We had the opportunity to visit Langkawi, Malaysia during a recent a 14-Day Asian Holiday cruise on Holland America Line’s ms Volendam. 
Since we had researched Langkawi before our arrival, we decided that we did not need a tour, and would just take a taxi to the attractions that we wanted to see, with a ride on the Langkawi Cable Car as our top priority.
Langkawi, we had learned, is an archipelago of 99 islands located in the Andaman Sea 18 miles off the coast of northwestern mainland Malaysia. Only four of the islands are inhabited, and Pulau Langkawi, or the island specifically named Langkawi, is the most populated with 65,000 residents.
Langkawi was a sleepy backwater until 1987, when the island was granted tax-free status with the intention of promoting tourism and improving the lives of the islanders. Because of Langkawi’s tax-free status, alcohol is much cheaper than in the rest of Malaysia.
Langkawi has a cruise ship dock, but it was already occupied when the Volendam arrived, so our ship had to anchor and ferry guests to shore in tenders. It was a windy, somewhat long tender ride, but we were so glad that we made the effort to visit this island.
The ship’s tenders delivered us to an area known as Porto Malai. There was to be a shuttle from here to the Kuah town, a main shopping area, but it didn’t start for about 45 minutes after we arrived.
We simply wanted to get a taxi to the cable car, which was more difficult than expected because all of the drivers in this area wanted to take groups on an island tour.
Finally we found a driver that agreed to take the two of us, but only if we did an island tour as well. We agreed and were off, ahead of the shore excursion buses.
We headed directly to the Langkawi SkyCab, which is the world’s steepest cable car with a 2,322 ft. climb up Mt. Machinchang. The views are stunning.
The ride is breath-taking.
While this picture really does not give the proper perspective, the climb the cable car makes in the first run feels like you are climbing straight up the mountain.
After you arrive at the first vista, and take in the views, you catch a second cable cab that takes you to a higher point.
At the top point, selfie photos are encouraged. We joined the crowd, although we don’t have one of the “selfie sticks” that seem to be the hottest travel accessory in Asia.
If you are really brave at tall heights, you might want to try the Sky Bridge near the highest point of the cable car. The Sky Bridge was closed for repairs, but is scheduled for re-opening in the first quarter of 2015.
Back from the cable car, our taxi driver diligently drove us all over the island. This beach is on the northern part of the island of Langkawi. There are also many eco-tourism sites to explore if that appeals to you.
Finally, we headed to Eagle Square and the main shopping area. We stopped only for some photos and a Starbuck’s mug.
If you have the chance to visit Langkawi, even for a short port call, we’d recommend that you make the effort to visit this beautiful island.
Have you visited Langkawi? Did you ride the cable car? Please share your answer in comments below.
To read more about our Asian Holiday cruise experiences, check out these posts:
- Traditional Myanmar Dance and Dinner at La Planteur from the Port of Thilawa, Myanmar
- Getting an Introduction to Yangon via a Shore Excursion from Thilawa, Myanmar (Burma)
- Sailing into Thilawa, Myanmar (Burma); Port City for Yangon
- Christmas Day in Phuket, Thailand with a Visit to Tiger Kingdom
- Christmas Eve on Holland America Line’s Volendam
Follow us on Twitter or interact with us on Facebook
Or, check out our boards on Pinterest and/or our photos on Instagram.