Top 19 Best Things To Do In Langkawi [2023]

One of the most popular islands of Malaysia, Langkawi is a must visit for many travellers to Malaysia, and deservedly so. It’s gorgeous.

It is a true tropical paradise. From it’s white powdery beaches to its rainforests and delicious food, there are many great reasons to travel in Langkawi. In this guide, we have many more reasons with the top 19 things to do in Langkawi, Malaysia. So if you’re looking for things to do in Langkawi, you’re in the right place!

Langkawi is located off the northern part of Malaysia’s west coast in the Andaman Sea. It’s about 30 kilometres from the Malaysian mainland. It’s actually a district of 99 islands.

It is easy to get here thanks to an international airport and frequent ferries from the mainland. The main island is where you’ll find an array of Langkawi attractions as well as many accommodation and eating options.

Are you visiting this beautiful island and want to know what to do in Langkawi Malaysia? In that case read on – we have you covered for Langkawi!

Below, you will find everything you need to know with the best places to visit in Langkawi, Malaysia, the perfect Langkawi itinerary 3 days as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate Langkawi vacation!

So, if you’ve been wondering what to do in Langkawi, you’ll find plenty of answers here in this post!

Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Top 19 Best Things To Do In Langkawi Island [2023]

Here are the best Langkawi places to visit. Read through and select which activities and Langkawi tourist attractions fit your interests and timeframe.

Many of the best things to do in Langkawi involve entrance fees or tours. The best place to purchase these is on Klook here as they offer discounts on most places.

Walk Along The Langkawi Sky Bridge

The best place in Langkawi to start your sightseeing is to visit the Langkawi SkyBridge. In fact, a walk along the Langkawi SkyBridge is one of the most popular Langkawi tourist attractions.

The Langkawi SkyBridge is the longest free span, curved bridge in the world making it one of the most interesting places in Langkawi to visit. This is a brilliantly engineered bridge, being held suspended almost 2000 feet above sea level, all by a singular pylon.

Tourists travel from afar to see the stunning scenery and breathtaking location as the curved bridge spans between two great mountains, and when you think about Langkawi, what to visit, this is deservedly one of the top things to see in Langkawi.

To reach the SkyBridge, you need to take the Langkawi Skycab – the world’s steepest cable car – with the top station at 708 metres above sea level. Before you reach the top station where the bridge is located, passengers must get off at the middle station.

At the middle station, enjoy the panoramic views across Langkawi and surrounding islands.

Once you reach the top station, the views are even more spectacular! Here you are on the top of Machinchang mountain and can even see as far as southern Thailand!

The cable car is RM82 per adult and RM64 per child at the time of publishing. This is the foreigner price when discounted on Klook with locals paying less.

To get this discounted price, you need to buy here.

From the top station, you can now go and explore the Langkawi SkyBridge. This has an extra charge. This is an extra RM7 per adult and RM5 per child if you buy in advance on Klook here.

You can take the 10 minute jungle walk from the top station to the SkyBridge or take the SkyGlide. The SkyGlide is like an elevator that goes up and down the side of the mountain and is great for people with mobility issues or for kids that are just too tired to walk.

The SkyGlide is also an extra cost and, again, you can get tickets cheaper by buying in advance on Klook here.

At the base station of the SkyCab there are a range of other Langkawi island attractions including 3D Art, 6D Cinema, Sky Adventure Park and more.

With so many Langkawi tourist places located in the one spot, there is a lot of fun to be had here!

Click here to buy your discounted tickets now.

Go Island Hopping Langkawi

One of the top things to do in Langkawi is an island hopping tour, and island hopping is a must when you’re wondering about Langkawi – what to do and see.

There are a range of different tours available, with most tours including transfers from your hotel to the boat.  You can read more about island hopping tours here.

Tours stop at a range of different islands. A popular Langkawi tourist spot on these island hopping tours is Pulau Dayang Bunting which is the second largest island in Langkawi. The island is most famous for Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. Here you can participate in a range of Langkawi island activities including swimming, paddle boarding or simply relax.

