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Looking to explore the best places in Langkawi, the jewel of Kedah? Known for its stunning beaches, Langkawi is a group of 99 islands. But with so many beautiful spots, it can be tough to decide where to go first!

As someone who’s spent countless days wandering in Langkawi, we can tell you there’s no shortage of incredible experiences here. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, Langkawi’s best attractions will leave you enchanted.

From breathtaking viewpoints to hidden waterfalls and iconic beaches, we’ve got the top spots lined up for you.

Ready to explore the best places to visit in Langkawi, Malaysia? Let’s get started!

Best Places to Visit and Things to do in Langkawi

10 Best Things to do in Langkawi Island

Buy Langkawi PASS – Get access to 2-6 attractions with just one pass

1. Explore Offbeat Beaches

Nestled amidst water from every direction, Langkawi boasts stunning beaches with white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Instead of the crowded Cenang Beach, discover some hidden gems for a quieter experience.

You can relax under the shade of trees, read a book, or simply unwind by the shore. Here are a few lesser-known, beautiful and best beaches in Langkawi.

• Pentai Tengah
• Pantai Serama
• Public Gardens Teluk Yu
• Tanjung Rhu Beach
• Sandy Skulls Beach

2. Eat Local Foods at Night markets

In Langkawi, the night markets happen every day but not in the same place. They take place at different places across the island, as mentioned below. These markets come alive after 5 PM and continue until around 10 PM.

Stroll around the market to find local foods, drinks, and clothes.

• Sunday – Padang Maksirat
• Monday – Ulu Melaka
• Tuesday – Kedawang
• Wednesday & Saturday – Kuah
• Thursday – Temoyong
• Friday – Ayer Hangat

3. Watch Eagles at the Eagle Square

Langkawi gets its name from the red-beaked sea eagle. Dominating the island’s skies, the Malay word ‘Lang’ translates to eagle, and ‘Kawi’ is reddish brown or marble brown.

The Eagle Square, or Dataran Lang, is a significant landmark in Langkawi, with a large eagle greeting you and gushing fountains around it. Keep an eye out for eagles soaring nearby. You can also visit Legenda Park, a recreational park that is located close by.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timings: Open 24*7
• Parking: Available

4. Watch the Sunset from the Highest Peak of Langkawi

Gunung Raya, standing at 881 meters above sea level, is Langkawi’s highest peak. You can drive or trek to the top, where a breathtaking panoramic island view awaits. Admire the coastline, beaches, settlements, and forests, made more glorious during sunset.

Don’t miss the D’Coconut Hill Resort nearby, offering fantastic views from its viewing tower for a fee of RM 10.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timings: Open 24*7
• Parking: Available at the hilltop

Go hiking in Langkawi with a private guide!

5. Ride on a Cable Car

From the foothills of the Machincang mountain, you will be taken up about 708 m by the cable car system or the Gondola called SkyCab. This SkyCab can accommodate about 6 people at a time, and the journey takes about a quarter of an hour.

SkyCab Langkawi is one of the longest free-span mono cable cars that offers a 360° view of the island. It is one of the best things to do in the Langkawi Island.

Buy your SkyCab tickets online and skip the long queues

Apart from the SkyCab, you can explore additional attractions, including the 3D Art Museum, Sky Bridge, Sky Glide, Oriental Village Lake, Sky Bistro, 6D Cinemotion, Sky Rex, Sky Dome, VR Universal, and Machinchang Petland.

The base or the entrance has convenient services such as 7-Eleven, currency exchange, restrooms, ATMs, and ample visitor parking.

• Entry Fee: Multiple combo packages are available. The prices are cheaper in Klook, which can be redeemed at the ticket counter. If you purchase the ticket online, you’ll also skip the normal line.
• Timings: 9:30 AM – 6 PM on all days

6. Hop Between Surrounding Islands

From Langkawi, you can rent a boat to discover nearby islands. Popular ones include Pulau Rebak Besar, Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Tuba (linked by a bridge from Pulau Dayang Bunting), Pulau Singa Besar, and Pulau Beras Basah.

Go on a PRIVATE Langkawi Island tour (recommended)

Take your time to explore the attractions on these islands. Alternatively, you can join a half-day group tour on a speedboat from Langkawi to visit the nearby islands.

Jetski to Palau Dayang Buting and other Langkawi Islands for adventure and best experience!

7. Explore the Waterfalls

Exploring Langkawi’s waterfalls is a must, and it’s free to enter, with parking available. Water levels may decrease during the dry season from December to May, so bring snacks, especially if you have children, available at the base shops.

