12 Langkawi Picnic Spots Loved by Locals

Who doesn’t love a picnic, am I right? Picnics in Langkawi are especially popular with the island’s local residents. From dramatic waterfall locations to nearly empty beaches, young and old alike savor their makan moments in Langkawi’s great outdoors. But when it comes to those special Langkawi picnic spots? Some folks seem to think all of Langkawi is picnic-worthy, considering the takeaway rubbish that manages to be discarded on some of the island’s roads. But then we all know the type of people who randomly toss rubbish from their cars and motorbikes, don’t we? Certainly not nature lovers that’s for sure.

But, for those who do appreciate nature and a good old fashioned picnic in the great outdoors, here’s a find-it-yourself map and list of 12 of the most locally loved picnic spots in Langkawi. They are perfect for relaxing, enjoying a scenic view, and immersing yourself in nature. Just please try to go the extra mile in helping to keep them clean, because they deserve all the love and respect they can get.

 

 1. Airport Beach (Pantai Airport)

Perhaps most famously known for its laksa vendors, Airport Beach (Pantai Airport) draws a steady crowd throughout the day, especially in the late afternoons until sunset. Located adjacent to the Langkawi International Airport landing strip, Airport Beach is the place to be during LIMA airshows or for anyone who just likes to watch airplanes take off and land. It has also become one of the most convenient Langkawi picnic spots, as it falls just off the seaside road between busy Pantai Cenang and the airport.

Airport Beach offers a family-friendly, sandy beach, quiet waters, plenty of shade trees and lots of laksa. Tables and chairs are also available for use for those who prefer to bring their own food from home (or elsewhere). Despite its popularity, this location is without any bathroom facilities, so do consider that if you’re planning on staying for any length of time. Open: always

Tables/ benches: yes
Gazebos: yes
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: not sure
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: not really
Toilets/ showers: yes (updated 2023)
Food vendors: yes, mid to late afternoon

 

 2. Telaga Lighthouse (Rumah Api Telaga)

As it proudly stands sentry over Telaga Harbor, the Telaga Lighthouse (Rumah Api Telaga) has gained Langkawi icon status over the years. It’s also a highly visible landmark for anyone heading to Oriental Village and the Panorama Cable Car. You can’t miss it! But not everyone knows that there is a small access road (behind the Danna Hotel) which leads directly to this seaside gem. For those in the know, the Telaga Lighthouse (park) is not only a favorite Langkawi picnic spot, it is also popular among casual fishermen (and women) for casting a line or two.

Although there are no amenities beyond a lone rubbish bin, the shade trees, sunset view and picturesque harbor make this Langkawi picnic spot a winner. And, of course, there is the lighthouse itself, which is always Instagram-worthy. The adjacent beach, was once also the location of a movie set created for Anna and the King (the Jodie Foster movie), so be sure to look for it next time you watch the movie. Open: 0900 to 1700 (new hours added 2023)

Tables/ benches: no
Gazebos: no
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: no
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: yes
Toilets/ showers: no
Food vendors: no

 

 3. Kok Beach (Pantai Kok)

Just across the water from the Telaga Lighthouse (as the crow flies) or north up the wind-y seacoast road is Kok Beach (Pantai Kok). Once, more of a seaside kampung area, this patch of white-sand beach is now sandwiched between a 5-star resort and a rather large bypass road. May sound like an odd place for a Langkawi picnic, but the beach is gorgeous.

Kok Beach’s parking lot leads right up to the white sands and just a stone’s throw from calm, shallow turquoise waters. The perfect beach for little kids and non-swimmers as well. Wispy pines and statuesque palms dot the shoreline offering a nice shady place to chill out and be one with the sea.

No bathroom facilities are at this location, but there is a rubbish bin and high hopes that people will use it or take their rubbish home with them. Food vendors may or may not be there, so be sure to bring your own refreshments rather than depend on onsite food possibilities. Open: always

Tables/ benches: no
Gazebos: no
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: no
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: yes, with assistance
Toilets/ showers: no
Food vendors: maybe, sometimes

 

 4. Seven Wells Waterfall (Air Terjun Telaga Tujuh)

When it comes to dramatic waterfall backdrops, Seven Wells Waterfall (Air Terjun Telaga Tujuh) gets the award. The seven pools of the waterfall have incredible geological formations and the surrounding rainforest is the perfect location for a jungle-y Langkawi picnic. However, if you’re looking for a place to commune (and picnic) with nature alone you may want to look elsewhere. Because the very popular Seven Wells Waterfall is a tourist magnet, and you’ll most likely be surrounded by clusters of other people; locals and tourists alike.

