Malaysia Welcomes Back Travelers to Legendary Langkawi
Destination & Tourism Janeen Christoff December 21, 2021
Sunset at Eagle Square (photo courtesy Tourism Malaysia)
Malaysia is allowing international visitors once again with its new Langkawi Travel Bubble.
The main island of Malaysia's northwestern archipelago couldn't be a better place to have a travel bubble. Langkawi has been luring visitors with intriguing heritage and fascinating legends for years and is now open to individuals who are fully vaccinated and who test negative for COVID-19.
Visitors need to follow specific protocols to enter, which include booking with a Malaysia tour operator, periodic testing during the first seven days and traveling through specific ports of entry. Once the seven days in Langkawi have passed, visitors can travel elsewhere in Malaysia.
While in Langkawi, however, paradise awaits. It is easy to see why the island is a favorite destination for travelers to Southeast Asia. It is easy to visit year-round with stable temperatures and excellent weather--and only two seasons: wet and dry. The island is ideal for beach-lovers, thrill-seekers and experiential travelers alike.
It is also designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. These parks demostrate the diversity of the planet's geology and Langkawi showcases ancient mangroves, tidal flats, beaches, estuaries, coral reefs, caves, limestone and harbors a variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore these unique features in several areas, including the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park.
While one of the major draws of Langkawi is its beaches and five-star hotels, there are a number of sights that guests should not miss when visiting.
Sky Bridge, Langkawi, Malaysia (photo courtesy 35007/E+/Getty Images)
The Langkawi Sky Bridge a 125-meter-long curved pedestrian bridge that offers visitors spectacular views of the beautiful Gunung Machinchang, Telaga Tujuh waterfalls. Visitors access the Sky Bridge via the Langkawi Cable Car ride (another must for visitors).
Eagle Square is another top attraction. Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) is home to a 2-meter-tall sculpture of an eagle ready to take flight. It also houses miniature fountains, terraces and bridges and is close to the sea.
Travelers can take a break from the beach at Pantai Cenang and stop in at Underwater World Langkawi, one of Southeast Asia's largest aquariums that gives visitors the chance to walk 15 meters under the sea. Guest will also be able to see more than 200 marine and freshwater species as well as enjoy 3-D entertainment in the theater.
Guests can also visit the highest peak in Langkawi, Gunung Raya, which stands at 881 meters. Locals say that the mountain was cursed by a giant who used to live on the island known as Mat Raya, however, visitors needn't worry. There is plenty to see and do at the top. Wildlife is everywhere and visitors can see leaf monkeys, flying foxes, macaque monkeys, squirrels, mountain hawk eagles and more. There is also a park and a museum and visitors. But still one of the best parts is the stunning view the island of Langkawi, nearby islands and the Andaman Sea.
For birding enthusiasts, Langkawi is also paradise. The area is home to more than 220 bird species that can be observed among the coastal habits of Tanjug Rhu, Burau Bay, Datai Bay, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah. Visitors can spot Rred-wattled lapwing, Malaysian plover, collard kingfishers and more.
La OMT alerta en que la crisis ha tenido un efecto devastador en empleo, hostelería, servicios de viaje y comercio minorista. (Photo via: Tourism Malaysia).
Another popular outdoor adventure is the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, which is home to a sprawling mangrove forest and ancient gigantic limestone rock formations that rise from the river bed and were formed some 500 million years ago. Visitors can tour the nature park during a river cruise to see the majestic forest, sight nocturnal bats and feed various species of eagles in the area, including the white-bellied fish eagle, sea eagles, and Brahminy kite.
Visitors traveling to Langkawi can learn about the history and culture of the island, stopping in at Taman Lagenda Langkawi. The folklore-themed park with 17 colorful sculptures that tell the stories behind the island's legends with tales of giants, mythical birds, ogres and princesses. Visitors can hire a buggy or explore on foot, and it's a popular spot for jogging and picnics.
Getting to know a culture through its cuisine is a must and Malaysia doesn't disappoint with tasty traditional dishes that visitors can try. For street food, the night market is the place and to try a traditional Malay breakfast, Nasi Dagang Pak Malau, located beside a rice field with scenic mountain views and a hospitable family owner.
Other popular dishes to try include nasi tomato, a tomato rice dish; Ikan Bakar, which is a spicy marinated fish dish popular at roadside stalls and night markets; pajeri nenas, a pineapple curry; Malaysia's signature dish, nasi lemak; and beef rendang, a curried beef dish that can also be offered with chicken or seafood or as a vegetarian version.
Travelers to Langkawi who are taking advantage of the travel bubble can also choose from a number of high-end hotels that could be considered destinations in and of themselves.
The Danna Langkawi is near the Oriental Village along Pantai Kok and offers 125 rooms and suites, five restaurants and a beautiful spa.
Datai Langkawi rainforest pool (photo courtesy Tourism Malaysia)
The Datai Langkawi is another ideal location to stay. The hotel is in the heart of the rainforest and is a five-star beach resort with nature, sustainability, wellness and fine dining at its core.
The St.Regis Langkawi is a five-minute drive from Kuah Jetty and Eagle Square, and guests enjoy limo/town car service, two outdoor pools and one indoor, the Iridium Spa and more.
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi (Courtesy Four Seasons)
The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is located within a beach haven and, in 2018, underwent a renovation that added new features, including Deluxe Family Beach Villas with Plunge Pool.
Travelers can also choose boutique hotel experiences like the Dash Resort Langkawi. The hotel is on the shores of Pantai Tengah Beach and is perfect for a vibrant, fun, and relaxing holiday. Guests will enjoy a playful atmosphere views of the Andaman Sea and a range of activities. The resort offers a beach club, chic yet functional rooms, tasty cuisine, a spacious gym, and more.
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