The Malaysian Geopark, between golden beaches and emerald green sea
There is a corner of Malaysia that is not just an island, but an entire enchanted archipelago: Langkawi. Located off the northwest coast of the Malay Peninsula, a few kilometers from the border with Thailand, Langkawi (Pulau Langkawi) is the main of 99 islands (plus 5 islands visible only at low tide) that are part of the state of Kedah and are immersed in the clear waters of the Andaman Sea and the Strait of Malacca.
Langkawi is a destination that offers much more than a tropical holiday: it is a journey into the geology of the world, Malali legends, local flavours and the authenticity of gentle hospitality. It is the perfect balance between nature and culture, sustainability and comfort, adventure and relaxation.
Recognized in 2007 as a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi is home to some of Asia's oldest rock formations, dating back over 500 million years, which form a unique karst landscape, shaped by erosion.
Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park (the only sandstone Geoforest in the world with the oldest geological formation in the country and the Temurun Waterfall), Kilim Karst Geoforest Park (with pinnacles, vertical and underground karst hills) and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park (which boasts precious marbles) are the three main protected areas of the Geopark. The ecosystem is rich in biodiversity and the archipelago offers one of the highest concentrations of natural beauty in the Southeast Asian region including limestone forests of granite and sandstone.
Langkawi is not only crystal clear sea and white sand but is also perfect for those seeking jungle adventure, sustainable activities, nature discoveries, cultural experiences, authentic cuisine and relaxation in exclusive resorts. All in a pleasant tropical climate with an average annual temperature of between 24 and 33 degrees. The best time to visit is from November to March, during the dry season with sunny days and light breezes.
The beaches of Langkawi
Among the most beautiful white sand beaches in Langkawi, certainly the most famous is Pantai Cenang, lively and lively, with postcard sunsets, 5-star resorts, seaside restaurants and Underwater World, the largest aquarium in Malaysia.
For a quieter atmosphere there is Pantai Tengah with the longest stretch of beach on the island or Tanjung Rhu, a peaceful corner between fine sand and spectacular rock formations. And then Datai Bay, wild and luxurious, where the jungle meets the sea or the particular Pantai Pasir Hitam with black sand beach.
A must-do experience is a boat or jet ski excursion in the archipelago from Pantai Cenang to the islands of Dayang Bunting, Beras Basah (ideal for diving and snorkeling), Singa Besar, Rebak Besar and other natural coves of Langkawi.
Pulau Tuba Island
Pulau Tuba (Tuba Island, named after the native plant Tuba), a small, lesser-known island located about 5 kilometers off the south coast of the main island of Langkawi where you can snorkel in crystal clear waters or paddle a kayak through the mangroves, is worth a thorough visit.
On the island of Pulau Tuba you can admire the buffaloes grazing freely in the rice fields in an idyllic green landscape and visit the typical fishing village or the colorful houses of the village in Desa Keda Teluk Berembang, moving quietly by bicycle or car. Or head to Bukit Licin, to explore the caves of Gua Wang Buluh and Gua Kelawar, trekking to Bukit Kecik and enjoying shrimp noodles at Tanjung Pandan. It is suggestive to reach it in 20 minutes from Kuah with typical wooden boats while the movements on the island are without a car therefore only on foot, by bike or motorcycle.
Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
Another enchanting discovery are the parks, including stalactite caves, mangroves and karst canyons. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is a 100 km² protected wonder to explore by small speedboats, spotting eagle rays, monitor lizards, iguanas, macaques and Irrawaddy dolphins, while delving into caves such as Gua Kelawar (Bat Cave) populated by bats.
The park alternates with overhanging Bogak trees, rock formations emerging from the seabed, beautiful mangrove forests, isolated white beaches, and blue lagoons. The park is part of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark and is a symbol of the island's sustainable strategy.
Pulau Payar Marine Park
The Pulau Payar Marine Park is located in the northern part of the Strait of Malacca, south of Langkawi and includes the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca. The marine park is teeming with marine life and vegetation. Pulau Payar is the most popular of the islands for its sheltered waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving at the Coral Garden, an area covered with soft corals of different bright colors. It can be reached by catamaran or speedboat from Kuah Pier.
Lake of the Pregnant Maiden
The Lake of the Pregnant Maiden or Tasik Dayang Bunting fascinates with its natural setting and its mysterious past. The name of Langkawi's largest freshwater lake is attributed to the legend of a fairy princess who married an earthly prince.
After the death at the birth of her first child, out of sadness she buried him in the lake and blessed the waters so that any childless girl who bathed in the lake could conceive. To reach the lake you first arrive at the Island of the Pregnant Maiden and then continue with a short walk through the forest reserve.
