Joanna James
Nestled off the coast of Penang in northwestern Malaysia is a little paradisiacal world, the Jewel of Kedah, the idyllic archipelago of Langkawi. The 99-island archipelago is chock full of breathtaking places, waiting to show you the best of the islands settled amidst the wide-open Andaman Sea.
The iconic Eagle Square, Dataran Lang as it is popularly known in Malay, features a 12-metre-tall statue of a red-backed eagle, the very species of eagles that gives the "Lang" in Langkawi. Fronting the Andaman Sea and imposing forest-covered mountains in the backdrop, the star-shaped waterfront plaza is widely popular among tourists to the archipelago as an incredible photo spot and vantage point. Snap a picture with the mighty eagle poised to take flight, go paddle boating in the adjoining pond or simply take in the breathtaking views surrounding the plaza over the turquoise blue waters.
Hop on the SkyCab from Oriental Village for a 10-minute breathtaking cable car ride to the peak of Mount Mat Cincang to reach the mind-blowing Langkawi SkyBridge. At 125 metres in length, it is the longest curved pedestrian bridge in the world, supported by only a single 82-metre-high pylon at the centre of the bridge, making it an absolute man-made wonder that truly deserves the visit of every tourist to Langkawi.
Home to over 4,000 underwater creatures of 200+ species, Underwater World Langkawi is one of the largest marine and freshwater aquaria in the whole of southeast Asia. The highlight of the incredible aquarium is its 15-metre-long underwater tunnel, which holds over 500,000 litres of seawater that is home to a host of big fishes and sea life, including the popular Giant Green Turtle. Get up close and personal with fascinating aquatic creatures and feel lost in a world deep in the ocean as you stroll the mind-blowing underwater tunnel.
At an altitude of 881 metres, Gunung Raya is the highest mountain in the archipelago of Langkawi. The soaring mountain takes shelter under a dense rainforest, treating you to an adventurous hiking trail with the added thrill of wildlife encounters from leaf monkeys, flying foxes, macaque monkeys, great hornbills and other fascinating creatures. Set out on an exciting trek to the summit of Gunung Raya and set your thrill-seeking soul free.
The 2-kilometre-stretch of pristine white sand of Cenang Beach on the west coast is one of the many picture-postcard beaches that Langkawi is well known for. Unwind under swaying palms, sip tropical cocktails, soak up the gorgeous sunset and retreat to one of the finest Langkawi resorts the likes of Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa and retire for the day.
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.
