Home / Destinations / Langkawi Expert

Langkawi Expert

Overview

Langkawi, famous as the ‘Jewel of Kedah’ is a hidden beauty tucked away in the serenity of the Andaman sea. Langkawi (Pulau Langkawi in Malay) is the main island of the Langkawi group in the Straits of Malacca and its capital is Kuah. It is located about 30 kilometres off the mainland coast of north-western Malaysia, the islands are part of the State of Kedah and lie adjacent to the Thai border.

Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 magical islets famous for their mystical legends, exquisite dreamy beaches, surreal bays, beautiful limestone caves, spectral mangroves, breath-taking geo-parks, spectacular cascading waterfalls, lush and pristine tropical rainforests with a rich and diverse flora and fauna, a 200 million years old mountain range almost as old as the time and staggering cliffs that jut out of the glimmering Andaman sea making it one of Malaysia’s top tourism drawcards.

Meaning of Langkawi and its various names through history

Its name is believed to have originated from the abundance of eagles on the island: her-lang pronounced without ‘r’ means (eagle in Malay) and Kawi pronounced ‘Kaa-wee’ (means the colour reddish-brown) begets the moniker helang-kawi which was eventually toned down to Langkawi. There is another interpretation of its name as the word ‘Langka’ in Sanskrit means beautiful and ‘wi’ means many, which translates to many beautiful islands. Through history and in old maps it has been variously mentioned variously as ‘Langa, Langka, Langapura, Langgasu and langsuka also.

Demographics
The population is over hundred thousand of which 90% are Malays who practise Islam and other ethnic groups consist mainly of Chinese, Indians and Thais wo practise Buddhism, Hinduism and Christianity.

Geography and Climate of Langkawi
Langkawi is a cluster of 99 islands separated from mainland Malaysia by the Straits of Malacca. It lies 51 kilometres west of Kedah and is a district of the State of Kedah. Only four of the islands out of 99 are inhabited namelyPulau Langkawi – the main island, Pulau Tuba, Pulau Rebak and Pulau Dayang Bunting.Langkawi enjoys a tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 32 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is during August and September although there are occasional showers throughout the year.

Best time to visit Langkawi
Is between November to April as in this period the weather is a fine balance of sunshine and little rainfall. It is not very windy in this period and the sea remains steady. The weather conditions in this period coupled with the fact that Langkawi is an outdoor destination makes it perfect for visitors to enjoy on-land, under-water and air-borne activities.

Take a Quiz

The legends and the folklore of langkawi

Langkawi is a veritable potpourri of mystical legends, historical events and accounts of travellers and seafarers who visited the islands over the ages. We will introduce to some of the most famous legends and briefly cover the historical happenings which shaped the history and culture of the islands.

The legends and the folklore of langkawi
The legend of Mahsuri
One of the most interesting legends dates back to more than two centuries where a Muslim Siamese immigrant woman ‘Mahsuri’ was accused of adultery by her own mother in law who envied her beauty. On the day of her execution, the sacred dagger of ‘Mahsuri’s’ family was used to execute her and instead of her blood, white liquid flowed out of her body proving her innocence and in the throes of death she is said to have laid a curse on the island that it will not be peaceful for seven generations. Her curse was fulfilled when Siamese army attacked Langkawi and historical records have it that its crops and granary were destroyed besides it being occupied by the kingdom of Siam and Langkawi suffered different political masters who ruled them until they gained their independence in 1957 A.D.

Legend of Tasik Dayang Bunting
Is an ancient legend which tells the story of the marriage of a sky princess with an earth prince.. There children died on birth and the princess gave a water burial of her deceased child in a lake known as ‘Tasik Dayang Bunting’ and thereafter she left earth and returned to heavens. It is said that that partaking lake water can make a barren woman become fertile.

Legend of Mat Chincang and Mat Raya
Were both giants who lived on the main island of Langkawi and were blessed with large size and incredible strength. Mat Raya held a grand feast to celebrate his daughter’s engagement to the son of ‘Mat Chingcang’ however he discovered that his would be son-in-law has committed adultery with another girl, which sparked Mat Raya’s anger and resulted in enemity between the two families. It is believed that the fight between the families changed the shape of th maine island. The place where the engagement ring was thrown became ‘Tanjung Cincin’ also known as Cape Ring. The area where the equipment used for cooking was broken became known as ‘Kampung Belanga’, The area where the gravy flowed became known as ‘Pekang Kuah’and the area where the gravy was absorbed in the soil beame known as ‘Kisap’. Later bothe giants changed into mountains known as ‘Gunung Raya’ and ‘Gunung Chincang and the person who mediated to settle their dispute ‘Mat Sawar’ turned into a hill and te hill acts as a barrier between the two mountains.

History and Culture of Langkawi

The island of Langkawi was recorded in history by various travellers to the region. The 14th century Chinese traveller Wang Dayuan called it ‘Longyaputi’, Chinese seafarer Zheng He when he visited the region, marked the island of Lamgkawi as ‘Longyajaoyi’. In the 15th century, the visiting Acehnese from Indonesia had come to plant pepper and called Langkawi – Pepper island or ‘Pulau Lada’. In late 17th century French soldier of fortune and General Augustin de Beaulieu landed at Langkawi to buy pepper and recorded the name of the island as ‘Lancanui’.

Although Langkawi has been closely associated with the Sultanate of Kedah, it has changed hands on numerous occasions during its turbulent history. It was invaded by the king of Siam (Thailand) in 1821 A.D. however the efforts of the populace ensured that the Siamese occupation was short lived. However when the Sultan of Kedah leased Penang to the British East India company, it surely and effectively carved out parts of Malaysia and by the turn of the 20t century, it was clearly part of the British sphere of influence with British advisors stationed here and the British empire exerted its control.

During World War II, when the British empire fell to the Japanese invasion in Asia, the kingdom of Siam briefly took control of the area including Langkawi. After triumphing over the Japanese and the conclusion of the World War II, the British regained control over the Malay states and ruled them until the Malaya federation gained their independence from the British rule.

Langkawi’s hidden coves and forested interior along with its geographical location made it a haven for pirates after World War II and with the laidback lifestyle of the island there was little resistance to growing illegal activities. Visitors can get a feel for one of the most famous routes used by the pirates at the stunning pirate’s lagoon, a secret cave that connects the sea to an inland hidden lagoon. As a result, in a series of operations between December 1945 and March 1946, the British cleared the pirate’s land base in Langkawi.

Langkawi today
Post Malaysia gaining independence from the British rule in 1957 A.D., Langkawi remained as a sleepy backwater for decades with little development until 1986 A.D. when the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahatir Mohamed decided to transform the island into a major tourism destination and over saw rapid development and growth in infrastructure and the island rapidly grew as a major tourism destination of choice besides it being a tax haven – duty free destination and now attracts millions of tourists every year.

Take a Quiz

Langkawi – Awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status

Quintessentially a tropical paradise for the visitors, Langkawi is one of the most prominent and well-regarded destinations in Malaysia.

Below we are listing the reasons as to why agent partners should recommend and sell ‘Langkawi’- as a must visit destination, part of the visit Malaysia itinerary to their clients.

Langkawi – Awarded UNESCO Global Geopark status
Langkawi Geopark is the one and only sandstone geopark in Malaysia offering breath-taking landscapes of ancient mountains, steep cliffs, verdant waterfalls, headlands and remnant islands which are wildly beautiful and provide an insightful journey of earth’s history to nature enthusiasts and visitors alike.

About 550 million years ago, Lamgkawi was part of the Gondwanaland super continent where processes like land submerging in water, tectonic movements led to the disintegration of Gondwanaland where Langkawi islands underwater started to drift northwards across the equator and in a series of cataclysmic movements millions of years ago the Langkawi islands resurfaced. Geologists have conducted extensive studies on its biodiversity over both land and under sea and the findings show that it has outstanding geo heritage features. Endorsed by UNESCO, Langkawi was accorded the international recognition of geopark status in 2007 making it the first geopark in south-east Asia and 52nd in the world to be accorded this status.