Kubang Badak BioGeoTrail
The Kubang Badak BioGeoTrail includes 12 sites to explore by boat, starting from the pier of Kubang Badak. It is located on the northwest coast of the island and is characterized by several geological formations: the sandstone Machincang mountain range in the west, the granite rocks of Bukit Sawar in the south, and the landscape of karst hills and limestone peaks in the east. Also worth visiting are the mangrove forests and an ancient settlement of the Thai community with the remains of charcoal ovens in the shape of igloos, dating back to the eighteenth century and used for the production of fuel.
Nature & Wildlife Activities in Langkawi
Those who love nature can venture into Gunung Raya, Langkawi's highest mountain (881 meters), home to black eagles and giant squirrels. The rainforests can be explored on foot with experienced guides or on a segway tour.
Among the activities: kayaking in the mangroves, snorkeling in Pulau Payar Marine Park, excursion to the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls (the Seven Springs with 7 natural pools where, according to legend, fairies bathed), sky-trekking (trekking from one tree to another at Perdana Quay in the landscape of GunungMat Chincang), quad biking, horseback riding on the beach or in the jungle paths, birdwatching and even ultralight flights.
Families with children appreciate the Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise (with rare exotic birds and animals), the Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi (with crocodiles of various species, located in Kubang Badak 32 km from Kuah), the Darulaman Sanctuary in the jungle at the foot of Gunung Raya (for walks among squirrels, flying lemurs, birds and monkeys, hiking and birdwatching) and the Underwater World Langkawi on Chenang Beach, an aquarium that is home to sharks, rays, moray eels, penguins, seals and green turtles.
Langkawi Skycab & SkyBridge
Among the experiences not to be missed in Langkawi, a must, the climb on the SkyCab cable car, one of the steepest in the world, which takes you up to 708 meters on Mount Gunung Mat Cincang, the second highest on the island after Gunung Raya. The view is breathtaking and you can admire forests, Telaja Tujuh waterfalls, sea, islets, pinnacles and rock formations as far as the eye can see.
Once at the top, the Langkawi SkyBridge, a 125-meter-long curved pedestrian bridge suspended about 100 meters above the ground, offers a walk literally "in the clouds" with a magnificent view of the jungle below.
On the way back, you can visit the open-air 6D Cinema or 3D Art Langkawi, a museum of interactive 3D art, or go souvenir shopping in the different shops and malls right by the funicular at the Oriental Village, in Burau Bay, 30 minutes from the town of Kuah and a 15-minute drive from Langkawi International Airport (LGK).
Kota Mahsuri
Langkawi is deeply connected to its myths and legends. The most famous is that of Princess Mahsuri, unjustly accused of adultery and sentenced to death and who, it is said, cast a curse of sterility for seven generations on the archipelago. According to legend, during his execution he had bled white blood as a sign of innocence. His tomb is a monument, a place of memory and spirituality that tells the historical and legendary past of the island flanked by a museum that brings the legend of Mahsuri to life. It is located in Kampung Mawat, 12 km from Kuah City.
Kuah
Kuah, the main town, is the starting point to get to know Langkawi and houses the primary terminal from where ferries depart. Although it does not have a beach, it has a beautiful promenade and is a reference point for several tourist attractions such as Langkawi Legend Park which exhibits 17 local legends in artistic form with colorful statues among flower gardens and fruit trees.
The heart of the city is the Eagle Square (Dataran Lang - Eagle Square), with the iconic statue of a reddish-brown eagle in flight (symbol of the island and from which the name Langkawi derives) 12 meters high in a star-shaped square with panoramic ponds and bridges.
Also worth visiting are the 138-meter-high Maha Tower (which houses the Sly Lounge and Sky Deck) on the waterfront with an unforgettable view of the archipelago, the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, the Gunung Raya Golf Club and the Al-Hana Mosque with its large golden dome. Kuah is also lively at nightfall with bars, restaurants, live music venues to spend the evening in a cheerful way.
Not far from Kuah, about 12 km away, you can visit the Galeria Perdana, commissioned by the Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad which exhibits a collection of state gifts and awards such as cars, paintings, musical instruments, textiles, porcelain and crystal art objects.
There is no shortage of shopping centers for duty free shopping: Langkawi has been a free zone since 1987 and you can make advantageous purchases. There are many products for shopping including chocolates, kitchen utensils, local fabrics, bamboo or shell objects and local marble, handcrafted jewelry or perfumes. Not to be missed, a visit to the night market that moves to a different area of the island every evening, where you can taste a typical Malaysian street food.