Most island hopping tours take you to a range of places in Langkawi including places where you can eagle watch, snorkel and other beach activities. This is another great one if you’re in search of the best beach in Langkawi, as some of the islands are home to hidden gems. 

The best part is that island hopping tours are very affordable.

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

An extra fun way to go on your island hopping tour is on a jet ski! You can find a great jet ski island hopping tour here.

You can also read our full guide to Langkawi island hopping options here.

Enjoy Langkawi Water Sports

Read any Langkawi travel blog or Langkawi travel guide and you’ll see that when it comes to the Langkawi top 10 things to do, water sports are a must!  

The reason water activities in Langkawi are so popular is that the conditions here are just perfect. The water is calm and clear, and the landscape is just stunning! Plus in Langkawi, water sports won’t break the bank. Water sports here are just so affordable. Seriously, you will be gobsmacked by just how cheap it can be.

Some of the most popular water adventure sports in Langkawi include parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, donut boat rides, snorkelling and diving.  

In terms of  places to go in Langkawi for water sports, just pop on down to your nearest popular beach and you will see a range of little beach huts where you can arrange whatever activities you are interested in.

Or even better, sign up for a tour beforehand.

In addition to the possibility of a jet skiing island hopping tour here, you can also book a jet ski experience here.

Parasailing at Langkawi is an experience you’ll never forget. You can easy enjoy it from the main beach, Pantai Cenang, here.

You can also read our full guide to Langkawi jet skiing options here and our full guide to parasailing here.

Try Snorkelling And Diving

As mentioned above, Langkawi is just amazing for a range of water sports including snorkeling and diving. During your holiday in Langkawi you can of course do this yourself or better still, join a Langkawi day trip where you will be taken to some of the best places in Langkawi for spotting marine life. 

One of the most popular snorkelling and diving tours is a day trip to nearby Palau Payar which is only 1 hour away by speed boat. On this gorgeous Langkawi beach Malaysia offers, you can dive and snorkel in crystal clear water either straight from the shore or from a platform in the middle of the ocean.

As well as great marine life such as moray eels, clown fish, stone fish, parrot fish and more; here you will also see exotic coral reefs too. You can even swim with baby sharks (if you’re game!). In terms of what you can see underwater, on Palau Payar is some of the best in Langkawi.

Other visit Langkawi must-do activities include a glass bottom boat ride, swimming and relaxing on the beach.

Most tours include return transfers from your hotel as well as lunch and make for a fantastic Langkawi family trip out.

Click here to buy a snorkelling tour now.

Enjoy A Sunset Cruise

If you are looking for things to do in Langkawi at night, put taking a sunset cruise at the top of your Langkawi trip itinerary!  While great for families or a group of friends, it’s also one of the romantic things to do in Langkawi for a couple too.

There are a range of different sunset cruises you can do with some offering just drinks but the best ones also serve a delicious dinner on board too.  

Just imagine cruising off as the sun sets, admiring the stunning Langkawi landscape, enjoying an alcoholic beverage or two, taking a dip in the water or even enjoying the jacuzzi net as the boat heads out to sea.  On route you may even spot a dolphin or two.

Generally, all sunset cruises also include return transfers from your hotel too.

A sunset cruise is definitely one of the best Langkawi activities to do, no matter who you’re holidaying with. It was our favourite experience in Langkawi.

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

See Animals At Langkawi Wildlife Park

If you’re wanting to know where to go in Langkawi to see some animals then spend the day at Langkawi Wildlife Park. Here, you will not only get up close and personal to a variety of animals but also see some of Malaysia’s unique flora and fauna too.

At this Langkawi attraction place there is over 150 different animal species on show at the park including crocodiles, fish, turtles, monkeys, racoons, guinea pigs, macaws, flamingos, rabbits, hornbills, deer and more. There is also the opportunity to pat a range of animals as well as take part in the feeding program too.

Don’t miss the animal talk show which runs twice daily.

Entry cost is RM48.50 per adult and RM29.50 per child if you click here to get discounted tickets. It costs more on arrival. Malaysian’s also get discounted tickets at that link for an even cheaper price.