The Temurun Waterfall is a cascading three-tier waterfall that can be reached after a short hike. Telaga Tujuh Waterfall boasts seven levels, accessible after a 15-minute walk upstairs.

Durian Perangin Waterfall, located in the northeast, is also cascading and can be reached by a short 15-minute hike. If you are visiting during the monsoon season, waterfalls are one of the best places to visit in Langkawi.

8. Visit the Light House

Near the Telega Harbor Marina, where ferries depart for Koh Lipe in Thailand, stands the Perdana Quay Lighthouse.

Built during British rule, it’s a charming old structure. While you can’t climb to the top, the area has a great vibe, especially during sunset. The view of the orange hues is simply breathtaking.

9. Indulge in Water Sports

The most popular Cenang Beach is a hub for water sports activities on the island. A 30-minute Jet Ski ride costs RM 350, banana boat rides cost RM 200 per boat, and parasailing costs RM 550 for two people.

Keep in mind that the prices mentioned are for reference only and might change depending on demand and season. 

The Underwater World at Langkawi is an interesting activity that the kids would love. This experience is split into various sections like river ecosystem, tropical rainforest, sub-Antarctic section, and venomous and poisonous section, to name a few. It helps to learn about the underwater ecosystem.

Other adventure activities on Langkawi island include Splash Out Langkawi (a water theme park), snorkelling, ATV Rides, Go Karting, and Langkawi Adventure and extreme park.

• Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
• Cost: RM 43 for MyKad-holding adults, RM 33 for MyKad senior citizens and children greater than 3 years old, RM 53 for foreign adults, and RM 43 for foreign children and senior citizens. The price is lower for Langkawi residents.

Go to a private Island adventure from Langkawi (includes Kayaking, Banana boat, ziplining, and more)

10. Tour the Mangroves

Langkawi is truly remarkable with its diverse offerings, including mangroves. Embark on a mangrove tour from the Tanjung Rhu Mangrove jetty or the Kilim River tourism jetty.

The voyage through the dense mangrove forest in the Kilim Geoforest Park is one of a kind and lasts about 3 or 4 hours. Explore the bat and crocodile caves, interact with monkeys and eagles, snorkel at Dangli Island, visit Pasir Panjang Beach, and enjoy lunch at a floating restaurant.

Book the best mangrove tour in Langkawi for the lowest price now!

How To Reach?

We’ve got another blog that explains how to get to Langkawi Island. It breaks down the prices and the best and easiest ways to get to Langkawi. Check out the blog for the full scoop!

Best Time to Visit Langkawi

In Langkawi, you’ll find two seasons: summer and monsoon. The dry season runs from December to May, while the rainy season is from June to November. August, September, and October usually see more rain.

You can visit Langkawi at any time of year, and the prime time is from November to March. During these months, there’s more sunshine and less rain, perfect for exploring the island.

Network Connectivity 

The internet connection is reliable in Langkawi. We used Hotlink and had no issues during our stay. However, we experienced some signal interruptions while crossing the ferry from the mainland to Langkawi Island.

Commuting Around

There’s no public transport on the island, so you’ll need to use Grab to hop between the places. While Grab rides can be expensive for sightseeing, renting a bike or car is a more convenient option to explore Langkawi, especially considering its size.

We highly recommend you to rent a scooty (from here) or rent a car (from here) for exploring Langkawi Island.

Where To Stay?

Langkawi offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. You can pick based on your preferences and budget. While many foreigners prefer staying near Cenang Beach, options are spread throughout the island for those seeking a less touristy vibe. Here are some recommendations:

• Bed attitude Hostel Cenang ($)
• Soluna Guest House ($)
• The Temak Villa ($$)
• The Smith House ($$)
• Park Royal Langkawi Resort ($$$)
• The Danna Langkawi ($$$)
• The Datai Langkawi ($$$)

Where To Eat?

You’ll find various dining options on the island, offering Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Western cuisines. Popular global food chains like KFC, Subway, and Domino’s have outlets in different parts of Langkawi. Plus, there are 7-Eleven stores available as well.

Tax-Free Island

Langkawi is entirely duty-free, which makes alcohol more affordable. However, drinking and driving can result in a hefty fine of RM 10,000, posing risks to yourself and others. Remember, only one bottle of alcohol is permitted when leaving the island.

Buy Langkawi PASS – Get access to 2-6 attractions with just one pass

Languages Spoken

Most people in Langkawi are Malay, so the Malay language is commonly spoken. Additionally, many residents can communicate in English.

If you have any questions, comment below. We’ll do our best to answer them.

Also, if you’ve found this blog helpful, comment below! And if you’re eager for more extensive hiking guides and travel tips, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter.