Langkawi (Kedah): Sky High and Artistic

Embarking on a road trip to Langkawi with a large group required two coaches. This was my second visit, the first being 25 years ago, leaving me curious about what had changed. Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, is known for its natural beauty and rich history. It has been a significant trading post influenced by Malay, Thai, and colonial cultures and is steeped in local legends like that of Princess Mahsuri. Now a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi's rainforests, beaches, and wildlife showcase Malaysia's heritage (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).

We arrived in Kuala Kedah and took a ferry to Langkawi. Once there, we divided into cars and headed to Oriental Village. After a walk from the car park, our first stop was the food court to satisfy our hunger before starting our exploration of the village.

 

Be prepared to pay a fair amount for the activities in Oriental Village, with various packages available to choose from. Our adventure (MALACCA WALK THROUGH HISTORY) began once we queued up, eagerly boarding the cable car. With a 42-degree incline at some points and rising more than 700 meters, the Langkawi Cable Car (Sky Cab) offers one of the steepest climbs around. As we ascended to the 550-million-year-old Mount Machincang, the ride was a thrilling experience, offering stunning views of mountains, water, and jungle. The Langkawi Sky Cab is breathtaking, and I loved every moment of it. Once at the top, we walked around among a mix of local and foreign tourists, taking in the magnificent views of Mount Machincang, the "Birthplace of the Region."

Mount Machincang, towering at 705 meters, is a majestic peak on Langkawi. Part of the Langkawi Geopark, this ancient, rugged mountain is renowned for its dramatic geological formations, lush rainforests, and panoramic views of the island and surrounding Andaman Sea. The mountain's name, derived from local folklore, is steeped in legend, with stories linking it to the mythical Malay hero, Machincang. Mount Machincang stands as a symbol of Langkawi's natural grandeur and geological significance.

Amazing. Sky-shattering euphoria. Really! Sky Bridge Walk, on the other hand, didn't lure us. Mainly due to two practical reasons: we didn't want to pay, and it was far too hot, with the scorching afternoon sun burning our skin and making us sweat profusely. I sort of regretted not doing it afterward because SkyBridge Walk is definitely one of Langkawi's ultimate splendors. Then again, hopefully, I'll get another chance if I return. Keeping my fingers crossed.

We returned to the ground within the hour and headed next to 3D Art Museum, the second largest 3D art museum in the world. Initially, I was skeptical, having visited 3D art museums in other countries (INDONESIA 3D MUSEUM & KOREA 3D MUSEUM), but once I stepped inside, oh-my, what a wondrous fun moment. It’s all about capturing pictures, but it’s truly attractive and engaging. We couldn’t stop taking photos, each scene more fascinating than the last.

As the clock approached 6pm, we had to leave as the museum closed. I wished we had more time to explore the rest of the Oriental Village, but starting our adventure at 2pm meant we could only see so much.