Langkawi

As pellucid as the blue sky above, Tanjung Rhu beach has crystal clear and clean water with powdered sand that runs along its coastline. A corridor of dense trees marks the path to the beach and proves to be an interesting gateway to the shores. Hidden from the world and the claws of commercialisation, Tanjung Rhu beach maintains its serenity for travellers looking for some time in peace.The beach remains quiet, non-polluted and restful throughout the year with pleasant winds blowing from the sea. It does house a few local stalls that serve Langkawi’s favourite - mee gulung but nothing more that may obstruct its warm ambience. Adding to the exclusivity are luxury hotels that surround this beach in huge numbers.The high-end properties contribute in keeping the beach secluded, thus preserving its beauty. Rows of fragmentary limestone crags border the beach, further adding to its mesmerising beauty. The beach is easy to reach and has gained popularity because of its inhabitants like Four Seasons Resorts and Tanjung Rhu Resort. On a visit here, travellers are sure to understand why Tanjung Rhu beach is known as one of the best shorelines in Langkawi.

Hanging at a height of 2,170 feet between the two mountains, Langkawi Sky Bridge is counted among the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world. It stretches itself for 410 feet and has transparent sections on its pedestrian. These transparent sections not only let people enjoy the spectacular beauty of the surroundings but also the dense tropical forest underneath. Situated on the peak of the second tallest mountain Mt. Mat Cincang on Pulau Langkawi, one can reach here with the help of the cable car ride. Starting at the ‘end’ of the cable car ride, you can hop on to the bridge after a 15 minutes walk from the dropping point. You must reach the place as early as possible as the bridge could accommodate only 200 people at one time. Do not forget to bring your camera to capture all the picturesque scenes around you through the transparent windows of the cable car and from the parapet of the bridge. If it is the right season, then you may even catch the glimpse of the unique flora and fauna possessed by the island. However, do not miss the nearby restaurants around the sky bridge along with all the places and things you could grab on!

Taman Lagenda Langkawi is an artistically beautiful landscaped folklore-themed park. Commenced in 1996, this open-air ‘garden museum’ has the Kuah waterfront as well as several colourful statues. Spread all across the park, these statues have signboards in English that presents the details of myths that are associated with every specific sculpture. Highlights: Taman Lagenda Langkawi is a 50-hectare compound with a total of about 17 colourful sculptures that bring forth legends including legends of heroic giants, mythical birds, evil ogres and beautiful princesses. It also has four manmade lakes and a narrow strip of beach with walking trails for the joggers. Location: Taman Lagenda Langkawi is situated besides the Kuah jetty and is about 400m from the jetty. It is located within the walking distance of several of the island’s duty-free stores in Kuah. Here you can get chocolates and alcohol at good bargains. Price Range: Free Best Time: Daily, 9am to 7pm

Black Sand Beach is also known as the Pantai Pasir Hitam. In Malay, Pantai stands for beach, Pasir means the sand and Hitam stands for black, hence the name. There are several stories explaining the blackness of the sand. Swimming or sunbathing is not recommended here. Highlights: The beach has small stalls and shops that are run by the local women. These women sell the local dress materials, clothes and accessories. Ideal for fishing, the beach was popular as a fishing village. Location: Located on the Jalan Teluk Yu road the Black Sand Beach is present on the northern shoreline of Langkawi. About 20kms from Kuah Town it is situated in close proximity to the Shark Bay Beach. Price: Entry is free Best Time: Open 24 hours, Black Sand Beach can be visited at any hour of the day. Take note that the stalls and the shops here usually close by sunset.

Sprawling over five and a half acres of land of one of Langkawi islands, Langkawi Wildlife Park and Bird Paradise is a unique sanctuary which is just 10 KM away from Kuah. Natural habitat is created in the park to keep all the birds and animals in extremely comfortable and familiar surroundings. One-way paths are created in between these spaces to give the visitors a defined path so that they do not miss anything. This tropical garden of Langkawi houses more than 150 species of animals and birds and also, you can spot around 2500 exotic birds. Out of all these, more than 1500 birds are kept in a massive aviary where they fly freely in their man-made natural habitat. Each habitat is designed uniquely for every type of species of the birds. Thousands of visitors come to ‘The Paradise’ to witness the tropical species brought to the park from around the world. You will find the choicest species of Southeast Asia, Africa, South America, Australia, Russia, and also Malaysia. Moreover, the park also features a man-made waterfall falling off a 15-meter high cliff. You may also visit the duty-free retail outlet and the souvenir and crystal shop to take some memories back home. Unlike other wildlife parks, this park also sells the bags of animal’s feed which you could buy to feed the animals. Yes, you heard right! You can enter the cages of the animals and get a chance of close interaction with the animals and birds. And this is what makes the Langkawi Wildlife Park and Bird Paradise different and worth a visit.

