Handicrafts & Underwater World

Immerse yourself in Malaysian culture at an exquisite craft center and then discover the area’s thriving marine life in the aquariums at Underwater World.

Enjoy a drive across Langkawi, a ruggedly mountainous archipelago of rainforests, lakes and waterfalls. Largely undeveloped, the landscape is classically tropical. The land is dotted with paddy fields, where buffalo may be cooling off in the muddy water.

Upon reaching the northern shore, you will visit the Buday Craft Cultural Complex, which celebrates Malaysia’s heritage.

While browsing the exhibits and heritage museum, you may find craft demonstrations going on. It is a great place to shop for locally hand-made products such as batik fabrics, rattan baskets, delicate bamboo carvings and intricately carved silverware. Ethnic tribes have created many of the woven and beaded handicrafts using time-honored designs.

The archipelago’s most recognized animal is the eagle, as the name Langkawi derives from the Malay word for eagle. You’ll see a massive sculpture of the bird about to take flight in Eagle Square, during a photo stop.

Then, it’s on to Underwater World, a showcase for colorful marine life and over 5000 tropical fish that are held in more than 100 specially designed tanks. Other highlights include an enormous hexagonal tank for sharks and stingrays, and a walk-through underwater tunnel that offers a unique perspective to watch swimming penguins.