Langkawi geopark is a nationally protected area of geological heritage sights and its objectives are to conserve, educate and sustain earth heritage and local development through geo tourism. The concerned authorities communicate geo scientific knowledge to local communities and public through its centres, trails and geo sites.

The Langkawi Geopark Experience

there are three main attractions in the Langkawi geopark and 97 identified geo-sites therein.

Machinchang Cambrian Geo-Forest Park – has sedimentary rock formations, tall waterfalls and its landscape dominated by mountains ranging from gentle slopes to vertically truncated cliffs, Machinchang impresses its visitors and for those with a head for heights it offers a breath-taking cable car ride.
Kilim Karst Forest Park – a noticeable feature of the rocks bordering the river is that they are grey in colour, the limestone formations which are over 300 million years old making them the oldest rocks in the region, it has a natural sinkhole untouched by humans. The Kilim karst is also home to one of the most unique mangrove forests in the world. Visitors can take a cruise to discover the wonders of the parks eco-system, its flora and fauna and its natural inhabitants. The adventurous can explore the natural limestone tunnel ‘Gua buaya’, the river flows through an art cave and at low tide a small boat can go from one side to the other. There are several caves thar are open to visitors including bat cave and besides live bats, its walls have the occurrence of natural oysters which gives the evidence of the once high sea levels in the geopark.
Dayang Bunting Marble Geo-Forest Park – is made up of Karstic islands with its own spectacular sight. These rocks are over 275 million years old and has amazing geological landscapes formations. Lake of the pregnant maiden is the largest freshwater lake in Langkawi – it is locally believed that drinking water from this lake will increase vitality in females. The uniqueness of this geo-forest area is its beautiful marble, limestone, caves, natural arches, sea notches, a 1 billion years old pebble known as drop stone are some of the wonders of this park

For it has some of the best beaches in the world

The gentle motion of waves lapping against the shore, the balmy sea breeze, their bath temperature waters, pristine white sands, sandy bays, sweeping coastlines – Langkawi’s beaches are some of Malaysia’s best, beloved by locals, beach bummers and travellers from across the world.

Visitors spend untold hours relaxing and indulging in sea tourism activities on these beaches as they are a feast for the eyes. Here we are listing the best beaches of Langkawi:

Tanjung Rhu Beach: is located on island’s north-central shore and is home to island’s oldest resorts including the Tanjung Rhu resort. The beach is characterized by towering rock formations, jutting from the water a few hundred yards offshore with sweeping vistas of shimmering blue seas stretching in every direction.

Pantai Kok Beach: is located north-west of the Langkawi airport and is noted for its natural beauty, clear water and white sand. It is known for its architecturally unique lighthouse and yacht club. Pantai Kok is quiet, uncluttered and upmarket and comprises mostly of upscale resorts like The Verandah, Terrace and the Sheraton.

Pantai Tengah Beach: is located on the south-western edge of Langkawi’s tourist district known for its unobstructed mountain views that stand out particularly at sunset, its abundant dining, lodging and recreation options besides offering parasailing, kayaking and jet skiing to those looking for a shot of adrenaline. It is a popular choice with the island’s beach loving visitors.

Pantai Cenang Beach: is located a short drive away from the Langkawi airport, is the island’s most popular beach as it is a compelling combination of sheer beauty, convenience and abundance of options. It is in close proximity to the island’s hugely popular attractions with families - the underwater world Langkawi and the rice garden museum. Visitors can avail guided scuba diving and mangrove tours, enjoy best seafood restaurants and bars and have a great time out.

Teluk Datai Beach: is located in the remote north-west corner of the island. It sits in a concave depression framed by majestic jungle covered mountains and is one of the most beautiful and undisturbed stretches of the beach. It is a private beach and home to very upscale resorts like The Datai Langkawi, The Andaman and is known as the exclusive domain of the wealthy jet setters, accessible primarily to resort guests. Nearby attractions include the Langkawi sky bridge, Art in paradise and Telaga Tujuh waterfalls. Since the beach is located quite a distance from the town, most guests rarely leave the resort they choose to stay in.

Pantai Pasir Hitam/Black Sand Beach: is located on the island’s north-central coast. This unique beach is an aesthetic striation of white and black sands. It is a little out of the way and gets less traffic than many other beaches thus making it an excellent escape for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature.

Pantai Teluk Burau /Burau Bay Beach: is located on the western coastline of Langkawi. A picturesque stretch of beach with crystal clear blue water and is flanked by two five star resorts at its two ends. The rocky coastline in some parts along with the rainforest on the slope of the mountains all add to the wonderful make-up of the bay and its beach. Visitors can indulge in sunbathing, swimming, avail water sports booked through resorts or simply relax in the lap of the nature.

For its extraordinary Flora and Fauna- Its Flora

Langkawi’s two main terrestrial habitats harbouring biological diversity are inland forests and mangrove forests. The latter comprises one of the richest and most extensive mangrove forest systems in South-East Asia with over 50 mangrove species representing half of the world’s total. The unique ecosystem of the mangrove forest is truly a biological wonder and is delicately balanced. The importance of the mangrove in the ecosystem includes reducing erosion from waves, currents and tides by stabilizing the coastline and the mangrove root system provides shelter for fish and other organisms from their predators. The inland forests are also a treasure trove of diverse and beautiful flora which grows and blooms to impressive sizes covering the island in a vibrant sea of green.

Here we bring to the fore some of the unique flora that grows in Langkawi forests are ‘Cycas clivicola – an elegant and slender plant species that inhabits steep limestone cliffs, Avicennia marina – is a tree that grows where both salt and fresh water is present. It has leaves that are glossy green on the upper surface and silvery white on the bottom surface. Its flowers range from white to golden yellow colour and bloom in clusters of three to fice, Ceriops Tagal – this multi stemmed tree has long leaves that grow in opposite pairs, it has an egg shaped fruit that changes colours as it matures and this tree wood is used for timber and its bark producing shades of purple, brown and black was used in the batik industry, Dlichandrone spathacea – this tree is found in tidal swamp forests, it bears fragrant flowers used in Thai cuisine and its leaves are used to treat moth ulcers, Ficus microcarpa – this tree is known for its medicinal value in Malaysia were its roots are used to treat toothache, its leaves to relieve headaches and the juice from its bark as liver medicine, Guettarda speciose – is a tree that grows on sandy shores and bears fragrant white flowers used to treat haemorrhoids and its branches are used as firewood, Heriteria Littoralis – the wood of this tree is valued for being tough and durable and has been traditionally used for making boats and rice pounders, Thespesia populnea – the timber of the tree is used for producing hand crafted items and its bark for making ropes. The forests of Langkawi abound with Orchids as about 1000 varieties of this flower are found in peninsular Malaysia which grow in the ground, on rocks or are perched on other plants and trees and these flowers are known for their beauty and grace.

For its extraordinary Flora and Fauna- Its Fauna

The diverse land and seascapes of Langkawi are part of a ecosystem which contains a high bio-diversity of fauna. Being an island ecosystem nurtured by mother nature for millions of years, it is no wonder that Langkawi is home to a wealth of fascinating wildlife.

Let us take a peek into the beautiful world of fauna sighted, recorded and found in Langkawi:

Its Butterflies: lepidopterists, nature enthusiasts and visitors will delight in the fact that a whopping 500 species of butterflies in this island paradise awaiting discovery. These gorgeous creatures abound in lush rainforests, coastal forests, mangroves, sandbanks and limestone outcrops. From rarities like Banded Peacock, Golden Birdwings, Tiger butterflies and Crow butterflies to the ones found in forests like ‘Oak Blues, Great Mormon, Blue Bottles, Grass Yellows, Swordtails, Knights and Common Rose’ their sightings and learning more about them is an enriching experience.