Address: Lot 1485, Kampung Belanga Pecah, Jalan Ayer Hangat

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

Learn About Fruit At Mardi Agro Technology Park

Another one of the great places to see in Langkawi is Argo Technology Park. It’s basically a fruit farm where you can learn about a variety of local fruits.

There are tours via a truck with stops to see different fruit trees with the opportunity to feed deers at the end. It is informative and fun and the place to go if you’re looking for things to see in Langkawi with the kids.

There is also a delicious fruit buffet where you can try lots of different fruit.

The park is open daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm, but closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Entry cost starts at RM20 per adult and RM10 per child and depends on exactly what you want to do.

Address: 1, Jalan Padang Gaong, Lubuk Semilang, Ulu Melaka Kuah

Get Up Close At Crocodile Adventureland

If you’re intrigued by crocodiles then another one of the Langkawi top attractions is Crocodile Adventureland. Crocodile Adventureland is a 10 acre farm in Langkawi which allows visitors to see and learn more about the fearsome, yet fascinating, crocodile.

At Adventureland you can see over 1000 different crocodiles, including the world’s largest living crocodile species.  You can also see trainers interact with crocodiles during the various shows on each day within the park.

Crocodile Adventureland is open daily from 9:30am to 6 pm.

A visit to Crocodile Adventureland is certainly one of the fun things to do in Langkawi.

Entry cost is RM48 for a foreigner or RM33 for a Malaysian. You can save money on this entry by buying discounted tickets here.

Address: Taman Buaya Langkawi, Mukim Air Hangat, Jalan Datai, Jalan Datai

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

See Under The Sea At Underwater World Langkawi

If you enjoy animal encounters, another of Langkawi points of interest to visit is Underwater World Langkawi, one of the largest aquariums in Malaysia. This is definitely one of the Langkawi places to see if you are visiting with kids.  

At Underwater World, there are over 4000 different aquatic species across almost 6 acres. The aquarium is divided into multiple sections including tropical rainforest, temperate and sub-antarctic.

The kids will love seeing the colourful tropical fish with the bright and colourful fish as well as walking through the gigantic 15 metre long tunnel to see the sharks, stingrays, groupers and turtles. However, without a doubt the highlight of the aquarium is the Sub-Antarctic (penguin) section with chilled display tanks featuring a range of different penguins.

Underwater World is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

This is a great attraction for the family. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for activities to do in Langkawi on a rainy day as it’s one of the few Langkawi places to go that’s indoors.

Entry cost is RM53 per adult and RM43 per child or you can save money by booking here. Malaysians also pay a lower rate.

Address: Jalan Pantai Chenang, Langkawi, Kedah

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

Relax At Pantai Cenang

When it comes to a trip to Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia, nothing beats spending some time relaxing at Pantai Cenang. Despite being the main tourist area, Pantai Cenang is one of the best beaches in Langkawi. It’s absolutely stunning with its long stretch of powdery white beach, calm and clear water and the stunning lush islands in the foreground.

At Pantai Cenang, there are plenty of sun loungers that you can rent from beach vendors. Whether you want to relax on the beach, go swimming or partake in some Langkawi beach activities, there is plenty to do.

Without a doubt, in Langkawi, best place to visit is the beaches and Pantai Cenang is not to be missed.

Click here to buy discounted water activities tickets in Pantai Cenang now.

Splash In The Water At Pantai Tengah

The best attraction in Langkawi is definitely the beach, but if you love the sound of Pantai Cenang, but want a quieter stretch of beach, then Pantai Tengah is what you’re looking for.

Just around the corner from Pantai Cenang, the beach here is just as beautiful as Cenang, but given there are not as many accommodation options here, it is far quieter.

Pantai Tengah is a great place to come to relax on the beach or have a quiet swim in the water without the hordes of tourists. This is certainly the best place to go in Langkawi if you want a stunning beach, without loads of people but still within easy reach of the main tourist area.

Get Away From It All At Tanjung Rhu

Is Pantai Tengah still too close to the tourist hub for you and you’re wanting to know where to visit in Langkawi where you can get away from it all?

Well then why not go to Tanjung Rhu.

