Visiting Langkawi’s UNESCO Geopark

Langkawi, the archipelago of 99 islands in northwest Malaysia, is one of the most naturally beautiful destinations in all of Southeast Asia. Known for its incredible rock formations, pristine beaches, and inland trekking, the islands offer something for every visitor.

Yet, there’s a reason many choose to come here: Langkawi is a UNESCO Global Geopark, just one of 147 in the world. UNESCO geoparks are important geological areas that are rich in archeological and biological heritage, and the islands of Langkawi certainly fit that definition.

On Langkawi, you’ll find incredible caves, rock formations, limestone karsts and marble crags. Not to mention, amazing snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and plenty of adventure. Need a little help planning your trip to Langkawi? Here’s everything you should know about the Langkawi Geopark, including must-see sites and where to go.

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Regions of Langkawi Geopark: Where to Go

The geopark isn’t just one park. In fact, there are three main parks within the archipelago which comprise the UNESCO park, and you’ll find spectacular scenery no matter which park you choose to visit. The parks include:

  1. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

Head to Kilim Karst Geoforest Park to see the towering limestone sea stacks and sea arches. Located east of Langkawi Island, Kilim Karst is strikingly beautiful, and is best explored by boat. During your visit, take a boat ride up the Kilim River, and zoom past pristine mangroves, as well as visit caves, a fish farm and other cultural attractions. There are also numerous karsts in the open waters, which are tiny limestone islands. Spend an afternoon hopping from karst to karst.

  1. Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park

Located a short trip south of Langkawi, the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park takes its name from the island’s lake, Dayang Bunting, or Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. (That’s due in part to one of the surrounding hills resembling a pregnant woman.) After a short hike from the jetty, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing sight: The pristine freshwater lake tucked back in a lush jungle. This is the perfect place for a swim, as the monkeys serenade you. Beyond the lake, there’s tons to explore here, including sea stacks and caves.

  1. Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park

This park takes you into the mountains of Langkawi Island. Breathtaking views can be found around every corner, especially if you take the Langkawi Cable Car to the summit of Mount Gunung Raya. At the top, you can cross the Skybridge, a towering manmade bridge that takes you over the jungle below. The park is home to an extensive network of hiking trails as well, which pass various landscapes including Pebble Beach and a beautiful waterfall.

Must-See Sights & Attractions in Langkawi

The Langkawi Geopark offers an endless array of one-of-a-kind sights. Exotic birds. Towering waterfalls. Ancient caves. Boulder-covered beaches. Here are some places you must see:

  1. Telaga Tujuh Waterfall

This waterfall, located in Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, towers above a beautiful swimming hole below. Named for the Seven Wells, or small pools in the mountain that feed the waterfall, Telaga Tujuh sprays refreshing mists onto visitors. There are also a series of natural slides, which are must if you’ll be swimming.

  1. Lake of the Pregnant Maiden

This lake is an amazing sight. It’s a placid, mountain lake located smack-dab in the middle of a rainforest, and the lakes cool waters are perfect for cooling off after the short hike. Visitors often hear a chorus of monkeys on the trek up, and can trek around to various vantage points.

  1. Wang Buloh Cave

This cave located near the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden was formed when sea levels where much higher. Today, it’s located about 150 meters above the water line. The cave has numerous stalactites and stalagmites, as well as impressive views of the valley below.

  1. Tanjung Rhu Karsts

Tanjung Rhu is one of the region’s most beautiful beaches. Here, white sand meets sparkling aquamarine waters. But the karsts off shore are the real draw. The tiny jungled islands features steep peaks, and have created several hidden lagoons that are perfect for paddling and kayaking.

  1. Temurum Waterfall

This waterfall is the tallest in Langkawi, measuring 200 meters tall. You can reach the waterfall after a short hike, and it’s a favorite destination for cooling off. Plus, it tends to be less crowded compared to the more-trafficked Seven Wells Waterfall.

  1. Teluk Yu Granite Tors

The tors of Teluk Yu are massive boulders on a beach in Langkawi Island. Measuring as tall as five meters, the boulders are strewn across the sand and into the shallows, creating natural pools to swim and lounge in.

  1. Langkawi SkyCab

The SkyCab is a must-visit destination if you’ll be visiting Langkawi. The cab is a steep cable car line that runs up to the top of Machinchang mountain, where you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views.

  1. Ujung Buloh Remnant Islands

To the south of Langkawi, you’ll find a cluster of karst islands, that are perfect for an afternoon tender ride. There are some eight of these islands located a short distance from one another, and you’ll find great snorkeling in the waters around them.

Take in the beautiful Langkawi Geopark on a luxury yacht charter in Malaysia. Contact your broker with Worldwide Boat today to learn more.

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