Langkawi, the “red eagle” in Bahasa Malaysia (also known as the Isles of Legends), is studded with some of the world’s most stunning islands, many capable of providing an immersive experiential journey. Located in Kedah, Langkawi’s group of 99 islands is home to a population of approximately 100,000, with Chinese, Indians, and Thais forming the main ethnic groups. And while some might try to sell you on the idea of a ‘day trip’ here, someone who truly knows the island might argue otherwise, advising you to call it home even if it is just for a couple of days. And it would be good advice because the number of attractions and places to visit in Langkawi, even the most popular ones, doesn’t deserve a rushed visit.
When planning your visit to Langkawi, consider what interests you most. Are you drawn to beaches stacked with amenities, or do you prefer silent seconds at a secluded, rocky cove? Would you like to indulge in high-end dining experiences or curbside Malay cuisine crafted masterfully by a local? Are you fascinated by ancient sites, or do you want to experience the island’s tipsy late-night bar culture? In whatever direction you lean, we have rounded up the key places to visit in Langkawi, a list where everyone can find something to add to their itinerary.
The best time to visit Langkawi
From January to mid-April, Langkawi is where the sunny weather is (even if other parts of Malaysia don’t), with fewer crowds near attractions and lower rates. Temperatures average 30°C with minimal rainfall and relatively lower humidity. Calm seas make it ideal for swimming and watersports. With reduced demand (especially near Langkawi’s beaches), hotels, tours, and flights, you won’t be rubbing shoulders with throngs of tourists, though inbound tourism peaks around Christmas and New Year. For more details, check out our guide to the best time to visit Malaysia.
Top attractions: Best places to visit in Langkawi
Langkawi Sky Bridge
The Langkawi Sky Bridge, measuring 125 metres in length, is one of the world’s longest curved suspension bridges. Its construction is required, and structural balancing from a single supporting pylon makes it a standout architectural structure. Fun fact: elevated 660 metres above sea level at the peak of Gunung Mat Cincang on Langkawi Island, the bridge was transported in sections via helicopter and assembled at its current location.
Also, explore the world’s longest curved suspension walkways with our ultimate Langkawi Sky Bridge travel guide.
Entry: RM 6 for adults and RM 4 for children at SkyBridge Ticketing Counter at the Top Station
Address: 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Website: panoramalangkawi.com
Kilim Karst Geopark
A prime highlight of the Kilim Geoforest Park is its exclusivity as the sole destination where coastal karst and mangrove ecosystems coexist. One of the three primary sections of Langkawi’s UNESCO-listed geopark, the geopark’s claim to fame can be attributed to the Setul rock formations—the oldest carbonate rock formation in Malaysia, dating back approximately 490 million years. Explore more natural wonders at the national parks in Malaysia.
Entry: Tour packages available via Viator, Evendo, Klook and more, starting from RM 60 per person
Address: Kilim River Tourism Jetty, Mukim Kampung Kilim, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Timing: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (every day)
Website: kilimgeoforestpark.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Langkawi Island Beach Resort via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Langkawi Island Beach Resort via Agoda
Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
Telaga Tujuh, or the Seven Wells waterfall, is an intersecting point for its seven natural pools, which come together here and are fed by a flowing river. Nestled within the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, the top of the waterfall requires a steep climb of approximately 600 steps, an endeavour that typically takes an hour. Two sections — the upper and lower pools — are linked by a dramatic 91-metre-high vertical cascade. Some nearby attractions include Panorama Langkawi SkyCab and Crocodile Adventureland.
Address: Mukim, Jalan Telaga Tujuh, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Timing: 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (every day)
Related Stories
Pantai Cenang Beach
Pantai Cenang, spanning along Langkawi’s southern coastline, is a distinguished destination with a reputation to uphold. Acknowledged as one of Asia’s premier beaches by TripAdvisor users, its pristine sands, shallow waters and hotchpotch activities make it particularly suitable for families and adventure lovers. Think jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, or opt for a leisurely experience by renting a lounge chair to enjoy the scenic surroundings. Frequently compared to the Las Vegas Strip for its dynamic atmosphere, Pantai Cenang is one of the more animated locales in the area. Explore more with our selection of the most breathtaking beaches and islands in Malaysia.
Book your stay at Ritz-Carlton Langkawi via Booking.com
Book your stay at Ritz-Carlton Langkawi via Agoda
Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)
The most recognisable attraction of Langkawi, Eagle Square, or Dataran Lang, is a 12-metre statue of a red-backed sea eagle perched atop a blue, star-shaped pedestal. Completed in 1996, this monument embodies the island’s heritage and long-standing, historically significant relationship with the red-backed sea eagle. The island’s name itself is rooted in local folklore, with “Lang” derived from the Malay word helang (eagle) and “Kawi” referring to marble or reddish brown.
Address: Persiaran Putera Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Timing: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday and 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on Thursday); Closed on Friday and Saturday.
