My visit to Langkawi De’ Windmills Selfie Park was completely unplanned. In fact, I hadn’t even known the place existed. So, imagine my surprise when the Google lady led me there! On a hot sunny day in Langkawi after being told several times to “Turn left in 500 meters.” I looked up to have a what-the-heck moment. There before me was a gigantic hot air balloon and thousands of colorful, plastic pinwheels. I stared in disbelief and then I smiled. This wonderfully crazy looking place was just what the doctor ordered for me.
I had initially set out for the slightly remote Dangau Langkawi Restaurant, which apparently has two entry points from the main road. And sandwiched between the two entry points is Langkawi De’ Windmills Selfie Park. A selfie park located in Ulu Melaka, just past Kota Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Tomb).
In addition to street parking, the selfie park also has a rather large parking lot in the back (next to the second entry road heading towards Dangau Langkawi). I parked there and with my mouth still agape in wonderment, I shuffled on inside to investigate this rather unusual touristy venue of Langkawi De’ Windmills.
More Than Just a Selfie Park
Langkawi’s first windmill-themed park is its main claim to fame, but this selfie park is more than that. With a picturesque padi field backdrop, the ‘windmill park’ has more than 14 photo spots where visitors can capture those special Instagram-worthy shots as well as use their imagination to create unique and creative photos.
The props are creative, sturdy and very well-made. Wicker is the predominant material used, with many of the props impressively woven to include intricate details. Stable roll away ladders are available to help visitors climb up to magical photo level. To be honest, I felt a bit skittish about the heights at times, but the staff do instill confidence with their professionalism. I felt safe.
But what really piqued my curiosity? The baroque music they were playing in the background. That, along with the dresses available for rent, had me wondering who came up with this theme and how it all was connected.
European Influence or Just a Coincidence?
Windmills are often associated with Holland, as is baroque music. Add those photogenic dresses, and the whole scene felt like something straight out of an Old Dutch Master’s painting. Or so I thought. But then, the swings caught my eye, and I realized there was more to the story.
The Swing Connection
Online references to Langkawi De’ Windmills Selfie Park often compare it to Bali, likely because of the swings. While I don’t recall seeing any windmills during my visit to Bali, I do remember the many famous swing attractions popular with tourists. So, I did a little background check there and it also has nothing to do with the Dutch. But apparently swings have long been a part of Balinese tradition. They were originally used in religious ceremonies.
The first swings, made of bamboo, were considered sacred and used by priests in temple purification rituals. As the priests swung, they recited prayers and mantras, believing the movement spread positive energy throughout the temple and its surroundings, bringing good luck and prosperity to the community.
In 2016, entrepreneurs saw the potential to turn swings into a unique tourist attraction. Strategically placed to highlight Bali’s stunning volcanic landscapes, lakes, jungles, and rice terraces, these commercial swings quickly gained popularity and are now found all over the island.
Ok, well that makes sense. Langkawi De’ Windmills does have a lovely padi field view. Even more so if the fields haven’t been harvested yet. What better way to view than from a swing? Plain and simple, they are fun and make for great photo props.
The Windmills Pinwheels Mystery
Langkawi De Windmills Selfie Park is filled with thousands of colorful pinwheels, but it’s marketed using the word “windmill” in English. In Malay, both pinwheels and windmills can be called “kincir angin,” so people often use the terms interchangeably in casual conversations. Even though they’re technically different, in Malaysia, big pinwheel displays—like the ones at De Windmills Park—are often called “windmills” for marketing. Mystery solved!
Pinwheels were what they were called when I was a kid. A budget toy from my childhood absent from my life for many years now, until just recently. They started catching my eye in Malaysia several years ago. A colorful, playful décor adding a splash of fun to even the dreariest of roadside venues. Especially popular in colorful kampungs such as Kampung Warna Warni in Perlis and Weng Valley in Kedah. Powered by the wind and a sure sign that “This is a fun place!”
And they’re usually right—boring, miserable people just don’t connect with pinwheels and ‘windmills’ the way fun-loving people do. There are whole tribes of pinwheel lovers amongst us now and what better place to congregate than at a windmill themed selfie park like Langkawi De’ Windmills. I love it. And if you love colorful fun places, I think you will too. Happy snapping!
Pro tips:
*Avoid harsh lighting by going earlier or later in the day
*Staff can assist with photo taking if you are visiting solo
*Don’t feel shy to be a bit playful, your photos will look much better
Langkawi De’ Windmills Selfie Park
Lot 58 & 59, Ulu Melaka (near Mahsuri’s Tomb)
Open daily: 8:30am until 6:30pm
Tickets: Adults RM45/ Kids RM25
(My KAD Adults RM28/ Kids RM15 )
+6017-775 6460/ +6016-944 6460
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