[PLACE] 20130803 Panorama Langkawi @ Burau Bay, Langkawi

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Panorama Langkawi is one of the must visit especially for first time visitors. At 700 meters above sea level, Panorama Langkawi was the brainchild of Tun Dr Mahathir (former Prime Minister of Malaysia) during his helicopter flight across Mount Machinchang (tallest peak of Langkawi) in 1999.

Completed in 2003, the Panorama Langkawi is a full fledged tourist attraction with an oriental village located at the bottom of Mount Machinchang, a world's longest curve suspension bridge, a longest mono-cable car system, along with other tourist attractions to make your visiting experience a whole.

The highlight would definitely be the SkyCab and SkyBridge where the former would elevate you to 708 meters above sea level to the second highest peak of Mount Machinchang overseeing the whole Langkawi island via it's 360° platform deck. Visitors can also access to the SkyBridge via the Top Station which is suspended on a single pylon, 100 meters above ground. Definitely not for the faint hearted and acrophobic person.

However, visitors must be aware of the OPERATIONAL HOURS to avoid disappointment which can be traced at their official website.

Oriental Village, Burau Bay, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Telephone: +604 - 959 4225
Opening Hours: Check the schedule above.

TO GO


Panorama Langkawi is located remotely at the west side of the island, nearby Berjaya Langkawi Resort. The entrance to the SkyCab cable car is located within the Oriental Village, which is a themed recreational park with various attractions, although maintenance is not up` to par. 

I would recommend to rent a car to get to the Oriental Village instead of hiring a cab due to the location and flexibility, the cost of hiring a cab (depending on your origin) can cost almost of the cost of renting a car in Langkawi.



ATTRACTION


The Oriental Village is basically just a side attraction to make the whole experience a whole. The main attraction of Panorama Langkawi would be the cable car ride up to the second highest peak of Mount Matchinchang, where the observatory deck and the SkyBridge is located.


The SkyCab is usually packed with long queue especially during the peak season. Adult ticket price is RM35 (it was RM30 during my visit) currently but MyKad holders will be entitled for a discount, in other words, there will be a Malaysian and non-Malaysian price.


The cable car, or the gondola is relatively small which can fit 6 person maximum.


The journey up takes about 15 minutes with total distance of about 2.2km, ascending about 680 meters. There's a middle station in between where you need to disembark and continue with another cable line towards the top station due to geographical reason. Along the way up, you get to enjoy the sea view and forest view of the million years old rain forest and also the limestone mountains.


You will also be able to see the SkyBridge from the cable car when on the way up to the top station. Unfortunately for me, the SkyBridge was closed during my visit due to safety reasons and repair work was long delayed due to funding issue. Recent check shows that the SkyBridge was reopened in Feb 2015, after the long delay.


It was a cloudy day due to the rainy season during my visit, making the whole scenery to be Genting alike with the thick mist. Once you reach the top station, you will be able to see a few booth selling post cards and souvenirs for tourists. The path way will lead you up to a junction where there are two observatory deck at both sides of the walkway.


You get to view the SkyBridge from the above where it makes you wonder the engineering marvel to actually construct it with a suspension bridge supported by a single pylon, built in-situ using helicopter as crane, assembling the parts piece by piece.


It was still misty and I'm running out of time. We are suppose to be able to get the magnificent view of the Andaman Sea, overseeing the Thai border. This is also a very good sunset spot for those who wished to take a breathtaking sunset sea cliff shot.


The corridor interconnecting both decks. The sky started to clear off during the noon just before I decided to leave the deck.


Switched to my ultra wide angle lens to capture a wider view of the scenery, with an ugly telecommunication tower obstructing the overall view.


Although not fantastic, the colours of the sea started to pop out after the mist has cleared.


The west side of the island with the blend of the sky and the beautiful turquoise blue colour of the Andaman sea.


The top station with a steep drop down. Time to pack up and move to my next destination, i.e. the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls, which is just next to Panorama Langkawi.

SUMMARY


The main attraction of Panorama Langkawi will definitely be its breathtaking sea view at 700 meters above sea level. The SkyBridge is also an experience that you cannot miss if you are here but definitely not for the faint hearted. It was unfortunate that it was closed during my visit. All other attractions like the Oriental Village is just add on to what nature can offer. Would recommend for anyone who is first timer in Langkawi and nature lover. 

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
beautiful seascape and nature with fresh air
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
need more upkeep
Entrance Fee
Cable Car - RM35 Adult return ticket
Oriental Village - Free
Other attractions - refer website
Opening Hours
Please refer to official website for scheduled maintenance
Wifi
Limited
Parking
Yes
Website
http://www.panoramalangkawi.com/

GPS: 6.371064, 99.671546

farscope

Malaysian lad, engineer by background, banker by profession whom passionate in photography, food and travelling.

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