Whether a history aficionado or a political wizard, Galeria Perdana has everything to suit your penchant. The Museum is a massive treasure trove of gifts and souvenirs received by the distinguished Prime Minister of Malaysia Mahathir Mohamad during his official tenure. The massive building houses everything from exotic jewellery pieces to antique cars and artefacts gifted by the distinguished statesman of the world to Mahathir.The most notable feature of Galeria Perdana is its campus spreading over an area of 5.3 square kilometres and consisting of three interconnected two storied buildings.It has a landscaped garden dotted with many shrubs Herbs and local trees providing green escapade to the visitors of the museum.There are over 9000 exhibits in the galleries of the museum among which only 2000 are displayed at a time in rotation giving you a chance to see different collections every time you visit the museum. There are different sections of the museum dedicated to collections of copper, silver, brass, porcelain, glass, crystal, tapestries and wooden knives, daggers and ceremonial swords.The section of car houses of vintage Roadster and a Pontiac Catalina belonging to the 1950s.The intricate artwork at the interior dome of the museum and the hanging chandeliers will simply Blow Your Mind off. In short Galeria Perdana museum is a pride of Malaysia which upholds the country's cultural, artistic and aesthetic heritage to the world.

Skytrial Jungle Trek is a jungle as well as mountain trekking route where you have a rendezvous with nature. During this trip, trekkers will get to explore Langkawi's mystic rainforest. You will trek from the forest up to the mountain called Gunung Machinchang that is the oldest mountain range in Malaysia. This tour attracts many trekking lovers every year due to the adventure it offers. After completing the trekking course trekkers are presented with the remarkable picture of Langkawi. An experienced nature expert guide will be with you throughout the trip to unravel all the secrets behind this incredible forest.The basic trip for this geo forest park begins at Oriental Village with the Cable Car ride that will drop you at the middle station. During this ride you will enjoy the mesmerizing aura of the surrounding dense jungle. Further, you will trail the sky bridge, proceeding up to the top station, i.e. mountain peak. But if you want to make it more thrilling you can ditch the cable ride and start the hiking trail right from the village itself to all the way on the summit. However, this option is apt for expert and physically fit trekkers. Verdant forest, Andaman sea landscape, and roaring cliffs surrounding all around the trekking course will act as the rewards for your rough trekking journey. The trekking at Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park is no doubt a dream come true for nature and trekking lovers alike.

Going beyond the man-made marvels in Langkawi rests the Durian Perangin Waterfall which is a hidden treasure away from the hustle-bustle. The name of this waterfall is derived from the Durian trees which surround the entire area. Situated at the northern slope of Gunung Ray, which is the highest mountain of Langkawi, the view of the water falling from that height is a mesmerizing view. While the locals visit this place quite often, the beauty of the waterfall doesn’t fail to attract the visitors either. The lush greenery and the water cascading down from that height makes the perfect place for a day picnic. The Durian waterfall has 14-tiers and every section of the fall creates a natural pool where the visitors can take a dip. This is the perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers who want to stay close to nature. Walking amidst the forested parkland, the place is in abundance of lush-greenery, rock formations and also flora and fauna which are worth exploring. And while the beauty of nature is rejuvenating enough, there is also a vast number of gazebos and hut-like structures which are made to take rest. These gazebos are also the place where families gather around to enjoy a picnic beside the waterfall. Out of all the places in Langkawi, this is one of the most satisfying and rejuvenating attractions which is surreal, clean and well-maintained. While the walk towards the lower area is quite easy and short, the climb to the uppermost falls is tedious but not that difficult. To spend a day amidst nature's lap, Durian Perangin Waterfall is the best place to visit in Langkawi. Know more about this surreal creation of nature here and mark this attraction in the must-visit places.