Exploring Kubang Badak Langkawi: What You Need to Know

If you’ve never heard of Kubang Badak Langkawi, it is one of Langkawi’s hidden eco-gems, located in the lush landscape of Langkawi, offering a quieter, peaceful and more educational alternative to the popular mangrove tours. Situated within the UNESCO-listed Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Kubang Badak Langkawi is rich in geological and biological diversity. 

The BioGeo trail takes you through an educational journey to understand the ecosystems in a deeper way. To learn more, let’s dive deeper into exploring Kubang Badak Langkawi. Here’s what you need to know.

Places to Visit at Kubang Badak Langkawi

Kubang Badak Langkawi is more than just a walk in a park. It is packed with all things natural and cultural, from limestone and calm waters to mangroves and wildlife species as well as a closer look at the Orang Asli community. Let’s take a look at some of these popular spots worth visiting at Kubang Badak UNESCO Park:

1. Bukit Menora

Bukit Menora or Menora Hill is one of the geological highlights along the Kubang Badak trail. Featuring limestones that date back over 400 million years, Bukit Menora is located near Kampung Siam, which served as a focal point for early Thai settlers in the 18th century. It’s also accessible from various parts of Langkawi. The hill provides a scenic spot, offering breathtaking views of Langkawi’s lush landscapes, mangroves and waterways, a perfect opportunity for photographers. 

2. Kampung Siam

Accessible via the Kubang Badak trail, Kampung Siam is a traditional Thai-Malay village, another tourist attraction worth visiting on your trip to Kubang Badak. This spot offers a glimpse into local history and nature, featuring an old charcoal chamber site, lush mangrove forests, wooden houses and fishing villages. Visitors can learn about the history of the Thai community, their way of life and traditions. The mangrove forests can be explored by a boat or a kayak tour where bird and wildlife spotting can also be experienced along the way. 

3. Geosites

Gua Pinang is another must-visit destination at Kubang Badak Langkawi. It is said to have formed about 6000 years ago, which is the remains of an ancient sea cave formed by waves when the sea was 15 metre. It’s believed to be the oldest and among the largest caves in Langkawi. 

Pulau Jemuruk is also a part of Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail, offering a closer look at ancient coastal rock formations that are hundreds of millions of years old, local oyster and sea snail harvesting and vibrant marine life. Tanjung Buta, on the other hand, is where visitors can discover 500-million-year-old trilobite fossils and geological features including abrasion platforms, sea caves as well as sandy beaches. These geosites each showcase their own unique attraction, making it one of the best ways to learn about this eco-gem.

Image Source: New Straits Times 

Where to Eat in Kubang Badak Langkawi

If you’re wondering where to eat in Kubang Badak Langkawi, here are some local eateries that may require reservations.

1. Langkawi Oyster Farm

Located along the biogeo Trail, Langkawi Oyster Farm is where you can enjoy incredibly fresh oysters and mussels served with some delicious local sauces. Only accessible by boat, this spot requires you to make a reservation before heading over. However, if you don’t eat oysters or mussels, you may want to skip this!

Address: Mukim, Pengkalan Kubang Badak, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah

2. Crab Farm Langkawi

Crab Farm Langkawi, located at Kubang Badak geotrail, offers a wide variety of fresh seafood including crabs, fish, prawns, squid and other seafood cooked by the locals. Set in Kampung-style surroundings, this hidden gem offers an opportunity to enjoy local Malay seafood dishes that are rich in flavours. 

Address: 56a, Jalan Teluk Yu, Kampung Kelubi, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah

Read more about 15 Best Places to Eat in Langkawi (Tips by Locals).

Activities at Kubang Badak Langkawi

Apart from sightseeing, Kubang Badak offers several outdoor activities including:

1. UNESCO GeoPark Cruise

The UNESCO GeoPark Cruise focuses on nature, geology and culture, allowing visitors to explore Kubang Badak comfortably by boat. The boat typically tours through mangrove forest, limestone formations and caves while the guide explains the geological history and ecological importance of each stop along the way. Apart from that, visitors can spot wildlife including eagles, monitor lizards and various species of birds, making it an educational experience!

Book your UNESCO Geopark Cruise ticket here.

2. Kayaking Tour through Mangrove River

One of the popular eco-friendly activities at Kubang Badak is the kayaking tour where visitors can paddle through the mangrove river led by an experienced guide. The kayak allows visitors to move around calmly and quietly so you would be able to spot fishes, crabs and even birds along the riverbanks. Suitable for beginners, this is one of the must-do activities at Kubang Badak.

Book your Kayaking Adventure ticket here.

3. Explore the Rainforest

Exploring the rainforest is another way to learn more about the geopark and its history. With guided tours, visitors can observe tropical flora, plants and the different species of trees. You can choose between exploring the rainforest at day or at night after dark with experienced tour guides. Be sure to bring your own binoculars so you can spot unique species from afar. 

Book your Rainforest After Dark ticket here.

4. Countryside Biking

Cycling through Kubang Badak roads allows you to explore the countryside. Countryside biking is a great activity for thrill seekers who know how to ride a bike confidently. The routes take you through traditional villages, paddy fields as well as limestone hills, offering a scenic view of Langkawi’s landscape. The countryside biking tour involves the use of a mountain bike and a helmet for safety purposes as the route may include uneven surfaces, inclines and other challenges. 

Book your Countryside Biking ticket here.

5. Hike Mount Machinchang

Image Source: Commons Wikipedia 

If you’re into hiking, Mount Machinchang is a great place to hike as it rewards visitors with a panoramic view of Langkawi and the Andaman Sea. The trail on this hike ranges from moderate to challenging so wearing proper shoes is highly recommended. Plus, you can also opt for the guided tour if this is your first time hiking Mount Machinchang. Start your hike early in the morning as it can get hot and humid when the sun is up! 

Book your Hiking Mount Machinchang ticket here.

Key Differences Between Kubang Badak and Kilim Mangrove 

Kubang Badak BioGeo Trail and Kilim Mangrove Geoforest Park both feature mangrove forests and limestone formations. However, Kilim Mangrove Geoforest Park is more commercial and can be crowded compared to Kubang Badak which happens to be quieter and more of an educational experience. 

While tours in Kilim Mangrove focus on larger group boat rides and include eagle feeding as one of their highlights, Kubang Badak, on the other hand, provides a more intimate experience including kayaking tours, rainforest walking tours, and hiking tours, where visitors can learn as they go. For a more peaceful and serene experience, Kubang Badak is a great option for nature enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Kubang Badak Langkawi is a beautiful destination that combines geology, ecology and culture into one amazing experience. Perfect for nature lovers, this place features mangrove forests, limestone formations and traditional villages, allowing visitors to slow down, connect with nature and learn from knowledgeable guides as this is also an educational journey. With these exciting activities, Kubang Badak is a must-visit destination in Langkawi. 

Planning a trip to Kubang Badak Langkawi? Secure your Kubang Badak tour packages with Langkawibook for the best deals! If you’re looking to explore Langkawi without the hassle, rent a car in Langkawi with Langkawibook so you can travel at your own pace and with ease!