Langkawi Cable Car (officially branded as the Langkawi SkyCab) may not be the longest or highest cable car in the world, or even in Malaysia (that honour goes to Genting Skyway).
However, it must be one of the most spectacular cable car rides in the world due to the stunning backdrop of the 450-million-year-old Machincang mountain range (the oldest rock formation in Southeast Asia).
The exhilarating 15-minute cable car ride is 2,150 metres long and climbs 680 metres, with magnificent views high above the treetops of dense rain forest.
There are three stations:
Base Station, where the journey begins and ends, is in the Oriental Village in the northwest of Langkawi Island. From here the cable car travels 1,700 metres to the Middle Station.
Middle Station is located at 650 metres above sea level. Passengers disembark here to admire the view and take photos before boarding the cable car again for the final 450-metre stretch to the Top Station.
Top Station is at 708 meters above sea level. There are twin-viewing platforms where you can catch the cooling breeze and enjoy superb 360-degree panoramic views over Langkawi and the surrounding area, including parts of the neighbouring country, Thailand.
One of the viewing platforms has a small café selling drinks and snacks.
At Top Station, there is a gift shop and a post office counter where you can buy and write postcards and send them.
Top Station is also where you have access to the SkyBridge, an amazing 125-metre curved bridge suspended by a single pylon above a deep ravine between two mountain tops.
The SkyBridge reopened to the public in February 2015 after a lengthy closure for maintenance. Do take a walk on it – it is worth the experience.
Operating Hours
Daily: 9.30am–7.00pm
Langkawi Cable Car 2019 Ticket Prices
Malaysians
Adult RM40
Child (2-12) RM30
Adult Express Lane (no queuing) RM90
Child Express Lane RM80
Non-Malaysians
Adult RM55
Child (2-12) RM40
Adult Express Lane (no queuing) RM105
Child Express Lane RM90
The ticket prices is inclusive of the entrance to the SkyDome, a cinema showing simulated roller coaster ride lasting about 10 minutes and Sky Rex, a 3D dinosaur-themed experience.
Entry to the SkyBridge costs an additional RM5.
Safety
The company is ISO 9001 certified.
For safety reasons, the cable car will close during heavy rain, strong winds or lightning.
Langkawi Cable Car is also closed periodically for routine scheduled maintenance. The dates of closures are published in advance on the operator’s official website. Be sure to check there first in order to avoid getting disappointed.
Each gondola fits six passengers and the boarding and queuing procedure is well organized.
Other Attractions
At the Base Station there is a newly opened 6D cinema (doesn’t it make you wonder how many D’s type cinemas are there?)
There is also a large gift shop at the Base Station which you have to pass through upon exiting.
Contact
Panorama Langkawi Sdn Bhd
Cable Car Station, Oriental Village
Burau Bay
07000 Langkawi
Kedah, MALAYSIA
T:[6]04-959 4225/1225
F:[6]04-959 1121/4121
Email: [email protected]
This article first appeared in malaysia-traveller.com