While most travelers visit Langkawi for its stunning beaches, there’s a hidden treasure waiting for road trip enthusiasts: the island’s breathtaking scenic drives. Imagine cruising through lush rainforests, with the added perk of Langkawi being a duty-free haven where car rentals are affordable, and fuel costs just RM 2 (less than $0.50) per liter. It’s a road traveler’s dream. On my first visit, I spent a full week exploring over 650 kilometers of this tiny island, yet even with all that driving, I found myself yearning for more.
Langkawi is not just a tropical haven; it also boasts one of the oldest rainforests in the world, contributing to its extraordinary landscape. Despite the island’s small size, where a 45-minute drive in any direction brings you to the ocean, every route offers something special. The beauty of driving in Langkawi lies in the journey itself, revealing hidden gems and unforgettable vistas around every corner.
The Caveat
To truly savor the scenic drives in Langkawi, it’s important to choose accommodations that allow you to explore the island’s interior roads and stunning countryside. During my visit, I split my stay between two distinct locations: Halcyon Days @ Langkawi in the southwest and De Balqis Beach Resorts in Tanjung Rhu at the island’s northern tip. Each offered a unique landscape and driving experience. Many tourists stick to one location and try to see the island in a rush, missing out on Langkawi’s hidden beauty. If scenic drives are on your agenda, I highly recommend that you choose accommodations spread across the island’s various regions. This will enable you to experience the island’s various landscapes not just once, but repeatedly.
Here are the most memorable scenic drives I experienced during my road trip in Langkawi. My personal experience with these routes and planning the road trip myself allows me to share them confidently.
Gunung Raya via Ulu Melaka
Gunung Raya, at 2,900 feet, is Langkawi’s highest peak, offering some of the island’s most stunning panoramic views. One of the most north-westerly mountains, it is called ‘gunung’, which means ‘great’ or ‘large’. This lush, forested mountain is steeped in local legend, believed to be the cursed form of a giant named Mat Raya who once roamed the land. The mountain is part of the Gunung Raya Forest Reserve, which is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the great hornbill and dusky leaf monkeys.
If you’re staying in the southern or western part of the island, I recommend driving to Gunung Raya via Ulu Melaka for a truly scenic journey. You’ll be surrounded by thick rainforest and vast green paddy fields. From Ulu Melaka, take route 112 toward Tanjung Rhu, and after about 5 km, a sign for Gunung Raya will guide you onto route 278. This marks the start of the 13-km uphill drive to the peak, a route that cuts through dense rainforest and is a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
The ideal time for this drive is early morning when the peak is often shrouded in clouds. We set out at 6 am, and within 10 minutes, reached the start of route 278. With the road all to ourselves, we had the chance to spot wildlife, including a group of Dusky Leaf Langurs. Usually shy, these monkeys typically scurry away, but we were fortunate enough to get some great photos. The peninsular area is the only place in Malaysia where you can see dusky leaf monkeys.
As you ascend, take a moment to stop at a small viewpoint lay-by. The view of the Andaman Sea and Gunung Mat Cincang is breathtaking. Gunung Mat Cincang, the second-highest mountain in Langkawi, is where the famous Langkawi SkyCab is located. An information board here provides details about hornbill species, geckos, and the granite rock of Gunung Raya.
As you continue, you’ll notice the cloud cover thickening. At the summit, we found ourselves enveloped in clouds, with intermittent clearings revealing the stunning landscape below. The summit once boasted a viewing tower offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding islands and the Andaman Sea, along with a resort, D’Coconut Hill Resort, and a telecommunication tower. However, the resort closed in 2019, and access to the watchtower ended in 2018. Locals claim the area is haunted, citing spooky activities, especially when the place is disrespected. While I’m unsure of these tales, we spent a few moments at the top soaking in the view. A few employees from the telecommunication tower passed by. If you’re lucky, you might spot the great hornbills, which are plentiful on this mountain.
