Photos Budiman Syuwari Budiman Sobri
LANGKAWI, 4 February 2026: The Discover Langkawi: Explore, Learn, and Connect programme continued with a group of full-time international students from China embarking on an enriching educational journey across the legendary island of Langkawi organised by the Centre for International Affairs and Cooperation (CIAC). The programme aims to provide experiential learning opportunities while enhancing students’ understanding of Malaysia’s natural heritage, culture, and tourism ecosystem.
The second day of the programme began with an exciting Mangrove Boat Tour at Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. Participants cruised through scenic mangrove forests and dramatic limestone karst formations, where they observed wildlife and learned about the vital role of mangroves in protecting coastal areas and supporting marine biodiversity. Guided explanations from local experts introduced students to environmental conservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices in Langkawi, offering an engaging nature-based learning experience.
The tour includes mangrove sightseeing, where participants observe the unique mangrove ecosystem and limestone karst landscapes, followed by eagle watching, providing an opportunity to witness Langkawi’s iconic sea eagles in their natural habitat. Participants also visit Crocodile Cave and Bat Cave, offering an educational experience on cave ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and geological formations within the geopark.
Throughout the journey, participants enjoy panoramic views of the Kilim Geopark, gaining insights into its UNESCO Global Geopark status and conservation significance. The activity concluded with lunch at a floating restaurant, providing a relaxing closure to the tour while experiencing local cuisine and community-based tourism initiatives.
The adventure continued as students explored two of Langkawi’s most iconic attractions—Langkawi SkyCab and 3D Art Langkawi. The SkyCab ride offered a breathtaking journey via one of the world’s steepest cable car systems, providing spectacular panoramic views of Langkawi Island, lush rainforests, and the Andaman Sea. Students also walked across the famous SkyBridge, capturing memorable photographs while appreciating the island’s unique geological and natural landscape.
At 3D Art Langkawi, students immersed themselves in interactive optical illusion artworks, posing creatively with the murals that blend art, culture, and entertainment. The activity encouraged creativity and teamwork, as students collaborated to create fun and engaging photo moments while learning about visual perception and contemporary art.
On the final day of the programme, students visited Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach), one of Langkawi’s most vibrant and popular beaches. Located on the western coast of the island, the beach features a stunning two-kilometre stretch of white sandy shoreline, turquoise waters, and scenic coastal views, making it a favourite destination among local and international tourists.
The programme concluded with a certificate presentation ceremony at Eagle Square (Dataran Lang), one of Langkawi’s most iconic landmarks located at Kuah Jetty, the main gateway for ferry passengers. The majestic eagle statue, standing on a star-shaped platform, symbolises Langkawi’s identity and its status as a duty-free island and prominent tourism destination. The surrounding landscaped gardens and waterfront views provided a meaningful and scenic setting to mark the end of the programme.
Tan Juan, a PhD candidate in the Doctor of Philosophy (Education) programme, expressed her enthusiasm for the experience, noting that the locations in Langkawi were truly breathtaking. She added that the group thoroughly enjoyed every moment of their visit and hoped to return to Langkawi in the near future.
The programme end with a great success, with students enjoying a meaningful blend of learning, exploration, and cultural discovery. The journey highlighted the beauty of Malaysia, particularly Langkawi, and showcased Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) as a strategic and globally oriented university that offers enriching experiential learning opportunities for international students. – Amierul Husniey Che Abd Rahman
