Getting around Malaysia and exploring the beautiful tropical playgrounds is an incredible privilege for any traveller.

And a venture to Langkawi, an archipelago off Malaysia’s northwest coast, is a must visit for any adventurer.

Langkawi is known for its gorgeous beaches, clear waters, eye-opening tours and breathtaking cruises that will be the highlight of any south-east Asian adventure.

So if you’ve only got a couple days to visit Langkawi and absorb as much beauty as you can, check out our guide for how to best utilise your time.

Pulau Payar Marine Park

Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca.

The marine park is sprawling with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation. Pulau Payar is the most ­popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal for snorkelling, diving and ­swimming.

Among the incredible dive spots is the Coral Garden, an area ­covered with bright, ­­multi-hued soft corals.

Visitors can only get to Pulau Payar Marine Park with the following tour operators:

– Ninety Nine Island Divers

– Scuba Club Langkawi

– East Marine Holidays Sdn.Bhd

– Eco Megah Holidays

– Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours

Sunset Cruise

Nothing says breathtaking quite like the shimmering sunset over the stunning Langkawi waters and there’s no better way to enjoy it than on a sunset cruise.

The sunset cruise, which is offered by Tropical Charters, lets travellers watch the sunset over the tranquil Andaman Sea while enjoying dinner and drinks aboard a yacht.

Adventurers can catch a glimpse of spinner dolphins and flying fish during the cruise experience and laze into the saltwater jacuzzi sipping Carlsberg’s while being trawled inside a trawling net.

Trips to other islands can also be arranged during these cruises to best explore Langkawi.

Langkawi Jet Ski Tour

With over 99 islands and countless small outcroppings, there’s plenty to see in Langkawi and a jet ski is possibly the most badass way for travellers to explore the archipelago.

Adventurers can take control of their very own craft on this adrenaline-fueled Langkawi Jet Ski tour. Led by a local guide, imagine whisking your way through the emerald sea, pushing both your limits and potentially the jet ski itself. You’ll surround yourself with monumental forested isles and sea eagles gliding above, while also immersing yourself in the tranquil warm waters of the Anderman Sea.

The tour is offered in groups of no more than eight people to ensure a personalised experience.

Langkawi Skybridge

Measuring at 125m in length, the Langkawi skybridge ranks among the world’s longest curve suspension bridge and is considered one of the engineering marvels of the world.

The bridge sits at an altitude of 700 metres from sea level and is supported by a single pylon in the middle.

The bridge snakes between mountains, offering incredible panoramic views of an emerald green landscape of forests and ocean below.

On a clear day, travellers can see the Andaman sea and its islands, and even some parts of Thailand.

Tickets can be purchased at SkyBridge Ticketing Counter at Top Station.

Mangrove Tours

The mangrove tours are the perfect opportunity to really explore and discover the wildlife of Langkawi.

Cruise the mangrove forest reserve via boat and learn about its ecology, plants, migratory birds, as well as its role in nursing juvenile marine life.

Throughout the tour, visitors will be able to explore the floating fish farm, the Bat Cave, the Crocodile Cave, and finish the day with a gorgeous view of the Andaman Sea for a lively and eventful day.

We’d recommend doing the Mangrove Tour in the morning to best take in the incredible Malaysian wildlife.

Eagle Square

Eagle Square or Dataran Lang is Langkawi’s most prominent landmark for ­visitors arriving via the sea. Situated near the Kuah Jetty, the main attraction of the square is the magnificent ­statue of the reddish brown eagle majestically poised for flight.

According to local ­folklore, Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or helang. In old Malay, kawi denotes reddish brown, hence Langkawi means ­‘reddish brown eagle’.

The square is beautifully ­landscaped and features ­scenic ponds, bridges, ­covered ­terraces, restaurants and barrel vaults made of bricks. The square is ­beautifully ­illuminated at night and ­presents a ­dramatic scene as you approach the island from the sea.

Cenang Beach

Cenang Beach is a gorgeous stretch of white sand located on the western shoreline of Langkawi where travellers can enjoy amazing views of the islands and ocean nearby.

The beach caters to all groups of people, with a wide variety of beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent.

There are many kiosks on the beach that offer activities for the more adventurous traveller: snorkelling, boat rides, jet skiing, banana boating and even parasailing.

And if you’re looking for some incredible entertainment on the beach, you can find fire shows and live bands who play (mostly) reggae covers. This is of course not without the beach bars that serve reasonably priced drinks for budget conscious travellers.