Standing tall at over 880 metres, Gunung Raya is hailed as the tallest mountain cliff in Langkawi and arguably the most popular spot for hiking. The summit overlooks dense forest reserves and rural landscapes, and encompasses several other peaks, thus creating a panorama that’s worth the hike. Among the hundreds of legendary tales that originate from these very lands, Gunung Raya’s is likely to be the most interesting one. The story goes like this: Mat Chinchang and Mat Raya were two incredibly powerful and affluent families who lived on the main island of Langkawi. On the day of the engagement of their children with each other, the two got into a scuffle which took a violent turn in the end. Eventually, the devastation that took place during the fight was believed to be the reason of the formation of Langkawi’s most famous peaks—one of which was Gunung Raya.
Legends aside, today, Gunung Raya is anything but cursed. The densely packed rainforest, spanning across 5,000 hectares, is home to some of the most precious flora and fauna and boasts a sizeable collection of exotic species. Its well-paved road with a gentle gradient makes for a reasonably manageable trek and an impressive setting for jungle safaris and nature walks. You could either choose to drive all the way to the top, which takes about 30 minutes, or simply go on foot or bike. Either way, the well spread out lookout points will offer magnificent views of Langkawi’s verdant surroundings, numerous islets in the vicinity, and the grandeur of the Andaman Sea, which will make this hike a truly unforgettable experience.