Lying just off the coast of mainland Malaysia, the gorgeous island of Langkawi is a breathtakingly beautiful place to visit, and it fully deserves its nickname ‘the Jewel of Kedah.’ Located in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is the largest and most popular island to visit in an archipelago of the same name that is made up of a dazzling ninety-nine islands.

The only inhabited island in the archipelago besides Tuba, Rebak, and Dayang Bunting, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Langkawi, with lots of idyllic beaches, sparkling waterfalls, and wonderfully wild nature parks for you to explore.

Although Kuah, its main town, only has a population of some 30,000 people, there is a surprising amount for visitors to see and do, and its lovely laidback atmosphere will make you feel at home in no time at all. Due to the astounding nature on show, Langkawi is a top-rated beach destination, and many people use it as a base for exploring the rest of the nearby islands.

1. Mahsuri Tomb and Museum

Known by all of the islanders, the legend of Mahsuri is infamous in Langkawi. With her last words before she was killed, falsely accused of adultery, the innocent Malay princess laid a seven-generation curse on the island and its people.

Now a popular tourist and school trip destination, Mahsuri’s tomb also has a fascinating museum for you to visit. Inside, you’ll find some life-size dioramas that take you through Mahsuri’s tragic story. In addition to this, there is also a traditional Malay house to explore. This showcases various household items and farming utensils that people would have used back in Mahsuri’s day in the early 1800s.

2. Temurun Waterfall

Nestled away amongst the rainforest just a short distance away from Datai Bay, Temurun is the tallest waterfall on the island and definitely warrants a visit if you have the chance. Plunging some 200 meters, Temurun Waterfall’s white waters course down the rock face to the pool below, which is hemmed in on three sides by rocky cliffs that rear up above it.

As well as basking in the stunning scenery, visitors can take a refreshing dip in the pool or enjoy a picnic on its banks. With lots of colorful butterflies flitting by, and playful macaques to be spotted in the surrounding trees, Temurun Waterfall is a delightful place to spend a couple of hours.

3. Underwater World Langkawi

Boasting some 500 different types of fish and marine species, Underwater World Langkawi is the place to go if you want to learn more about the island and archipelago’s many underwater marvels. The largest aquarium in the country has an almost endless array of tanks for you to wander past; these are home to everything from seahorses and stingrays to sharks and turtles.

As each tank in the aquarium has an informative display for you to read, at the end of the day, you’ll come away having learned everything there is to know about coral reefs, reptiles, and tropical rainforest ecosystems.

The main attraction is its amazing underwater tunnel, which takes you through a gigantic tank where a myriad of colorful fish and sea creatures flit by you on all sides.

Located at Pantai Cenang, Underwater World Langkawi is part of a vast shopping complex, so you can go shopping or grab a bite to eat after having seen the aquarium.

4. Dayang Bunting Island

Lying just a short boat trip or jet ski to the south of Langkawi, Dayang Bunting is the second-largest island in the archipelago and is a very popular tourist attraction. Meaning ‘Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake,’ Dayang Bunting’s distinctive outline does somewhat resemble that of the pregnant fairy princess from the local legend after whom it is named.

The lake in question – the largest freshwater lake in the country – looks absolutely incredible, with its glimmering waters tucked away amongst forest coated mountains. In addition to swimming or kayaking around the lake, visitors can also go on a hike in Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park and explore the island’s many interesting rock formations and caves.

5. Tengah Beach

Located in the southwest of the island, just a stone’s throw away from famous Cenang Beach, Tengah is a much quieter and peaceful option than its noisy neighbor. Replete with fine white sand, gently swaying palm trees, and marvelous views out over the shimmering turquoise waters, Tengah really does look like it has just appeared out of a magazine.

Stretching almost a kilometer in length, Tengah Beach is ideal for families, and several all-inclusive resorts are found dotted along its scenic shoreline.

6. Eagle Square

Boasting a huge eagle statue that looks out over the surrounding waters, Eagle Square in Kuah is one of the most recognizable and iconic humanmade places on the island. Besides the twelve-meter tall statue that dominates the square, there are also some lovely little fountains and gardens on show, as well as a couple of cafes and restaurants.

Offering up fantastic views out over the Strait of Malacca, Dataran Lang – as it is known in Malay – is well worth a visit, and a number of other attractions, such as Langkawi’s fantastic night market, lie nearby.

7. Crocodile Adventureland

With almost 4,000 crocodiles and alligators residing in the park, Crocodile Adventureland is the place to go if you want to see the fearsome reptiles up close and personal. Besides learning all there is to know about how they live and behave in the wild at the park’s educational center, there are also some different shows for you to watch. These include watching the crocodiles be fed by hand and seeing them leap out of the water to snap tasty morsels from the air. One of the main attractions is Bujang Lang – an enormous crocodile reputed to be one of the largest in the world.