Underwater World Langkawi
Are you unable to explore the island’s wildlife scene to its fullest? A trip to the Underwater World Langkawi can help some of your curiosity. Since its opening on 26 August 1995, Underwater World Langkawi has held its position as one of Southeast Asia’s largest aquariums, housing over 4,000 aquatic species and a 15-metre tunnel to look closely at sharks and stingrays.
Entry: Malaysian adult (12+ years) RM 47, Malaysian child (3-12 years) RM 36, international adult (12+ years) RM 59, international child (3-12 years) RM 47.
Address: Jalan Pantai Chenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (every day)
Website: underwaterworldlangkawi.com
Related Stories
Bukit Gua Pinang
Bukit Gua Pinang, located on the eastern side of the Sungai Kubang Badak estuary, is a limestone hill with ancient seashell beds and winding cave tunnels. Looking up at it, you might wonder why it is not already on the cover of a science or travel magazine. The cave opens into a large chamber with rare stalactites and stalagmites developed in one corner. It is part of the Setul Formation and one of Langkawi’s most archaeologically significant attractions.
Explore the most beautiful caves in Malaysia for more under-the-surface wonders.
Book your stay at Datai Langkawi via Booking.com
Book your stay at Datai Langkawi via Agoda
Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark
Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark is a nature-laden place you can visit in Kedah. Langkawi is where dense rainforests crown barren rocks. The island boasts Malaysia’s most complete Palaeozoic sedimentary sequence, dating from the Cambrian to the Permian period. Its geological history is linked to Gondwanaland’s breakup and Peninsular Malaysia’s uplift. The geopark includes Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park — perfect corners to explore on a long weekend in Malaysia.
Address: Unnamed Road, Kampung Kilim, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Timing: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (every day)
Website: langkawigeopark.com.my
Activities
- Take a jet ski tour to explore the islands of Langkawi on a jet ski for an adventurous experience, with routes covering attractions like Maiden Lake, Beras Basah Island, Eagle Watching, and more. Prices range from RM 600 to RM 1,500, depending on the number of checkpoints and routes.
- Visit Crocodile Adventureland to see saltwater crocodiles and learn about their habits in the park. Ticket prices depend on the package, starting from the Adventure Combo (RM 40), Explore Combo (RM 55), Croc Encounter Combo (RM 88), and Snack Bites Combo (RM 69).
- Snorkel at Pulau Payar Marine Park and swim with tropical fish and sharks in a protected marine park. The diving culture in Langkawi is one of the best in Southeast Asia. At Pulau, tours around Payar, Lembu, Kaca, and Segantang are particularly popular for spotting soft coral reefs. A 6-hour day trip can cost RM 350 (adult) and RM 190 (child).
Related Stories
- Ride the Langkawi SkyCab, one of the world’s steepest (dare we say Instagram-perfect) cable cars, for breathtaking views of Gunung Machinchang and the surrounding rainforest.
- Take a helicopter ride to get a bird’s eye view of Dayang Bunting Island and Lake Guillemard.
- A Finding Nemo moment, if you may, go snorkelling around Pulau Satang Besar and Pulau Satang Kecil and swim with turtles.
- Hike Gunung Raya, the highest peak and one of the best places to visit on Langkawi Island at 881 meters (2,890 feet) high. It is a 2 to 3-hour-long walk, and taking an actual camera-camera is recommended.
- Trek to Temurun Waterfall and dip in the natural pool beneath the three-tiered waterfall.
Book your stay at Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa via Booking.com
Book your stay at Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa via Marriott
Shopping places to visit in Langkawi
We hope you carry an extra, empty suitcase because the shopping scene in Langkawi will make you regret it if you don’t. Start with the Temoyong Night Market, held every Thursday, where you can buy Batik textiles at a decent price (recommend respectful haggling), accessories, and trinkets to gif yourself and others. For a more expansive retail outing, visit Langkawi Parade Megamall, also called TSH Parade or Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall in Kuah Town. Cenang Mall, located near Pantai Cenang Beach and Langkawi Saga Shopping Center, is a duty-free shopping haven.
Related Stories
If you need something artful and admirable, visit Malaysian Heritage at Atma Alam Batik Village. Teow Soon Huat Duty-Free Shopping offers competitively priced chocolates, alcohol, and perfumes in a friendly atmosphere. Beachgoers can also stop by the Zon Duty-Free Shopping Complex, steps from Pantai Cenang, to pick up souvenirs and essentials.
Dining scene in Langkawi
Local markets
The largest wet market and one of the best places to visit in Langkawi for local food is near the airport at Padang Matsirat. Think of everything from rambutan, mangosteen, salak (snake fruit) to fresh squid, fish, and more. Langkawi’s roving night markets run from 6 pm to 10 pm at different locations each day: Monday at Jalan Makam Mahsuri Lama, Tuesday at Kedawang, Wednesday and Saturday in Kuah, Thursday at Pantai Cenang, Friday at Padang Lalang, and Sunday near the airport in Padang Matsirat.