Located just up the road from Oriental Village and the Panorama Cable Car, Seven Wells Waterfall offers two Langkawi picnic spots in one. There is a relatively easy access, lower falls area and an upper falls area that is a whopping 630 steps up the mountain. Not for the faint at heart, I might add, because it can be a hell-ish trek for the unsuspecting. But if you’re up for the physical challenge, go for it!

Both the lower and upper falls have swimmable pools, bathroom facilities… and monkeys. Lots of monkeys. So many monkeys that it would be extremely foolish to engage their cuteness with any photo op feeding session, because you will soon be surrounded and followed.

They are capable of biting too, by the way, so even if you are completely comfortable with tiny teeth baring primates, please have some compassion for those of us who are not. Please don’t feed them and, if at all possible, take your rubbish with you when you leave. It will help keep Seven Wells Waterfall clean and a good Langkawi picnic experience for all. Open: 0830 to 1930

Tables/ benches: yes
Gazebos: yes
Trash bins: yes, at entry
Cooking: not sure
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: no
Toilets/ showers: yes
Food vendors: yes at entry

 

 5. Skull Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Tengkorak)

A top favorite Langkawi picnic spot for beach-loving locals is the glorious Skull Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Tengkorak). The sand is white, the waters relatively clear and local families take full advantage of one of their last beaches that has not been taken over by development or rowdy western tourists. From aunties traditionally cooking fish on makeshift grills to kids burying their siblings in the sand, this family-friendly beach draws a steady stream of locals every day of the week.

Far from the Cenang tourist scene, Skull Sand Beach is located on the north side of the island in the Datai Bay area. It’s a bit of a journey to get to, but with some planning, it is well worth the effort to head there for a day at the beach and a picnic. Presently there is a massive metal fence hiding the Skull Sand Beach park from the eyes of passing vehicles, but don’t let that discourage you as the parking lot entry is just at the beginning of the fence.

In addition to a gorgeous beach, picnic tables, bathroom facilities and shade trees are available, offering visitors some comfortable picnic diversity. Early arrivals can score a seaside gazebo that comes with an especially stellar view of the beach and historic Koh Tarutao (island), Thailand, which is just 8km north. If you are curious how Skull Sand Beach got its name, be sure to check out the information signboards posted at the entry, as well as the two posted on the rocks, next to the sea. Open: 0830 to 1930

Tables/ benches: yes
Gazebos: no
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: no fire sign is posted
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: yes, with assistance
Toilets/ showers: yes
Food vendors: maybe, sometimes

 

6. Temurun Waterfall (Air Turjun Temurun)

Just up the road from Skull Sand Beach is Temurun Waterfall (Air Turjun Temurun), Langkawi’s tallest waterfall. This jungle gem has three tiers, with water cascading 30-meters to the pool below. Rainy season is the best time to enjoy the thundering roar of water while you munch your lunch, but even without dramatic water flow this Langkawi picnic spot offers a healthy dose of nature.

Although the upper tiers of the waterfall may be a tad precarious for the average picnicker to get to, the lower tier is made up of relaxing streams of shallow water surrounded by dense jungles. Slightly uneven walkways skirt the perimeter, which has an ample amount of picnic tables, a few gazebos and a bathroom facility.

Just at the entry, a couple of vendors may be around to offer basic refreshments, but depending on the time-of-day snack options may be limited to a scant few canned drinks and some bags of chips. So, at the very least bring some water if you’re heading this way, because the location is remote and far from any mini-marts. Open: 0830 to 1930

Tables/ benches: yes
Gazebos: yes
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: no fire sign is posted
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: yes partially, with assistance
Toilets/ showers: yes
Food vendors: yes, very minimal

 

 7. Book Village (Kampung Buku)/
Lubuk Semilang Recreational Park

Although often referred to as simply ‘Book Village’ (Kampung Buku), this Langkawi picnic spot is actually Lubuk Semilang Recreational Park. Right next door to the Mardi Agro Technology Park. Once upon a time (1997) Buku Village was the first book village in Southeast Asia and part of the International Book Villages and Book Towns Movement. The books have long since been removed, but the easier-to-pronounce Book Village name continues to live on as a family outing favorite among Langkawi locals.

