Mount Raya is the highest mountain in Langkawi with a peak of 881 meters. It is located in central Langkawi and has the sprawling Mount Raya Golf Course at the base. The mountain is covered with dense rainforest which is full of wonderful flora & fauna. The forest reserve houses the numerous of wildlife such as leaf monkeys, flying foxes, macaque monkeys, squirrels, mountain hawk eagles, white-bellied sea eagles and great hornbills. According to history, the local said that the mountain is the cursed form of a giant called Mat Raya, who had once lived on the island. The mountain is great for nature enthusiasts and as a popular destination for jungle trekking. The best time to trek, Mount Raya, is between November and March where the skies are clear with no rainfall.

How to Get There

By Plane

Visitors can take a flight to Langkawi by Tiger air, Silk Air, Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Airlines and Firefly. Direct flights are available to Langkawi from Penang, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hat Yai, and Phuket. From the airport, you can take a taxi to reach Gunung Raya where the distance is approximately 23 km.

By Boat

Visitors may take a ferry to Langkawi. Langkawi Ferry operates fast air-conditioning boats from Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Penang and Satun. Bookings can be made online, but the ticket needs to be printed out. The terminal is at Kuah Jetty, near Eagle square, in Langkawi. From the jetty, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Gunung Raya where it takes 44 minutes’ drive away.

Tourist Attractions

Black Sand Beach

Black Sand Beach is one of the prime tourist destinations in Langkawi, located only 20 km from Mount Raya. The beach is popular because of its unique colour of the sand. You can see here the sand is actually a mix of black sand and normal sand. There is a jetty which serves as a nice spot for fishing and also doubles as a picturesque spot for photography. You can have a small picnic there, take a dip in the water or just lay back and enjoy the sun, breeze and the sound of the waves.

Kilim Geoforest Park

If you love nature with picturesque scenery, Kilim Geoforest Park is an ideal place to visit. The park is noteworthy for mangrove swamps, pristine beaches, wildlife and hills jutting out towards the Andaman Sea. The best way to explore this protected landscape is via riverboat cruise along Kilim River. Aside from a leisurely experience with an experienced nature guide, visitors are also chartered to the limestone caves and a floating fish farm where they can hand feed stingrays and archer fishes.

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Tanjung Rhu Beach is a secluded and peaceful beach away from the crowd that offers a breathtaking view of the emerald blue water and islands at a distance. Located just beyond Pantai Pasir Hitam, Tanjung Rhu has one of Langkawi’s best shorelines. The waters are as clear as crystal, the sand is powder-fine and driving towards this beach you will have to pass a dense corridor of the jungle.

Langkawi Wildlife Park

Langkawi Wildlife Park is an ideal tourist destination for travelling families and animal lovers. It is a tropical garden with over 2,500 exotic birds from 150 species, such as canaries, owls, eagles, toucans, hornbills and flamingos. The park also features a walk-in an aviary with a 15-meter man made waterfall, a duty-free retail outlet and animal-feeding sessions. You can get up close with donkeys, deer, eagles and pelicans with under the supervision of experienced handlers.

Hotels

Panorama Langkawi Country Resort

Panorama Langkawi Country Resort is a 2-star hotel is a good choice for visitors who are looking for affordable and comfortable accommodation with outstanding service. This hotel located next to the airport which is only 8 km from the resort.

G Langkawi Motel

G Langkawi Motel is a 2-star hotel located in Ulu Melaka. The distance is only 4.2 km from Mount Raya. The hotel has a very good location, also near the Langkawi International Airport (LGK), which is only 10.53 km away.