Written by, the Green Trekkers Interns.
A Well-Deserved Break from Kuala Lumpur
As part of our internship with Green Trekkers, the three of us decided to take advantage of a long weekend to explore one of Malaysia’s most iconic destinations: Langkawi.
Located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands renowned for its pristine beaches, lush rainforest, spectacular viewpoints and crystal-clear waters.
Only one hour away from Kuala Lumpur by plane, it turned out to be the perfect destination for a short but unforgettable adventure.
Getting to Langkawi
Travelling to Langkawi couldn’t have been easier. We flew with AirAsia, and after just one hour, we landed on the island ready to begin our adventure.
The first thing we did after arriving was rent scooters. At around RM35 (€7) per scooter per day, shared between two people, it was easily the most practical and affordable way to explore the island. The roads are well maintained, driving is straightforward, and every major attraction is within easy reach.
Instead of staying in the busy tourist area of Pantai Cenang, we chose accommodation in Kuah. While quieter, Kuah offered excellent value for money, plenty of restaurants and convenience stores, and beautiful views over the bay.
Our hotel even featured an infinity pool overlooking the sea, making it the perfect place to relax after each day of exploring.
Our First Evening in Pantai Cenang
Since our flight arrived during the afternoon, we decided to take it easy on our first day and enjoy the hotel’s facilities before heading out for dinner.
That evening, we rode our scooters to Pantai Cenang, undoubtedly the liveliest part of Langkawi. The beachfront comes alive after sunset with restaurants, street food stalls, live music and a vibrant night market.
One thing that immediately surprised us was how affordable everything was. A delicious local meal cost only RM15–25 (€3–5) per person.
To end the evening, we watched an impressive fire show directly on the beach, creating the perfect introduction to the island’s atmosphere.
Above the Rainforest: Langkawi SkyCab & Sky Bridge
The next morning, we woke up early to visit one of Langkawi’s most famous attractions: the Langkawi SkyCab.
The cable car climbs more than 650 metres above sea level, carrying visitors high above the tropical rainforest while offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the Andaman Sea.
The journey itself is unforgettable. As the cabins ascend, dense jungle stretches endlessly below while dozens of small islands emerge from the turquoise water.
At the summit, several viewing platforms offer spectacular perspectives over the UNESCO Global Geopark.
From there, we walked down a long staircase—around 10 to 15 minutes—to reach the famous Sky Bridge, an impressive curved suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks.
The walk was just as memorable as the bridge itself.
Along the way, we encountered several wild monkeys peacefully roaming through the forest, reminding us that we were truly immersed in Malaysia’s rich natural environment.
Seven Wells Waterfall & the Hidden Blue Lagoon
After spending the morning in the mountains, we continued our adventure at Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh).
The hike begins with approximately 600 steps, leading visitors to the first waterfalls and natural pools.
Those willing to continue are rewarded with an even more secluded hidden waterfall after another 25-minute walk through the rainforest.
For the most adventurous hikers, the trail continues for nearly two hours towards the summit.
One of our favourite discoveries was the beautiful Blue Lagoon, a peaceful natural pool surrounded by rocks and dense jungle. Its crystal-clear water made it the perfect place to cool off after the climb and enjoy one of Langkawi’s hidden gems.
Discovering Black Sand Beach
Later that afternoon, several locals recommended that we visit Black Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Hitam).
Unlike the more crowded beaches around Pantai Cenang, this one felt completely different.
There were only a handful of people, the sea was incredibly warm, and the peaceful atmosphere made it feel like we had discovered a hidden corner of the island.
Large swings facing the ocean provided the perfect place to sit back and watch one of the most beautiful sunsets of our trip.
As the sky slowly turned shades of orange, pink and purple, we understood why so many locals recommended this place.
After sunset, we returned to Pantai Cenang to enjoy another delicious traditional Malaysian dinner before calling it a night.
Exploring the Langkawi Archipelago by Jet Ski
Sunday quickly became the highlight of our entire weekend.
We joined a four-hour guided Jet Ski tour, one of Langkawi’s most popular experiences. We toured the island of Pulau Dayang Bunting also known as Pregnant Maiden Island. Named after its mountain silhouette resembling a pregnant woman lying on her back, it is one of Langkawi’s most famous natural landmarks.
Surrounded by lush rainforest and emerald waters, the island perfectly showcases the region’s unique landscape.
Although the activity lasts four hours, much of the time is spent stopping at remarkable locations around the archipelago, allowing visitors to appreciate the island’s incredible natural beauty.
Throughout the tour, our guides ensured everyone’s safety while sharing fascinating information about the surrounding islands.
Limestone Islands
Our first stop introduced us to Langkawi’s spectacular limestone cliffs.
Towering dramatically above the sea, these ancient rock formations are part of the UNESCO Global Geopark and create some of the island’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Cruising through these narrow channels by Jet Ski was an unforgettable experience.
Eco Island & Mangrove Forest
The tour also took us to a peaceful natural area where mangrove forests stretch along the shoreline.
Walking among the tangled roots offered a completely different perspective of Langkawi’s ecosystem.
These mangroves play a vital role in protecting marine life and preserving the island’s biodiversity.
Beras Basah Island
Our next stop was Beras Basah Island, a stunning white-sand beach accessible only by boat.
Crystal-clear water, tropical vegetation and complete tranquility made it one of the most relaxing moments of the day.
It truly felt like stepping onto a postcard.
Eagle Watching
No visit to Langkawi would be complete without seeing its famous eagles.
Our guides gently attracted them with food, allowing us to watch these magnificent birds swoop down just metres away from our Jet Skis.
Considering that Langkawi’s name itself is believed to derive from the Malay word for eagle (helang), this moment felt particularly special.
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A Warm Malaysian Welcome
One unexpected highlight of the day was stopping at a small refreshment stand.
There, we met a cheerful local who has become quite well known on social media.
He welcomed every group with music, dancing and complimentary fresh fruit juice, creating a fun and memorable atmosphere that perfectly reflected Malaysian hospitality.
Sometimes, it’s these spontaneous encounters that become the best travel memories.
Tropical Weather
Like many tropical destinations, Langkawi’s weather can change quickly.
On our final morning, heavy rain poured continuously for nearly four hours.
With little choice, we found shelter inside a nearby 7-Eleven, watching the tropical downpour while waiting for it to ease.
Although the rain slightly altered our plans, it also reminded us that travelling always comes with a little unpredictability—and that’s part of the adventure.
Soon afterwards, we headed back to the airport and returned to Kuala Lumpur.
Final Thoughts
Four days were enough to understand why Langkawi is considered one of Malaysia’s most beautiful destinations.
From soaring above the rainforest in the SkyCab to hiking through waterfalls, watching unforgettable sunsets on peaceful beaches and exploring the archipelago by Jet Ski, every day brought a completely different experience.
What impressed us most was the island’s diversity. Within just a short drive, you can move from lively beaches and local markets to tropical forests, dramatic mountains and secluded islands.
For anyone travelling in Malaysia, whether for a few days or several weeks, Langkawi is a destination we would wholeheartedly recommend.
It was the perfect escape from city life—and undoubtedly one of the highlights of our internship with Green Trekkers.