Restaurants, cafes and bars
View this post on Instagram
The local and upscale restaurants are the best places to enjoy the regional cuisine. Start your day with a delicious nasi dagang (a Malaysian dish of rice and fish curry) at Nasi Dagang Pak Malau, set near Langkawi’s tallest mountain. For brunch, head to The Kelapa Cafe by TRV Langkawi, tucked within Tanjung Rhu Villas Resort. At lunchtime, savour Nyonya Laksa and local favourites at fatCUPID in La Pari Pari Hotel. Alternatively, grab a quick beachside coffee and pastries at Ngopi Pantai Coffee Bar, ideally situated on Pantai Cenang. Transition into the evening with sunset drinks at Hidden, a seaside restaurant and bar with live-fire shows. Are you hankering for a custom pizza? Grab a slice at Pizza Hills, known for its omakase-style Napoli pizzas made from local ingredients. End your day at Brian’s Bar, a Cenang Beach favourite who knows how to do a nightcap right, with a Malaysian twist.
Related Stories
Where to stay in Langkawi?
An excursion worth remembering is incomplete without a nice spot to pamper yourself. This is where the Four Seasons Langkawi Island Beach Resort stands out, with its location alone enough to convince you — because how many can say they have stayed within a UNESCO World Geopark? Another prime choice is the Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, which is surrounded by jungle and features a kitchen inspired by the longhouse architecture of indigenous Bornean tribes. For a more secluded getaway, Datai Langkawi is nestled within a 10-million-year-old rainforest and offers a direct view of Datai Bay, one of the best places to visit in Langkawi.
If you’re seeking a more modern stay, the Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa exemplifies contemporary luxury with its award-winning Heavenly Spa by Westin. The on-site naturalist can even take you hornbill-spotting. Lastly, the St. Regis Langkawi offers proximity to Kuah Town and its attractions and Pan-Asian cuisine at its Kayuputi restaurant, perfectly perched above the water with views of the surrounding islands.
Book your stay at St. Regis Langkawi via Booking.com
Book your stay at St. Regis Langkawi via Agoda
How to reach
- Air: Flying is the most efficient way to travel to Langkawi — pick one of the daily flights from Kuala Lumpur, with options like Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Firefly. Langkawi International Airport is tucked away in the island’s western area and is well-equipped with transportation options and amenities, including car rentals, restaurants, and more.
- Train and boat: Langkawi can be reached by train from Kuala Lumpur, stopping at Alor Setar (one of the best places to visit near Langkawi) and then taking a boat ride. KTMB operates trains and tickets, including overnight journeys. From Alor Setar, boats from the Kuala Kedah ferry terminal take approximately 1.5 hours.
- Road: Travelling to Langkawi and seeing the attractions by rental car is less practical due to ferry limitations and high costs. Cars can be transported by a ferry from Alor Setar but arrive the next day. Alternatively, secure parking is available at Alor Setar for RM10-15 daily. Dropping off the car at Penang is another option.
- From Penang by boat or air: Boats depart twice daily, and VIP tickets cost RM45. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. Flights are quicker but costlier. Boats leave Penang Harbour and arrive at Langkawi’s Jetty Point terminal.
Related Stories
Insider tips
- Instead of opting for limited-time tours, island-hop like a pro by renting a boat for a day to explore Langkawi’s 100+ islands.
- You can island hop between Pulau Pyara Island, Pulau Singa Besar, Pulau Tepor, Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Lembu, and other nearby islands.
- Visit Pantai Cenang (and most attractions in Langkawi) early in the morning or during sunset to avoid the crowds. There will be fewer tourists, and you will have better opportunities to photograph the scenes.
- Pack insect repellent when roaming the island’s lush forests and beaches.
- Save on shopping by taking advantage of Langkawi’s duty-free status for cheaper alcohol, chocolate, and local goods.
- Go off the beaten path and head into the mangrove forests with a kayak tour for a quieter, nature-filled experience.
- The monkeys are cute but cheeky, so food and drinks should be kept out of reach, especially in spots like Pantai Tengah.
- Arrive early or late in the day to skip the long queues at the Panorama SkyCab.
- Book your stay or villa away from busy beach areas like Pantai Cenang for more privacy and tranquillity.
Shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature image credit: Abhilash Sahoo/Pexels)
Related | Experience The Best Of Langkawi With This Comprehensive 7-day Itinerary
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
We may earn an affiliate commission when you shop through links on our site.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
While a 3-day stay can cover the major attractions here, the ideal stay in Langkawi is 4-5 days, allowing time to explore both the central and countryside places.
Yes, Langkawi is often commended for its romantic island scenes with luxurious resorts, making it a popular option for a honeymoon.
Kid-friendly attractions? Check. Adventure-filled outings? Check. Pampering resorts? Check. Langkawi indeed is perfect to explore with your loved ones.
Yes, Langkawi is a duty-free island, and there’s no dearth of products at reduced prices.
Yes, given Langkawi’s oceanic geography and natural attractions, eco-friendly tourism is both encouraged and appreciated.
Written By
Sneha Chakraborty
Sneha Chakraborty is a journalist and photographer covering how travel intersects with food, culture, ..Read More
