Langkawi, Malaysia: Low key activities in a hot spot destination

For visitors who would prefer to stay away from the crowded and popular tourist attractions, there is an array of more exclusive activities to try.

A day in Langkawi

7 to 11 am: Early morning dip at Pantai Pasir Tengkorak
Visitors can start their day with an early morning dip at the beautiful beach. Head towards Datai Bay to reach Pantai Pasir Tengkorak; loosely translated as "The Beach of Skulls." Like a pirate's den, this small stretch of beach, flanked on either side by rocky boulders, is peacefully quiet in the early morning hours. The waves are majestic, the sand is soft, and lush trees shade the entire beach like giant umbrellas.

11 am to 12 pm: Art in the Museum Visitors can follow with an early afternoon tour of the Ibrahim Hussein Museum and Cultural Foundation . The building itself commands beautiful views of the Andaman Sea, and features the art of one of Malaysia’s iconic artists, the late Ibrahim Hussein. His huge pieces are inspired by historic moments, significant people who have touched his life, and his peace messages, such as: “One day man will rule with tenderness.”

12 to 3 pm: Lunch and heritage tour Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Bon Ton Resort’s Nam Restaurant, nestled in a freshwater lagoon fringed with coconut trees. Ask your server about a guided tour of their latest luxury boutique resort, Temple Tree. A tour at the resort will allow visitors to see a collection of authentic antique homes that range between 70 and 110 years old. Each house reveals beautiful traditional architecture with a mix of modern and vintage chic interiors, with fascinating stories of its previous occupants and history.

3 to 4:30 pm: Rainforest, mountains, and with the buffaloes
Langkawi has breath-taking views of the rainforest, the mountains and the countryside. Visitors can take it all in with a drive through the quiet roads of Kampung Nyior Chabang. They can then stop for tea and ice cream at Buffalo Park , an agro tourist farm and cafe. The Park rears over 100 Murrah and swamp buffaloes, and produces its own flavored milk, yogurt, ice cream and cheese, which are all served at the cozy outdoor café.

4:30 – 6:30 pm: A walk in the garden
End the evening with a private tour of Dr. Ghani’s herbal home garden (herbwalk@herwalk-langkawi.com). Dr. Ghani is a medical practitioner with a passion for the natural healing properties of local plants and herbs. His garden has a collection of more than 500 different species of medicinal plants and herbs. During the two-hour tour, Dr. Ghani himself briefs visitors about the natural healing and medicinal properties of certain plants. As a treat, guests are served local snacks in a traditional wooden balai at the end of the tour.

And, there's still plenty of time to enjoy some evening activities. Learn more about outdoor activities on the island at LangkawiGeoPark.com and the all around guide Langkawi Info