15 things to do in Langkawi that will make you want to fly there immediately

You’re craving for an beach getaway but have already been to Batam, Bintan, and even Sentosa in the last few vacations. Consider something new: Langkawi. Located in Malaysia, Langkawi is gaining popularity among Singaporeans as the place to go to if you want to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, breathtaking views, and mouthwatering food options.

Here are 15 things to do in Langkawi that you should definitely add to your itinerary:

1. Take a jaunt around Oriental Village

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Located at the foothills of Mt. Machincang, Oriental Village is a charming, pastel coloured daydream filled with shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Pick up a souvenir or two, snap a few photos, or even hop on a elephant ride if you’re feeling up for it. There’s no doubt that no matter what you’re in the mood for, there are options abound for even the most discerning of travellers.

2. Take the steepest cable car ride in the world…

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Known as SkyCab, this cable car ride isn’t just the steepest in the world, it also has the longest free span for a mono cable car! Bringing you all the way to the top of Mt. Machincang, this 15-20 min journey gives you an unparalleled, 360 degree view of Machincang, with its jutting rock tower peaks, deep chasms and sheer cliff walls. You can even opt for a glass bottomed cable car for an even more thrilling experience, getting a clear view of the flora and fauna below.

Tickets cost RM55 per adult, and RM40 per child.

3. … and walk along SkyBridge

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Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this architectural wonder for yourself. At the top of your SkyCab ride lies SkyBridge, one of the world’s most spectacular pedestrian bridges. It ranks amongst one of the world’s longest suspension bridges, offering a panoramic view of the island below that is sure to take your breath away. Soak in the sights, and make sure to take a few photos for posterity!

Tickets cost RM5 for adults, and RM3 for children.

4. Grab a selfie with a 12m tall eagle sculpture

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Can you say you’ve been to Langkawi if you don’t have a photo with its unofficial mascot? Located at Eagle Square — or Dataran Lang, as the locals call it — the space is filled with beautiful miniature fountains, terraces, and bridges, making it the perfect site for a photo taking expedition. It is also a stone’s throw away from some of the best duty free shops in Langkawi as well as Jetty Point Mall.

5. Enjoy duty-free shopping

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Whip out your wallets in preparation for great deals on chocolates, perfumes, and even kitchenware! Discounts from 25% to 75% are plentiful amongst big brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Dr Cardin, so make sure to have your wits about you as you browse.

The popular outlets are located within the prominent towns of Langkawi, namely Kuah and Pantai Cenang. We recommend Coco Valley, The Zon Shopping Paradise, and Saga Shopping Centre for great bargains.

Coco Valley: Zon Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang (beside Underwater World).
The Zon Shopping Paradise: 970, 971 & 973 Underwater World, Jalan Pantai Cenang.
Saga Shopping Centre: 12-21B, Pekan Baru Kuah.

6. Book a boat tour

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Book a boat out onto the crystal clear waters of Langkawi, and enjoy a afternoon of swimming, picnicking and lazing about. Most tours involve hopping about the three surrounding islands, with each tour differing slightly on activities available (such as snorkelling, for instance) and food options.

You don’t even have to make arrangements in advance, with booking being made available on the island itself. Check out some reviews on boat operators and tour packages here!

7. Pamper yourself with a spa day

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Kick back, relax, and enjoy a range of pampering, all natural treatments at the myriad of spas in Langkawi. With a wide range of services available ranging from traditional Malay massages to Indian Ayuverdic treatments, you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice. More well-known spas include Alun Alun Spa, Ishan Malaysian Spa, and Satkara Spa. Read up on reviews here if you can’t seem to make up your mind!

Alun Alun Spa: Jalan Pandak Mayah 1, City Bayview Hotel, Langkawi 07000
Ishan Malaysian Spa: Jalan Teluk Baru, Pantai Tengah, Langkawi 07000
Satakara Spa: Jalan Pantai Cenang, Kedawang, Langkawi 07000

8. Get up close and personal with Langkawi wildlife…

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The Langkawi Wildlife Park is an interactive, five-acre animal sanctuary containing a wide variety of animals and a massive aviary with over 2,500 exotic birds. Feeding sessions are conducted regularly throughout the day, and visitors get to choose from feeding and petting donkeys, deers, eagles and even pelicans under supervision.

Tickets cost RM39 for adults and RM22 for children aged 3-12 years old.

9. …or maybe check out some crocs instead

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Affectionately referred to as Taman Buaya by the locals, Crocodile Adventureland is a farm that allows visitors to check out over 1,000 different crocodiles. Catch a feeding show to see these great reptiles in action, and pick up a few souvenirs before you leave at their gift shop to commemorate the experience.

Tickets cost RM25 for adults, and RM18 for children.

10. Spend the day by the beach

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With the numerous towns located right by the sea and beautiful white sand beaches, Langkawi is the place to be if you’re looking to dig your toes in the sand. Stretch out with a book and a floppy hat, or try your hand at the various water activities around such as jet skiing or parasailing. There are also plenty of beachfront bars and lounges if you’re looking to enjoy the nightlife scene! Popular beaches include Pantai Cenang, Pantai Kok, and Tanjung Rhu.

11. Eat to your heart’s content at Langkawi Night Market

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Night markets in Langkawi are held every day of the week, with the location of each market shifting constantly. However, they are constantly conducted in prominent locations such as Kuah and Pantai Cenang, which makes them impossible to miss.

Starting from 5pm, you can get a wide variety of food, clothes, and knick knacks at affordable prices. Chow down on local favourites such as pisang goreng, or opt for more newfangled creations like the Nutella Roti bread.

12. Go chasing waterfalls

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There are three main waterfalls in Langkawi: Air Terjun Temurun, Durian Perangin Falls, and Telegah Tujuh Waterfalls. All three locations offer a picturesque view for swimming, picnicking and photo taking, though bear in mind that you’re in for quite a hike to get to them in the first place.

The waterfalls also tend to be shallow and slow-moving during dry seasons, so it’s recommended that you check them out during rainier seasons at the year-end, instead.

13. Get your adrenaline pumping at zipline aerial adventure parks

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Thrill-seekers are sure to love the wide variety of zipline and aerial adventure parks available in Langkawi. With 12 different ziplines that bring you through the treetops of the world’s oldest rainforest and directly over the Seven Wells Waterfall, you’ll be in awe of the sights passing by. Catch glimpses of the Andaman Sea as you go, and see if you can spot some local wildlife while you’re at it!

Ticket prices depend on the packages you select.

14. Explore Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

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You’re in for some scenic views at the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, with there being mangrove swamps, beautiful beaches, and towering hills for you to check out. There are unique limestone formations and caves to look at as well, and even a floating fish farm where you can handfeed archers and stingrays for a certain fee. Go for the riverboat cruise to experience the park in all its glory.

15. Hop on the back of a ATV

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Travel in style along paddy fields, mountain paths and villages on the back of an ATV! Be sure to do thorough research on the ATV tours provided before selecting one, though — incidents are known to happen from time to time. You can look up reviews and ratings here.