The best attraction in Langkawi

The best attractions in Langkawi make the most of the natural landscapes, expansive parks, and iconic structures that no first-time visitor should skip on their travel itinerary. As one of Malaysia’s best-known and most popular beach destinations, the massive island is home to historical attractions, great fare, excellent diving opportunities, exciting nightlife and dirt-cheap shopping. Langkawi’s pristine beaches – namely Datai Bay, Pantai Cenang, and Tanjung Rhu – are also rated among the best in the world while vast roads provide easy access to its vibrant beach towns. Due to the size of the island, Langkawi’s best attractions are best explored by rented vehicle. There are a few sights that you definitely need to check out before leaving this island, so check out our comprehensive list of the most popular Langkawi attractions.

Dataran Lang, also known as Eagle Square, is a striking 12 metre-tall sculpture of an eagle poised to take flight is displayed atop an elevated platform. Set in Kuah, this prominent landmark is just a five-minute walk from Kuah Jetty, Jetty Point Mall, Taman Lagenda Dalam Langkawi, as well as numerous restaurants and duty-free shops. Dataran Lang also houses beautiful miniature fountains, terraces and bridges, while its close proximity to the sea makes it a popular spot for watching ferries ply across the harbour in the evening.

The entrance for the Langkawi Cable Car, which takes visitors all the way up to Mount Mat Cincang, Langkawi’s second highest peak, is located in The Oriental Village in the upper northwest of Langkawi Island, near Pantai Kok. Entering the village and passing through the pleasant oriental garden and souvenir shops, visitors make their payment at a counter before stepping onto an escalator which brings them to the cable-car pedestal. Once in, Langkawi Cable Car ascends; you’ll begin to notice the temperature dropping and a windy breeze begin flowing into the cabin through ventilation slits at the top.

With an altitude of 881 metres, Gunung Raya is hailed as the 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 such as leaf monkeys, flying foxes, macaque monkeys, squirrels, mountain hawk eagles, white bellied sea eagles, and great hornbills. Gunung Raya is also a popular destination for hiking but bringing a guide along is highly advisable as the trail can be quite challenging.