Gastronomy of Langkawi
Langkawi's cuisine is a feast of Malay, Thai, Chinese and Indian flavours. To try: Prawn Noodles with prawns, Nasi Dagang (steamed rice, coconut milk, fish curry, accompanied by pickled cucumbers, carrots or other vegetables), Laksa Kedah (wheat or rice noodles in spicy soup with coconut milk, curry, chicken and fish), Nasi Lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fried anchovies, peanuts, hard-boiled eggs and sambal) or fresh seafood dishes such as tiger shrimp, squid, crabs and barracuda.
On the beaches there are stalls offering fried shrimp, chicken satay (skewers of marinated and grilled meat, served with peanut sauce), Roti Canai (flatbread of Indian origin) and typical sweets such as Cendol (made with coconut milk, rice jelly, pandan leaves and palm sugar syrup). Renowned restaurants can be found in resorts, but also in villages: you can taste the grilled fish in the restaurants of Pantai Tengah (near the Pantai Cenang beach) or the local specialties in the traditional warungs (small family-run restaurants).
Texts by Alisè Vitri, Avion Tourism Magazine
Photos and visuals for editorial use only: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited. Copyright © Sisterscom.com
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| AIRLINE | OUTBOUND | FLIGHT | RETURN FLIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
| flydubai | DUBAI | Transit at the airport of 6h | Transit at the airport of 6h |
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Where to stay in Langkawi
Langkawi offers various possibilities for accommodation in facilities equipped with the best services.
To find the ideal hotel and the best offers, you can search by stars but also by places of interest.
TOURS & EXCURSIONS IN LANGKAWI
Langkawi offers an incredible variety of experiences to those who visit it. One of the most popular tours is the one through the mangroves of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, to navigate through narrow coves immersed in dense mangrove forests and visit the evocative Gua Kelawar, the cave of bats.
Also dominating the landscape of Langkawi is the summit of Gunung Machinchang, which can be reached thanks to the spectacular SkyCab, which leads to the famous SkyBridge, which offers a breathtaking view.
For those looking to explore the smaller islands surrounding Langkawi, boat tours take you to some of the pearls of the archipelago, such as Pulau Dayang Bunting, famous for its freshwater lake surrounded by jungle, or Pulau Beras Basah, with its white sand and turquoise waters. Some itineraries also include the island of Singa Besar, to observe the flight of eagles.
Of course, there is no shortage of the gastronomic aspect, which is intertwined with each tour and excursion. Many experiences include stops at local restaurants, where you can savor fresh fish specialties or coconut and rice desserts.
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Langkawi: island hopping by boat
Langkawi Island boat tour: visit Wet Rice Island (Beras Basah Island); visit to the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Pulau Dayung Bunting); eagle watching on the Island of the Big Lions (Pulau Singa Besar). Life jacket included. Hotel pickup and drop-off. Duration: 3.5 hours. Booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Book now.
Boat or kayak through the mangrove forests of Kilim Geoforest Park
Guided nature excursion with a boat cruise through the mangrove forests of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark to admire the flora and fauna of Tanjung Rhu, the Kisap River and the Kilim River among labyrinths of tree roots and mangrove forests. Sightings of kingfishers, eagles, otters, and dolphins in the Andaman Sea. Duration: 2.5 hours. Book the boat tour. Or choose a kayak tour in the Kilim geological forest with lunch or dinner at a floating restaurant, lasting 4 hours (with Langkawi Eco Ventures, guide and equipment included). Book the kayak tour. Reservations with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
SkyCab Cable Car & SkyBridge Bridge
Langkawi Panorama combo ticket in the heart of the Oriental Village, where the valley Station is located, at the foot of Mount Machincang, with access to various attractions. Ride on the SkyCab cable car (climbs up to over 650 meters above sea level to the top of Mount Machincang) admiring ancient rainforests and rock formations over 550 million years old. Walk on the SkyBridge (curved suspension bridge at the top station) with a spectacular view. Duration: valid for 1 day. Book now. Or choose the multi-attraction combo ticket that includes: Langkawi SkyCab Cable Car Ticket + SkyDome + SkyRex Admission + Sky-bridge + 3D Art Langkawi (near the cable car departure point). Duration: 3 hours. Book now. Booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Nature walk in Telaga Tujuh
Discover Telaga Tujuh or the Seven Wells waterfall on a guided nature tour in the heart of Langkawi's rainforest. Itinerary: base of the Gunung Mat Cincang, path to Telaga Tujuh (stepped path + nature trail), waterfall of the Seven Wells with natural pools where you can cool off. Local snacks and bottled water. Provision of ponchos in case of rain. Pick-up included (from hotel or other location). Duration: 6 hours. Booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Book now.
All tours and excursions
