Gunung Raya

Overview

Gunung Raya is Langkawi's highest peak at 881 metres, offering the island's most expansive viewpoint with 360-degree panoramas of the entire archipelago, the Andaman Sea, and on clear days, the Thai coast. The summit is accessible by a winding mountain road.

Highlights

• Panoramic views: From the summit tower, see all 99 islands of the Langkawi archipelago spread below.
• Cloud forest: The summit zone supports a unique montane forest ecosystem with mosses, ferns, and orchids.
• Wildlife: Hornbills, eagles, and Dusky Leaf monkeys are frequently spotted along the road.

History

Gunung Raya is steeped in Malay legend — it is said to be the petrified form of the giant Mat Raya, transformed to stone in a battle with another giant, Mat Chinchang (whose form became the mountain of the same name on the island's west coast). The observation tower was built in the 1990s as part of Langkawi's tourism development.

Visitor Tips

• Early morning: Cloud-free conditions are most common before 10:00.
• Drive or hike: Most visitors drive the winding road; a challenging hiking trail also reaches the summit.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours from car park.