Four Destinations That Make Langkawi Even More a Must-Visit

RRI.CO.ID, Langkawi - Langkawi, a duty-free archipelago consisting of 99 islands off the northwest coast of Malaysia and with status as the first UNESCO global geopark in Southeast Asia, is now emerging as one of the leading tourist destinations. Since being developed as a tourism area in the 1980s, this island, which is administratively under the state of Kedah, continues to present a variety of new and interesting destinations, ranging from marine tourism, high-altitude rides, to folklore-based cultural experiences.

The name Langkawi is said to refer to the words "helang" which means eagle and "kawi" which means red rock, referring to the presence of the reddish-brown Brahminy eagle which is often seen in the area. This interpretation then inspired the construction of a giant eagle statue in Darat Lang, Kuah, the largest city and administrative center of Langkawi.

Its location, which is around 30 kilometers from the northwest coast of Malaysia and close to the Thai border, also makes Langkawi a strategic stopping point for tourists visiting the northern region of Peninsular Malaysia. To support this status, Langkawi presents a variety of experiences that tourists can choose from, from sunset cruises, cable cars to mountain peaks, high-speed water rides, to night tours that highlight local legends. Here are four attractions that are currently in the spotlight in Langkawi.

1. Sunset Cruise Jetty

One popular experience is the sunset cruise offered by Resorts World Langkawi aboard a luxury catamaran. This four-hour maritime tour takes you along the Andaman Sea while watching the panoramic sunset, complete with water activities, drinks and a buffet dinner.

Throughout the cruise, you will pass through a group of small islands around Langkawi while enjoying drinks on board. Upon arrival back at the pier, tourists are treated to a night view of the Portuguese architectural style resort building, followed by a gourmet dinner containing seafood and an Asian menu

1. Langkawi Sky Cab

Apart from marine tourism, Langkawi also offers high-altitude attractions through the Langkawi SkyCab which is in the UNESCO Global Geopark area. This cable car ride takes visitors from the foot of Mount Machinchang to a height of 708 meters above sea level, while offering views of ancient rainforests, rock formations estimated to be more than 550 million years old, the Andaman Sea and the surrounding islands.

The journey to the top is taken using a gondola with a capacity of six passengers and takes around 15 minutes from the lower station at the foot of Machinchang Hill. On the trip, visitors can also see the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a 125 meter long curved bridge that connects hilltops at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level.

1. Touring the Island by Jet Car

For travelers seeking a unique experience, the Jet Car Langkawi offers a ride in a sports-car-shaped watercraft that skims across the sea's surface. Accommodating up to four passengers per vehicle, the tour takes participants to popular landmarks such as Maha Tower, Dataran Lang (Eagle Square), and the coastline of Tuba Island.

The Jet Car tour also visits Dayang Bunting Lake, which is famous for the legend of the Pregnant Maiden Princess as well as Singa Besar Island (a habitat for eagles) and Beras Basah Island, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Operated by experienced drivers, the ride is comfortable even for beginners; duration options range from 15 minutes to one hour, and children are welcome when accompanied by their parents.

1. A Night at Dream Forest

Meanwhile, Dream Forest Langkawi offers Malaysia’s first nighttime attraction dedicated to showcasing Langkawi’s legends and folklore through a blend of lighting, projection mapping, music, and interactive storytelling. Nestled within the Lubuk Semilang rainforest, the attraction invites visitors to traverse a 1.2-kilometer trail, with the entire experience lasting approximately one and a half hours.

Along the path, visitors are introduced to legendary Langkawi tales such as the Legend of Dayang Bunting Lake, the story of Merong Mahawangsa, and the myths of Langkawi’s giants that are brought to life through art installations and interactive digital technology. Dream Forest fuses traditional storytelling with modern technology to create an experience that stands apart from typical nature tourism in Langkawi.

This diverse range of attractions demonstrates Langkawi’s ongoing transformation into a destination that goes beyond mere natural beauty, integrating elements of adventure, technology, and local cultural heritage. This combination makes Langkawi a compelling choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience from sweeping sea views and mountain heights to the thrill of speeding across the water and the legends that come alive within its tropical forests.