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Langkawi Malaysia
Langkawi, officially called Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah (Malay: Langkawi Permata Kedah), is a duty-free archipelago consisting of 99 islands—plus five additional islets visible only at low tide in the Strait of Malacca—situated about 30 km off the northwestern coast of Malaysia and just south of Ko Tarutao, near the Thai border. Administratively, it forms a district of Kedah, with Kuah as its main town. Developed as a tourist destination in the 1980s, the island’s most popular beach and tourist hub is Pantai Cenang.
Geography
Langkawi is a cluster of 99 islands lying in the Strait of Malacca, about 51 kilometres west of Kedah on mainland Malaysia. Together, the islands cover a landmass of 47,848 hectares. The main island stretches roughly 25 kilometres north to south and slightly more east to west. Its coastline features flat, alluvial plains broken by limestone ridges, while nearly two-thirds of the interior is dominated by forest-covered mountains, hills, and natural vegetation.
The island’s oldest geological feature, the Machinchang Formation, dates back over half a billion years to the Cambrian period and represents the first part of Southeast Asia to emerge from the seabed. At Teluk Datai in the northwest, the exposed outcrops reveal upper layers of sandstone (quartzite) and lower layers of shale and mudstone. This formation provides the best exposure of Cambrian rocks (541–485 Ma) in Malaysia, with only one other example, the Jerai Formation, appearing along Kedah’s west coast on the mainland. Geologically, these rock sequences belong to the Western Belt of Peninsular Malaysia, associated with the Shan–Thai terrane.
UNESCO
On 1 June 2007, Langkawi Island was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark. Its three main conservation areas are the Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, and the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park (home to the famous Pregnant Maiden Lake). These sites are not only key to the island’s geological heritage but also among its most visited tourist attractions. In 2014, however, UNESCO issued a “yellow card” warning, cautioning that Langkawi risked losing its geopark status.
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The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, also known as the Kilim River area, is a mangrove forest reserve featuring dramatic limestone formations, hidden caves, and three interconnected river estuaries that extend roughly 10 km from Kisap Village to Tanjung Rhu. The park is rich in biodiversity, home to a variety of wildlife such as bats, crocodiles, eagles, kingfishers, monitor lizards, macaques, otters, snakes, and tree crabs.
Langkawi Island
Langkawi is a Malaysian island renowned as a tropical paradise, famous for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and stunning natural landscapes, including a UNESCO Global Geopark designation. Located in the Andaman Sea near the Thai border, the archipelago of Langkawi offers a range of activities, from aquatic adventures and jungle treks to experiencing unique cultural attractions and enjoying duty-free shopping.
Langkawi Sky Bridge
The Langkawi Cable Car carries visitors to the summit of Gunung Mat Chinchang, where the iconic Langkawi Sky Bridge is situated. Closed in 2012 for maintenance and upgrades, the Sky Bridge reopened in February 2015. Later that year, an inclined lift known as SkyGlide was added, providing a convenient link between the top station and the bridge.
The cable car ride begins at the Oriental Village, a popular tourist hub that also features several attractions, including Art in Paradise, a 3D interactive art museum.
Langkawi Hotels
Four Seasons Langkawi
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is a tranquil haven set between a mile-long stretch of golden sand and dramatic limestone cliffs. Start your morning with a dip in your villa’s private plunge pool before venturing into the surrounding mangrove forests, winding rivers, and ancient sea stacks. Located within the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, the resort is also a sanctuary for tropical birdlife, including the majestic hornbill. Rejuvenate with holistic treatments at The Geo Spa, then end your day with a cocktail in hand as the sky glows with jewel-toned sunsets. Each day at this beachside retreat offers fresh discoveries, unique experiences, and unrivalled luxury.
Things to Do in Langkawi
From natural wonders to thrilling adventures, Langkawi offers a wide variety of experiences for every traveler.
Nature & Wildlife
Langkawi SkyCab & Sky Bridge – Ride the cable car up Gunung Mat Cincang for sweeping panoramic views, then stroll across the iconic curved Sky Bridge. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park – Discover mangroves, limestone cliffs, caves, and diverse wildlife on a scenic boat tour.
Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls (Seven Wells) – Hike through lush rainforest to cascading waterfalls and natural pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. Langkawi Wildlife Park – Encounter exotic birds, mammals, and reptiles in themed zones with interactive experiences. Island Hopping – Take a boat trip to explore smaller islands, hidden coves, and marine parks such as Pulau Payar.
Beaches & Adventure
Cenang Beach – Enjoy water sports like jet skiing and parasailing, then unwind with beach bars, live fire shows, and vibrant nightlife. Tanjung Rhu Beach – Relax on pristine sands with tranquil waters, ideal for a peaceful escape.
Underwater World Langkawi – Explore one of Malaysia’s largest aquariums, home to marine species from around the globe. Oriental Village – A cultural and shopping hub at the base of the cable car, with attractions, eateries, and family activities.
Flights to Langkawi
From Major Indian Cities:
Chennai → Langkawi
Bengaluru → Langkawi
Delhi → Langkawi
Mumbai → Langkawi
Direct Flights from India: Only Bengaluru offers direct service—about one daily flight, typically departing at night, totaling roughly 7 flights per week
