There are approximately 200 species of birds recorded on Langkawi. Among them are 20 species of birds of prey (including White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Changeable Hawk-eagle, Jerdon's Baza and Mountain Hawk-eagle), seven species of kingfishers (including the Brown-winged, Black-capped and Collared), five species of wild pigeons (including the endangered Large Green, Pink-necked green and Thick-billed green), five species of sunbirds (including the Ruby-cheeked and Crimson) and several flower peckers (including the Scarlet-backed and Orange-bellied). The best time of the year for bird watching is between the months of November to April during the northern hemisphere's migratory season. For water birds, the best places to observe them are the padi fields (in particular the Chenang rice fields and the area in front of Bon Ton Resort and Restaurant). For forest birds, the best areas are the foothills of Gunung Raya and Gunung Mat Chinchang. Take a slow drive up Gunung Raya to see hornbills, in particular the Great Hornbill. For kingfishers, in particular, the Brown-winged, the best places are the mangroves between the Mutiara Burau Bay and Berjaya Resorts. They are also found in the Sungai Kisap and Sungai Kilim Mangrove Reserves on the northern coast.
For a complete bird list, contact an experienced naturalist or nature guide. Do consult a good companion book.
Langkawi is home to many interesting fauna including some very bizarre ones. There are four species of primates including the long-tailed Macaque, Dusky-leaf Monkey, Slow Loris and the world's only gliding monkey. The Colugo (Flying Lemur). Here too you can come across the world's smallest deer, the Mousedeer, Giant Squirrels, Flying foxes, Civet Cats and the Pangolin.
There are also Oriental Butterfly Lizards, flying lizards also known as Flying Dragons - the cousin to the Komodo Dragon, the Water Monitor that sometimes grows in excess of 2.5m, and the harmless, Paradise Tree Snake (a 'flying' snake).
Along the coastal areas visitors can sometimes find the Small Clawed Otter and Smooth Otter. In the coastal waters around the many islands, Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin and Finless Porpoise are sometimes seen. There have also been reported sightings of Whale Shark, the world's largest fish, and Bryde's Whale.
Langkawi is home to many caves. The four most noted ones are:
- Gua Pasir Dagang
The cave on the northwest side of Pulau Dayang Bunting is home to many cave dwellers such as bats. Access is by boat, then foot.
- Gua Cerita
Located on Langkawi's northeast coast, this cave is accessible by boat and often included in the itinerary of mangrove tours that operate from Tanjung Rhu to Sungai Kisap Forest Reserve. Access is via a beach and a short flight of steps. - Gua Landak
Located a short distance from the Sheraton Perdana Resort in Kuah, this cave is easily accessible by foot.
- Gua Kelawar
Located in the mangroves of Sungai Kilim and is usually bundled with the mangrove tour packages.
While there are some coral reefs around the main islands, the most developed dive and snorkelling site offering the best visibility is the Pulau Payar Marine Park, located about an hour's boat ride to the south of Langkawi. Organised day trips operate regularly to the park.
The island's geological make up forms the basis of the flora of the islands. Most of the outer islands are limestone and marble while the main island comprises ancient sandstone formations and granite intrusions.
- Gunung Machinchang
The mountain is one of the oldest rock formations in Southeast Asia. To experience it, take an exhilirating ride on the Langkawi Cable Car over the forest canopy and up the mountain's escarpment to the summit at 713m. Observe the 550 million year old sandstone outcrops, the mountain flora and birdlife. Look out for the world's smallest orchid as well as pitcher plants. There are several walks between stations to allow for a closer look at the rocks and vegeration. - Gunung Raya
Langkawi's highest peak at 880m is reached via a winding 13km toll road (50 sen) that passes through fascinating forests supporting a wide variety of fauna. Hornbills and birds of prey are common sights. Make a stop at several points and observe the forest from the canopy level. Look, listen and be one with the denizens of this environ. The mountain is a gigantic batholith formed about 230 million years ago, deep beneath the surface of the earth.Plate tectonic movements have pushed it to the surface.
- Limestone Coast
The north, northeast coast and islands as far down as Pulau Tuba are predominantly limestone, approximately 400 million years old. Many endemic plants are found here and tall 'palm-like' plants called cycads grow from within cracks in the limestone. The outer islands are the best for seeing both the rocks and limestone vegetation. Rocky outcrops form an amazing sight especially along the uninhabited northern and eastern coastlines. Visitors need to hire a boat from Tanjung Rhu, Kilim or Kuah to explore these areas.
The legendary Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden) is a beautiful freshwater lake located on limestone within the rainforest. It is Langkawi's largest lake and is separated from the sea by a thin rock wall. Walk through the forests and paddle or swim in the lake.
Mangrove observation can be experienced at several forest reserves - Sungai Air Hangat, Sungai Kilim, Sungai Kisap and the Tuba Straits between Pulau Tuba and Pulau Dayang Bunting. Mangroves act as a nurturing area for fish as well as providing habitat for birdlife, reptiles and primates. Langkawi mangroves are the only ones in Malaysia that grow on limestone beds. Small boat cruises bring visitors close to the fascinating vegetation and wildlife that the mangrove support. Tours include visits to limestone caves and the chance to see eagles feeding and marine life. Book your tours through hotel recreation desks, or go to the jetties at Tanjung Rhu and Sungai Kilim (for Sungai Kilim Mangrove) and Kuah Jetty for the Tuba Straits mangrove.
Malaysia has the world's oldest original rainforests. Within Langkawi there are several areas of interest, but the use of naturalists who know the trails and the flora and fauna is recommended. (A) Foothills of Gunung Macincang - Datai side. (B) Telaga Tujuh (C) Peak of Gunung Macincang (D) Gunung Raya (E) Durian Perangin Waterfall (F) Lubuk Semilang (site of the former Book Village).
- Telaga Tujuh
Experience this beautiful area with its refreshing cascades of mountain water that flow into seven rocky natural pools, hence the name, Seven Wells. Located at the foot of Gunung Mat Chinchang, the trail's concrete steps that traverse mature rainforest is rather steep. Beware of monkeys. When you encounter them just dont taunt them or bare your teeth as they often take this as unfriendly and aggressive. After the first level, proceed further into the forest by following the stream and find yourself secluded pools to lay back and relax after a hard climb. Try to steer away from the edge of the falls as these are often slippery and treacherous
- Temurun Waterfall
The falls are located just off the road to Datai Bay in a scenic rainforest setting. Its just a short walk to enjoy Langkawi's tallest waterfall. Best viewed during the rainy season.
- Durian Perangin Waterfall
A series of small cascading pools on the edge of an orchard. Accessible by car from the main road.
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