Langkawi Sight-Seeing

Makam Mahsuri, Underwater World

From mythical giants to giant crocodiles and duty-free shopping to traditional handicrafts, Langkawi holds many places of interest for the adventurous. There’s simply so much to see and do in Langkawi that it certainly warrants a return trip! Below are some popular destinations for you to choose from.

Makam Mahsuri The famous legend of Langkawi; the legend tells the tale of a woman accused of adultery and sentenced to death. When stabbed, she bled white blood as a sign of her innocence. Today, visitors can see read the full story at her tomb in Kampung Mawat, several kilometres away from Kuah. Nearby is also a traditional Malay house for internationals to explore. Open from 10:00 to 18:00.

Underwater World Langkawi The Underwater World Langkawi is an innovative marine aquarium which houses 5,000 types of aquatic life and some mammal and reptile species. A trip here will definitely enlighten you on the beauty of Malaysia’s flora and fauna both on land and sea. There is also a 3-D theatre which showcases documentaries on marine life for visitors. Opens daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) Visitors arriving at the Kuah Jetty will notice a giant red eagle statue permanently suspended in mid-flight. That marks the location of the Kuah Jetty Eagle Square; a mini park filled with scenic ponds, bridges, covered terraces, restaurants and barrel vaults made of bricks. The square is a great place to take a stroll with friends and family as the sea breeze gently caresses your face.

Crocodile Farm Watch over 3,000 crocodiles of various species feeding and basking in the sun but don’t fall over into the pens! The crocodile farm is situated in Datai Bay, just 30km away from Kuah. The farm harvest crocodiles for their skin and besides leather products, visitors can even buy stuffed baby crocodiles from the souvenir shop. Crocodile shows are on at 11:15 and 14:45 while feeding time is at 10:30.

Laman Padi (Rice Garden) Rice, rice and rice – This is the bread of Asians, a necessary ingredient to every meal. The Rice Garden is dedicated to the humble grain, imparting knowledge of its history from the museum, demonstrating its cultivation in the farm and finally tasting its goodness in the restaurant! Located just ten minutes away from the airport, the ticket price costs RM2 but children get to go in free.

Ibrahim Hussein Museum & Cultural Foundation The museum is named after Malaysia’s most celebrated artist – Datuk Ibrahim Hussein. On display is his artwork and other pieces from Southeast Asian artists such as Thawan Ducahnee from Thailand, Made Wianta of Indonesia, and Malaysian compatriots Hasnul Jamal and Juhairi Siad. Just like any museum or gallery, there are themed and guest exhibitions held from time to time.

Kompleks Budaya Kraf (Cultural Craft Complex) Gleaming silverware, meticulously-crafted wooden figures, delicately-crafted bamboo carvings, tapestries of intricate batik silk – the Cultural Craft Complex located in Teluk Yu has an array of traditional Malaysian handicrafts for the visitor to admire and maybe even purchase. Built to promote Malaysia’s cultural heritage, the gallery is free to enter. Open from 09:00 to 18:00.

Langkawi International Book Village The book village takes it cues from the Hay-on Wye book village in England. It stocks a massive collection of second-hand, rare and antiquarian books encompassing a broad range of topics. The book village attracts bookworms from across the world. Near the Langkawi International Airport, entrance is free and opening hours are 09:30 to 17:30.

Langkawi Snake Sanctuary Located in Kampung Tok Senik, the establishment houses a wide variety of local and international snakes. From the majestic King Cobra to the docile Boa Constrictor, the Snake Sanctuary is a fascinating place to visit.

Padang Masirat (Field of Burnt Rice) Padang Masirat, right next to the airport, was the site of a mass paddy-burning spree conducted by Langkawi’s inhabitants when Siamese invaded in 1821. The purpose was to prevent the enemy from attaining an extra source of food. Today, visitors can still find burnt rice grains on the ground two hundred years after the incident. Check out Padang Masirat Hotels

Summer Place Located in Pantai Kok, the Summer Palace was the left-over set from the filming of the movie ‘Anna and the King’ starring Hong Kong superstar Chow Yun Fatt and award-winning actress Jodie Foster. Visitors can explore the timber palace, sample food at the Thai restaurant, peruse goods at the souvenir shops and or walk among the pillars of the pavilion. There are traditional Thai performances held throughout the day while the restaurant continues screens Anna and the King. The souvenir shop retails products from Chiengmai such as mini-cabinets, mini-thrones, pretty floating candles and Thai silk. Open from 09:00 to 22:00.

Taman Lagenda Theme Park This is a scenic park with beautifully landscaped gardens. The 50-acre park has 17 monuments depicting various folklore personalities inspired by local legend and history. There are also four artificial lakes and a man-made beach. Located near Kuah, entrance is free and it opens from 08:00 to 19:00.

Al-Hana Mosque The Al-Hana Mosque holds a very special place in Langkawi’s history; it was opened by the first Prime Minister of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1959. The Islamic architecture of this majestic mosque is simply amazing, incorporating motifs and carvings from Uzbekistan along with traditional Malay elements. The mosque is conveniently located next to the Tourism Information office in Kuah.