Lubuk Semilang Recreational Park has nearly all of the creature comforts you could want in a public park; plenty of parking, easy access pathways and sidewalks, gazebos, benches, trash bins and bathroom facilities. There are even a couple of small BBQ pits that appear to get good use. But it’s the steady stream of cool river water that draws crowds on a hot day. In addition to the small river, the water is diverted here and there, via small aqueducts, to keep several shallow ponds full of water.

While visiting Buku Village/ Lubuk Semilang, more adventurous picnickers can take a jungle trek by hiking through the park to the Thousand Memories Eagle Stairs. This magical sounding staircase will lead to the top of Gunung Raya; Langkawi’s highest mountain at 881-meters. As a safety precaution, be sure to let someone know your plans if you decide to head out, because it’s a long way to the top. The stairs may also be in need of repairs in certain spots and not in the safest condition. Open: 0830 to 1930

Tables/ benches: yes
Gazebos: yes
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: small bbq
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: yes, with assistance
Toilets/ showers: yes
Food vendors: no

 

 8. Durian Perangin Waterfall (Air Turjun Perangin Durian)

On the northern side of Gunung Raya is Durian Perangin Waterfall (Air Turjun Perangin Durian), a postcard-worthy Langkawi picnic spot if ever there was one. Durian Waterfall was named after Malaysia’s King of Fruit; Durian. A nod to the surrounding fruit farms, which of course include the famous Durian among their produce. Located in the Gunung Raya Forest Reserve, overall maintenance of this popular picnic spot is high. It is clean and the landscape is picturesque. It also has all the amenities, including bathroom facilities as well as small BBQ pits.

Once past the souvenir vendors and through the Selamat Datang (welcome) archway, visitors are greeted by a lush tropical garden dotted with perky little gazebos overlooking various babbling brooks and ponds. Two hanging bridges offer visitors an alternative route to get from one side to the other. Or one can simply stroll the park’s promenade past the tropical foliage.

The 14 tier Durian Waterfall begins on much higher ground and is accessible via cement stairs, but picnicking families are usually content to set up their camps closer to the lower tiers. Incidentally, the word perangin means picnic in Bahasa Malayu. ‘Tempat peranginan’ on a sign usually denotes a government recognized recreational and picnic spot.

Tables/ benches: yes
Gazebos: yes
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: small bbq
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: yes partially, with assistance
Toilets/ showers: yes
Food vendors: yes shops

 

 9. Shark Bay Beach (Pantai Teluk Yu)

Don’t let the ominous name put you off, because Shark Bay Beach (Pantai Teluk Yu) is sans sharks these days. And despite the ridiculous notion that the beach was named after the cement statues at Shark Bay Beach (which were placed there in the late 1990s), there is still some debate on the actual origin of the name. The Teluk Yu moniker has been on the books since the late 1800s, according to one local historian. I personally lean towards the shark infested waters theory, since shipwrecks, pirates and battles at sea are all part of Langkawi’s historical legacy.

That said, Shark Bay Beach of modern times is a pristine little seaside park with a long stretch of beach, swaying palms and a clear view of Koh Tarutao, Thailand on the horizon. Gazebos, benches, trash bins, bathroom facilities and a lovely line up of food vendors make this Langkawi picnic spot a must visit for anyone cruising the north side of the island. It is truly lovely. Open: always

Tables/ benches: yes
Gazebos: yes
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: no
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: yes
Toilets/ showers: yes
Food vendors: yes

 

 10. Black Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Hitam)

Just east of Shark Bay Beach, on the same coastal highway (113), is Black Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Hitam), which has its own claim to fame in the form of a beach full of wow-worthy black sand. Over the years the black sand phenomenon has attracted geologists as well as curious tourists and a popular Langkawi picnic spot was born.

Losing some of its crowd drawing appeal along the way, souvenir shops, a food court, a playground and bathroom facilities were added to cover all the potential visitor’s needs. More recently, the beach access stairway has been painted in rainbow hues and two seaside swings have been added to attract the Instagramming crowd. The tide dependent beach is not as black as it once was, but it still makes for a scenic place to stop and grab a bite to eat. Open: 0830 to 1930

Tables/ benches: yes
Gazebos: no, open air hawkers stall
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: not sure
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: yes, with assistance
Toilets/ showers: yes
Food vendors: yes

 

11. Lagenda Park (Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman)

Probably the most unique of all Langkawi picnic spots is Lagenda Park (Taman Lagenda) in Kuah. Just a short walk from Eagle Square, Lagenda Park is mix of a cultural living museum, tropical gardens and a scenic seaside. The estimated 50-acre park was built on reclaimed waterfront land with the original concept including 4 small lakes and 17 sculptures depicting Langkawi’s myths and legends. Lagenda Park, also known as Park of Langkawi Legends, officially opened in April 1996.

