There are a number of excellent activities on Langkawi geared towards children. Besides the obvious fun of playing on the beach, swimming and enjoying water sports, the island is home to one of Asia’s largest aquariums. A crocodile farm provides safe thrills, as do the island’s natural sites and their mythological stories which add a magical element for the kids.

Beaches
The main island of Langkawi is ringed with lovely sandy beaches perfect for just about every kind of watery activity. Langkawi has slowly developed itself into a family destination and every beachside resort here is well-prepared to cater to kids. Many of the resorts have dedicated children’s facilities, especially along the popular Pantai Cenang beach.

Langkawi Crocodile Farm
One of the most popular attractions on the island is this 20-acre crocodile farm located at Datai Bay. With over 1,000 species of alligators and crocodiles on site, kids can have a safe but intimate experience with these ancient and deadly creatures. The exhibition centre provides detailed displays of every aspect of a crocodile’s life. Visitors can observe their feeding habits as well as watch thrilling wrestling matches between man and croc. Phone: +60 4 955 2559.

Underwater World Langkawi
More than 5,000 different tropical fish and dozens of other interesting sea creatures live at this impressive aquarium, which is one of the largest facilities of its kind in Asia. Covering six acres of exquisite beachfront at Pantai Cenang, Underwater World is the island’s most popular attraction. There are 100 tanks on site, including an amazing walkthrough Plexiglas tunnel where visitors are surrounded by sharks, sea turtles and manta rays. Phone: +60 4 955 6100.

Langkawi is mainly a beach destination, but there are a couple of excellent museums and cultural venues on the island that are worth checking out. The local government has made a major effort to promote Langkawi’s many colourful legends associated with natural sites, which add dimension to the island.

Bamboo Forest Tombs (Makam Purba)
One of the more mysterious places to explore on Langkawi is the ancient graves located at Hutan Buloh, also known as the Bamboo Forest. The exquisite detail of the tombs’ sculptures suggests that they belong to people of very high standing. Archaeologists have determined they are Achinese, from northern Sumatra, but little else is known about them. Also on site is the first mosque ever built on Langkawi.

Craft Cultural Complex
This impressive complex at Teluk Yu is the best place on the island to learn more about the rich cultural heritage of Langkawi. Among the four museums on site, the most engaging showcases traditional Malaysian handicrafts such as batik, crystal, and silverware. Exquisite examples of these crafts are complemented by informative displays and live demonstrations of traditional weaving methods such as songket. The Royal, Heritage and Islamic museums round off the attractions at this complex. Visitors can pick up lovely handicrafts at the gift shop. Phone: +60 4 959 1913.

Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation
One of the newest additions to Langkawi’s cultural scene is this small but impressive centre dedicated to regional contemporary art. This private collection of Malaysian art is exhibited in a modern building at Pasir Tengkorak and run by a man whose passion is evident in his dedication to showcasing the talents of contemporary Malay artists. Phone: +60 4 959 4669.

Kedah Traditional House
The best example of a traditional Langkawi house can be found at Kampong Mawat, where a perfect reproduction has been built to show visitors how the locals lived in ancient times. The wood carvings and details are quite impressive, and the inside of the house is furnished with antique furniture and other household items. The kitchen in particular is a highlight, which looks as if someone has just finished preparing supper there. Phone: +60 4 966 7789.

Langkawi Legends in the Park
One of the highlights in the main town of Kuah is this 50 acre garden showcasing the island’s many legends and myths. The park itself is lush and colourful thanks to an abundance of indigenous trees and flowers, some of which are in bloom all year long. Sculptures of mythological figures dot the landscape, which includes a lagoon, four sparkling lakes and a little sandy beach. Traditional Malaysian handicrafts are displayed at a small exhibition centre, and souvenir shops offer visitors the chance to make some cultural purchases.

Mahsuri’s Mausoleum
Langkawi’s most famous legend involves the beautiful princess Mahsuri, who placed an impoverishing curse on the island which allegedly lasted seven generations. Kampong Mawat is where the locals built a mausoleum to her, which resembles the house she lived in 300 years ago. This is one of the best places on the island to get a feel for traditional Langkawi life, as a small village has sprung up around the mausoleum. Musicians play local music and charming local women sell tasty specialties to visitors.

