Joanna James
Often described as Malaysia's most stunning beach paradise, Langkawi offers visitors of all ages a wealth of thrilling and engaging experiences. From exploring its main highlights to enjoying water sports activities, here are the 5 top things to do on a holiday in Langkawi.
Tipped to be one of the most visited attractions on the island, Underwater World Langkawi is an educational activity hub like no other. Home to a whopping 200 species that include marine and freshwater creatures, the Underwater World Langkawi is also the largest aquarium in the country. Ideally situated near the Zon Shopping Centre, this family-friendly venue boasts rockhopper penguins, harbour seals and the biggest freshwater fish in the world, the Arapaimas. Spending an afternoon in the underwater tunnel allows visitors to have close encounters with green turtles, sharks and countless other creatures including massive stingrays. The aquarium's various thematic zones, the Tropical Rainforest, Temperate and Sub-Antarctic enclosures are another reason to visit this larger than life enclosure.
No trip to Langkawi would be complete without discovering its underwater coral gardens and marine heritage with a scuba diving expedition. Those who are not adept at diving may also find that a holiday in Langkawi provides the perfect opportunity to pick up the sport and gain a PADI certification. Avid divers, on the other hand, should head down to the Pulau Payar Marine Park as it is home to the best dive sites in Langkawi. Some of the most frequently spotted marine life on diving tours includes angelfish, reef sharks and parrotfish while nudibranchs are also known to occupy the seafloor in large numbers.
Those who are based at Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa and other rests should also take the time to explore the Langkawi Wildlife Park and Bird Paradise. A nature lover's dream destination, many accommodation hubs that identify themselves as the best hotel in Pantai Cenang are located within close range of this wet and wild highlight. With an impressive 2500 birds to its name, the Langkawi Wildlife Park and Bird Paradise serve as the verdant home of 150 bird species including canaries, flamingos, toucans and hornbills. Visitors can not only feed the pelicans but also the colourful macaws contained within this sanctuary with its own 15m tall waterfall.
Once you've had your fill of the stunning beaches of your resort base, it is then time to head out to the other scenic islands that make up the archipelago we all call Langkawi. Most island hopping tours take around four hours to complete and include pit-stops at all 8 islands surrounding the main island.
A boating excursion inside the Mangrove Kilim Geoforest Park will be the adventure of a lifetime for those who love to go bird watching in marshy surroundings. With the Tanjung Rhu River flowing through it, this engaging tour allows travellers to witness the flora and fauna unique to the local environment.
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