Its Avian and Raptors: There are about 230 species of birds found in Langkawi out of which about 30% are migratory birds. Sightings of rare birds like ‘Jerdon’s Baza, Brown winged Kingfishers, European Oriole to birds of prey like Mountain hawk Eagles to majestic Sea Eagles, White-bellied Sea Eagles, Kite Eagles, Chinese Pond Heron, Blue tailed bee-eater, Green Imperial Pigeon, Asian Fairy-bluebird, Black hooded-Oriole, White Throated Kingfisher, Brown Shrike, Tiger Shrike
Pied Hornbill and a few avian species whose exclusive habitat is Langkawi geopark like ‘Brahminy Kite, Wreathed Hornbill, Oriental pied hornbill, Great Hornbill and Serpent Eagle’. Visitors will find Langkawi a bird watchers paradise.

Its Primates: include Colugo (rare and the only flying primate in the world), the lesser Flying Fox, Crab-eating Macaque, Spectacled Langur, Flying Lemur and Slow Loris.

Its Marine Life: The region is teeming with marine life. The islands act as an ecological corridor for aquatic mammals throughout the year. Some of the marine mammals found are Indo-Pacific Hunchback Dolphins, Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins, Bryde’s Whales and Indo-Pacific Finless Porpoises. Crustaceans include Male Fiddler Crabs, Portunid and Grapsid Crabs, gastropods such as ‘Cerathidia Obtusa’ and a recently discovered new species of lowland freshwater crab known as ‘Salangathelphusa Percatio. Th fish species include amphibious fishes, Mudskippers, Barracuda, Kingfish, Wahoo, Stingrays, Groupers Fish, Mackerel and many more. Deep sea fishing trips are quite popular with visitors in Langkawi.

Other animal species: include 5 kinds of Tortoises, 33 species of snakes, Lizards and Water Monitors.

For its great food

Malaysia represents the world’s first fusion cuisine and is heavily influenced by Malay, Chinese and Indian. Langkawi being part of the State of Kedah which is known as the rice bowl of Malaysia, it is no surprise that rice is the main staple here and food in Kedah is more spicier due to the Indian influence who arrived here centuries ago for the spice trade. Langkawi benefits from abundance of fresh seafood, vegetables and unique herbs resulting in great food which is second to none. The local cuisine of Langkawi has a range of flavours - spicy, sharp, sweet and sour because of the use of spices and herbs in the preparation of dishes.

Malay Cuisine in Langkawi
Here we are listing some of the most popular local cuisine dishes that a visitor to Langkawi must savour
Ikan Bakar (grilled fish), Nasi Tomato (Tomato Rice) can be paired with a wide range of toppings, Beef Rendang (Beef curry) is a very popular dish served with rice dumpling wrapped in coconut leaf or with ghee rice, Gulang Ikai Talang Masin (salted fish curry), Ayam Mesak Merah (Tomato chicken), Pajeri Nenas (Pineapple curry), Nasi Goreng Kampung (Fried rice with vegetables and meat), Satay (Skewered meats) is a popular snack available in chicken, beef and lamb meats andNasi Lemak (Fried rice with egg, anchovies and traditional condiments).

International Cuisines
Langkawi food scene is diverse which offers not only a wide range of local Malay dishes but also fast food and other world cuisines as well to suit all budgets ranging from street food stalls in the night markets to award winning fine dining options. Visitors can savour Chinese, Indian, Continental, Arabic, Thai, Japanese, Italian, British snacks and outlets offering only sea food.

Local Desserts
Visitors with sweet tooth will be tempted to try ‘Kuih Peneram (local doughnut made with rice flour, brown sugar and pandan leaves), Kuih Loyang (deep fried batter of flour, coconut milk, sugar and eggs), Apam Balik (Sweet Puff), Kuih Talam (steamed coconut pudding), Pulut Hitam (black rice pudding), Pulut Inti (dry rice and coconut pudding), Kuih Dangai (glutinous rice, brown sugar and shredded coconut éclair), Putu Mayam (steamed sweet vermicelli), Kuih Bahulu (little cakes), Dorayaki (bit sized pastries), Onde-Onde (coconut poppers) and many more variety of sweets savoured by locals and visitors alike.

For its night markets

Visitors looking to soak in local flavours after hours – night markets of Langkawi are just the places to go to. Held all days of the week in prominent locations, night markets are lively affairs with local vendors setting up their stalls along a stretch of road and selling all kinds of local items from 1700 hours in the evening till late night.

Great for bargain hunters, these markets offer an interesting array of inexpensive items such as clothes, fresh produce, trinkets, imitation sunglasses and watches, handbags, many other knick-knacks and one can savour a variety of delicious Malay street food as well. An enjoyable experience awaits where one can be part of throngs of locals, expats and other tourists strolling and experiencing an exciting aspect of this island.

Langkawi is duty free
We have all shopped duty free before catching flights or post arrival at airports however Langkawi takes the shopping experience to the next level – the island is duty free at designated stores and shopping centres in Kuah, its capital, across the island and at the airport.

In 1987 A.D., Langkawi was accorded duty free status to provide impetus to tourism and boost both domestic and international arrivals. Duty free shopping remains a big draw and visitors can shop for liquor, wine, beer, perfumes, cigarettes, cigars, cooking ware, cutlery, bags, suitcases, cameras, accessories, cosmetics, watches, electronics, confectionaries, spa products and much more.

For it is an ultimate island escape
Langkawi ticks all the boxes here. Be its gorgeous beaches with stunning natural backdrops, because sea water temperatures range between 28 to 30 degrees Celsius making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, diving and other water based activities, where else on an island visitors can go trekking in ancient rainforests, the Langkawi geo-forests are teeming with unique and wonderful wildlife and for relaxation there are hotels to suit all budgets and luxury resorts for the well- heeled travellers, spas to indulge and rejuvenate in and great Malay food and other international cuisines to savour. The only thing missing here is ‘you’. Come and live up the island life, Langkawi beckons.

Take a Quiz

City Attractions - Oriental Village (for families)

We have broadly categorized the tour activities in two parts, the first part is city attractions which has a selection of experiences that can be availed around the city and in the second category, we bring to the fore the experiences of stunning natural landscapes under the heading eco tours. Let us explore Langkawi in-depth together:

City Attractions
Oriental Village (for families)
Is an open air multi use facility, laid out as a themed lifestyle complex having a large central lake and with architecture in Japanese and Chinese style giving it a quaint and modern look. There are marked pathways all through the village and footbridges to cross over the water streams. Visitors will find it an engaging place from the perspective of multiple activities the place offers, the shopping and food outlets make the strolling around a pleasurable experience.

Its attractions
Langkawi Cable Car: also known as Langkawi sky cab is a major tourist attraction of the island. It provides an aerial link from the Oriental Village to the peak of Gunung Machinchang mountain range. The project was the brain-child of the then Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mahatir Mohammed. Construction began in 2001 A.D. and it was completed and officially opened in 2003 A.D.

There are 3 stations on the cable car route – base station or the starting point located at the Oriental Village. The sky-dome at the base station is a 360 degrees panorama screen dome theatre offering visitors the viewing while they are waiting for their cable car ride. The middle station is at an elevation of 650 metres and there is a viewing station. The top station is located at an elevation of 708 metres above sea level and has two circular viewing platforms. Visitors will enjoy breath-taking views of the surrounding forest, waterfall and the sea. This cable car system has 41 gondolas out of which 35 are normal gondolas, 4 are glass bottomed and there are 2 VIP gondolas with leather seats.

Langkawi Sky Bridge: is a curved pedestrian cable stayed bridge and a marvel of modern engineering. The bridge is 125 metres long and 1.8 metres wide. The bridge deck is located 660 metres above sea level and it is accessible to visitors when they alight at the top station from where an inclined lift known as the sky-glide takes them to the bridge. The curved walkway formed of steel and concrete panels connects two hilltops at Gunung Machinchang and is designed such to maximize the viewing experience. For trivia lovers, one of the scenes of the bollywood movie Don – the chase begins was shot here.

