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Let’s be honest: most people come to Langkawi for the beaches, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. This Malaysian archipelago delivers a true tropical paradise and is the perfect place to head at the end of your Malaysia multi centre holiday for complete relaxation with blindingly white sand, crystal clear turquoise water, and swaying palm trees. But once you’ve had your fill of lounging about, there’s a surprising amount to explore, from ancient rainforests to island hopping and cable cars.
It’s only fitting to start with the island’s showstopper: its stunning coastline. Pantai Cenang, the island’s main beach strip, stretches for 2 km of soft, white sand and boasts the highest concentration of restaurants, bars, and water sports on the island. While it’s been developed, it never feels overcrowded, and the sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular – perfect for sipping a drink as the sun goes down. At the southern end, Pantai Cenang blends into Pantai Tengah, a quieter, more relaxed stretch which is slightly quieter and more laid-back.
For a proper slice of tranquillity, head north to Tanjung Rhu. This beach is absolutely stunning with pristine white sand, shallow turquoise water that stays warm year-round, and dramatic limestone karsts that rise from the sea. There’s not a great deal here, just a few luxury resorts, but that’s part of the charm. It’s perfect for long walks along the beach, reading a book and being pampered.
Datai Bay on the northwest coast is another gem. The rainforest comes right down to the beach, giving it a wild, Robinson Crusoe–style hideaway feel. It’s home to one luxury resort, but the beach is publicly accessible if you’re staying elsewhere and beach-hopping.
If you’re ready to tear yourself away from the beach, the cable car up Gunung Mat Cincang should be high on your list. The 15-minute journey from Oriental Village climbs 708 metres and delivers increasingly brilliant views as you get higher and higher.
At the top station, a short walkway or takes you to the dramatic curved Sky Bridge, which is a suspension bridge that hangs above the forest canopy. Walking across it, with gaps in the metal floor so you can see the jungle hundreds of meters below, isn’t for everyone, but the views are exceptional. On clear days, you can see all the way across to Thailand.
Langkawi’s UNESCO Global Geopark features rock formations dating back 550 million years. The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is the main attraction, where you can take a boat tour through mangrove channels in between limestone cliffs. You’ll glide past fish farms, head into caves filled with bats and stalactites, and stop for eagle feeding – which is a pretty impressive sight as you watch the sea eagle swoop down meters from your boat.
Tours are best early morning for better light and cooler temperatures. If you fancy something more active, you can also take a kayaking tour to paddle through the mangroves at your own pace, allowing you to get even closer to the action.
Telaga Tujuh or ‘Seven Wells’ is a series of seven natural pools cascading down a mountainside in northwest Langkawi. Getting there requires a little bit of climbing through the jungle, but the journey only takes about 15-20 minutes. The waterfalls flow strongest after rain, but even in drier periods, the pools are perfect for swimming.
The natural rock slides between pools are brilliant fun, though watch your footing as it can get very slippy! We’d recommend wearing reef shoes. If you want to explore further, there’s a trail continuing upwards where you’ll be treated to some great views over the Andaman Sea.
Not far from Telaga Tujuh, Temurun Waterfall is Langkawi’s tallest waterfall, which cascades down three tiers for a total drop of around 200 m, surrounded by dense rainforest. The lower pools are ideal for cooling off, or you can take a short climb to higher viewpoints of the falls.
Langkawi’s interior is covered in ancient rainforest that’s surprisingly accessible and absolutely worth exploring. At 881 meters, Gunung Raya is the island’s highest peak and the best place to experience the jungle properly. Whilst there’s a winding road to the summit for drivers, the real magic happens on the jungle trails that take you through dense rainforest. The trails aren’t particularly challenging, but they’re incredibly rewarding, and you’re likely to spot dusky leaf monkeys, giant squirrels, and maybe even a flying lemur. The birdlife is exceptional too, with hornbills, kingfishers, and dozens of other species.
If you prefer something a little closer, some of the island’s larger, high-end resorts organise early morning wildlife walks within their own grounds, led by trained naturalist guides who know exactly where to look and what to listen for. It might mean dragging yourself out of bed at 6 a.m., but that’s when the animals are most active – and you can always have a snooze on your sunbed afterwards!
Although the majority of Langkawi’s big attractions are on the mainland, some of the real untouched beauty of this area can be found in the smaller islands that surround the main hub. To reach these hidden gems and soak up the true magic of the 99 islands of the archipelago, you can take a boat tour.
Most island tours go to Pulau Dayang Bunting with its freshwater lake for swimming, and Pulau Beras Basah for beach time, and eagle feeding. For excellent snorkelling, head to Pulau Payar Marine Park, whose protected coral gardens absolutely teem with tropical fish, including parrotfish, angelfish and clownfish. Visibility often exceeds 15 meters, and there’s a floating pontoon with snorkel hire. You might even be able to swim with blacktip reef sharks in designated areas.
Pantai Cenang has the largest concentration and choice of restaurants, ranging from beachfront seafood spots to international cuisine. Plus, the hotels have excellent choices for high-end dining. However, for a taste of the local flavour, head to the night markets. The main pasar malam (night market) rotates between different villages throughout the week. Wednesday’s market at Kuah is particularly good. You’ll find incredible food, including satay, nasi lemak and freshly barbecued seafood, and an amazing choice of tropical fruits. It’s also great for clothes and souvenirs.
The best weather on Langkawi is from November to March, while the monsoon season is around August to October. Langkawi has a duty-free status, meaning that your sundowner cocktail or bottle of wine won’t make you wince quite too much when the bill arrives. To get around and see the sights, it might be worth hiring a car or scooter for a day or two, although taxis work well too if you’d rather not drive.
We’d love to help you plan your holiday to Langkawi, designing your Malaysia itinerary to incorporate Langkawi with other destinations in Malaysia and beyond. Our Asia page is full of Malaysia tailormade holidays to give you inspiration or simply get in touch with our friendly team to start planning!
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