10 places that must be visited at LANGKAWI ISLAND
Situated near the Kuah jetty, the main attraction of the square is the magnificent statue of the reddish brown eagle majestically poised for flight. According to local folklore, Langkawi derived its name from- the eagle or "helang". In old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown - hence, Langkawi means reddish brown eagle.
The square is beautifully landscaped and features scenic ponds, bridges, covered terraces, restaurants and barrel vaults made of bricks. Its close proximity to the sea and the soft breezes make it an ideal spot for leisurely walks and a tranquil setting for dining in the cool evenings.
Also located inside the Oriental Village, the clear bubble shaped cable car takes the 2.2 km ride up the mountainside on a 42 degree incline. Gunung Macincang at 708 metres offers a spectacular view. Starting from about sea level, the Cable Car rises from about sea level to an altitude of over 700 metres. Along the near vertical lift, tourists are presented with the towering cliff face named 'Matahari Face'.
To fully appreciate the stunning views, a lot has to do with the prevailing weather conditions, so if it is overcast or raining, it may be best to wait for a clearer day. There are two viewing stations and it is possible to get off and rejoin the cable car at station one. A walking trek from Station one, uphill to Station two has been carved through the vegetation allowing a refreshing walk through the forest.
3. Cenang Beach
The first place you must visit on your trip to Langkawi. Relax and unwind yourself at this clear, clean and pristine beach. After all, Cenang is one of the famous beaches in Langkawi with just 25km from Kuah town.
Tourists looking for fun on their Langkawi head straight to Cenang Beach on the south western coastline of Langkawi.
This popular beach is the longest beach on the island and probably the most attractive. Known to the natives as Pantai Cenang, the beach is a long stretch of golden white sands and is virtually a tourist paradise.
4. Mahsuri Mausoleum
With its fabled and historical past, Langkawi is a treasure trove for visitors. Among the significant sites on the island that have been preserved for posterity is Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum) about 12 kilometres from Kuah.
This shrine was erected in honor of Mahsuri, a fair maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery. According to legend, she bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. In her dying breath, she laid a curse on the island that it would remain barren for seven generations. Fact or fiction, seven generations have since passed and today, Langkawi is a flourishing tourist destination.
5. Underwater World
Underwater World Langkawi is one of the largest marine and fresh water aquaria in South East Asia. Since the start of its operation on 26 August 1995, it has become one of the must visit tourist destinations in Langkawi and has attracted a large number of foreign as well as local tourists.
The concept and theme of Underwater World Langkawi are geared towards Knowledge, Education and Entertainment.
It is built to raise awareness on the importance of conserving our precious aquatic life forms, thus creating understanding of the deep and inseparable bond between man and nature.
It is built to raise awareness on the importance of conserving our precious aquatic life forms, thus creating understanding of the deep and inseparable bond between man and nature.
Unique to Underwater World Langkawi is the gigantic 15-meter long walk-through tunnel consisting of 500,000 liter seawater which houses many big fishes and sea creatures including the Giant Green Turtle.
6. Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls (Seven Wells)
Enjoy freshwater streams cascades about 90 metres from this majestic waterfall with a series of seven magnificent wells. The uphill trek to the top is less than a mile, the trip is quite strenuous, and you’d be well advised to take water with you. Also, be careful – the rocks are slippery. It is just 45km from Kuah town.
7. Pulau Dayang Bunting
Go swimming, rent a water bikes or bask in this largest lake in the area. Pulau Dayang Bunting is made famous for the legend of the fairy that was captured here and tricked into marriage by a human prince. The fairy gave birth to a child but the baby died and she threw the corpse into the lake.
8. Langkawi Geopark
Experience nature and wildlife at this preserved park and understand the geological heritage. Not only that, you can also ride on “Lasah”, the Asian elephant into the foothill of the Gunung Machincang Mountain range.
9. Pulau Payar Marine Park
The Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Melaka, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca which are surrounded by coral reefs.
The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation.
The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation.
Many endangered species of fishes and marine organisms live within the sanctuary. Pulau Payar is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal are for snorkeling, diving and swimming.
Among the enchanting dive spots is the "Coral Garden", an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals.
Among the enchanting dive spots is the "Coral Garden", an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals.
There are several sandy beaches on Pulau Payar island for picnics as well as hiking trails for those who wish to explore the island. Just off the beach, one can indulge in the thrilling experience of feeding baby sharks. Facilities include gazebos, picnic tables, barbecue pits and restrooms at selected areas. There is also a Visitors' Centre that provides information about the marine park.
10. Gallery Perdana
The Galeria Perdana at Kilim, about 11 km from Kuah, houses an impressive collection of over 2,500 state gifts and awards presented to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato' Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad and his wife, YBhg. Datin Seri Dr. Siti Hasmah bt. Mohd. Ali.
The exhibits include fine crystal ware and gifts fashioned out of wood, leather, silver, copper, pewter, ceramics and glass. There are also musical instruments, Islamic art and craft, textiles and weapons. A part of the display includes various prototype cars and 4~wheel drive vehicles.
The exhibits include fine crystal ware and gifts fashioned out of wood, leather, silver, copper, pewter, ceramics and glass. There are also musical instruments, Islamic art and craft, textiles and weapons. A part of the display includes various prototype cars and 4~wheel drive vehicles.
The Galeria Perdana comprises of 2 double storey buildings set within a beautifully landscaped garden.
Photography is not allowed inside the gallery. Pictures of exhibits are available for sale at the souvenir shop.
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