Padang Matsirat
Also known as the Field of Burnt Rice, this is the historic site where the island’s rice granary was destroyed in 1821 when the Siamese invaded Langkawi. Although little remains of the village today, this was the original site of Kampung Raja, the ancient capital of the island. After a heavy downpour, remnants of black burnt rice, said to be a powerful medicine, rise to the surface of the ground.

Since tourism is such a major part of Langkawi’s economy, much of the cuisine caters to foreign tastes. Local dishes resemble those found on the Malaysian mainland, but due to the island’s proximity to Thailand there is also a distinct Thai influence. The result is a nice range of dishes for visitors to choose from, including plenty of Western items. Seafood is a star attraction on Langkawi, as are the local must-try curries.

Every resort on the island has its own collection of restaurants, and the food is often equally good at all of them. The upscale resorts typically have the best menus, chefs and service. If you are staying at one of Langkawi’s more secluded hotels, you’ll probably end up eating most of your meals on site. If you are staying at a popular beach like Pantai Cenang or Pantai Tengah, you have the luxury of choice. Wander along the beach and pick a place that looks inviting, has a nice view of the sea, or has received good reviews from other travellers.

If you find yourself in Kuah Town, you can dine like the locals at one of the evening food stalls that emerge along the waterfront area near the taxi rank. Dozens of stalls here serve up everything from local stir-fries to freshly barbecued seafood. The prices are incredibly cheap, the atmosphere is laid back, and the food is usually delicious. The nearby taxi rank makes getting back to your resort easy. For a more serious dining experience in Kuah, there are plenty of more upmarket restaurants in Langkawi’s main town including Thai, Malay, Chinese and Western options.

Since gaining its duty-free status in 1987, Langkawi has become a regional shopper’s haven. Everything from locally-produced handicrafts to imported name brands can be found in and around the main commercial hub of Kuah. From small independent shops to large malls, everything on the island is tax-free and mostly reasonably priced. The most popular items include: cigarettes, alcohol, perfume, electronics and fashion accessories, all of which are popular among Thais, Malays and other nationalities.

Langkawi is well-known for producing exquisite crafts such as crystal, pewter, pottery and batik. There is no shortage of shops specialising in local handicrafts, especially in Kuah and Pantai Cenang. The Sime Darby Duty Free Shop in Kuah has the island’s largest selection of goods in one spot, but the Langkawi Fair shopping mall is the biggest single venue with more than 100 retail shops under its roof. Both local souvenirs and more utilitarian items can be found here, along with a large food court and a tourist information centre.

The Jetty Point Complex is another popular shopping stop. This air-conditioned two-storey complex serves as both a duty-free shopping centre and as the entry point for all ferries arriving on the island.

All visitors who stay on the island for 48 hours or longer can take home: 1 litre of alcohol, 225 grams of tobacco, one pair of leather footwear and up to three pieces of clothing duty-free. Above these limits, visitors have to pay tax however local handicrafts have more relaxed limits.

The beaches are the highlight of any trip to this island, but if you need a break from the sand and surf there are plenty of other recreational options on Langkawi. The Mat Cincang mountain range provides a wealth of hiking and trekking opportunities, while a handful of nature parks offer more convenient leisure spots. Golfers can play a round of golf at the Datai Bay 18-hole course and snorkellers and scuba divers can explore the endless dive sites offshore.

Beaches
There are all kinds of beaches on Langkawi, from the lively and popular Pantai Cenang to the quieter Pantai Tengah. Most visitors end up staying at Pantai Cenang, where most of the island’s hotels and water sport facilities are located. If you are looking for something quieter, head south to the idyllic Burau Bay and Pantai Kok. On the northern coast, the Beach of Skulls and Black Sand Beach are both interesting destinations.

Golf
Avid golfers can get their fix at the island’s premier golf course at The Golf Club Datai Bay. Set amid a tropical rainforest, this 18-hole course is so stunning you may have trouble keeping your eye on the ball.

Hiking
Langkawi has several mountain peaks which can be hiked and climbed. The most prominent is May Cincang, a craggy mountain which is among the oldest rock formations in Malaysia. Visitors will need to hire a guide to trek to the summit, but guides can be easily arranged at most resorts.

Scuba and Snorkelling
Most resorts handle their own diving excursions, so it’s easy to arrange a daytrip to a popular site like the Payar Marine Park where the coral and sea life is among the best in the region. Pulau Dayang Bunting, the archipelago’s second largest island, is ideal for snorkelling.