Most visitors to Langkawi, Malaysia start off by lounging poolside at one of the many beautiful resorts. If tourists do vacate their seat, it’s to explore the island from an exciting vantage point. And Langkawi has a good one.
You can get an eagle’s-eye view of the beautiful island by taking a 15-minute ride via cable car to the summit of Mat Cincang. You may even see a few of them too.
The cable car makes two stops. The first part of the climb is very steep and windy. The wind plays a crucial part in the experience—stimulating all your senses. You hear its soft gale forcing its way through the air vents into the interior of the cabin. You smell the fresh breeze as it swings the car to the left and then right. You can feel the wind on the back of your neck. And when the clouds hang low, you can see the condensation form on the outside windows as you ascend the island’s second highest peak.
Tip: If there is no one in line, don’t get off at the first stop—go directly to the summit.
Walk up the flight of stairs to the observation deck. Once there, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view, 2,170 feet above sea level. You can see Pantai Kok beach, the Seven Wells (Telaga Tujuh) Waterfalls and rain forests that form a warm, thick blanket of green around the entire island. And on a clear day you can see Southwest Thailand across the crystal clear blue waters.
If you have your land legs back from the steep climb up the mountain, walk across the Langkawi Sky Bridge that connects Mat Cincang to a nearby peak. The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 410-foot curved pedestrian suspension bridge built in 2005. It is not for those fearful of heights especially if you stand on top of one of the glass panels that allow you to see (or not see) the ground beneath you.
Due Diligence: The cable car and sky bridge are state of the art, but do not operate in bad weather, so check with hotel staff or call ahead before venturing out.
There are several stalls selling food and t-shirts.
Opening Hours: 10am – 8pm
Address: Jalan Telaga Tujuh Teluk Burau, Langkawi, Kedah 07000
Tel: (604) 959 4225
