Best things to do in Kedah

Walk across Langkawi Sky Bridge, an impressive landmark of engineering set in lush natural scenery. Connecting two hilltops of Machinchang mountain, the curved bridge spans 125 m (410 ft) and hangs around 100 m (328 ft) above the ground. Its bends allow you to catch different perspectives on the virgin rainforest beneath as it twists around natural features, creating new vistas. Catch a cable car up the mountain, then take a 10-15 minute hike to reach the beginning of the bridge.

Relax by the sea at Cenang Beach, a popular stretch of coastline. Enjoy the clear, clean waters and white sand, dotted with palms up and down the beach. Try out a new water sport (unless you happen to have been banana boating before), or practice an old favorite. With beachside rental stores and ample facilities, the site helps you gear up for a range of activities. Development has surged here in recent years, so expect an array of onsite restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Discover rocky islets, secret coves, and white-sand beaches on a Langakawi District waterskiing or jetskiing adventure. Follow your local guide across the azure waters to experience the open sea and ride alongside playful dolphins. You can add swimming or snorkeling to this activity, then finish the day with a traditional meal at one of the area's fishing villages. This type of tour usually takes half a day.

Experience the rich diversity of the natural world at Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, a protected area of wilderness. Situated on the oldest limestone rock in the country, the park features an extensive mangrove swamp with overhanging Bogak trees, tree crabs, and mischievous macaques. Explore its natural abundance on a walk across well-maintained wooden paths, and take a boat tour of the park to learn more about its ecology and snap photos of it from a different perspective.

Head to Underwater World Langkawi, one of the largest marine and freshwater aquariums in Southeast Asia. Walk through the 15 m (49 ft) underwater tunnel and see magnificent sea creatures of all shapes and sizes swimming right over your head. Don't miss the penguinarium, either, where another underwater tunnel allows you to view the little critters as they swim. A 200-seat theater shows educational films about animal and plant life and the importance of conservation projects. The aquarium's overall emphasis on ecological education enhances your visit, informing you about the threats facing its inhabitants and constructive efforts to counter them.

Take a trip to Pulau Payar Marine Park, a protected area of paradisal islands and underwater diversity. An hour-long boat ride finds you among the uninhabited landmasses, colored a deep jade green and jutting out from the turquoise sea. Relax on the sandy beaches and hop between the islands to find your favorite place, then head under the water to see the main attraction. Dive or snorkel to explore the large coral reef and the wide variety of colorful fish that call the marine park home.

Sited next to a jetty, Eagle Square is dominated by a massive sculpture of a reddish brown eagle facing the sea with its wings spread, ready to take off. Placed on a star-shaped platform, this 12 m (39 ft) monument remains one of the island's best-known man-made attractions. Offering views of ferries plying across the bay, the square features terraces and covered pavilions, miniature fountains and footbridges, as well as a number of shops and eateries. Note that the concrete surface of the square can get quite heated during the day, so plan your visit for early in the morning or after the sun goes down.