When it comes to Langkawi beautiful places, Tanjung Rhu is certainly up there. In fact Tanjung Rhu would have to have one of the best shorelines in all of Langkawi! The water here is crystal clear and the beach has that perfect, white powdery sand.

Apart from the odd roadside stall, the area is quiet and peaceful and the landscape is absolutely stunning. This is the place where you go to be secluded.

It’s also the jumping off point for the mangrove cruise mentioned below. So beautiful!

Take The Iconic Langkawi Photo At Eagle Square

Still looking for ideas on Langkawi – what to see? Look at any Langkawi trip blog and you would have seen the iconic photo at Eagle Square. You know the image, it features the huge 12 metre eagle statue which is poised to take flight over the scenic waterfront plaza?

Eagle Square, or Dataran Lang which is its official name, is one of the Langkawi popular places that tourists flock to. The statue is located in the southeast corner of Pulau Langkawi and is also one of the nice Langkawi sightseeing places as it also has lovely views across Kuah Bay.

Don’t leave Langkawi without getting your photo at eagle square!

Address: Kuah Jetty, Dataran Lang

See 3D Art In Paradise

Located right by the SkyCab is 3D Art Langkawi, one of those new 3D art attractions which are popping up all over the place. In fact this particular one is the second largest in the world and is fast becoming one of the Langkawi main attractions.

3D Art Langkawi is broken up into various sections including an optical illusion zone, aquarium zone, safari zone and many more. Visitors walk around the museum, taking it in turns to have their photos taken inside the art. Here you can step into exotic worlds and even step back in time – all thanks to the art of illusion.

Art in Paradise is open daily between 9am and 6pm.

Entry cost is RM38 per adult and RM28 per child.

Address: Oriental Village, Burau Bay, Langkawi

Visit Waterfalls At Durian Perangin

Located on Gunung Raya is the Durian Perangin Waterfall, a stunning fourteen tier waterfall which local and tourists alike love to visit for a refreshing dip. At the foot of most of the different tiers there are gorgeous translucent natural pools just perfect for a swim.

You can also take a hike to the top of the waterfall for some gorgeous views – perfect if you’re looking for the best adventure activities in Langkawi.

You can visit the waterfalls at anytime of the day and entry is free making it ideal for a Langkawi budget trip.

Address: Northern slope of Gunung Raya, Langkawi

See The Rainforest On A Zipline Adventure

Ever wanted to fly across the rainforest on a zipline adventure?  Well at Skytrex Adventure Langkawi you can. Thrill seekers will love this park where you can zipline and conquer obstacles with 35 obstacles to pass at great heights.

Take your pick of how thrilling you want to go with beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The advanced is extreme.

Whatever adventure you decide to take, at this park, you’ll get to enjoy the tropical rainforest which is home to over 220 species of birds and also have the opportunity to spot other wildlife.

It’s loads of fun and, of course, safety is taken very seriously.

Entry or tour cost starts at RM60 with discounted tickets here.

Address: Jalan Teluk Yu, Kampung Kok, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

Take A Mangrove Tour By Kayak Or Boat

If you’re looking for a Langkawi one day trip, a mangrove tour, either by kayak or boat, is a great way to go. It’s a fantastic way to explore one of the top nature attractions in Langkawi. It’s often listed as people’s favourite thing to do in Langkawi. It’s definitely on my list!

You have two options:

1. Tour through the Kubang Badak Mangrove River by kayak (find it here). Includes lunch at a local house.
2. Tour through the Kilim Geoforest Park (UNESCO listed) by boat (find it here). Includes lunch at a floating restaurant.

Either option is great. Pick the one that best fits your activity level.

You will be guided through the mangroves where you will learn all about the unique species of flora and fauna that call the area home.

Keep an eye out because you may even be lucky enough to spot exotic animals such as the white bellied sea eagles, brahminy kites, kingfishers, herons, crabs, lizards, monkeys and otters.

The guided kayak tour also includes the opportunity to swim in a secluded natural pool.

Entry or tour cost starts at RM192 for kayaking and RM93 for the boat cruise if you buy your tickets here.