Art in Paradise, 3D Art Museum: is the largest 3D art museum in Malaysia and the second largest in the world. This attraction is housed in a triple storied building inside the Oriental village and has more than 200 impressive artworks that look lifelike when photographed. It is divided into 9 interactive zones which includes ‘aquatic, classic, castles, fantasy, landscapes, optical illusion, safari and Egyptian and Malaysian zones. Expect to take a lot of photographs.

Animal Farm: is set in lush greenery with mountains as backdrop, the facility houses a variety of smaller animals that would be of interest to younger children.

Elephant Adventure: on elephant back through river or jungle and take part in the feeding session of the elephants. The visitors might get to see ‘Lasah’ the celebrity elephant who has featured in the Hollywood movie ‘Anna and the king’.

Duck Tour: is conducted on both land and over water in an amphibious vehicle. This forty five minutes tour commences from the main gate of the Oriental Village and proceeds to the Telaga harbour and along the way the visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the island and then after entering the water it floats around marina and other landmarks before returning.

ATV Extreme Zone Adventures: rides range from fifteen minutes to an hour and are conducted on jungle and beach trails. The jungle rides take place in the secondary rainforest of Mount Machinchang. Rides can be provided for both beginners and experienced ATV riders.

Langkawi Information Centre: provides information about how Langkawi was accorded Geopark status by UNESCO. The centre also houses rock samples which bring to the fore important information about the geological formations in the mountains on the island.

Visitors can also view tiger exhibit, do paddle boating at central lake, avail spa indulgence, shop for local knick-knacks and enjoy food at the village outlets.

*Each of the attraction requires a ticket to be purchased to avail them.

Underwater World

Located at the southern end of Pantai Cenang just besides the Zon duty free shopping centre stands a big white-washed structure which houses Malaysia’s largest aquarium – the Underwater World, spread over 60’000 square feet is one of the top attractions of Langkawi. It houses thousands of marine creatures which includes five hundred species of fish. The facility also showcases many different types of birds, animals and inhabitants of tropical rainforests, temperate and sub-Antarctic regions.

The first section is of freshwater fish housed in glass tanks containing the largest fresh-water fish in the world – the enormous Amazonian Arapaima. Other fish species include orange spotted stingray, red tail catfish, silver dollar, sharks, harbour seals, giant rays and many more. The tropical rainforest section has an array of tropic birds, animals and fishes and visitors will get to see black swans, laughing thrush, golden pheasant, sea flamingos, mandarin ducks, marmoset and smallest monkeys in the world. The fish life in tank here includes knifefish, arowana, striped carps, tinfoil barb to name a few of them. The temperate section is the playhouse of fur seals who are primarily found in Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The fur seals put on great shows directed by their trainers and their feeding time also is popular with visitors. The sub-Antarctic section houses the much admired by visitors, the little rock hopper penguins and the black footed penguins. The underwater tunnel is 15 meters long and contains six million litres of water that houses blacktip and white tip reef sharks, zebra sharks, nurse sharks, stingrays, moray eels, lionfish, sea dragons, puffer fish and a lot more.

Langkawi Wildlife Park (For Families)

Is located along Jalan Ayer Hangat and a short drive away from the Kuah town. Covering an area of 5.5 acres this animal sanctuary has a tropical rainforest ambience. It has over 2500 birds from 150 species and a variety of animals, it features a walk-in aviary with a 15 meters man made waterfall and animal feeding sessions. It is a fully covered wildlife park with roofed and covered walkways all the way from entry to exit so that visitors can enjoy this experience in all seasons.

Laman Padi – Rice Garden and Museum (For Families)

In Malay ‘Laman’ means field and ‘Padi’ stands for rice and the word translates to rice field. The countryside of Malaysia is a carpet of lush green fields and while they make for a pretty picture or two, this experience is amplified at Laman Padi located in Pantai Cenang. It provides a peak into the lives of locals as here farmers demonstrate the process of planting and cultivating rice. Also there is a museum which provides history of rice and there are exhibits of tools and equipment that were once used to cultivate rice and the evolution of paddy cultivation on the island.

Galleria Perdana Museum

Is located in Mukim Air Hangat area and is dedicated to the very popular visionary Malay leaders and former Prime Minister of Malaysia – Dr Mahathir Mohammad and his wife Dr. Siti Hasnah Mohammed Ali. Galeria Perdana is set in 5000 square meters of elegantly laid out gardens and the museum is housed in three interconnected two storey Malay architectural style buildings. The museum displays official gifts, souvenirs and awards presented to him and his wife by various foreign governments and corporations during his tenure as the Prime Minister besides his photographs with international dignitaries. The museum has 9000 exhibits however 2000 items are displayed at a time on rotational basis. The museum is divided in three sections. ‘Block A’ exhibits include gift items made of wood, lacquer, crystal, glass, gemstone collection, musical instruments, intricately designed porcelain, Islamic artwork, plaques, paintings and luxurious textile. Block B’ exhibits include gifts and souvenirs received by his wife which include finely crafted items made of silver, bronze, copper and pewter. ‘Block C’ exhibits include jewellery items, paintings besides his collection of cars and bicycles. Footnotes and tags are placed below the exhibits that describe each item, about its donor and background.

Langkawi Crafts Complex

Is located just past black sand beach. Also known as ‘Kompleks Kraf’, this cultural craft complex showcases and sells exquisite handicrafts and artwork from Malaysian craftsmen and artists. The main craft complex building has a succession of halls with several sections that are designated as museums displaying variety of art and craft items which reflect the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia. Visitors can learn and admire the displays in sections like heritage museum, royal museum, history and legends museum, custom and wedding museum, Islamic museum and the exhibits range from local ceramics, natural forest products, fabrics, artefacts and unique objects representing Malaysia’s various ethnic groups. A separate section is devoted to demonstrations on how local arts and crafts are made such as batik painting, songket weaving, wood carving etc. and there is a craft interactive area where visitors can interact with craftsmen and a sales gallery where visitors can buy souvenirs to take back home.

Taman Lagenda Langkawi/Park of legends (For Families)

Is located next to eagle square besides the Kuah jetty. Set in 50 acres of landscaped gardens that has been themed on folklores and myths from the prehistoric era to modern times in Langkawi. This open-air garden museum faces the Kuah waterfront. The entrance to the park is through Gondwana stone wall which signifies that the islands of Langkawi were once part of Gondwana supercontinent. On the wall visitors will find a large map of Langkawi archipelago. The complex has 17 massive sculptures and each of it describes myths of giants, Mahsuri, ogres, mythical birds, beautiful princesses associated with the islands. There are four man made lakes, a narrow strip of beach and walking trails.

Dataran Lang/Eagle Square

Is located near the Kuah jetty in the southeast corner of Langkawi. The eagle is a symbol of the island and the name of Langkawi is derived from the reddish, brown eagle.

One of the island’s most instantly recognizable monuments, this 12 metre tall structure of a reddish, brown eagle poised to take flight is mounted on a huge star shaped concrete platform and around it, it has miniature fountains, terraces and bridges making it a great photo opportunity for visitors to the island. It also offers awesome views of the bay opening out to the sea with ferries plying across and all those visitors who arrive at Kuah jetty will see the massive eagle monument facing the waters welcoming them to the island.

Al Hana Mosque

or ‘Masjid al-Hana’, is located in Kuah just before the Lagenda park. Inaugurated in 1959 A.D. by Malaysia’s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rehman, this is the largest mosque in Langkawi which also enjoys a great waterfront location and attracts large crowds who gather to offer prayers here.

Fringed by coconut trees along its boundary walls, this elegant white coloured mosque has a huge golden colour
ed dome with the shape of an onion and surrounded by several other smaller ones. The architecture is a mix of Malay and Uzbek styles. The mosque has beautiful motifs and carvings and its huge main prayer hall has a beautifully carved wooden pulpit and the prayer hall walls have verses from Quran etched on it.

