Langkawi’s Best Attractions: From Sun Sand Sea and Beyond

Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah, is an archipelago of more than 99 islands; embodying everything great about Malaysia and its East Asian Location. From sun to sea, and the sand you can walk on, it’s the perfect place for any beach lover to find themselves escaping to. Yet that’s not all Langkawi has to offer.

From the luxurious hub of the St Regis Langkawi Resort, the rest of the archipelago is completely at your disposal. Take a swim at one of Langkawi’s best beaches, or simply laze around on their sands. Alternatively, go a little deeper and strap on an air tank for diving, or higher and cross the Langkawi Sky Bridge. Plus, there’s so much more.

Here are the top things to do in Langkawi. From the sand and sea of beaches to the haunting heights of the Langkawi Sky Bridge, and more.

Laze or Swim on Langkawi’s Beaches

Langkawi Beaches might not be the most famous in the world, but they sure to pack a punch where it counts. Due to Langkawi’s unique Archipelago formation, Langkawi is home to several incredible beaches throughout its 99 islands. Not all of the beaches have the clearest water, yet all of them do tend to stay cool year-round, meaning they’re perfect for taking a dip in the afternoon to cool down – especially during the summer.

Pantai Cenang Beach is one of the most popular. Located on the western coast of Langkawi, it offers endless white sand and clear water to swim in. You’ll also find plenty of restaurants, bars, and other attractions along the beachside. Just be careful about visiting during summer – it tends to get busy very quickly. Tengkorak Beach is another favorite, which even has picnic benches for families coming here. Located in the north of Langkawi, it’s worth the visit – especially considering the legend of Tengkorak.

Visit the Kilim Geoforest Park

If you’re looking for landscapes which don’t involve as much sand, the Kilim Geoforest Park is the perfect spot to venture to from where you’re staying. Located on the northern tip of Langkawi, the Kilim Geoforest Park takes up over 100 square kilometers and the area is known for its Karst landscapes and unique natural rock formations. You’ll also find plenty of wildlife here, including fabulous otters and unique breeds of lizards.

One of the most common ways to enter and explore the Park is by boat. Cruises can cost between RM200 and RM500. You’ll take a tour through the park itself and then head into the Limestone Caves, where you can actually feed stingrays. Pretty cool.

Experience Scuba Diving

If you’ve never been scuba diving before, now is the time to start, regardless of where you’re staying on the island. With some perfect reefs and locations for popping on an air tank and submerging yourself, Langkawi is the perfect place to engage in this unwater experience.

The best place to go scuba diving in Langkawi is the Pulau Payar Marine Park. Located around about 30 km south of the main island of Langkawi, the Coral Garden here is known for being incredibly beautiful and exciting to witness. Normally, visitors to the park need to obtain authority from the government before venturing into its depths, but there are tours which can avoid this.

Cross the Langkawi Sky Bridge

One of Langkawi’s unique attractions, this 125-meter-long pedestrian bridge offers a high almost like no other. Towering 700 meters above sea level, you’ll find yourself walking a thin line between a fear of height and a walk of bravery.

The bridge itself hangs from a single support structure, around which is bends (and flexes), creating a somewhat unnerving sway to the bridge. The view is incredible though. You can look out across the Langkawi Archipelago for seeming miles and miles. Beautiful blues and dark greens can be found everywhere.

The bridge costs RM35 for a standard adult ticket, which can be bought from the ticket office. The bridge is open between the hours of 10am and 8pm.

Visit the Mangrove Forest

Another by-boat tour of an incredible part of Langkawi. The Mangrove Forest is one of Langkawi’s most fantastic and immersive natural areas. After you board the tour boat and head into the forest, you’ll find yourself surrounded by trees and plant life on every side. The thing passages of water you’ll make yourself through are, at points, only just wide enough to accommodate the boat your sitting in. Make sure to duck and watch out for low hanging branches!

Make a Purchase at the Ayer Hangat Night Market

Located at Ayer Hangat in Langkawi Island, this Friday night exclusive is one of the island’s best shopping experiences for those visiting. From local souvenirs and gifts to unique food and treats you’re able to pick up, this is perfect for any shopping-loving travelers out there.

The market officially kicks off at 5 pm and continues until late. Whilst there are a lot of bargains to be grabbed here, make sure to remember that a lot of the stock is imitation and you’re not going to find genuine Prada or Gucci here. Regardless, if you’re happy with what you see, why not invest the tiny amount they’re asking. Just make sure to bargain!

Explore Langkawi At Your Own Pace

Langkawi is a paradise. As a part of Malaysia with beauty comparable to some of the nicest places in the world, visiting here almost always makes you want to stay for longer. It’s the type of place you imagine a person retiring to, or simply just moving to after they’ve amassed enough money.

Whilst the area does have specific dry and wet seasons, they don’t tend to influence the actual temperatures and climate all that much. This means that pretty much year-round the conditions in Langkawi are perfect for pretty much any activity you can think of.

So, prepare yourself for one of the best trips you’ll ever have. A trip filled with relaxation, sun, beaches, and a lot of boat rides.