Gunung Raya: The summit where Langkawi lies at your feet

#hellohalloween

As you drive along the road leading inland, it begins to climb serpentine paths through the tropical forest. The leaves glisten after the rain, macaques hop along the roadsides, and the air becomes increasingly cool. After a half-hour climb, Gunung Raya, the highest point in Langkawi, opens up.

From an altitude of almost nine hundred meters, the entire island is visible. Below are the green canopies of the jungle, beyond the sea, and beyond that, the islands of the archipelago seem to hang in the air. In calm weather, you can hear the wind blowing through the trees, and nothing else.

📍 Location: Central Langkawi Island, Malaysia. Elevation: approximately 881 meters.
🕐 When to go: Morning or sunset—the light is soft and visibility is best at these times.

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How to get there (current as of 2025)

🚗 By car or scooter:
From Kuah town, it's about 25 minutes along Jalan Gunung Raya. The road is paved but winding.
You'll often encounter monkeys along the way; don't stop near them—they might persistently ask for food.

🚶 On foot:
There's the Thousand Memories Eagle Stairs trail—about 3 km uphill, with stairs and observation points.

🎟️ Entrance: Free.

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What to see:
— 360-degree views of the sea, islands, and endless forest;
— rare eagles soaring directly above the site;
— the old Gunung Raya Tower (temporarily closed, but the view is impressive even without it).

☕ Tip: Take water and a light windbreaker - it is cool at the top and almost always windy.