Mahsuri Tomb and Museum

Is located in the village of Mawat about 12 kilometres from Kuah. Most of the island’s natural attractions have legends attached to them in true Malay traditions and Mahsuri’s tale is the most famous legend which we have already described under legends of Langkawi above in part II of this very course. Mahsuri’s tomb is where she died marked by a fenced in a slab of marble which stands in a shady garden. Besides the tomb there is a traditional Malay house on stilts which is a diorama museum housing memorabilia including Mahsuri’s jewellery and weapons used for her failed execution and the dagger with which her punishment was carried out.

Snake Sanctuary (For Families)

Is located in Padang Matsirat close to ‘Makam Mahsuri’. Set in beautiful parkland, it is an educational tourism facility which provides which houses a large variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes and visitors get the opportunity to learn about these reptiles and their behavioural characteristics. The sanctuary’s main attractions are six habitat friendly terrariums with glasses created for close public viewing which contain thousands of colourful snakes found throughout Malaysia. Other attractions in this sanctuary are ‘An Interactive Centre’ - where a touch and feel session is held with live non-venomous snakes under the supervision of an expert. ‘The Amphitheatre’ – where live shows are held at regular intervals to demonstrate the characteristics of some of the deadliest snakes and there is ‘Recuperative Area’ – for monitoring the health of snakes and future research is also carried out on the snakes here. Visitors can also see mini herbal gardens in the complex.

Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi (For Families)

Is located in Teluk Datai bay area. Set in 20 acres of lush green land area out of which half the area is accessible to visitors while in the remaining area crocodile breeding takes place. The entire farm is divided into pond sections where placards placed at each section give information about these reptiles.

Visitors can see baby crocodiles, large crocodiles and alligators and at show ponds can enjoy trainers performing stunts with crocodiles, watch crocodile feeding at the large bridge pond and learn more about crocodile fishing and crocodile handling.

Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation

set in millions of years old enchanting rainforest of Gunung Machinchang on the gentle slope of a hill with stunning views of the Andaman sea is an art gallery and museum of international renown featuring the works of internationally acclaimed Malaysian artist Datuk Ibrahim Hussein and the awards he received nationally and internationally in his lifetime. He famously devised his own art medium known as ‘Printage’ – a combination of printing and collage.

The museum is housed in a spacious two floors building where on the ground floor are displayed the paintings of Ibrahim Hussein and on the upper floor visitors will find twisted trunks of trees and wood carvings that have been exquisitely painted by him. This private, non-profit museum is dedicated to the promotion, development and advancement of art and culture through permanent and travelling art exhibitions and also holds an international art event ‘Langkawi International Festival of Arts’.

Langkawi Eco Tours - MARDI Langkawi Agro Technology Park (For Families)

With growing visitor footprint globally in constant search for new destinations and new experiences – ecotourism is catering for holiday makers in the natural environment without damaging or disturbing habitats. It involves visiting and appreciating fragile and pristine natural areas, intended as a low impact and often small scale alternative to mass tourism. Langkawi is blessed with great natural beauty by mother nature and it takes the conservation of its natural habitats seriously and has been accorded the prestigious geopark status by UNESCO. Below is a selection of eco tours which bring the best out of what nature has to offer in Langkawi.

MARDI Langkawi Agro Technology Park (For Families)
Is located at the foot of Gunung Raya mountain amidst lush and verdant tropical forest surroundings. Spread over 86 acres, the park is a brainchild of Malaysian Research and Development institute (MARDI), a government of Malaysia enterprise. Established by Britian in the colonial era in 1926 A.D. it is one of the oldest research institutes in Malaysia and was converted to an agriculture-park in 1990 A.D.

The key attractions here are vast stretches of fruit farms and sweeping views of Gunung Raya forest. The park is divided in six areas ‘the English garden, the herb garden, the rose garden, the orchid garden, the research centre and the information centre. It is home to 4 types of apples and pears, 6 types of anthuriums, 10 varieties of strawberries, 40 varieties of roses and a large variety of citrus fruits. The park also has an area for vegetable farming and besides offering a good insight of a Malaysian fruit orchard it offers great photo opportunities to the visitors. Tour inside the farm can be availed in comfortable motor vans or those so inclined can explore it on foot.

Pulau Payar Marine Park (For Families)

Is located 39 kilometres south east of Langkawi. Accessible by boat it is an hour’s speed boat ride from Kuah jetty. The well preserved, uninhabited marine park extends over a number of islands with Pulau Payar being the largest. The entire marine park is marked as fisheries protected area so an abundance of fish life thrives in these waters. Pulau Payar is the only place off the western coast of peninsular Malaysia which has exotic coral reefs and marine life similar to that of Indian ocean. These reefs serve as breeding grounds for many different types of fish and also act as natural barrier to sea erosion that takes place at the coastal lines of small islands.

There are four small beaches where visitors can swim or snorkel. The visitors can also feed baby sharks from a section on the bridge. Offshore snorkelling can be done at a reef area reachable by a short boat ride. The marine park also offers great dive sites for both the be first timers and the experienced scuba divers. Dive, swim and discover the magnificent underwater world of pristine colourful corals, the fish life that abounds and the denizens of the deep found in these waters.

Island Hopping Tour

Visitors who like to indulge themselves in appreciating the stunning beauty of islands, want to soak up the sun, take a swim, savour the spectacle of the king of skies swooping down to feed and laze as they watch the lush green landscapes glide by from the comfort of a boat – then Island hopping tour ticks all the boxes for them.

The trip by boat takes visitors to ‘Pulau Dayang Bunting’ (part of UNESCO geo parks) to see the ‘Lake of pregnant maiden’. This scenic freshwater lake was formed as a result of the collapse of a underwater cave and is so named as it resembles the silhouette of a reclining pregnant lady from afar. To reach the spot the visitors take a hike on a concrete stairway through a dense rainforest. The lake surrounded by mangrove trees and limestone rock formations is a scenic spot and good for a swim. Thereafter visitors proceed to ‘Pulau Singa Besar’ which translates to island of big lions. Here visitors will enjoy the scenery and the spectacle from their boat of reddish-brown eagles swooping down to feed themselves and then soaring back in the skies. The last stop on this tour is the island of ‘Pulau Beras Basah’ literally translates to island of wet rice. This is a picturesque island with white sands beach ideal for swimming and snorkelling (if one is carrying the gear) or simply relax by spreading your beach mat in the shade of the trees and take in the beauty of the island. This half day trip takes four hours and commences from and concludes at Teluk Baru Jetty’.

Mangrove Adventure Tour

Langkawi offers some truly unforgettable sights and experiences and the mangroves tour in the Kilim Karst Geo-forest nature park is one such must-do trip.

The Kilim nature park features a beautiful mix of lush green mangrove forests, isolated white sands beaches, blue lagoons, stunning geological formations, amazing flora and fauna, caves and seascapes. It is administered by Peninsular Malaysia forestry department and is one of the biggest hot spots of Eco tourism in the region.

Visitors on the cruise down the calm, winding river can observe the wonders of park’s delicate marine ecosystem unfold – dense green mangroves, gigantic limestone rock formations emerging from the floor of the mangrove swamp and seabed, which are over 550 million years old, observant visitors can spot the shy animals scurrying past in the mangrove area and muddy flats like water crabs, monitor lizards, macaques, squirrels, there are 40 kinds of fish in these waters and not to be missed is the spectacle of white bellied eagles and Brahminy kites preying and soaring back in skies with their catch, explore bat colonies in caves, visit a floating fish farm and hand feed stingrays and visiting fossil island. This trip commences from and concludes at Kilim jetty at Tanjung Rhu beach.

*Although there are trips of varying durations available, however we recommend a 5-6 hours trip to understand and appreciate the Kilim geo-forest mangroves.

