Best things to do in Langkawi

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.

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy the rushing waters of Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, a jewel of the western headlands. Seven natural pools have formed over millennia under different sections of the falls. Adventure to the top, spotting macaques, hornbills, and squirrels on the way. Enjoy the cooling waters after your hike, and walk back down under the shade of the lush lime trees that line the water's route.

Enjoy a quiet stretch of coastline at Tanjung Rhu Beach. Unlike some other seaside spots in the region, the beach maintains a calm and peaceful atmosphere throughout the day. You have impressive views out into the bay, dotted with limestone islands and rock formations. Look along the coastline to see the beginnings of the mangrove swamps. Take a swim to cool off, then stretch out under a rented umbrella.

One of the largest 3D art museums in the world, Art In Paradise feels more like a playground than an art gallery, inviting visitors to create their own customized exhibits. Divided into different zones--optical illusions zone, safari, and aquarium, to name a few--the museum features internationally renowned artists and Malaysia's biggest painting. You can travel through time and visit ancient Egypt or medieval Europe, or step inside replicas of classic masterpieces. Don't forget to bring your camera with enough memory space--by the end of your visit, you'll acquire quite an artistic collection of your own.

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.