Best of Langkawi

My biggest concern before coming to Langkawi was if it’s too touristic as it’s likely the most famous of the holiday islands in Malaysia. I’m very happy to say my concerns were totally void! Below I’ve collected some highlights about what to do while in Langkawi based on our trip there in early April.

Kilim Geopark

Kilim Geopark, which is an Unesco Heritage site, is located in the northeast corner of the island. During your visit to the Geopark you can enjoy amazing scenery during a boat ride, visit a bat cave, and will encounter eagles and swimming monkeys. The boat tour takes 2-4 hours, and can be done either privately or in a group. This was actually one of my favorite things to do at Langkawi (beyond relaxing on the beaches) and would recommend it both for adults and kids.

You can read more about this from my other post.

Beaches at Tanjung Rhu

My absolute favorite beach at Langkawi was that of Tanjung Rhu. I especially liked the one next to where boats leave for the Kilim Geopark at the end of the peninsula. The sand is incredibly white, the beach almost empty (atleast before 1pm) and the views of the small islands are stunning.

There is also another beach apparently also named Tanjung Rhu few kilometers south and I also liked walking on that beach.

Pantai Cenang

Pantai Cenang is the most touristic area of the island with also a very long beach by the same name. The beach is beautiful and has an amazing sunset, but it also has too many water scooter renters for my taste which made it feel very touristic. The main street behind the beach is perfect place for scoring cheap souvenirs and the beach also offers plenty of restaurants. And yes, the sunsets at Pantai Cenang are definitely stunning!

Day trip to Koh Lipe, Thailand

Given we wanted to go snorkeling and the waters in Langkawi are not clear enough for that, we decided to take a day trip to Koh Lipe. Getting to Koh Lipe is pretty easy and you can take a regular ferry either from Kuah or Telaga harbour. The trip takes only 1.5 hours, but you will also have to spend 1-2 hours at both ends in immigration/customs. Koh Lipe has amazingly clear water, cheap & tasty food, and you can snorkel directly off the beautiful beaches, so it’s definitely worth a visit – if you’re ready to spend a lot of time getting there and back.

You can read more about doing a day trip to Koh Lipe from my other post.

Hike & swim at the Seven Wells Waterfall

Wherever I go, I always try to hike at least a little, and this time we were super lucky to be able to hike to the Seven Wells Waterfall directly from the Berjaya Langkawi Resort where we were staying at. While we hiked there all the way from our hotel, you can easily get to the starting point of the official hike by car. The hike itself is not too long but it’s all stairs, so be prepared for some climbing! The waterfall itself is divided in two parts: the waterfall itself which is lower, and the top of the waterfall which is called Seven Wells.

The views from the top are beautiful, and if you go early in the morning, like we did, you can swim alone in the pools.

If you choose to visit the falls, make sure to have mosquito repellent on as there’s plenty of the little beasts in the hot & humid forest!  And if you want to hike further, the trail goes all the way up to the mountain from the pools, but I’ve understood at least the last part may be pretty tough and almost like rock climbing.

Langkawi Cable Car & Sky Bridge

No article about things to do at Langkawi would be complete if it wouldn’t mention the most famous sights of Langkawi, the Cable car and the Sky Bridge.  I was myself also really looking forward to experiencing them myself and thus really gutted to notice they were both closed for two weeks of restoration in the beginning of April when we were there. But given the hike to the waterfalls was right next to the Cable car I’m pretty sure the views from the Cable car and Sky Bridge are pretty amazing, so would definitely recommend to visit.