Welcome to Malaysia’s dreamiest island: Langkawi. Dominating an impressive archipelago made up of 99 breathtaking islands and islets, Langkawi is a tropical paradise surrounded by turquoise waters and blessed with magnificent natural landscapes – famous all over the world for being a duty-free paradise since 1987.

It might well be a tax-free haven, but it’s Langkawi’s rugged natural scenery dotted with waterfalls and parks, spectacular beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with tropical fish that will make you fall in love with the ‘Jewel of Kedah’.

If you are planning a trip to this striking destination, we’ve done all the work for you and have put together the top five things you should not miss out on when in Langkawi.

1- Take a ride on the iconic Langkawi Cable Car

As one of the most popular attractions on the island, it’s easy to see why everyone should hop on the spectacular Langkawi SkyCab: travelling over 1,700 meters in 15 minutes and offering unparalleled views over the island and beyond, the cable car works as an aerial connection from the Oriental Village to the top of Gunung Machinchang mountain, where the iconic Sky Bridge is located.

Boasting breathtaking vistas the Langkawi SkyCab offers a memorable ride on one of the steepest cable cars in the world.

2 – Walk the dazzling Sky Bridge

We hope you enjoy heights if you decide to walk across the iconic Langkawi Sky Bridge, as you will be standing high over 700 metres above the sea level!

Accessible only via the final station of the SkyCab, this impressive, 125-metre long structure (the longest free span and curved bridge in the world) is suspended by a 82-metre high single pylon, and allows you to soak up incredible views over the lush Gunung Machinchang mountain, the thundering Telaga Tujuh waterfalls and beyond to tiny islets surrounding Langkawi.

Accommodating 250 people at a time, Langkawi Sky Bridge comes complete with two triangular platforms where you can stop to enjoy the breeze and the views… If you dare to cross it that is!

3 – Join a jet ski tour and go island hopping

With over 99 islands and islets to discover, an island-hopping tour should be high on your to-do list in Langkawi. Yes, you could do it on a boat, but why not doing in style – on board a jet ski?

Feel the thrill as you speed off on your private jet ski to explore the islands surrounding Langkawi, accompanied by a local guide. Stop along the way to swim in some of the clearest waters you’ll ever see surrounded by tropical fish, trek through lush jungle to reach remote waterfalls and admire the natural beauty of Langkawi’s archipelago from a privileged point of view.

Our pick for the coolest jet ski tour in the island? SAFF Watersports Langkawi

4- Trek through rainforest to reach Temurun Waterfall

When you are ready for a change of scenery from Langkawi’s post-card perfect beaches, head to the jungle for a dip in the freshwater pools of the beautiful Temurun – the island’s tallest waterfall.

Located in the Datai Bay area, Temurun is a three-tiered waterfall dropping over 200 metres into stunning pools. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike to reach the top of the waterfall: the forest surrounding it brims with wildlife such as macaque monkeys, birds and colourful butterflies that will accompany you on this unforgettable hike.

As Temurun is a seasonal waterfall, make sure you check the conditions before the trek: the waterfall is at its best during the rainy season, but even during dry season you will be able to take a refreshing dip and admire the 200-metre drop.

5- Swim with tropical fish in Pulau Payar Marine Park

Who wouldn’t like to swim in pristine waters teeming with colorful fish and turtles? If this sounds like a dream, you are in the perfect spot: Langkawi boasts some of the best snorkelling and diving locations in the world – and the spectacular Pulau Payar Marine Park is one of them.

Located just 30 kilometres offshore from Langkawi, easily accessible by speed boat in under an hour, the park is a marine sanctuary comprised of four uninhabited islands surrounded by sheer waters brimming with colorful fish, turtles and exceptional underwater life. You will need to obtain a permit and pay a conservation charge to access the park (tip: joining a tour is the easiest way to enjoy a day in this marine paradise without having to worry about a thing).

One of the park’s best features? The Coral Garden: a secluded section of the park, where shallow emerald waters meet colorful coral home to a myriad of different tropical fish – for a truly unforgettable swimming experience!