What’s new in Langkawi?

BorneoTalk recently had the opportunity to join in on a Media Familiarisation (FAM) Trip to the beautiful island of Langkawi, organised by the Langkawi Development Authority and Naturally Langkawi, in conjunction with the Langkawi International Tourism Engagement (LITE), which took place at the Berjaya Langkawi Resort from August 6 to 9, 2024.

The Media FAM Trip at The Danna Langkawi, with its new General Manager, Aditya Shamsher Malla (centre)

The Danna Langkawi's stunning architecture.

LITE 2024 is designed to cast a brilliant spotlight on Langkawi as a premier island destination, celebrating its breath-taking landscapes, luxurious accommodations, thrilling activities and extraordinary experiences. Over three days, 160 delegates comprising 100 local tourism stakeholders and 60 hosted buyers from esteemed international travel agencies across Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, India, Pakistan and Indonesia. 

BorneoTalk_s own Ashley Pan hands over the latest issue to Dato Zamzuri after the LITE 2024 Press Conference.

During our 4D3N FAM trip, we had the pleasure of exploring some of the island’s latest attractions, including the newly completed Eagle’s Nest Skywalk. A new addition to the already popular Langkawi SkyCab, the Eagle’s Nest is nestled on the peak of the Middle Station on Mount Machinchang, and is a 38-metre freestanding cantilever glass platform located 650 metres above sea level. The glass platform boasts panoramic views of the entire island, emulating the head of an eagle overlooking the nest.

The glass platform of the Eagle's Nest.

9.30am – 6pm (Weekdays) . 9.30am – 6.30pm (Weekends) . Jalan Telaga Tujuh, 07000 Langkawi 

We also had the opportunity to embark on a magical journey at Dream Forest Langkawi, an immersive night attraction that combines the serenity of night walks with multi-sensory technology, projection mapping, cutting-edge lighting and mesmerising soundscapes that reimagine the mythical tales of Tasik Dayang Bunting, Merong Mahawangsa and the Giants of Langkawi!

The Mother Tree of Sang Gedembai at Dream Forest.

Take a break at the Tree Village.

7pm – 12am (Closed on Wednesdays) . Lubuk Semilang, Off Jalan Padang Gaong, Mukim, 07000 Langkawi

We also had a short tour around the Kubang Badak BioGEO Trail, a unique ecosystem that includes a river estuary of great geological diversity and vast mangrove forests. During our boat ride, we caught glimpses of the island’s iconic winged residents, the Brahminy Kites and White-Bellied Sea Eagles, and even stopped by an Oyster Farm, however, it was closed during our tour.

During the Kubang Badak BioGEO Trail boat ride.

During one of the evenings, we headed to the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club in Kuah for a Sunset Cruise with Avante Yacht Charters! Despite the short bout of rain, we had a grand time on the 4-hour cruise on the Seawolf, enjoying free-flow beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), delicious dinner on board, free-swimming, kayaking and even a quick speedboat tour! 

During the Sunset Cruise by Avante Yacht Charters.

During the FAM trip, we stayed two nights at The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, a family-friendly resort nestled on a pristine beach by the Andaman Sea. Designed to blend natural beauty and serenity with exceptional amenities, The Westin’s elegant guestrooms offers remarkable seascapes and room service, complete with a luxurious marble bathroom and Westin’s signature Heavenly® Beds, which gave us some of the best nights’ sleep we have gotten in a while. 

Sea view from The Westin's lobby.

Our final night in Langkawi was spent at the Temple Tree Resort, a charming boutique resort with beautiful Heritage houses, each with its own colourful character, heritage and history. A group of us stayed at the Straits House, a grand 90-year-old 4-bedroom Eurasian house originally from Penang, which comes with its own private pool!

The Johor House at Temple Tree Resort.

Dinner at Temple Tree Resort.

Thank you to LADA and Naturally Langkawi for inviting us on this Media FAM trip, we had an excellent time exploring some of the island’s latest attractions and we can’t wait to be back!