Nature Experiences
Our team of resident naturalists and marine biologists have curated experiences and activities to allow you to discover the unique flora and fauna of our nature resort in Langkawi.
Poet's Trail
Home to a stunning array of flora and fauna ranging from Meranti Bumbung, Meranti Temak Nipis and Keruing Damar trees to Dusky Langurs, Great Hornbills, Sunda Colugos and shy mousedeer, and criss-crossed by pristine, flowing streams, the rainforests of Langkawi are truly mesmerising ecosystems and guests have a number of opportunities to explore them, such as the resort's inspiring Poet’s Trail. This nature trek led by experienced resident naturalists from The Nature Centre begins just beyond the resort’s gates (but still within the hotel grounds) and includes a series of insightful poems by Max Wallis, Khalil Gibran and Irshad Mobarak, Chief Advisor to The Datai Pledge.
Beach Walk
The beach is home to a number of amazing animals and plants, and the Datai Bay is truly a fantastic place for wildlife watching. As the tides rise and fall, otherwise hidden inhabitants of the shallow lagoon area are revealed, and Datai Bay’s gentle quartz and calcium carbonate sandy beach gets buzzing with a wonderful world of marine life. Discover the interesting beach life that adapted to survive in a harsh and ever-changing environment with the sun's extreme heat, rise and fall of the tides and swirling sand, all in one place at our Datai beach in Langkawi. This activity is only available during the lowest tides of the month.
Journey Through The Forests
The rainforest is made up of four layers: emergent, upper canopy, under canopy and forest floor. The upper canopy acts as a roof to block most light from reaching below it. The undercanopy consists of bushes, shrubs, and branches of canopy trees. The forest floor is shaded with fewer growing plants, making walking through the forest easy. This informative walk along the Rimba Trail at The Datai Langkawi takes you through three different floral habitats. It begins in a littoral or coastal forest before transitioning into a mangrove swamp over a 70 m-elevated walkway. It continues through the lowland rainforest, the highlight of which is a 20 m-long, 15 m-high Canopy Walk up the most bizarre-looking tree in our rainforest.
Trek to Crystal Creek
Just a short drive from the hotel and a 500 metre trek into the rainforest is a wonderful swimming creek. Led by our resident naturalists, you will walk through lush greenery with a chance to spot some of the myriad little critters that call our rainforest home, until you hear the soft gurgling of this small river making its way through the forest. Climb down a gentle slope and experience its inviting waters - a welcome respite from the warm and humid afternoons. Refreshed from the dip into the cool, make your way back to your pick-up point and transfer back to the resort by car. You can also experience Crystal Creek during our Malay Wellness journey or Mandi Embun experience.
Mysterious Mangrove
Find out more about trees and animals that have evolved to thrive in an environment of dynamic and constant change, dictated by the ebb and flow of the ocean tides. Mangroves are tropical trees that thrive in conditions most timber could never tolerate — salty, coastal waters, and the interminable ebb and flow of the tide. With the ability to store vast amounts of carbon, mangrove forests are key weapons in the fight against climate change, but they are under threat worldwide. By protecting mangroves, we can help protect the future of our planet. Join us on a journey of discovery through the mangroves of Langkawi on a kayak.
Jungle Voices
The ancient rainforest surrounding The Datai Langkawi is home to many sounds and secrets of nature. Delve deeper into the hidden secrets of the old rainforest and ignite your inner naturalist by joining this complimentary nature talk by our Resident Naturalist, Marine Biologist or invited experts related to a specific wilderness topic such as potent medicinal and aphrodisiac plants, mysterious nocturnal creatures, bird photography, insects, and butterfly garden. Be enlightened by stories from the wild.
Butterfly Walk
With over 530 species of butterflies on the island, Langkawi is the true butterfly paradise of the world. At The Datai, we have created an open-concept Butterfly Garden with specially chosen butterfly nectar plants and caterpillar food plants. This way, we have invited the butterflies that would normally be fluttering over the canopy of our towering trees to come down to the garden. Take a stroll along our Butterfly Garden in Langkawi to get to know some of the beauties that pay us a visit.
Birdwatching Walk
More than 260 species of birds call Langkawi home. These species include lowland rainforest species, wetland species, shorebirds and pelagic birds. We have recorded over 60 species of birds in and around Teluk Datai area, mostly lowland rainforest species with a few coastal species. Try spotting birds such as the Oriental-Pied Hornbill, Orange-bellied Flowerpecker, Crimson Sunbird and the Banded Kingfisher during this nature experience tailored for both beginners and seasoned birdwatchers with our experienced birdwatching guides.