Kayaking adventure in Kuban Badak

The mangrove forests in Langkawi have an important function in the delicate balancing of the region’s ecosystem and are absolutely unique.

A briefing on how to paddle and handle Kayak will be provided besides what to expect on the trip. Visit the bat caves, to learn about the cave system and bat colonies besides admiring stalactites and roots of tropical trees growing from the ceiling of the cave. As Kayaks go deeper into the forest visitors will experience the wonderful atmosphere of the forest – admire the unique flora and nature’s ingenuity at work. Watch the animals prancing around like Macaques, fiddler crabs, monitor lizards, mudskippers and the birdlife that abounds like heron, kingfishers, eagles and many more types of birds. Enjoy a floating restaurant lunch before heading back.

*The trip duration is 3 hours where 90 minutes of Kayaking and about 40 minutes for swimming, 15 minutes for walking and 40 minutes for lunch are allocated for guests.

Zipline Eco Adventure

On this adventure have loads of fun as visitors zip fly through the treetops of the oldest rainforest in Malaysia’s only UNESCO geopark in Langkawi.

Go ziplining in Machinchang Cambrian geopark where the visitors will be lead by a guide on a course of 12 ziplines up to 200 metres and three suspended sky bridges soaring over seven wells waterfall through towering trees in a rainforest canopy. Take in the sweeping views of the Andaman sea and Langkawi sky cab before finishing with an abseil descent from the last platform. The visitors are briefed about the island’s geology and the wildlife of the rainforest. There is an opportunity to spot birdlife like the rare great hornbill, other flying primates and dusky leaf monkeys.

*Maximum number of people per trip is 8 pax who are escorted by two safety sky ranger guides during the trip. Required, necessary equipment is provided.
The trip duration is 2.5 hours.

Rainforest Trek (For Families)

Gunung Raya forest reserve spans over 5000 hectares This rainforest is spread over the mountain range which is also the highest peak in Langkawi at an altitude of 881 metres. The rainforest is home to numerous species of endemic flora and fauna that is unique to these forests and is not found anywhere else in the world. In these unique habitats a fragile ecosystem exists. The guide will introduce the diverse plant life, herbs with medicinal properties that have been used by locals for generations for treating illnesses besides spotting many types of butterflies, animal and birdlife.

*The trek requires above average fitness with hilly terrain suitable for all ages above 12 years old and above. The trek takes about 4 hours. The trek is conducted as morning tour.

Birdwatching Tour

Langkawi has a rich diversity of ecosystems and habitat types including lowland broadleaf rainforest, mangrove forest, reedbeds and mudflats which ensures a correspondingly rich diversity in birdlife making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Langkawi hosts over 230 bird species many native to the islands while about 30% are migratory birds. The birds to spot include 3 species of hornbills, 8 species of kingfishers, 20 species of birds of prey including the mountain hawk eagle, 4 species of woodpeckers, 6 species of owls, 5 species of sunbirds besides munias, snipes, green pigeons, bulbuls, tailorbirds, egrets, herons and sandpipers. The aforementioned bird types are found in diverse habitats also described above so for visitors wanting an introduction to the birdwatching a half day tour will suffice while for serious birdwatchers the tours will have to be of longer durations due to necessity of visiting diverse habitats and the immersive experience of spotting the birdlife in Langkawi.

*Trip duration can be from half day to 2 days.

Fishing Charters in Langkawi

Langkawi is fast gaining popularity as a destination for anglers. Visitors who like to indulge in fishing can avail deep sea fishing, game fishing and overnight fishing charters.

The waters abound with fish life including groupers fish, kingfish, wahoo, mackerel, snappers, barracuda, stingrays and many more types of fish. For beginners out to have fun will also be briefed on how to use fishing rods, tie knots, bait hooks, remove hooks or guests can also do the classic bottom line fishing.

Seasoned anglers will go deeper and fish around artificial reefs and sunken ship-wreck spots and can troll and jig fish with live baits like shrimps or squids.

*All fishing trips are subject to weather conditions and coast guard approvals as cam sea condition is conducive for hauling big fishes and other fish catches.

Helicopter Tours over Langkawi

For those who love to experience a destination overland, over water, underwater then helicopter tours over Langkawi are a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the stunning land and seascapes that dot these beautiful islands. The helicopter tours are conducted from two points – Pantai Tengah and the Langkawi airport.

Following helicopter tours can be availed by visitors:

Kilim Mangroves Forest Helicopter Tour:
Duration: 30 Minutes
The helicopter will fly over the winding Kilim riverway and visitors will savour the spectacular Kilim geopark and enjoy great views of limestone cliffs, the mangroves, over the highest mountain peak of Langkawi Gunung Raya and over the white sandy beaches of Tanjung Rhu, Pantai Cenang and pantai Tengah.

Dayang Bunting Helicopter Tour:
Durations: 15/30 minutes
Visitors availing this trip will fly over the Tengah beach and then on to the southern islands over the stunning freshwater lake of the pregnant maiden affording marvellous views of the surrounding forest, vistas of sea and the flight will also cover the Kuah area before its return.

Beach and Mountain helicopter Tour:
Duration: 45 minutes
This helicopter tour gives an aerial perspective of Langkawi’s natural scenery – its beaches, mountains and harbours. Visitors will get outstanding views of the beaches of Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Telaga harbour with its beautiful marina in the backdrop of the mountains, Koh beach, Mount Machincang, the second highest mountain of the island. View the cable cars s the glide smoothly up and down with impressive views of the mountains and then over the north western end of the island which offers stunning views of Datai bay area and some exclusive beach resorts and last but not the least the helicopter will fly over the central part of the island over the highest mountain of Langkawi – Gunung Raya with great views of the lush rainforest before returning to the base.

*All helicopter tours are subject to weather conditions and guests are weighed in before boarding. Kindly obtain precise information on weight and conditionalities at the time of making the booking from your agent.

Take a Quiz

Water sports in Langkawi

In this part of the course, we bring special interest activities aimed at enhancing the holiday experiences of your clients in Langkawi. The topics covered here are water sports, golf, lists of traditional night markets and the duty-free shopping outlets in Langkawi besides some interesting things that can be done on a honeymoon.

Water sports in Langkawi
Below is a selection of underwater and over water activities that can be enjoyed by your clients in Langkawi.

Scuba Diving
For scuba diving experiences, visitors have to head out 19 nautical miles east of Langkawi to the Pulau Payar Marine Park. Beginners and experienced divers will find waters rich with marine life. Some of the best dive sites are Grouper Farm, House Reef and Kaca sunken wrecks. The visibility ranges from 5 to 20 metres depending on the season. Divers can enjoy the underwater world and learn more about the colourful fish, corals and about the other denizens of the deep under expert guidance of dive masters. The best months to dive are from November to March.

*Divers should necessarily take comprehensive worldwide insurance to safeguard themselves from any untoward eventualities.

Snorkelling
As an activity can be enjoyed by individuals, couples and families on vacation to Langkawi. All that is required is mask and fins that can be rented to get a glimpse of the amazing underwater world. It is possible to snorkel on the beaches of Langkawi however many of the islands around Langkawi have lots of shallow coral that makes for excellent snorkelling. Some of the best places for snorkelling are ‘Pulau Payar Marine Park, Pulau Beras Besah, Pulau Bumbon Besar, Pulau Timun, Datai bay beach andTanjung Rhu beach.

Jet Skiing Fun
For adrenaline seekers, jet ski is the ticket. It can be rented from the beach counters at Pantai Cenang, Burau bay beach or Tanjung Rhu beach and take an exciting ride into the open sea skimming over the waves. The jet ski can be rented on an hourly basis. One can avail a longer and guided jet ski tour done in small groups to appreciate Langkawi’s beauty from the sea which includes jet skiing around tiny islands in the Langkawi archipelago. Ride over crystal blue waters and appreciate natural attractions like limestone cliffs, lakes, lagoons, mangroves including Dayang Bunting. These trips can last up to 3 hours.

