So you’ve booked your trip and now’s the time to find things to do in Langkawi? You’ve come to the right place.
I lived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for well over a year, and know all the best spots in Langkawi to spend time during your trip.
Langkawi Island is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Malaysia. Whether you’re taking a short getaway in Malaysia or a more extended stay, this is a great place to be!
Visitors travel here from all over the world, not just for the breathtaking scenery and fabulous beaches. There are also some really cool things to do in Langkawi.
Things to do in Langkawi
1. Langkawi Wildlife Park
Located in the north of Langkawi Island, this wildlife park is the perfect spot to experience some of the local wildlife. You’ll find a variety of animals including monkeys, deer, birds, and reptiles along with educational displays about their habitat.
In addition, there is a playground and picnic area for the kids to enjoy. Langkawi Wildlife Park is fun for adults, too. Take your camera to capture some of the amazing things you’ll see.
2. Oriental Village
This tourist place is a shopping center with designer boutiques and restaurants. It’s also home to the Langkawi Cable Car and Langkawi Sky Bridge.
The cable car ride will take you up to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang, Langkawi’s highest peak. At the summit is an observation platform that offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape as well as a restaurant and gift shop.
The Langkawi Sky Bridge is an engineering marvel suspended 700 meters above sea level. It gives you a great view of the island and the surrounding ocean.
3. Pulau Payar Marine Park
This park is a great spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s a protected area, so you can be sure the marine life is abundant and in its natural state.
The park offers boat trips to several snorkeling sites, and you can even arrange for a guided tour. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the local dolphins!
4. Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
Located on the west side of Langkawi Island are seven magnificent waterfalls. A short hike will take you to a pool at the bottom of the falls, where you can have a dip in the cool water.
You may even spot some monkeys playing around, as they are often found in this area. It’s definitely worth making the effort to get to the falls as you will be rewarded with stunning views and a refreshing swim.
Just keep a close eye on your belongings when you go swimming because the monkeys can get mischievous!
5. Atma Alam Batik Art Village
This is the perfect place to learn about and appreciate Malaysia’s traditional art of batik. The Atma Alam Batik Art Village offers classes on how to create your own batik, as well as demonstrations by master artists.
You’ll find a fantastic selection of handcrafted batik items in the shop, from clothing to home decorations. It’s also a great spot for souvenirs, as there are things here that you won’t find anywhere else!
6. Agro Technology Park
No, this isn’t an office center or internet cafe. It’s a state-owned agricultural facility designed to help visitors see and learn how tropical fruits are grown.
At the Agro Technology Park, you can take a guided tour through the ‘farm’ on a truck with benches on the back. It’s not fancy but is really unique. Depending on the time of year, visitors may even get to sample some of the fruits that have recently ripened.
7. Durian Perangin Waterfall
This is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island. The Durian Perangin Waterfall is tucked away in the jungle and can be accessed via a short hike. It’s definitely worth the effort as you will be rewarded with stunning views and a chance to cool off in the pool at the bottom of the falls.
The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, so be sure to bring your camera along or you’ll miss out on some great photo opportunities.
8. Black Sand Beach
This unique beach has sand that is not volcanic; instead, it’s tinged black from the runoff of nearby hot springs. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
It’s also a great spot for photography as the sand makes for a very interesting backdrop for photos. There are plenty of things to do here, from swimming in the ocean to enjoying a picnic on the beach.
9. Tanjung Rhu Beach
This beach is one of the most beautiful on Langkawi Island. The white sand and turquoise-blue water make it a perfect destination for a day of relaxation.
If you aren’t staying in one of the luxury hotels that dot this beach, like the Four Seasons Resort, you can spend the day lounging on the beach, take a scenic stroll along the shoreline, or go for a swim in the clear, shallow waters. The beach is also great for snorkeling and spotting some of the local marine life.
