Places to visit in Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia and where to stay in Langkawi

Langkawi’s beaches and islands are some of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia. Picture this; white sand glistening in the light of the tropical sun, calmed by the gentle sea breeze as gulls and eagles soar in the sky. For sand or surf, you won’t be disappointed with what Langkawi has to offer.

Pantai Cenang Attractions

What to See in Pantai Cenang

The ripple of excitement you’re supposed to feel when you step onto the Pantai Cenang strip may not come. After all, even though these shores are purportedly the most stimulating stratum of Langkawi, that’s still not saying much.

Pantai Cenang doesn’t have many sightseeing attractions; the Langkawi Underwater World dominates the scene with its mammoth structure – but kids are most assuredly entertained here. Pantai Cenang’s beach is itself a popular attraction due to its beautiful sandy shores which face the crystalline waters and expansive horizon.

Nevertheless if truth be told Pantai Cenang’s claim to fame are the eateries lining the strip; easily the best fare in Langkawi where the food isn’t cheap but the menu selections are extensive. Most backpackers and package holidaymakers tend to stick to these shores because of their relative convenience.

Laman Padi

At the northern end of Pantai Cenang – opposite the Casa del Mar hotel – is Laman Padi; you can watch buffaloes grazing in the paddy field from the bridge at the entrance. As you walk through the compound you can read about the stages of Padi Cultivation; this ‘ecotourism’ complex also encompasses the Padi Cuisine and Café, the Nawa Sari Spa and the Heritage Gallery.

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 24:00 everyday
Address: Laman Padi, Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, 07000, Langkawi.

Tel: (604) 955 4312
Price Range: Entrance: free
Rice Garden Museum

This museum is dedicated to rice cultivation and comprises a Heritage Gallery – which displays the sequence of activities pertaining to rice planting – a Paddy Gallery – which has breathtaking views of a multi-tiered rooftop rice garden, a Herb Garden and a Garden of Variety where you can actually try your hand at rice farming.

Opening Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 everyday
Location: Laman Padi, Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang
Tel: 604 955 4312

Underwater World

Underwater World – Malaysia’s largest aquarium – features 200 different species of marine and freshwater creatures. Some of these exhibits – like the Rainforest Walk – are quite thrilling while others look like giant tropical aquariums that need a good cleaning. The Sub-Antarctic Ecosystem Display houses a ‘penguin-arium’ – an underwater tunnel with penguins.
Opening Hours: 09:30 – 18:30 Monday – Friday; 09:30 – 22:30 Friday – Sunday
Address: Zon Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
Tel: (604) 955 6100

Read more on: http://www.langkawi-info.com/

Pantai Tengah Attractions
What to See in Pantai Tengah
Pantai Tengah Attractions

On the southernmost tip of Langkawi, lies Pantai Tengah – meaning 'Middle Beach' in Malay – a popular haven for family holidaymakers. Linked to the ever-popular Pantai Cenang just after the Lighthouse Restaurant, this one kilometre-long beach is the longest stretch of beach in Langkawi. It is a pleasant enough strip, albeit relatively quiet; sea activities such as boating are especially popular here.

Unfortunately Pantai Tengah doesn’t boast any sightseeing attractions – most holidaymakers tend to visit the nearby islands and tour Langkawi’s outlying attractions. Its sister beach, Pantai Cenang – hardly a five-minute walk away – boasts few sightseeing attractions – the biggest being Underwater World – if you’re craving a spot of excitement.

Read more on: http://www.langkawi-info.com/

Kuah Attractions

What to See in Kuah

Kuah is more of a commercial centre and shopping zone than a tourist-attraction laden quarter of Langkawi Island. The manmade waterfront is muddy and murky and the concrete buildings surrounding the town are stark and unlovely.