Parasailing Fun
Is a popular water-sport on the island. Visitors who have seen the unparalleled beauty of the island and for those who have the stomach, go on this trip for a bird’s eye view of the sea and the vistas around while being airborne. Choosing a licensed operator is paramount who will take visitors on a short boat ride in the sea, equipped with all the necessary equipment which can lift two to three people and will do the launch from the boat itself after safely harnessing the passengers. This airborne experience lasts 10 minutes and then the visitors are taken back to the shore.

Banana Boat Ride
Is sheer exhilaration where passengers aboard a banana shaped boat connected to a speed boat which pulls it along on the water at high speeds. Everyone riding the banana boat hold it tight as the speed boat attempts to flip the inflatable banana boat thereby dropping the passengers in water. Participants should know swimming and take a licensed operator thus ensuring safety.

Wakeboarding
Is great fun for those who have the skill and who know how to use pressure, speed and balance required for a smooth ride as this sport is a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing.

Sunset Cruise
Langkawi is at its magical best during sunset. Take in the beauty of the island from the sea onboard a luxury cruise. Enjoy music and drinks and dinner before returning to the shore.

Golfing in Langkawi

Langkawi archipelago, an isolated oasis of paradise is where visitors come to relax and indulge. Blessed by the bounty of mother nature – the island enjoys the rare geopark status accorded by UNESCO. Fringed by lush and pristine rainforests, this is were perfect white sand beaches are met by the Andaman sea creating the perfect environment for golf holidays. Langkawi’s exclusive golf courses, rival some of the best in Asia, showcase a breath-taking set of courses boasting spectacular views on an incredible landscape.

The island has three golf courses in great locations, all offering amazing putting greens with world class facilities. Tee-off times are from 07.30 A.M. to 16.30 P.M.

99 East Golf Club
Previously the Langkawi golf club was reborn as 99 east golf club, designed by Australian golf course architect Ross Watson, it boasts an 18-hole, 72-par beachfront course. It has a moderately challenging course with a lake to provide some hazard. Golfing here is relaxed and casual.

Gunung Raya Golf Resort
Set across 300 acres of prior rubber plantation, this spectacular course is situated at the foothills of Gunung Raya mountain, it embraces its natural surroundings to afford jaw dropping views of million years old ancient rainforest offering some of the most picturesque golf in all Malaysia. Designed by American golf architect Max Wexler, this is an 18-hole, 72-par golf course featuring Bermuda grass teeing areas and numerous fairways contoured with sand traps and water hazards. There is Club Café to dine and relax.

It is a popular retreat of the golfers.

The Els Club Teluk Datai Golf Course
Has been voted as the most scenic golf course in Malaysia. Designed by professional golfer Ernie Els, this golf course is renowned for its spectacular views of Gunung Chincang and Andaman sea, this 18-hole, 72-par course is spread over 116 acres – it has unique characteristics in abundance: whether it is 100 feet high trees, the constant buzz of wildlife or the tranquillity of the coastline vistas, the golf course is mesmerizing. Facilities include a full grass driving range, golf carts with GPS systems, golfing lessons for beginners, a casual dining venue and a lounge.

Ideas for a memorable honeymoon in Langkawi

A honeymoon sets the pace for a couple’s new life together. This occasion is one of the most memorable in a marriage and what makes it more so is the destination the couple chooses for their honeymoon.

Some places simply make us want to revel in love and some experiences make us want to fall in love and Langkawi is that magical Malaysian destination which ticks all the boxes.

Shared below are some ideas for honeymooners to be, which are meant to make the occasion extra special and create lifelong honeymoon memories in this tropical paradise.

Read on

Choose a romantic hotel and indulge
Here is a list of the 10 most romantic resorts and unit types to stay therein in this island paradise to choose from. It may be noted that each of these resorts have many more room/suites and villas to choose from what we have recommended.

Luxury Resorts
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi: is in a class of its own. For those who can splurge should opt for a luxurious beachfront villa. Romantic endeavours include spa pampering in waterside cabanas, swimming in the adult only pool, lazing on the white sandy beach and intimate beach dinners coupled with their legendary personalized service.

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort: is an oasis for nature lovers as it is cosily tucked away between an ancient rainforest and the tranquil Datai bay. Guests can choose from either an Executive pool suite or Executive rainforest view or sea view suite. Those so inclined can enjoy golf at Els club, one of the world’s most captivating golf course located in close proximity, indulge in spa rituals and enjoy eclectic dining at its outlets.

The Danna Langkawi: is a luxurious beachfront resort with upscale spa, a breathtaking three tiered infinity pool, great dining options and the oceanfront views a cherry on the top. The architecture is a combination of colonial and traditional Malayan architecture and guests can choose from a ‘Countless suite, a Duchess suite or the opulent 2 bedrooms Royal Imperial suite or a 2 bedrooms beachfront Empress villa.

Tanjung Rhu Resort: is one of Asia’s finest boutique resort. Located on white sandy beach, renowned for its scenic views, gourmet fine dining, impeccable service is the place for romance, privacy and tranquillity. Guests can choose a ‘Bayu Senja suite or Anjung sea view suite’.

The Westin Langkawi Resort: set amidst a verdant rainforest backdrop, it nestles on a pristine white sands beach by the Andaman sea. The resort has on-site dining venues offering island and international fare, the renowned heavenly spa offering rejuvenating massages and spa rituals, recreational centre, water sports and many other facilities. Couples can choose from one bedroom oceanfront suite or one bedroom beachfront villa.

Vivanta Langkawi, Rebak Island: is one of the top resorts in Langkawi where the blue Andaman sea meets secluded beach, where stunning rock formations and millions of years old lush forest makes for a stunning backdrop. Honeymooners should allow themselves to be dazzled by sun, sea and surf, great views, great food, reinvigorating spa treatments and exploring the island’s natural wonders. Couples can look to stay at Deluxe suite sea view or Vivanta suite sea view. Accessible via speedboat from Port Cenang.

Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa: is a tropical retreat combining ethnic Malayan charm with beachfront location. Guests can choose from single or double storey wooden chalets with beautiful patios overlooking the sea or the opulent Pelangi suite. Other facilities include two free form swimming pools, spa centre, water-sports. Dining options range eclectic Asian fine dining to light bites to cocktails.

Berjaya Langkawi Resort: is a magical sojourn embraced by mother nature. Set amidst lush tropical rainforest, yet steps away from azure waters of Andaman sea, it is a gorgeous beachfront property offering a wide range of facilities including fitness centre, massages at their spa, outdoor activities, water sports, extensive pan Asian dining, romantic candle-lit dinners under the stars. Couples can look at staying at the Premier suite on water featuring a spacious master bedroom, a sea fronting lounge, living hall and jacuzzi.

Mid-range Resorts
Frangipani Resort and Spa: is an award winning boutique eco resort with a beachfront location. Guests can enjoy pampering spa rituals, romantic candlelit beach dinners with exotic cocktails, water-sports, the beach and couples can choose to stay at sea facing villa, beach villa or the royal suite.

Casa del Mar: is a Mediterranean style resort located on Pantai Cenang beach. Perfect for newlyweds, this resort offers outdoor pool, water sports, spa pampering, Mediterranean fare, romantic candlelit dinners by the beach and its famous castaway picnic – a leisurely cruise through untouched islets, past limestone cliffs with a stop at remote island where guests can swim, sunbathe and enjoy a gourmet picnic and un-wind in a specially set picturesque tent. Couples can opt for Seaview Deluxe suite.

