It is a very strange feeling to look down on planes as they are landing. Normally we make these observations from the ground looking up. Recently, I had a distant aerial view of an Air Asia 737 as it came in to land at Langkawi International Airport. I was able to do this thanks to the recently opened Langkawi Cable Car, which rises to the summit of one of the island's highest peaks, Mount Mat Cincang.

Mat Cincang is not the highest mountain in Langkawi as this distinction goes to Mount Raya, but Mat Cincang's serrated ridgeline forms a spectacular backdrop to Burau Bay. The Austrian-built cable car has only been open for a few months but is already generating a 'wow factor' on the sunny tourist island. The idea for the cable car was conceived a few years ago and after considerable effort in getting the cables and facilities in place, the much-awaited cable car is now operating.

The views from the peak are spectacular and enable one to look over Langkawi as well as into the neighboring Thai islands. The cable car journey starts from just behind the Oriental Village within walking distance of the Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort. The cable car rises to a height of over 700m. above sea level. The horizontal lift is over two kilometers and, over this distance, the engineers have installed just two pylons as support. This decision was made to protect the rainforests that cover the steep rocky outcrops rather than spoil them with support towers. The rocks of this mountainous area are also worth noting and interpretive signs and a visitors center are planned in the near future. The granite rocks here are over 350 million years old, which makes them some of Asia\'s oldest rocks. The expanse of cable from the second pylon to the first observation station is suspended over a one-kilometer expanse, which is quite an amazing engineering feat.

This is where passengers really have to place faith in technology and the engineering skills of the Austrian construction team. The journey is not for the faint-hearted so if heights are not your thing, you had best lie back on the sandy beaches of Langkawi and soak up some more ultra violet rays. The view is simply stunning and the ride to appreciate this view is exhilarating. The weather will have a lot to do with your appreciation so if it is overcast or raining, you may want to wait for a clearer day. The cable car operators carefully monitor the wind velocity and stop their operations if it gets too strong.

There are two viewing stations and it's possible to get off and rejoin the cable car at the first station. There is also a walking track from Station One, uphill to Station Two for those who want to take in the scenery and to have a refreshing walk through the forest. There are few signs now but there are plans to erect interpretative signs so that visitors can understand the environment they are passing through. The plants that grow in these difficult circumstances of climate and thin soils are biologically unique and the services of a botanical guide would be worthwhile if you are interested. There are some very good guides on the island but they do not operate from the cable car; you have to secure their services from your hotel Recreation Counter. The views from Station One face southeast and the Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort below can be seen nestled in the forest besides the beaches of Pantai Kok and Burau Bay. In the far distance are Pantai Cenang and its long expanse of yellow sands.

To access Station Two, passengers have to get back on one of the slowly moving cable cars for the short ride to the summit. Getting on and off the cars is easy as they slow right down at each station. Anyone who has snow skied will be familiar with such systems. The views from here include those from Station One but also the forested northern side of the island and off in the distance to Tarutao National Park in southern Thailand. Thailand is under 10 km. northwards across the Andaman Sea.

The Base Station

It is conveniently located within a themed shopping center called Oriental Village at the foot of Gunung Mat Chincang. The journey up the cool mountain side is an experience in itself. The total journey is 2.2 km. You get the feel of an incline of 42° and a breathtaking view of the surrounding green forests, the Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, the sea and the part of the 99 islands. As you approach the Middle Station, you will be able to observe at close range the unique rock formation and geological features formed some 550 million years ago. this is the eldest part of Malaysia.

The Middle Station

The journey to the Middle Station is 1,700m at 650m above sea level. You can then alight from the cable car and walk up to the viewing platform to enjoy a 360° view of the beautiful surroundings. The unique floret on the ridges and the forested valley between the Middle and Top Stations also offer spectacular view.

The Top Station

The ride from the Middle Station to the Top Station (450m distance and 709m above sea level) is another exhilarating experience as you glide slowly over the forested valley below. The top of Gunung Mat Chincang has two viewing platforms with 360° views, for you to experience the feeling of being on top of the world, for you to drink in the beauty of nature as your eyes sweep the dramatic scene of Langkawi Islands, the Mainland of Kedah and South Thailand.

Fare / Charge

Standard Package (Round Trip)
Adult    - RM25.00 (Return trip from Base Station to Top Station)
Child (3 - 12 years old)    - RM18.00 (Return Trip from Base Station to Top Station)

Operating Hours :
Friday - Sunday    - 9.30 am - 7.00 pm
Monday - Thursday    - 10.00 am - 6.00 pm
Wednesday    - 12.00 noon - 6.00 pm

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