Throughout the massive park, strange-looking sculptures guide the way, making for a bit of an Alice in Wonderland kind of vibe. Informative plaques, in various stages of readability, attempt to explain Langkawi’s legends (not always completely correctly), but it’s interesting none-the-less. Benches, a few gazebos and bathroom facilities are available, making for a comfortable location to spend the day.

There are two entries to Lagenda Park; one at the grand entrance and one on the beach, next to Pekan Rabu. Picnickers with a lot to carry can easily come in from the back way, which is quite close to the Pekan Rabu car park. The convenient walkways also circle the grounds and cross over throughout the park making Lagenda Park essentially wheelchair and stroller friendly. Open: 0830 to 1930 (per official entry routes)

Tables/ benches: yes
Gazebos: yes
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: no
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: yes, with assistance
Toilets/ showers: yes
Food vendors: no

 

 12. Airport Lookout Point

Like to get a birds-eye view of airports? Airport Lookout Point is located on a remote hill, just east of the Langkawi International Airport. Public access to this small park hidey-hole is from Jalan Padang Matsirat. First time visitors are likely to miss the small turn off sign on the first go round, so be prepared to make a U-turn or two.

The Lookout Point park has only a landscaped garden, a few gazebos, a trash bin and benches, but offers an excellent view of the airport landing strip and surrounding coastline. Likely very popular during air shows. Airport Lookout Point also has a sunset view, making for a relaxing place to wrap up the end of a long day or perhaps ponder the meaning of life. Open: always

Tables/ benches: yes
Gazebos: yes
Trash bins: yes
Cooking: no
Wheelchair/ stroller friendly: yes, with assistance
Toilets/ showers: no
Food vendors: no

 

13. Bonus Langkawi Picnic Spots! Island Hopping Drops

With more than 99 islands available, remote island picnics are a real possibility in the Langkawi archipelago. From the regular 3-island group island hopping tours to private boat hires; have boat will travel! All you need is a boat, an island and food and you’re ready for your Langkawi picnic Robinson Crusoe style!

Unfortunately, most of the unpopulated islands do not have clean-up crews beyond volunteers who make the rounds every month or so. That’s where the sustainable picnicker code of honor comes in. You bring it in, you take it out. Everybody wins. Even if your charismatic boatman tells you not to worry about rubbish left behind, you’re probably way cooler than that right? You’ll be ultra-awesome if you pack a few garbage bags for your trip and take every bit of rubbish you produced back with you.

 

Best tips for helping keep Langkawi picnic spots
in tip top condition?

*Don’t leave your rubbish behind. Even if there is a trash bin, just take your trash with you when you leave.
*Don’t start random fires and attempt to burn your rubbish.
*And please don’t feed the wildlife, especially ‘human’ food and drinks in non-biodegradable packaging.

Barbecue/ campfire options are only mentioned a couple of times in this post because there may be special fire regulations and circumstances for the other locations. Maybe yes, maybe no, maybe don’t ask don’t tell… Just remember that if you are a visitor, it is always in your best interest to err on the side of caution when it comes to fires.

Dining in the great outdoors has been a favorite activity for generations. But takeaway bags and boxes have replaced reusable containers and tiffins from home; especially for tourists. That can add up to a lot of ‘stuff’ to be thrown away. Unfortunately, some Langkawi picnic locations may occasionally be missing a rubbish bin, or the bin is overflowing.

Wild animals get into the rubbish as well, and the area may look a bit messy when you arrive. This does not mean no one cares. It may indicate that the location had more visitors than usual or the waste management teams (aka rubbish trucks) have not been there yet for a pick up. So please do not add to the situation, by just tossing your trash on the ground and leaving.

In fact, the best plan for those picnicking in Langkawi is to take your rubbish back home (or to your hotel) with you. It’s not that difficult and you will be part of the solution not the problem. And for goodness sakes, please don’t take photos of overflowing trash bins and post on social media to publicly shame the island. If it means that much to you, push up your sleeves and pick up some trash. You will make those who visit these favorite Langkawi picnic spots, after you, very happy.