Some ideas for a romantic honeymoon

Take a romantic walk across the Langkawi sky bridge – suspended from a 82 feet high single pylon and at about 328 feet above ground, Langkawi sky bridge is the highest free span and curved bridge in the world. The reward is the stunning sights and great photo opportunities that will create lingering memories. Fly over the forest, Skytrex adventure – this is an adventure like no other set above the rainforest of Mat Cicang where the couple can live out there Tarzan and Jane fantasies in complete safety as they avail a tree to tree sky trekking experience swinging, gliding and even flying across the rainforest while tackling a variety of aerial obstacles, great for building intimacy. Venture into the colourful underwater world of Pulau Payar – enjoy the company of your sweetheart but also of myriad of colourful sea creatures and beautiful corals as one can snorkel or scuba dive in these calm and clear waters. Get enchanted in the Art in paradise 3D museum – ideal for honeymooners interested in arts, this is the largest 3D museum in Malaysia which houses over 200 paintings and murals offering optical illusions. Enjoy a magical sunset on a beach – Langkawi is renowned for its beaches where couples can gaze at the endless turquoise waters, stroll or sunbathe on powdery white sand beaches and feel the warmth of the sun on their skin. This is not all, the cherry on the top are magical beach sunset which can be enjoyed in the arms of the loved one. Sail out on a castaway picnic – just you and I on a remote island savouring each other’s company. It is the couple and the ocean where sit back, relax, chat in the privacy of a boat and unobtrusive service onboard. Castaway on a remote tropical island enjoy idyllic scenery and tasty food as the honeymooners recline in the comfort of a tent especially set up for them. Take an exclusive helicopter ride over Dayang Bunting - fly over beaches, the lake of the pregnant maiden on Dayang Bunting island. The aerial trip gives marvellous views of the water area of the lake, sea and mountains.

Shopping

For all those visitors who are shopaholics and for those who just might want a touch of retail therapy – we are providing below a list of traditional Malay night markets that are held day wise, names of duty-free shopping outlets and handicraft stores for your clients to avail a full-on shopping experience on the island of Langkawi.

Duty Free Shopping Outlets in Langkawi

The Zon Shopping Paradise
Coco Valley Langkawi
Teow Soon Huat Duty Free Shopping
Perniagaan Haji Ismail Group
Saga Shopping Centre
Jetty Point Complex
Cenang Mall
Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall
Cuban Attitude – concept duty free cigar store
At Langkawi International Airport

Night Markets held Day Wise in Langkawi
Shared below are the details of the night markets that take place day wise, well worth a visit:

Day	Name of the market
Monday	Ulu Melaka market
Tuesday	Kedawang market
Wednesday	Kuah market
Thursday	Temoyong market
Friday	Ayer Hangat market
Saturday	Kuah market (takes place twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Sunday	Padang Matsirat market

Handicrafts Shopping in Langkawi

Atma Alam Batik Village
Langkawi Crafts Complex
Faizy Crystals and Langkawi Crystals (for glass items and crystals)
Sunflower Handicrafts shop
Pisang Handicraft and Art Village
Gaya Minami Handicrafts
Skydeep Souvenirs
Amitabha Primitive Art
Aishah Bt. Husin
Langkah Tuah Enterprise
Cinnamon’s Gift
Total Shoppe

BY Air

Langkawi International Airport - is located in Padang Matsirat area. This is where all domestic and international flights to and from Langkawi operate. Currently it has airlines operating at this airport and one airline that operates seasonal charters. The airport also hosts the prestigious Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition biennially.

Upon arrival, one needs to walk along the tarmac for a short distance to reach the arrival hall. Inside the arrival hall is the baggage reclaim area and kiosks offering car rentals and taxi services. The exit of this hall leads to a bigger hall which duty free shops and cafes and this area is accessible to all. The best option is to book a pre-paid cab on arrival if transfer is already not pre-booked with your hotel or service provider. Other facilities at the airport includes tourist information centre, currency exchange, public phones and ATM vends. Post upgradations the airport now has the capacity to handle 4 million passengers per annum.

By Ferry

The best option to commute from either Kualalumpur or Penang into Langkawi is by air however for those visitors with inclination for slow travel taking in the sights and sounds and with time on hand can avail ferry services. From Kualalumpur visitors can travel by car or bus to Kuala Perlis, board the ferry to arrive at the Kuah jetty of Langkawi. Visitors can also take a train from Kl Sentral station to Alor Setar and from there board a ferry at Kuala kedah pier for Langkawi.

The Penang-Langkawi ferry route connects the two islands. There are two ferries, one which comes via Pulau Payar Marine Park and the other ferry direct. it is a 3 hours commute per way by direct ferry. Visitors departing Penang can board the ferry from the ‘Weld Quay’ of Georgetown and upon arrival in Langkawi visitors disembark at the Kuah jetty.

Getting Around in Langkawi

Since the public transport system is not well developed in Langkawi, we would not recommend it for visitors hence the main mode of transport is taxi.

Taxis
Is the common mode of transport and they operate on a fixed price and do not have meters. Visitors arriving at airport can book it at one of the counters inside the airport or through hotel concierge.

Shared Van, Private Van and Private Sedan can also be booked from airport and through hotel concierge. The seating capacity is according to the vehicle booked ranging from 4 up to 10 persons.

Bus transport is primarily used for group arrival and departures and for conducting group tours.

Stretch Limousines with qualified chauffeurs are also available for those visitors who like to commute in style.

Self-Drive Car, Motorbike and Bicycle Rentals
Are also popular transport options that can be availed by the visitors. It is left hand drive on the island and self-drive car rentals can be pre-booked online, can be booked on arrival at the counters at airport, at the Kuah ferry terminal and also through hotel concierge and your service provider. At the time of renting vehicles guests should ensure that they are hiring from licensed operators who have vehicles insured. Carefully read and understand the terms and conditions and the coverage before signing the vehicle rental document.

Take a Quiz

Accommodations in Langkawi

Shared below is an area wise list of hotels ranging from uber luxurious 5 star resorts to value for money 3 star hotels that your clients can avail their stay in during their visit to this beautiful island:

Tanjung Rhu Area Hotels
5*

Four Seasons Resort
Tanjunf Rhu Beach Resort

De Balqis Chalet Tanjung Rhu

Pantai Kok Area Hotels

The Danna Langkawi
The Ritz Carlton, Langkawi

Century Langkawi Beach Resort

Pantai Cenang Area Hotels

Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort, Langkawi

Casa del Mar, Langkawi
Langgura Baron Resort
Teluga Terrace
Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas
The Gemalia Village
Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi
The Coconut Langkawi

Cenang Mimpi Resort
Ambong Ambong Langkawi Rainforest Retreat
Sandy Beach Resort
Lavigo Resort
Salsa Resort, Langkawi
Temple Tree Resort
Nadia’s Hotel Cenang, Langkawi
Cenang view hotel
Rasa Senang Villa
Landcons Hotel

Pantai Tengah Area Hotels

The Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa
Ambong Pool Villas
Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah
Holiday Villa Beach Resort and Spa, Langkawi
Aseania Resort Langkawi
Federal Villa Beach Resort, Langkawi

La Villa Langkawi
Sunset Beach Resort
Tropical Resort Langkawi
Cenang Memories Hotel
White Lodge
Desa Terrace
Corrie Chalet
T Garden
Villa Molek
The Villa Langkawi
Bamboo Cottage

Teluk Datai Area Hotels

The Datai Langkawi
The Andaman, A Luxury Collection Resort

Burau Bay Area Hotels

5*

Berjaya Langkawi Resort
Mutiara Burau Bay Resort

Padang Matsirat Ara Hotels

4*

Ombak Villa
Langkawi Lagoon Resort by De Lagoon

Perdana Beach Resort
My Rainforest Suite Hotel

Rebak Island Hotel

5*

VivantaRebak Island, Langkawi

Kuah Area Hotels

5*

St. Regis Langkawi
The Westin Langkawi Resort

Bayview Hotel Langkawi
Adya Hotel Langkawi

HIG Hotel
Langkasuka Express

Take a Quiz

Can't finish the course?

Can't finish the course?

Existing Agents Login Here

Reset Password