A Gravity-Defying Guide to Langkawi's Cable Car and Sky Bridge

Getting to the Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge is straightforward. Located on the west coast of Langkawi near both Pantai Kok and Telaga Harbour, it takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes to cover the 18 kilometres (11 miles) or so from Pantai Cenang. The fastest route follows Route 118 past Langkawi Airport before turning left towards Pantai Kok on Route 114. Kuah, the island’s capital and hub for ferries and cruise ships, takes less than 30 minutes by taxi or GrabCar. Those with their own transport can take advantage of exploring the Telaga Harbour, photographing the marina and lighthouse and enjoying a drink in the cafés.

The Langkawi Cable Car often rates as the most iconic attraction in Langkawi. Stretching 2079 metres (6821 feet) and rising 680 metres (2231 feet) to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang, the ride up provides panoramic views of the island. Passengers enter one of 35 gondolas which arrive every 30 seconds at the Base Station near Oriental Village. The cable car in Langkawi then rises at a 42-degree angle over the jungle and forests below to Middle Station at 650 metres (2133 feet) above sea level. Passengers can alight and enjoy the views before completing the journey to the Top Station and its two circular viewing platforms hovering 708 metres (2323 feet) at the top of Langkawi’s second tallest peak.

The cable car in Langkawi takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the summit. Passengers can choose between a standard gondola and one of four glass bottom cabins. After entering, expect views of the jungle, waterfalls, birds below and Pantai Kok, Telaga Harbour and Mount Raya in the distance. On a cloudless day, tourists can see Langkawi’s coastline and the nearby islands along with the undulating green of the island’s interior. However, visibility is reduced to almost zero on a cloudy day.

The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a curved suspension bridge built on Mount Mat Cincang. Stretching for almost 125 metres (410 feet) over the canopy below, walking along the Sky Bridge offers visitors the chance to view the landscapes, flora and fauna from a different perspective. After taking 12 months to build, the suspension bridge finally opened to the public in 2005. Today it accommodates up to 200 people at any given time. Sections of the bridge are transparent, providing views of the mountains directly below. Langkawi Sky Bridge costs a further RM 5 ($1.30) to be paid at the top.

The Langkawi Cable Car occasionally closes for scheduled maintenance. Strong winds cause the gondola to close without warning too. Check their website for announcements on planned closures and call in advance on windy days to double check if they’re open. For some, riding the cable car in Langkawi is a must. But others see it as a tourist trap. Expect the Oriental Village to resemble the entrance of a theme park selling endless souvenirs. Visitors often complain about the staff pressuring tourists to have their photograph taken to buy later.

The Langkawi Cable Car opens daily from 9:30am until 7:30pm and costs RM 40 ($10.20) for Malaysians and RM 55 ($14.10) for non-Malaysians. Visitors can buy a priority ticket for an additional RM 50 ($12.80) which will permit skipping the line and immediately getting onto the gondola. Combo tickets with admission into the SkyRex, SkyDome and 3D Museum Gallery are available too.
Jalan Telaga Tujuh, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, 04-959 4225