| 4 mins read
30 kilometers off the northwest coast of Malaysia is the tropical getaway of Langkawi. One of the country’s most idyllic locations and one of Southeast Asia’s ultimate beach destinations, this archipelago of 99 islets is often a top choice for honeymooners, adventure travelers and all around paradise seekers. With a long list of iconic sites to explore, amazing outdoor activities, a stunning array of wildlife and picture-perfect landscapes to boot, it’s no wonder the name of this Malaysian retreat translates to “The land of one’s wishes”!
The Great Outdoors
Langkawi’s islands are home to a great diversity of landscapes and scenery. For visitors looking to relax and soak in the sun, there are seemingly endless beaches to choose from. Pantai Cenang ias the most famous and developed of Langkawi’s beaches, filled with resorts, hotels, restaurants and entertainment options. On the opposite end of the commercial spectrum, beaches such as Pantai Kok can be found around the archipelago as well: quiet, isolated and simply heavenly. An extremely unique beach destination is at Pantai Pasir Hitam, where the sands are mixed black and white from rich mineral deposits.
Outside of the beach scene Langkawi has a number of other unique outdoor attractions that are well worth a visit. The Kilim Nature Park is a sprawling 100 square kilometer reserve home to well-protected mangrove forests, ancient limestone rock formations and some gorgeous flora and fauna. With a large migratory bird population, Monitor Lizards, monkeys, iguanas and other interesting animal species, visitors will love touring through this section of Langkawi’s wild outdoors. For visitors looking to combine swims or hikes with their outdoor visits, the Telaga Tujuh, Durian Perangin and Air Terjun Temurun Waterfalls are some great locations along with the hot springs of Kampung Ayer Hangat. Of all the things to see and do, your Langkawi tour guide will highly recommend Gunung Raya: the islands’ tallest mountain as one of the island’s most famous outdoor locales. Visitors can either hike or drive to this high peak, which has a lookout tower, teahouse and lounge at its summit. Alongside the mangrove forests, high peaks and gorgeous cascades, destinations such as the Rice Garden Museum (learning all about local rice cultivation) and the Gua Kelawar & Gua Cerita Caves (accessible by boat) are some fun and interesting outdoor attractions.
What is there to do in Langkawi?
Entertainment options run all across the board in this Andaman archipelago. Whether you’re interested in wildlife walks and mountain trekking or overnight sailing excursions, diving, snorkeling and other water-based activities, Langkawi has something to keep visitors of all ages busy. Head underwater at the Pulau Payar Marine Park where tourists can observe amazing coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life up close… or pay a visit to Langawi’s Underwater World- the largest aquarium in Malaysia. Riding a cable car to the peak of Mat Cincang is always a tourist favorite, as is the Bird Paradise Park, Oriental Village and Telaga Harbor Park. For those of age, Langkawi does have some relatively low-key bars and clubs, though its entertainment atmosphere is known to be quite family-friendly. But with everything from helicopter rides and golf courses to island-hopping tours, rainforest treks and kayaking excursions, you won’t have a hard time keeping busy!
A Duty-Free Zone
To help promote island tourism, the Malaysian government granted Langkawi tax exemption in 1987. Being a duty-free area, prices on many things (from chocolates to liquor) will be the cheapest you’ll find anywhere. So if you’re looking to fill your bags during your tours through Malaysia, it’s best to wait until you get here. Home to a number of malls, shopping & duty free complexes, and handicraft and tobacco specialist shops- visitors can save a few extra dollars doing their shopping in Langkawi.
The Local Cuisine
Being a coastal destination, the seafood on Langkawi is fantastic. With everything from shrimp, fish and squid to beautiful crabs and lobsters, this is a top spot for trying Malaysian seafood. Get adventurous and try all the local delights, with Malaysian curries and grilled meats/fish often being visitor favorites. Also home to a number of western restaurants all throughout the island, you can get the homesick favorites when you’ve reached your fill of Malaysian cuisine.
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