10. Gunung Raya Watch Tower
Gunung Raya is the tallest peak on the island of Langkawi. From the top of this mountain, you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. D’Coconut Hill Resort owns the watchtower and charges non-guests a nominal fee to access it.
To get here, you’ll need to take a car to the peak, where you’ll find a watch tower. Taxis from Cenang Beach or Kuah Town usually cost about 60RM.
From here, you can admire the stunning view of Langkawi Island and its nearby islands. It’s definitely worth the trip up here to witness one of the most amazing views in all of Malaysia!
11. Dayang Bunting Island
Dayang Bunting Island, often referred to as the ‘Island of Pregnant Maiden’, is a great spot for those who want to go island hopping or get away from the hustle and bustle of Langkawi.
The island is home to a beautiful lake, which you can explore by renting a boat. The lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery, making it the perfect spot for a romantic picnic or an afternoon of exploration.
You can also take a hike to the top of the island and be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding islands and sea.
12. Cenang Beach
Pantai Cenang is the busiest and most popular beach on Langkawi Island. The beach is lined with restaurants, shops, and bars making it the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon. It’s also home to some of the top resorts in Langkawi.
The beach is also great for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. Visitors can rent jet skis or ride on a banana boat for an exciting afternoon on the waves.
If you’re looking for things to do at night, plenty of bars and restaurants offer live music and entertainment, making it the perfect spot for a night out.
13. Underwater World
Underwater World is one of the biggest and most popular aquariums in Southeast Asia. It’s home to over 5000 different species of marine life, including sea turtles, stingrays, and seahorses.
Visitors can explore the aquarium and gaze through underwater tunnels to get up close and personal with some of the creatures living in the tanks.
The aquarium also offers educational activities for an even closer look at the local marine life. It’s the perfect place for a family day out or a fun date!
14. Kilim Geoforest Park
Kilim Geoforest Park is a protected area of mangrove swamps and limestone crags located off the coast of Langkawi.
The park offers a number of private and group activities, including boat excursions, kayaking trips, and even mangrove tours. You can explore a beautiful network of mangrove forests, which are an important part of the island’s ecosystem.
On the tour, you’ll sail down the rivers that wind through the mangrove forests and learn all about these unique ecosystems. You’ll also have a chance to spot some of the local wildlife, such as monkeys and water monitor lizards.
15. Night Market
There are several night markets in Langkawi but the most popular is Pekan Kuah. It takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights; the hours are roughly 4 pm to 10 pm.
The night market sells a variety of things, from clothing and jewelry to local snacks and souvenirs. You can also find some great deals on Langkawi-made items like handmade crafts and traditional desserts.
It’s also a great opportunity to try out some of the local food, like spicy noodles and coconut pancakes. It’s definitely worth a visit to get a taste of the local culture.
16. Makam Mahsuri
This is a historical site dedicated to the legendary princess of Langkawi, Mahsuri. According to legend, she was wrongfully accused of adultery and cursed the island with seven generations of bad luck.
Visitors can explore the tombs and the shrine of Mahsuri, learn about her life and legacy, and take part in traditional performances. The site also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and some of Langkawi’s famous limestone formations.
It’s a great spot for those who want to learn more about the area’s history and culture.
Conclusion: Things to Do in Langkawi
Langkawi is a truly amazing destination! Whether you’re looking for fun things to do on the beach or a unique cultural experience, there is certainly something there for everyone.
From exploring limestone caves or drifting through the mangroves to riding the cable car or walking the sky bridge, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi. Whether you’re taking a short trip or a more extended stay in one of the best resorts in SE Asia, looking for adventure, relaxation, or something in between; Langkawi is a great place to be!
Brodi Cole of Our Offbeat Life is a digital nomad and family travel blogger who loves sharing her passion for adventurous family travel. She lived and traveled in SE Asia for almost 18 months and is currently driving the Pan-American Highway from Las Vegas, USA to Ushuaia, Argentina with her family through 2024.
