Most tourists agree that Langkawi's biggest attraction is its natural, undisturbed state uncluttered and pristine, for a visitor to be one with nature. Rice fields with grazing buffaloes while farmers tend their crops in traditional ways give the island its rustic appeal. The landscape of the islands are characterised by limestone outcrops blanketed in an emerald rainforest.

A trip to the island is not complete without a visit to Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum). About 12 km from Kuah, the shrine honours a maiden who lived on the island more than two hundred years ago. Unjustly accused of committing adultery, the legend holds that Mahsuri's innocence became apparent at her execution when white blood flowed from her body. In her dying breath, she laid a curse on the island that it would henceforth cease to prosper for seven generations.

Fact or fiction, the curse began to unfold shortly after Mahsuri's death. Siamese soldiers invaded the island and the villagers were forced to burn their rice fields. Until today, traces if burnt rice can be seen in the sands at Padang Matsirat, especially after a heavy rain.

According to another legend the hot springs at Kampong Air Hangat (Air Hangat Village), 14 km north of Kuah, originated after two families quarrelled over a rejected marriage proposal. During the commotion a jug of hot water was flung to the ground, whereupon it broke and hot water seeped into the ground.

Sited at Kampung Belanga Pecah along Jalan Air Hangat is the Langkawi Bird Paradise, the first fully covered walkway bird park in Asia. The park possesses more than 150 exoctic bird species with over 2,500 birds including colourful macaws. flamingos, hornbills, cockatoos amd many others.

In a smiilar vein is Taman Buaya (Crocodile Farm), home to a thousand crocodiles of different ages. Daily highlights are the awesome display of corcodile frenzy at feed time and daring physical interaction with the creatures by the farm's professional handlers.

Another famous attraction is Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells),  23 km northwest of Kuah. The geological wonder was created by a fresh water stream cascading some 90 meters thrugh a series of seven pools. Here visitors can enjoy swimming or picnicking amidst a lush green forest.

A most captivating way of appreciating Lankawi's wondrous greenery would be a bird's-eye view from a chartered helicopter. More conveniently, one can take the modern cable car up Mount Mat Cincang.  At the peak are observation stations to view the spectacular surrounding landscape and seascape.  An extraordinary experience would be the heart stopping rainforest adventure in which visitors ascend to the forest canopy. This escapade involves a 120-metre slide and a 30-metre vertical abseil passage. The view from the canopy is simply magnificent.

Kuah is the main entry point for visitors arriving by sea to Langkawi. The most prominent and visited landmark in Kuah is Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) where a huge eagle icon sculpture loards over the seafront. The are is beautifully landscaped with ponds, bridges, covered terraces and restaurants.

Next to the Square is Taman Legenda (Park of Legends).  It is immaculately designed and landscaped with exhibits detailing the heritage of myths and legends of Langkawi.

The waters around Langkawi sustain an incredible diversity of marine life. Visitors can appreciate and marvel this variety of aquatic life at the Underwater World Langkawi located at Cenang Beach. It is the largest public aquarium in the country, with gigantic tanks to house large species. A15-metre long tunnes with transparent glass provides a unique sensation of being among the fabulous creatures.

To the west of Pantai Tanjung Rhu is Pantai Pasir Hitam, a unique beach with glittering black sand, which is thought to be tin or an oxide of tin that may have come from the seabed or the earth's crust.