Some travelers prefer a back-to-back schedule, visiting multiple attractions each day, while others take a slower, free-and-easy approach, allowing time to relax and explore each location (BEST THINGS TO DO IN PENANG).
Among the tourist spots in Langkawi, certain attractions stand out, you’ll see why once you visit. Whether it’s a short trip or a longer stay, planning your Langkawi itinerary carefully will help you make the most of your visit and discover the top things to do in Langkawi.
Oriental Village, Langkawi
Oriental
Village offers a variety of things to do in Langkawi. This popular destination
is located in the Burau Bay area, at the foothills of the Machinchang Cambrian
Geoforest Park.
Open daily from
8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Oriental Village is an open-air complex featuring tourist
attractions, souvenir shops, art galleries, and food outlets.
It must be
noted that Oriental Village is not the most affordable place on the island when
it comes to attractions. Different packages are available, and people can
decide which one they prefer to pay for.
Time can also
be a limitation (THINGS TO DO IN KUALA KUBU BHARU) as walking from the parking lot to the village and between
attractions requires some effort. Any attractions included in a chosen package
but not visited before closing time may be missed.
Langkawi Cable Car Ride
The Langkawi Cable Car Ride, or SkyCab, is one of the top attractions in Langkawi. With a 42-degree incline at some points, it ranks among the world’s steepest cable car rides. The journey takes about 15 minutes one way, covering 2.2 kilometers and rising more than 700 meters above sea level.
Along the way,
the gondola opens up wide views of Langkawi’s mountains, dense rainforest,
waterfalls, and the Andaman Sea. On clear days, the horizon even extends toward
southern Thailand. Weather plays a role here, as strong winds or rain may cause
delays.
The viewing
decks at the top station provide an open vantage point, making the ride one of
the best ways to
appreciate Langkawi from above.
Mount
Machincang/Gunung Mat Cincang
The cable car leads to the top station of Mount Machincang, at 708 meters above
sea level. This mountain is part of the Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, one
of Langkawi’s UNESCO Global Geopark sites. According to local folklore, the
name is linked to the mythical Malay hero Machincang.
From the top,
the scenery stretches in all directions- rolling green
mountains, the blue Andaman Sea, and the landscape of Langkawi below.
Sky Bridge Walk
From the top station, a short walk or ride on the SkyGlide leads to the
Langkawi Sky Bridge. This curved pedestrian bridge stretches 125 meters and is
suspended about 100 meters above the ground.
Crossing the bridge gives the same sweeping views as Mount Machincang, with the added thrill of walking across a curved structure high above the forest. Sections of glass panels on the walkway allow a direct view of the landscape below, making the Sky Bridge one of Langkawi’s distinctive landmarks.
The 3D Art Museum in Langkawi, also called the Trick Art Museum, is the second largest in the world. It spans a wide area with different themed sections, each featuring detailed artworks that create realistic three-dimensional effects.
There are
plenty of choices for photography, with artworks ranging from cultural themes
to creative designs. A laser show is also part of the attraction.
The 3D Art
Museum is mainly a place for posing and taking pictures with creative
backdrops. For people less interested in photography, it may not be a must-see
compared to other attractions in Langkawi.
Other
attractions in Oriental Village include:
SkyDome - a
dome cinema showing short films with 360-degree visuals.
SkyRex - a
motion simulator ride with sound and visual effects.
6D Cinemotion - a 3D movie with added physical effects like movement and vibration.
Rabbit Park/Animal exhibits - a small area with rabbits, deer, and other animals to see and
interact with.
Tiger Gallery - a safe space to view a tigress named “Zanah.”
Segway guided
tours - ride on Segways along paths around the village.
Quad/ATV
rides - off-road trails for adventure rides.
SkyAdventure
Park - simple outdoor challenge games and activities.
Paddle boating/lake activities - small lake for paddle boats or water bikes.
Located in Pantai Cenang, Underwater World Langkawi is one of Malaysia's largest marine and freshwater aquariums. Covering over six acres, it showcases a wide variety of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to sea turtles, rays, and vibrant corals.
The aquarium is
divided into zones representing natural habitats, including Tropical
Rainforest, Temperate, and Sub-Antarctic sections. A key feature is the
15-meter-long walkthrough tunnel, where people can see sharks, rays, and other
marine creatures swimming overhead, offering a unique perspective of underwater
life.
Other notable
attractions include feeding sessions and interactive displays that provide
insights into marine ecosystems and conservation. Underwater World Langkawi is
one of the top sightseeing spots in Langkawi.
Most half-day
tours cover three main islands: Eagle Island (Pulau Singa Besar), Pulau Beras
Basah, and Pulau Dayang Bunting (Pregnant Maiden Lake). The tour begins at a
designated departure point in Langkawi, with boats heading out for the island
visits.
Eagle Island/Pulau Singa Besar
As the boat moves through the waters of Langkawi, it approaches Eagle Island
(Pulau Singa Besar). The boat stops for about five minutes, while eagles are
seen soaring above and sometimes passing close to the boat. Some tours include
eagle-feeding sessions, providing a closer view of these birds in action.
Eagle Island is
part of the Langkawi Archipelago, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and is known for its
ecological value and natural heritage. The island is named after the eagles
most likely seen during the tour, including Brahminy Kites and White-bellied
Sea Eagles, which are an integral part of Langkawi's identity.
Pulau Beras Basah is located at the western tip of Langkawi. Tours typically stop here for about an hour, allowing time for swimming, walking along the white sandy beach, or sitting on the shore and admiring the view. The clear waters and soft sand make Pulau Beras Basah a notable stop on island hopping in Langkawi.
The name Pulau
Beras Basah comes from local folklore. According to legend, a ship from the
Sultanate of Kutai carrying rice sank in shallow waters, but the rice floated
and piled up, forming a small raised area that eventually became part of the
island. This is how the island got its name, Wet Rice Island, in Malay.
Pulau Dayang
Bunting/Lake of the Pregnant Maiden
Langkawi’s second-largest island, Pulau Dayang Bunting, is also called Tasik
Dayang Bunting, meaning Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. The name comes from the
island’s silhouette, which resembles a pregnant woman lying on her back.
After getting
down from the boat, it’s a walk to the island, surrounded by limestone hills
and lush forest. A climb and further walk along the stone path eventually lead
to Tasik Dayang Bunting, the freshwater lake at the heart of the island.
According to local legend, women who take a dip in the lake may improve their chances of conceiving. The water is deep, so wearing a life jacket and exercising caution is recommended. With its scenic views, natural surroundings, and legend, Pulau Dayang Bunting remains a key highlight of Langkawi island hopping tours.
Langkawi Dataran Lang, also known as Eagle Square, is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks and a top spot for sunset watching. The square features the massive eagle statue, a symbol of Langkawi, standing prominently against the Andaman Sea.
The open waterfront area allows space for walking, relaxing, or simply observing the sun dip below the horizon. The calm waters, soft evening light, and gentle sea breeze create a serene and scenic setting, making Dataran Lang a fitting way to conclude a day of sightseeing on the island.
