5 Best Sights in Langkawi, Malaysia

Located on an island with the same name, Dayang Bunting features caves and karstic landscapes, but the biggest draw is the Lake of Pregnant Maiden. Local legend has it that the waters in this lake are beneficial to women's fertility. Possibly contributing to this tale is that, from afar, the outline of the lake appears to be shaped like a heavily pregnant woman lying on her back. Go for a dip or rent paddle boats and canoes (RMB20–RMB30) for a quiet ride on the turquoise waters. Watch out for the monkeys on the walk leading to the lake, as they're known to snatch food, drink, and anything shiny, including glasses and earrings. Travel agents throughout Langkawi can help arrange transportation to the island.

If you've never been snorkeling, the perfect way to experience it for the first time is with a day trip out to Pulau Payar Marine Park, 19 nautical miles off the southern tip of Langkawi. Made up of four islands, the park was established in 1985 as the first marine park in Malaysia. A floating platform off Pulau Payar houses an underwater observation chamber where you can view the marine life surrounding the reef—perfect even for nonswimmers. Everyone else can dive under and get a first-hand look at various types of coral and brightly colored fish. Keep in mind that during public holidays in China, this is a popular activity and can get very crowded. Given the option, it is well worth springing for the buffet lunch package rather than the bagged lunch. Langkawi Coral is one of the main tour operators for the park and can help organize day trips.

Rides on this cable car take you all the way to the top of Mt. Machincan, Langkawi's second highest peak. From more than 700 meters (2,300 feet) above sea level, visitors enjoy a 360-degree view of all of Langkawi, along with parts of southern Thailand. Gaping chasms, cliff walls, and caves are all part of the stunning panorama. At the top you can also traverse the 125-meter-long (410-foot-long) SkyBridge, a suspension bridge hanging some 100 meters (330 feet) above ground. Go early to beat the crowds and the heat.

Hike up 638 steps to reach the top of the Telaga Tujuh (meaning "seven wells") Waterfall. This natural wonder offers a lookout tower with views of Buray Bay and Pantai Kok from the top, as well as seven fresh pools to cool off in after the trek. Stone channels between pools provide smooth slides to get from one to the next. There is a legend that fairies used to bathe in these waters, and infused them with supposed healing powers. December through April is dry season so the waterfalls shrink to a trickle then, but the climb to the top and the rewarding swim are still nice. Be sure to wear or bring your bathing suit (there are changing rooms), and plenty of water to drink on the way up.

Malaysia's largest aquarium sits at the southern end of Pantai Cenang. It's a popular attraction for those traveling with kids in tow, as well as anyone needing an air-conditioned break after too much time in the sun. The 6-acre compound is divided into three sections: Tropical Rainforest, Temperate, and Sub-Antarctic. Highlights include a marine tunnel with giant grouper, sharks, and green turtles; penguin, otter, and fur-seal feeding sessions; and a 3-D theater screening videos related to the sea.