If you’ve always thought of Langkawi as an oasis of peace, beauty, and serenity, you’re not wrong. What is less known are the other hidden, adventure-filled activities on the island that will excite even the most seasoned thrill-seeker.
Whether it’s communing with nature, getting up close and personal with wildlife, or providing an adrenaline rush, here is a selection of exciting things you can do.
1. Waterfall canyoning, kayaking, stand-up paddling
Have you heard of waterfall canyoning? It’s where you make your way to the floor of the waterfall by scaling down a rope – perfect for unleashing the inner daredevil in you!
Strap on your harness and get your heart thumping as you descend Durian Perangin Waterfall while admiring the majestic Gunung Raya, the highest mountain in Langkawi. At the end of your adventure, jump into the pool for a refreshing swim.
Kayaking, meanwhile, has become an increasingly popular sport. Many operators run kayaking tours here, with the first stop often being the Bat Cave (no relation to Batman), followed by a visit to the fish farm.
Explore the mangrove forests in your kayaks as you take in the sights of flora and fauna, including sea eagles, kites, herons, kingfishers, fiddler crabs, mudskippers, and monitor lizards.
And then there’s stand-up paddle boarding – the ultimate test of balance and endurance. Nothing compares to being out on the water, hearing the sounds of the waves as you paddle on an inflatable board surrounded by limestone karst and mangroves.
2. Stunt activities and Morac Adventure Park
Take a leap of faith and feel like Tarzan as you zip across the canopy of a 10-million-year-old rainforest at exhilarating speeds, spotting dusky leaf monkeys and great hornbills as you glide between the trees.
Conquer your fear and push your limits while climbing, crawling, swinging and gliding on the various aerial obstacles suspended above the rainforest canopy – the ultimate kick for those with a daring spirit.
And if that doesn’t get your heart racing enough, experience nature up close with the ATV Adventure Trail, comprising nine challenges and four adventure tracks in two action-packed hour-long rides, as well as a half-hour alternative.
Experienced guides will show you the beauty of Langkawi’s natural habitats, offering an unforgettable journey for participants.
Elsewhere, Morac Adventure Park is home to a thrilling professional go-kart racing circuit, where sports lovers can taste adrenaline in its truest form.
Operating since 2000 and located just eight minutes from Langkawi International Airport and Pantai Chenang, visitors can participate in the thrill of the track, or – if you prefer to be a spectator – enjoy watching the race as planes land nearby.
3. Tandem paragliding
Keen on being up in the air but prefer something milder than a skydive? Tandem paragliding is the perfect way to take in brilliant aerial views of Langkawi, while being safe and secure in a harness and piloted by a certified instructor.
Fall in love with the island’s beautiful coastlines and take in the breathtaking panorama while experiencing the thrill of free flight.
4. Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding – a combination of water skiing, surfing, and snowboarding – is one of Langkawi’s most popular sports. The island’s crystal-clear waters allow you to observe fish, corals, and other aquatic life as you paddle along and enjoy smooth-sailing on the surface of the water.
The best part is, it’s suitable for adults and kids alike.
5. Jet skiing and surfing
For a speedier watersport, hire a jet ski and explore the archipelago as you soar over calm waters and visit different islands en route, including Tepur, Singa Besar, and Dayang Bunting.
Choose from an assortment of packages that range from one to four hours. Enjoy swimming in the sea, checking out beaches of your choice, capturing scenic views, and watching eagles and seagulls as you relax between bouts of riding the waves.
For an even greater adrenaline surge, Pantai Tengah and Chenang Beach offer incredible spots for surfers, with waves up to 1.5m high during certain times of the year.
Don’t miss part 2 of this article tomorrow.