Address: Jeti Kubang Badak

Click here to buy discounted tickets for kayaking now or for the cruise here.

See It All On A Helicopter Tour

The best thing in Langkawi is it’s stunning landscape and one of the best ways to see this is on a helicopter tour.

This helicopter tour will provide you with gorgeous views across Dayang Bunting Lake and Cenang Beach. You will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands, mountains and stunning water of the Andaman Sea.

Helicopter tours include return transfers from your hotel and memories that you will never forget!

The tour cost starts at RM635 if you purchase tickets beforehand here.

Address: Jalan Pantai Cenang

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

Eat Everything At A Night Market

Without a doubt when it comes to what to do in Langkawi at night, the most popular attraction is the Langkawi night markets. These markets are on every night of the week from 5.30pm and are located in a different spot each night.

If you’re thinking of shopping or wondering about Langkawi what to buy, a good place to start is the food! The food here is absolutely delicious! Make sure you come a few nights during your time in Langkawi so you can eat everything you can!  You will not be disappointed at all and the food prices are very affordable.

As well as food, you can also pick up some Langkawi souvenirs from the markets too.

So if you are looking for some Langkawi night activities, don’t miss the markets. The location of the markets are as follows:

• Monday – Ulu Melaka Market
• Tuesday – Kedawang Night Market
• Wednesday and Saturday – Kuah Langkawi Night Market
• Thursday – Temoyong Night Market
• Friday – Air Hangat Night Market
• Sunday – Padang Matsirat Night Market

What To Do In Langkawi For 3 Days

If you’re looking for a Langkawi itinerary and you only have 3 days and wondering what to see in Langkawi, Malaysia – here is a brief itinerary worth considering with lots of things to do Langkawi has to offer. Check our Langkawi map below to see how it all fits together.

Day 1:

After getting to Langkawi, take it easy and spend the day exploring the stunning beaches nearest to your accommodation. If you’re keen on water sports, now is the time to choose a few of your favorite activities. Otherwise, hire a sun lounger and relax and take a dip in the stunning sea.

Be sure to be down at the beach for the sunset and hang around afterwards to see the fire dancers that move from bar to bar if you are in Pantai Cenang.

During the evening, explore the local streets and pick up a few souvenirs or better still head to the local night markets for dinner.

If you’re short on time and looking for things to do in Langkawi in 2 days, only spend half the day at the beach and move on to day 2 below.

Day 2:

Head to the Langkawi SkyBridge by taking the Langkawi SkyCab to the top and enjoy the fantastic views.

If you have 4 days in Langkawi you may want to spend the rest of the day in the area exploring the various other attractions such as a visit to 3D Art Langkawi.

For those following the 3 day itinerary, join an island hopping tour in the afternoon, or return to your hotel and enjoy the facilities. If you don’t do the island hopping tour, do a sunset cruise in the evening instead.

Remember, if you are short on time and wondering what to do in Langkawi for 2 days – visit the SkyBridge on day 1, keeping your time at the beach short.

Day 3:

On your final day of our itinerary Langkawi, either hire your own car or hire a driver and go and explore some of the other attractions which are of interest to you. Definitely include a few stunning beach stops and a photo stop at Eagle Square.

If possible, also include a mangrove kayak tour on your last day and hopefully spot some wildlife.

In the evening, watch one last sunset on the beach or enjoy some more yummy food at the night markets and pick up any final souvenirs.

Langkawi Tourist Map

On this Langkawi map for tourist, the blue markers are the Langkawi attractions listed above. The red markers are the best places to stay in Langkawi mentioned below.

You can zoom in and out on this Langkawi attraction map to get a better view of where the Langkawi must do highlights are.

Best Hotels in Langkawi

As well as the top attractions in Langkawi, I’ve also put together all my top suggestions for where to stay in Langkawi below for your convenience.

While Langkawi is not very big, there are a wide range of places to stay in Langkawi as well as a wide range of locations. The attractions are also spread out but it doesn’t take long to drive to any of them. However, it may be best to shortlist the attractions you plan on visiting first and chose the location of your hotel from there.

