Joanna James
As one of Malaysia's most beautiful islands, Langkawi offers travellers a wealth of exciting and memorable experiences. Here are some of the top things to do in the paradise isle.
Tipped to be one of the most rewarding activities one can sign up for in Langkawi, a boat tour of the Mangrove Kilim Geoforest Park is a magical experience no visitor should miss out on. The tour not only encompasses gliding down the Kilim River or Tanjung Rhu River with mangrove swamps on either side but also stopovers at caves, watching local fauna feed and watching eagles and other birdlife endemic to the area soar among the clouds. The area is rich in biodiversity and not only encompasses rainforests but also curious geological elements that have become beloved anomalies of this wondrous environment.
While most tourists may think activities such as island hopping are reserved for holidays in archipelagos the likes of the Maldives, Langkawi is the perfect place to enjoy an island hopping adventure in Asia. Visit eight nearby islands on this four-hour tour which not only allows travellers to discover local folklore but the natural attributes and geographical features that makes this part of the country so unique. Swimming enthusiasts can also take a dip in the ocean or experience a Jet Ski tour around the islands on the itinerary.
While Langkawi may not be famed around the world as a scuba diving hotspot or a snorkelling hub, the sheer beauty and diversity of the marine creatures and the coral gardens occupying its sea bed make it just that. The Pulau Payar Marine Park is the ideal location for all scuba diving fanatics as it is a mere hour's ferry ride away from mainland Langkawi. Frequently spotted marine life in the area include puffer fish, black tip reef sharks, parrotfish and angelfish while different species of coral are also part of the landscape in addition to nudibranchs. Travellers who prefer to snorkel will also find the coral gardens off the coast of the marine park are teeming with colourful creatures of different hues.
Visitors with an interest in eco-tourism will find a visit to the Mardi Agrotechnology Park as one of the best ways to spend their time in the beach capital. Spread out over an area of 35 hectares, the park is both a fruit farm and an agrotech park run by the local government. Established in 1990, the park is best explored on a fruit farm tour where visitors can witness plant groves dedicated to jackfruits, guava, rambutan, mango, pulasan, durian, citrus and cempedak. Visitors based at Berjaya Langkawi Resort or any other similar holiday resort in Langkawi can book a tour of the park via their accommodation provider.
A holiday in Langkawi is also the perfect opportunity to spend a few hours in the biggest aquarium in all of Malaysia. Home to a whopping 500 species, this one of a kind highlight is not only a hit with families but all travellers with an interest in marine life. Some of the stars of Underwater World Langkawi include its famed inhabitants such as the penguins, harbour seals and of course the sharks.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
