The best things to do in Langkawi include natural landscapes, expansive parks, and iconic structures that no first-time visitor should skip on their travel itinerary. On one of Malaysia’s most well-known island, you can also enjoy great food, excellent diving opportunities, exciting nightlife, and duty-free shopping.

Langkawi’s pristine beaches – Datai Bay, Pantai Cenang, and Tanjung Rhu – are rated among the best in the world. There are plenty of sights to explore throughout your vacation, so check out our comprehensive list of the most popular things to do in Langkawi.

What are the best things to do in Langkawi?

  • 1

    Langkawi Sky Bridge

    Langkawi Sky Bridge
    • Adventure
    • Families
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    The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125-metre-long curved pedestrian bridge that offers an exhilarating (and sometimes terrifying) view of the verdant Gunung Mat Cincang, the Telaja Tujuh waterfalls, and several islets surrounding Langkawi. 

    Set 700 meters above sea level, it's only accessible via the final station of the Langkawi Cable Automobile. This sturdy bridge can accommodate up to 250 people at a time. It's fitted with double steel railings, an enclosed wire mesh, and 2 triangular platforms where you can relax and enjoy the cool breeze.

    Location: Jalan Telaga Tujuh, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

    Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 7 pm

    Phone: +60 (0)4-959 4225

    Map
  • 2

    Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)

    Dataran Lang (Eagle Square)
    • Families
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    Dataran Lang, also known as Eagle Square, is a striking 12-metre-tall sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight. The statue is displayed on an elevated platform in Kuah. This prominent landmark is just a 5-minute walk from the Kuah Jetty, Jetty Point Mall, Taman Lagenda Dalam Langkawi, as well as numerous restaurants and duty-free shops. 

    Dataran Lang is surrounded by beautiful miniature fountains, terraces and bridges. Its proximity to the Andaman Sea makes it a popular spot for watching ferries ply across the harbor in the evenings.

    Location: Persiaran Putera Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

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  • 3

    Langkawi Cable Automobile

    Langkawi Cable Automobile
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    The Langkawi Cable Automobile takes you on a 15-minute ride to the top of Gunung Machinchang. Along the way, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Langkawi’s lush rainforests, islets, and waterfalls. The journey starts at the Oriental Village, where you’ll pass several stops fitted with open-air view decks. 

    After reaching the 708 metre-tall peak, you can enjoy the cool breeze, grab a quick bite, browse through many souvenir stalls. Remember to take lots of photos from the observatory deck. As it gets a little chilly toward the top, we advise bringing a sweater along for the ride.

    Location: Jalan Telaga Tujuh, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm, Friday–Sunday from 9.30 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +60 (0)4-959 4225

    Map
  • 4

    Gunung Raya

    Gunung Raya
    • Adventure

    Gunung Raya has an altitude of 881 meters, making it highest peak in Langkawi. According to local beliefs, the mountain is the cursed form of a giant called Mat Raya, who had once lived on the island. 

    The dense rainforest is home to numerous wildlife, including leaf monkeys, flying foxes, macaque monkeys, squirrels, mountain hawk eagles, white-bellied sea eagles, and great hornbills. Gunung Raya is a popular destination for hiking, but bringing a guide along is highly advisable as the trail can be quite challenging for novices.

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  • 5

    Pulau Payar Marine Park

    Pulau Payar Marine Park
    • Adventure
    • Families
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    The Pulau Payar Marine Park is a prominent spot for snorkeling and diving in Langkawi. It is about 45 minutes away from the Kuah Jetty – you can get there by catamaran or speedboat. One of Pulau Payar Marine Park’s best features is its Coral Garden, a secluded section filled with colorful corals. 

    Those eager to explore the Pulau Payar Marine Park will have to obtain permission from the authorities (fishing is strictly prohibited) before venturing into the waters. Alternately, you can join a tour group, which is usually inclusive of snorkeling gear, lunch, and drinking water.

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  • 6

    3D Art in Paradise Langkawi

    3D Art in Paradise Langkawi
    • Families
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    3D Art in Paradise Langkawi features more than 200 impressive artworks that appear almost lifelike when photographed. This 3-storey building is one of the largest 3D art museums in Malaysia. 

    This unique museum is next to the iconic Langkawi Cable Automobile in Oriental Village. It has 9 interactive sections, including optical illusion, aquatic, safari, fantasy, classic, castles, landscapes, Egyptian, and Malaysian zones. 

    Location: Jalan Telaga Tujuh, 07100 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

    Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

    Phone: +60 (0)13-509 1209

    Map
  • 7

    Legenda Park

    Legenda Park
    • Budget
    • Families
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    Legenda Park is a beautiful folklore-themed park beside Langkawi's Kuah Jetty. You can explore on foot or hire a buggy to get around the premises. The open-air attraction faces the Kuah waterfront, hosting around 17 sculptures with signboards in English depicting Langkawi legends.

    You can see colorful figures of heroic giants, mythic birds, evil ogres, and beautiful princesses. Entrance to this well-maintained park is also very affordable compared to other Langkawi attractions, making it a popular spot for families. 

    Location: Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

    Price: RM5 (adults) and RM2.50 (children aged 3 to 12 years old)

    Map
  • 8

    Telaga Tujuh Waterfall

    Telaga Tujuh Waterfall
    • Adventure
    • Photo

    The Telaga Tujuh Waterfall is a natural Langkawi attraction, with locals claiming it to be the home of faeries. Set on the western headlands, its name means Seven Wells Waterfalls, referring to a series of 7 connected natural pools fed by 7 separate waterfalls on Mount Machinchang. 

    You can enjoy a dip in the cool water or brave a steep 45-minute climb to the top of the waterfall. You'll pass by several huge rocks and through the 7 pools. Macaques, hornbills, and squirrels are commonly spotted along the hike.

    Location: Jalan Telaga Tujuh, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

    Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 7.30 pm

    Map
  • 9

    Al-Hana Mosque

    Al-Hana Mosque
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    Masjid Al-Hana is a Moorish-style mosque in Langkawi, located toward the west of Lagenda Park and Kuah Jetty. Incorporating motifs and carvings from Uzbekistan with traditional Malay elements, it's the largest mosque on the island. Its golden dome is unobstructed by the palm trees of the CHOGM Park.

    Location: Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

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    photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 10

    Black Sand Beach Langkawi

    Black Sand Beach Langkawi
    • Couples
    • Families
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    Black Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Hitam) offers memorable photo opportunities and a peaceful retreat from Langkawi's busy beaches. It's just 4 kilometers southwest of Tanjung Rhu Beach, around a 20-minute drive from the Langkawi Cable Automobile. 

    Black Sand Beach is a popular hangout spot among locals, especially during weekends and public vacations. Despite its name, the beach is actually a mix of black and white sand. Some locals believe it to be the result of a centuries-old curse by a mermaid after a fisherman stole her ring. Others claim that it’s burned soil from rice paddy fields back in 1821.

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Penny Wong | Compulsive Traveler