Gunung Raya
Gunung Raya is the tallest peak on Pulau Langkawi, standing at 881metres. It can be reached by a snaking, paved road through the jungle. It is a spectacular drive to the top with views across the island and over to Thailand.

At the top of the mountain is a VIP bungalow – a sort of Camp David for government ministers, which means access is restricted when it's occupied. 

A personal perspective on Gunung Raya by Eric Chong

Kampung Buku Malaysia

Kampung Buku Malaysia in Langkawi is the first and only book village in South-east Asia. It is part of the International Book Villages and Book Towns Movement.

Right: the lush environment at Kampung Buku Malaysia.

It is located just 10 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport and 15 minutes from the Ferry Terminal. Situated amidst a lush green forest at the foot of Gunung Raya, the highest peak on the island, the book village provides book lovers a tranquil setting to indulge in their hobby.

Alas, the half a dozen wooden kampung-style buildings house a rather mundane selection of books which will hardly interest serious book lovers.

Open: 9:00am to 6:00pm (daily)
Admission: Free.
Tel: 04-955 5568

Makam Purba (Ancient Tomb)

The tomb may be a relic from centuries ago but there is little historical facts and the structure itself is of little interest  to qualify as an "attraction". Give it a miss.

Makam Mahsuri

Among the significant sites on the island that have been preserved for posperity is Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri's Mausoleum) about 12 kilometres from Kuah. This shrine was erected in honour of Mahsuri, a fair maiden who was unjustly accused of adultery.

According to legend, she bled white blood at her execution as a sign of her innocence. In her dying breath, she laid a curse on the island that it would remain barren for seven generations. Fact or fiction, seven generations have since passed and today, Langkawi is a flourishing destination.

Read about the legendary Mahsuri

Open: 7:30am to 6:00pm (daily)
Admission: RM2.00 (adult), RM 1.00 (child)