Jalan Teluk Yu (Shark Bay Road)
This drive along route 113 is the most scenic in Langkawi, running almost parallel to the Andaman Sea and it quickly became my favorite. During our family holidays in Langkawi, we took this drive three times, and each time the views became more captivating.
The 20-km stretch is dotted with some of the secret beaches of Langkawi, perfect for a quick stop to enjoy the secluded shores, often frequented by locals and rarely crowded with tourists.
You can begin this drive from two starting points. One option is to start at the intersection of routes 112 and 113, heading west until you reach the junction of routes 113 and 114. Alternatively, start at the junction of routes 113 and 114 near Langkawi Marine Park and drive east on route 113 (Jalan Teluk Yu) all the way to Tanjung Rhu Beach, the northernmost point of Langkawi. If driving from west to east, you’ll initially pass through dense forests before reaching the Langkawi Craft Complex, where the road starts to run parallel to the ocean. Along the way, you’ll encounter several beaches, including Shark Bay (Teluk Yu), Wild Beach, Black Sand Beach, Pantai Rekreasi Kastam, and finally, Tanjung Rhu Beach. Note that route 113 becomes Jalan Tanjung Rhu after its intersection with route 112 at the roundabout as you head toward Tanjung Rhu Beach.
Jalan Datai
The drive along Jalan Datai, route 161, offers a pristine journey through one of Langkawi’s untouched landscapes. This 30-km round trip is not to be missed and can be easily combined with Jalan Teluk Yu, as Jalan Datai branches off from this route.
Take a turn from Masjid Jamek Kampung Kok while on route 113, and a 12-km scenic road will lead you to The Els Club Teluk Datai Golf Course. You’ll pass by Crocodile Adventureland, where you can stop to see crocodiles in action if you’re interested.
Further along, you’ll come across Sandy Skulls Beach, one of Langkawi’s best-kept secrets with calm waters and white sand, perfect for a relaxing swim. The road also passes by waterfalls like Temurun Waterfall and Langkawi Falls, though their flow depends on the season.
After the golf course, the road becomes Jalan Teluk Datai for 3 km into the Datai highlands, offering a mesmerizing drive with opportunities for birdwatching. At the end of the road, you’ll find luxurious properties like The Datai Langkawi, but note that this road is a dead end, so you’ll need to retrace your path to return.
Jalan Ayer Hangat
This 19-km scenic drive along route 112 offers a different experience from the one leading to Gunung Raya. You can start in Kuah town and end at the junction of route 112 and 113, or continue onto route 113 (Jalan Teluk Yu).
This picturesque route takes you along the rear side of Gunung Raya, with rainforest on your left and geoforest on your right. Along the way, you’ll pass Wat Koh Wanaram and Wat Tham Kisap, lesser-known Buddhist temples, as well as the Langkawi Wildlife Park and the boarding point for Kilim Geoforest Park’s mangrove tours.
Getting around Pulau Tuba on a scooter
If you’re seeking an offbeat adventure in Langkawi, a visit to Pulau Tuba (Tuba Island) is a must. Park your car at the Kuah jetty parking garage and take a 15-minute ferry ride to the island. With few cars on the island, hiring a scooter from the main jetty is the best way to explore. It’s a truly serene experience. Don’t miss crossing the bridge to Pulau Dayang Bunting. For more details on what to do on this island, check out my comprehensive blog on Pulau Tuba.
Embrace the Scenic Beauty of Langkawi
Langkawi’s true charm lies not just in its destinations but also in its journeys through lush rainforests, coastal roads, and hidden byways. Each drive reveals a new side of Langkawi, from secluded beaches to stunning mountain scenery. The scenic drives of Langkawi are an unforgettable way to connect with the island’s beauty, even if you’re not a road trip enthusiast. Fill up the tank, take the wheel, and enjoy Langkawi’s hidden vistas.
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