Langkawi, officially known as “Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah”, is an archipelago of 99 islands located in the Andaman Sea, off the northwest coast of mainland Malaysia. The main island, Pulau Langkawi, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and lush jungles.
Things to do in Langkawi
One of the main attractions of Langkawi is its beaches. The island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia, including Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, and Datai Bay. These beaches offer a perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling. The crystal-clear waters also make it a great spot for scuba diving, as visitors can explore the rich marine life that can be found in the surrounding coral reefs. Many also opt to take a ferry to Koh Lipe, Thailand for a night or two.
Another popular attraction in Langkawi is the Langkawi Cable Car, which takes visitors on a scenic ride to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang, the island’s second-highest peak. You can even pay a bit extra for a cable car with a glass bottom! This is one of the steepest cable cars in the world. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. Along the way, visitors can also stop at the Sky Bridge, a 125-meter-long pedestrian bridge that offers a bird’s-eye view of the island. You can also opt to go to the top of the newly constructed Maha Tower for incredible views and glass floors.
Langkawi also boasts a rich cultural heritage and visitors can learn more about the island’s history and traditions by visiting the Langkawi Cultural Centre and the Langkawi Museum. The island also offers a range of shopping opportunities, from local souvenir shops and markets to high-end boutiques.
Food in Langkawi
Langkawi is known for its delicious local cuisine, offering a wide range of food options that include both traditional Malay and international dishes.
Common Malay Foods:
Nasi Lemak: This is a traditional Malay dish consisting of coconut rice cooked with pandan leaves, served with a variety of toppings such as fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and a spicy sambal sauce.
Satay: This is a popular dish of skewered and grilled meat, usually chicken or beef, served with a peanut sauce and cucumber relish.
Laksa: This is a spicy noodle soup that is popular in Malaysia, it comes in different varieties such as Asam Laksa, which is a sour and spicy fish-based soup, and Curry Laksa, which is a curry-based soup.
Char Kway Teow: This is a popular street food dish made with flat rice noodles stir-fried with shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, and Chinese sausage.
Mee Goreng: This is a spicy stir-fried noodle dish that is popular in Malaysia and Indonesia. It is made with yellow noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood.
Seafood: Langkawi is known for its delicious seafood, visitors can find a variety of seafood dishes such as grilled fish, fried squid, and prawns.
Malay Desserts:
Ais kacang, also known as “ABC” (short for “Air Batu Campur”), is a popular dessert in Malaysia and Singapore. It is a type of shaved ice dessert that is typically served with a variety of toppings such as red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, and cendol (a type of rice flour jelly). Kuih is a traditional Malay term that refers to a wide variety of sweet or savory cakes and desserts. Some popular kuih in Langkawi and other parts of Malaysia include:
Kuih Lapis: This is a traditional steamed cake made with layers of rice flour and coconut milk, and it comes in a variety of flavors such as pandan and chocolate.
Kuih Seri Muka: This is a traditional Malay dessert made with glutinous rice, pandan custard, and grated coconut.
Kuih Talam: This is a traditional Malay dessert made with layers of pandan-flavored glutinous rice and coconut milk custard.
Kuih Koci: This is a traditional Malay dessert made with glutinous rice and coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
Kuih Kosui: This is a traditional Malay dessert made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and palm sugar.
Additionally, there are a number of international restaurants and cafes in Langkawi that offer a wide range of cuisine such as Italian, Indian, Chinese, and Western. Visitors can also find a variety of halal food options and vegetarian options.
Natural Sights in Langkawi
For nature lovers, Langkawi offers plenty of opportunities to explore the island’s lush jungles and mangrove swamps. Visitors can take a boat tour of the Kilim River, home to a wide variety of bird species and mangrove forests. The island’s many hiking trails also offer a great way to explore the island’s natural beauty, including the Langkawi Botanical Gardens and the Langkawi Geopark. During a typical geopark tour, you can also visit a massive bat cave. Monkeys are just about everywhere on this island as well!
Overall, Langkawi offers something for everyone. With its beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty, it’s no wonder that this island is considered one of Malaysia’s top tourist destinations. If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, Langkawi is definitely a must-see destination.
Check out our other Langkawi posts for hotel, restaurant, and tour recommendations!
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