Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands off north-west Malaysia, mixes rainforest, beaches, limestone islands and Malay culture. Here are the best things to do, grouped by what you enjoy, each with a map link.
Nature
Langkawi Sky Bridge and Cable Car
Cable car and a curved bridge above the rainforest · Oriental Village, Burau Bay ↗
The cable car climbs Gunung Mat Cincang with wide views of the islands and the Andaman Sea. At the top, the curved Sky Bridge hangs high above the jungle canopy.
Good to know
Clear mornings give the best views, and the cable car gets busy: buy tickets ahead and arrive early.
Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
Mangroves, limestone cliffs, eagles, caves · North-east coast ↗
Part of the UNESCO Langkawi Geopark. A boat takes you past towering cliffs, mangrove forest and caves, with monkeys, eagles and monitor lizards along the way; don’t miss the Bat Cave and the Crocodile Cave. Book a private mangrove tour, or combine it with a sunset cruise in one of our cruise and mangrove packages.
Tanjung Rhu Beach
White sand, clear shallow water · North coast ↗
A quiet beach of white sand and clear water, with limestone islands offshore: good for a swim, a slow afternoon and photos. See our guide to the best beaches in Langkawi.
Adventure
Gunung Raya
Highest peak, rainforest, viewpoint · Centre of the island ↗
Trek through dense rainforest with rare birds and butterflies, or drive up to the top, where an observation tower looks out over the whole island.
Mangrove kayaking
Paddling the narrow channels brings you quietly close to the mangrove roots and the wildlife. Guided tours often add hidden caves and small beaches.
Waterfalls
Seven Wells: natural pools and a climb · Near Pantai Kok ↗
The Seven Wells (Telaga Tujuh) are known for their seven natural pools and the hike to the top, where you can swim. Durian Perangin and Temurun are also worth a stop for a cool dip in the heat of the day.
Culture
Langkawi Craft Complex
Batik, pottery, wood carving · North coast ↗
See traditional Malaysian crafts, from batik printing and pottery to wood carving, try your hand at some, and pick up souvenirs.
Mahsuri’s Tomb and Museum
Langkawi’s best-known legend · Kampung Mawat ↗
The story of Mahsuri, the maiden wrongly accused who cursed the island for seven generations, told through her tomb, traditional costumes, weapons and objects of island life.
Al-Hana Mosque
Malay and Moorish architecture · Kuah ↗
One of Langkawi’s most important mosques, with a golden dome and fine carvings. Visitors are welcome.
Good to know
Dress modestly and respect local customs when you visit.
With children
Underwater World Langkawi
Large aquarium with a walk-through tunnel · Pantai Cenang ↗
More than 4,000 marine creatures, a tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead, and feeding sessions that children love.
Langkawi Wildlife Park
Birds, reptiles, feeding sessions · Map ↗
Close encounters with birds, reptiles and mammals, many of which you can feed: a good half day with younger children. See our family trip guide.
On the water
Sunset cruises
The most relaxing way to see Langkawi: the islands and the sunset from the deck, with dinner, drinks and a swim stop on most cruises. Join a shared sunset cruise or have a yacht and crew to yourselves on a private sunset dinner cruise.
Island hopping and jet skis
An island hopping tour takes in Pulau Dayang Bunting and its Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, the beach at Pulau Beras Basah and the eagles of Pulau Singa Besar. For more speed, ride a jet ski tour past the limestone islands.
Relax
Spas, yoga and meditation
From traditional Malay massage to holistic therapies: The Datai Spa and V Botanical Spa at The Andaman are among the best, and several resorts run yoga and meditation classes by the sea or in the gardens. See our note on luxury experiences in Langkawi.
Food
Night markets and seafood
The night markets move around the island through the week, with satay, laksa, fresh seafood and tropical fruit at local prices. For grilled fish, prawns and Langkawi lobster, try Orkid Ria Seafood Restaurant, Telaga Seafood or The Cliff. More in our Langkawi food guide.
Practical tips
When to go. December to March is the dry season: sunny and the busiest, with higher prices. April and May are the hottest months. From May to the end of October, the south-west monsoon brings fewer visitors, lower prices and usually an hour or two of rain a day in parts of the island. See the best time to visit.
Getting around. A rental car or scooter gives you the most freedom; taxis and Grab are easy to find, and many hotels run shuttles. See how to get to Langkawi.
Where to stay. Pantai Cenang for beach life and restaurants, Datai Bay for quiet upscale resorts, with everything from hostels to villas in between.
For a ready-made plan, see our 4 days, 3 nights in Langkawi itinerary.