The cable car is located on top the second tallest mount in Langkawi, Gunung Mat Chincang.

For those who fear heights, they may take their place in the gondola with white knuckles and buckling knees, the ones who are braver will only feel a sense of excitement.  But for all intents and purposes, everyone is in for one exhilarating ride as the cable car slowly climbs up the steep escarpment of mountain. But what initially was a petrified beginning will gradually transform to awe and wonder.

Close by is the Gunung Raya at 881 metres, making it the highest peak on Langkawi Island.  Gunung Mat Chincang at 708 metres offers visitors to the tropical islands off Malaysia’s northwest coast, one of the most magnificent views in the entire country.

The idea for the cable car was conceived several years ago and it required engineering genius to erect the support towers and hook up the cables in position on the near vertical mountainside. Such familiar sights are common in the ski resorts in Europe but here it is less common.

Prevailing weather conditions will have a lot to do with tourists’ appreciation of the ride, so if it is overcast or raining, it is best to wait for a clearer day. If you are lucky to have the sky was clear and the sun was shining gaily, you will be astounded by the breathtaking view of blue and green horizon around you as the gondola continues its way up the mountain.

A journey on the Langkawi Cable Car commences from the Oriental Village, an exclusive shopping area that has ceased operation. It starts from about sea level and rises to an altitude of over 700 metres above sea level.

A horizontal lift of over two-kilometres is achieved and only two pylons have been installed for the whole system, a decision to protect vegetation that clings to the rocky outcrops rather than destroy them with too many support towers. The expanse of the cable from the second pylon to the first observation station is suspended over a distance of one kilometre, which is quite amazing engineering feat by itself. There are two viewing stations and it is possible to get off and rejoin the cable car at Station One. A walking trek from Station One, uphill to Station Two has been carved through the vegetation for those who want to have a refreshingly cool walk through the forest.

The views from Station One face southeast and the beaches of Pantai Kok and Teluk Burau can be seen below. In the far distance are Pantai Cenang and its long expanse of yellow sands.

To access Station Two, you have to get back on the gondola for a short ride to the summit. Getting on and off the cars is easy as they slow down at each station. The views from here include those from Station One but also the forested northeastern side of the island and, in the distance to Tarutao National Park in Southern Thailand. Thailand is less than ten kilometres northwards across the Andaman Sea.

The rocks of this mountainous site are also worth noting as the sedimentary rocks here are over  350 million years old. This makes them some of Asia's oldest rocks. The geology is quite diverse with layers of various sedimentary rocks including sandstone, mudstone, siltstone and conglomerate.  Langkawi Cable Car is located on the southwest coast of the main island, just a 30-minute drive from Kuah Town and only 15 minutes from Langkawi International Airport. Your best bet is to either hire a car or a taxi for the day and explore the island at your own pace.