Malaysia's best-kept secret is out! Langkawi's tropical archipelago receives millions of visitors every year, who are eager to hit its white beaches, swim among the corals, take in the breathtaking mountain views as far out as Thailand and trek or paddle through ancient rainforests on guided tours. Even if you're not drawn to nature, Langkawi has plenty to keep its visitors entertained.

You can sip on cocktails as you take a cruise around the islands, interact with native wildlife, explore the region's rich history or just make the most of the duty-free bargains before heading back to the beach.

The Langkawi archipelago. Picture: Getty Images

Cable Car & Underwater World Tour

If your time on Langkawi is limited, or you're looking to pack as much into your trip as possible, you can experience two of the island's top attractions together on the Cable Car & Underwater World combo tour. Ride the Langkawi Cable Car up to the top of Gunung Mat Cincang for 360-degree views of the archipelago from 708 metres up.

Then head down to Pantai Cenang. Here you can meet the sharks, penguins, seals and 500 more species of marine life at Underwater World Langkawi, one of Malaysia's biggest aquariums.

Jungle Trekking Tour

Spot hornbills on a jungle trek. Picture: Getty Images

Langkawi's natural beauty doesn't end at the beaches – visitors can take a walk on the island's wild side with a guided tour through the jungle foothills around Gunung Raya. Your expert guide will point out interesting native flora and fauna along the way, including the iconic hornbill, giant monitor lizards and species of ferns dating back millions of years to the time of the dinosaurs.

Make sure you have your camera ready. After the three-hour trek, the tour concludes with transfers back to your hotel.

Island Cocktail Cruise

Watch the sun set in style with an Island Cocktail Cruise for couples or larger parties, departing every day at 5pm from the pier at Resorts World Langkawi. During the cruise you can enjoy your choice of drinks from two on-board bars, including wines, beers, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages; soak in a saltwater Jacuzzi; or show off your karaoke talents; and then sip cocktails matched with hors d'oeuvres as the sun sets over the Andaman Sea.

This three-hour cruise returns to the pier at 8pm.

Never been before? A First-Timer's Guide To Malaysia

See more of South-East Asia: Beach Fun To Suit Everyone

Sunset Dinner Cruise

How can you resist a sunset like this? Picture: Getty Images

For an even more indulgent evening cruise, you can combine the sunset, cocktails and picturesque scenery with a tasty buffet on a Sunset Dinner Cruise, departing from Resorts World Langkawi at 5pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Keep your camera ready for close encounters with dolphins, flying fish, sea eagles and other local wildlife, and make sure you bring a towel and bathers if you're planning to use the on-board saltwater Jacuzzi.

Island Hopping (Half-Day)

With more than 100 islands in the Langkawi archipelago, it’s unlikely you’ll get to see all of them during your visit. However, a half-day Island Hopping tour is a good start.

Watch the sea eagles soar and dive for food over Pulau Singa Besar (Big Lion Island); trek up to the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden and swim in the reputedly magic waters on Pulau Dayang Bunting; before unwinding on the pristine sands of Pulau Beras Basah (Wet Rice Island). This four-hour tour begins at 8.30am and includes return hotel transfers.

Mangrove Kayaking

Spy sea eagles on a paddle through the mangroves. Picture: Getty Images

Take an intimate tour of Langkawi's interior by paddling through its mangrove forests in the company of a local guide who will tell you all about the remarkable ecology and diversity of the region. During the 2.5-hour kayak journey, you'll have the chance to spot a wide variety of colourful creatures, including herons, kingfishers and sea eagles, followed by a hike through the forest to cool off in a fresh stream.

The tour concludes with a set lunch before you’re transferred back to your hotel by 2pm.

Pulau Payar Marine Park with Snorkelling

This seven-hour tour gives you plenty of time to get acquainted with the emerald islands and the colourful coral reefs of Pulau Payar Marine Park, renowned as one of the best spots for snorkelling and diving in Langkawi. The marine park is 45 to 60 minutes from Langkawi by speedboat.

Lunch and snorkelling equipment are included in the tour. Even if you don't go snorkelling, the clear waters will reveal the dazzling underwater landscape as you relax on the beach.

Island Day Cruise

Stretch your legs on the sand during a day cruise. Picture: Getty Images

Escape Langkawi for the day to see more of what the stunning archipelago has to offer. Island Day Cruises depart every day at 9am from Resorts World Langkawi at the southern end of Pantai Tengah. During your six-hour cruise you'll get to enjoy endless photo opportunities of the beautiful islands, and you might even be lucky enough to spot spinner dolphins, sea eagles and other amazing creatures along the way.

The tour includes several stop-offs, giving you the chance to stretch your legs and explore the beaches and jungles of the more remote islands, while learning about the native flora and fauna from your guide.