The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is the biggest of the three geoforest parks in Langkawi. Its main features are the mangrove forests and the karstic caves spread throughout the coastline. Take a boat or a kayak and explore the Kilim River, find fossils in Fossil Island or take a look at the 500 million year old limestone cliffs that make this park so unique.

A favorite daytrip destination from Costa Maya, the Chacchoben Maya ruins are located nearby a city of the same name, only 50 minutes away from the cruise port. This fascinating landmark is estimated to have been inhabited since as early as 1000 BC, and after a fairly late discovery in the 1940s, it still contains several unexcavated areas. Visitors can pick from a range of tour operators to be guided through the site, and as a bonus can admire the remarkable flora of what is called the 'Region of the Lakes.'

Located in the centre of Etten-Leur, the Van Gogh Church offers a fascinating glimpse into what is probably the least known period in Vincent van Gogh’s life, but certainly not the least important! ‘The start of a career’ This is the church where Van Gogh’s father was minister for seven years and where Van Gogh could regularly be found. Vincent van Gogh first registered as an artist in Etten in 1881. For nine months he lived and worked in the parsonage behind the Dutch Reformed Church. He also had his first drawing studio here. ‘Precious memories’ In the Van Gogh Church you can see how Vincent wrestled with drawing but became better at it through sheer hard work. How he was infatuated by his cousin Kee Vos and the drama which then unfolded. How he had arguments with his father. How he left Etten at Christmas 1881 but never forgot it. ‘Around the Van Gogh Church’ All these unusual stories are told in and around the Van Gogh Church. Nine colourful windows, multilingual information panels, showcases, animation, a film, a garden, an oversized portrait wall and audio columns take you back in time. The ‘Van Gogh in virtual reality’ is new: you will be immersed in an almost a real life encounter with Vincent van Gogh through a computer simulated environment. Van Gogh Shop The Van Gogh Shop has a large variety of souvenirs. It is also the ideal starting point for a Van Gogh walk or a cycle trip through the surrounding area. Van Gogh heritage location The Van Gogh Church and Van Gogh Shop (Markt 4) are within walking distance from the bus and railway stations. There is a multi-storey car park very close to the church. The locations are also on the Van Gogh Cycle Route that connects the five heritage locations in Brabant with each other.

Not only does Costa Maya have excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling, it also boasts a true rarity: Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve is a coral reef located around 18 miles off the coast of Mahahual. As part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest coral reef system in the world, it is home to a diverse array of marine life as well as dozens of sunken ships, some of which date back to the 16th century. You can find a multitude of dive centers along Mahahual's boardwalk, Malecón.