than 200 species of birds also call the island home. Oriental pied hornbills are easily identified by their bulbous beaks. The males have red eyes, while the females have blue. It takes a keen ear to recognize the call of greater racket-tailed drongos, which have a distinctive quiff-like tail feather and crest. The drongos can mimic up to 26 different calls from other animals and birds, including monkeys’ whooping.

3. You Can Trek Through an Ancient Rainforest

You can hike in the dense rainforest of Gunung Raya or Gunung Machinchang, Langkawi’s highest mountains, to the sound of chirping and squeaking birds. Guided tours are offered by companies like Dev’s Adventure Tours or Junglewalla, providing insights into nature and animal life. You can also follow the marked trails at your leisure. Locals recommend the trail leading to the Telaga Tujuh falls, which has seven pools associated with fairy legends.

4. The Sea Water is Warm and Perfect for Swimming

Langkawi is a paradise for water babies. The ocean temperature fluctuates between 28-30°C, making it a pleasant place to swim. Jellyfish are a potential problem; locally known as ‘obor obor’, they lay their eggs on the shore in the evening. Many resorts provide anti-jellyfish nets to protect their guests. Wearing a T-shirt or rashie can help reduce exposure to jellyfish stings. The Langkawi Kedah RORO ferry is one of the best options to get to this tropical paradise. This ferry allows you to bring your vehicle on board, which makes it an ideal option for tourists and locals.

5. You Can Ride in Tropical Temperatures on a Cable Car

The Langkawi Skycab, a cable car usually associated with winter vacations, will lift you over the dense canopy of virgin rainforest on Gunung Machinchang. At 708m, the peak of this steep-sided mountain offers panoramic views of the island. On clear days, you can also see southern Thailand’s coastline beyond the Andaman Sea.

You can take the gondolas with glass bottoms to the Top Station, where you can peer over the ancient forest’s treetops. The 15-minute trip covers 2.2 km. The 125-meter Sky Bridge at the top is the longest free-span curved bridge in the world, hanging from a single metal pole above a chasm. Snap selfies at the viewpoint, one of Langkawi’s most famous landmarks.

6. There’s Accommodation to Suit Everyone

Langkawi has something for everyone, whether you are on a budget or want to spend a lot. Most beachfront resorts are at the upper end of the market, many offering romantic getaways for couples. Spend a lazy morning in a hammock after stepping out of your chalet on a white sand beach.

7. There Are Miles of Silver Sand for Beach Lovers

Tanjung Rhu is a quieter beach in the north, but if you’re looking to relax, head south to Pantai Cenang. Try a sunset boat tour or jet ski tour if you find it difficult to stay on the beach. These tours are inexpensive and a good way to explore the beautiful shoreline of Langkawi.

Plan Your Visit to Malaysia and Singapore

Are you ready to go on vacation but intimidated by the research hours it takes to design the perfect itinerary for the trip? You can plan your trip to Malaysia or Singapore which is just a short flight or ferry trip away. It offers a blend of modern attractions, diverse culinary delights, and rich cultural experiences. Singapore offers something for everyone. There are various things to do in Singapore, from the iconic Marina Bay Sands to Sentosa Island and the vibrant street markets. We are here to assist. Our trips are designed by travel experts and can be tailored to suit your individual preferences. You’ll also have access to 24/7 support when you arrive in Malaysia.