Nonetheless Kuah does have its charms and features a few landmark attractions. Without a doubt Dataran Lang – also known as Eagle Square – is Langkawi’s most well-known attraction. You’ll actually be surprised at the beauty of the colossal eagle in flight statue. On the other hand if you’re not keen on spending the afternoon walking around Dataran Lang take a trip to the nearby Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman to cool off. Take in the sights of the statues depicting Langkawi’s myths and legends or spend an afternoon admiring the Moorish architecture of the Al-Hana Mosque.

Dataran Lang

Dataran Lang – also known as ‘Eagle Square’ – is a massive 12-metre monument in the shape of a sea eagle perched on some rocks. Greeting visitors as they arrive on the jetty, this tourist attraction has landscaped ponds, terraces and bridges. You’ll be surprised at how beautiful it is. Try to visit in the early morning or the late evening when the sun’s at its least brutal.
Location: Kuah Jetty (near the Jetty Point Mall, adjacent to the CHOGM Park and Taman Lagenda).

Opening Hours: All Day, 24 hours
Address: Kuah Jetty, 07000 Kuah, Malaysia
Contact: 604 966 7789 (Langkawi Tourist Information Centre)
Price Range: Free

Taman Lagenda

Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman

Located beside the Kuah jetty this 50-hectare ‘folklore’-themed park is a skilfully landscaped recreational strip along the Kuah waterfront. 17 multihued statues depicting Langkawi’s myths and fables are scattered along with the four manmade lakes and there’s also a narrow strip of beach; this area is a popular spot for joggers.
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am to 7pm
Location: Next to Eagle Square and Jetty Point
Address: Kuah Jetty, 07000 Kuah, Malaysia
Tel: 603 966 4223
Price Range: Free
CHOGM Park
CHOGM Park

Adjacent to the Al-Hana Mosque is the CHOGM Park; built to commemorate the 1989 Commonwealth meeting in Malaysia, this garden features tall lush trees that provide shade. Also the site of the first-ever international coconut-tree climbing championship in 1987, the beach next to the park is the only beach in Kuah Town.
Opening Hours: All Day
Location: Jalan Persiaran Putra (beside Al-Hana Mosque)
Tel: +604 966 7789 (Langkawi Tourist Information Centre)
Price Range: Free

Al-Hana Mosque

To the west of the picturesque Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman is the Moorish-style Masjid Al-Hana. Incorporating motifs and carvings from Uzbekistan along with traditional Malay elements, it is the largest and most popular mosque on the island; its golden dome is unobstructed by the palm trees of the CHOGM Park.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Location: Lencongan Putra 2 (located beside the Kuah Tourism Information office)
Price Range: Free

Gunung Raya

The highest peak in Langkawi, this mountain is believed to be the cursed form of a giant, known as Mat Raya, who once lived on the island. Covered with thick tropical rainforest, this untouched mountain has become a much-loved destination for the adventurous. The trekking here is simply magnificent and taking a guide along is highly advisable and sometimes the government may restrict access to the park so its advisable to call ahead to arrange a trip.
Opening Hours: 24 hours

Location: Jalan Air Hangat
Tel: 604 966 7789
Langkawi Crystal

Just south of the Gunung Raya Golf Resort is Langkawi Crystaal – established in 1996 - Malaysia’s only glass-blowing works. Once a simple glass-blowing house, Langkawi Crystal is now an extremely reputable crystal ware production company; that shuns the mass-production moulds of most major European producers. You can visit this factory and see how the individual crystal ware are produced and handcrafted to make it truly unique.
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00

Location: Lot 1804, Plot No. 55, Jalan Kisap, Kuah
Tel: 603 966 1555

Ibrahim Hussein Museum & Cultural Foundation

Featuring the works of Malaysian artist, Datuk Ibrahim Hussein, this private non-profit museum is dedicated to the promotion, development and advancement of art and culture of international stature. The open gallery currently exhibits mostly Ibrahim's works. In the grounds of the gallery there is also a nature walk that leads into the Machincang Forest Reserve.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
Location: Pantai Pasir Tengkorak, Jalan Datai
Contact: 604 959 4669

Read more on: http://www.langkawi-info.com/