A good option may be to split your time between two different locations, so you get two different experiences. Perhaps stay at a good value hotel whilst exploring attractions and then choose a more upmarket hotel on a stunning beach for some relaxation to end your trip.

LUXURY – Datai Langkawi Review

The Datai Langkawi is located on a private beach in Datai Bay which is a secluded part of Langkawi.

With the rainforest on one side and the beach on the other, The Datai is beautiful, luxurious and has a wonderful beach making it a great choice if you are looking for one of the top beach resorts in Langkawi where you can really get away from it all.

It’s so luxurious and awesome that it has an amazing 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor from thousands of reviews.

There are many room types including private villas, perfect for romance or families. Many come with private pools for extra enjoyment.

There are many facilities and activities at the luxury Datai including three pools (one for adults, one for families and one for toddlers), water sports, health club and many nature activities both for children and adults.

There are four restaurants and two shops. Rates include breakfast and minibar and the villas also have a private butler service.

It’s expensive, but you also get what you pay for and this place is great. It’s the best choice for a romantic break and also works well for families.

Click here for the latest prices.

TOP CHOICE IN MAIN BEACH AREA – Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Review

The Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort is located in a great spot in the main beach area of Langkawi, Pantai Cenang. This means you can be in the centre of things in minutes with many eating and shopping options.

There are a range of room types here as well as some fantastic facilities. Facilities include two outdoor, free-form swimming pools, a gym, sauna, squash, mini-golf, tennis, archery and bicycle rental. And if you are bringing the kids, they will love the kids club as well as the dinosaur water play area with slides.

There are also two restaurants, a lounge and a pool bar. You are also just a short walk from many other eating options. And, of course, you have a beautiful beach to enjoy.

Note that at the time of publishing, the resort is under renovation so some facilities may be closed while this is happening. The best part is that if it’s finished when you’re reading this, this resort will be even better!

Click here for the latest prices.

BEST VALUE HOTEL – Adya Hotel Review

The Adya Hotel is located in Kuah, the largest town in Langkawi. Its central location makes things very easy as it’s surrounded by restaurants, and there is a shopping centre next door.

There are a range of room types here with all featuring balconies with fantastic views. Room types include simple hotel rooms, to executive rooms, right up to stunning suites. The hotel has two infinity pools (one women’s only), a kids pool, a gym, restaurant and other services and facilities that you would expect from a 4-star hotel. Note no alcohol is allowed here.

The location of this hotel is ideal for exploring attractions such as Eagle Square, Kuah Jetty and the Kuah night market and it’s only a short 20 minute drive from the airport.

It’s a great price and definitely the best value hotel on the island, but note that it’s not in a beach area.

Click here for the latest prices.

Langkawi – When to Go

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Langkawi, the short answer is that the best weather falls between November and April. This is when dry season falls and the waters are calm and clear, with temperatures varying between 18 and 35 degrees in the daytime.

The monsoon arrives sometime in May and lasts until late October. This isn’t usually a huge deal as rain showers are usually over quickly, but we don’t recommend it for visitors who want to be able to dive or snorkel as the water is cloudy.

As a tourist, the best time to visit Langkawi is in the dry season mentioned above, although you’ll want to avoid the Christmas and new year holidays if you can as this is when Langkawi gets booked up and filled with domestic and international visitors alike. Room rates will be higher at this time and you’ll need to book well in advance.

You’ll find better deals for the Langkawi islands in shoulder season around November, March and April.

Final Words

There is no denying that Langkawi is a stunning island. With lush tropical jungle and stunning beaches complete with crystal clear water, Langkawi is a fantastic place to come for an island holiday.

Whether you like to spend your days lounging on the beach, exploring loads of attractions or a bit of both, there is something for everyone in Langkawi. We hope you’ve given you plenty of ideas for stuff to do in Langkawi! 

I hope you enjoy exploring Langkawi as much as we have.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Not sure how to fit it all in? Check out our 2-5 Langkawi itinerary here. You can also check out the best resorts in Langkawi here, all the best hotels near Langkawi airport here or the best hotels with private pool in Langkawi here. Find our full travel guide to Langkawi here.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!