For the majority of visitors to Malaysia, Langkawi doesn’t really register on the radar until you arrive and first hear about it. Places like Kuala Lumpur, Penang and even Malacca are very well known internationally, but the tropical island group of Langkawi sort of gets hidden behind nearby places like Phuket, only a short distance to the north. Having visited recently, and finding not too much information online about it, I decided to put together this Complete Guide to Langkawi.
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Table of Contents
- Where is Langkawi?
- How to get to Langkawi
- What to expect
- How many days do you need on Langkawi?
- Things to do in Langkawi
- Where to stay
- How to get around
- Where to eat
- Summary
Where is Langkawi?
Langkawi is a district in the state of Kedah, located in Northern Malaysia, just off the West coast. It is made up of 99 islands, most of them whilst beautiful, are mostly uninhabited.
Langkawi is also very close to the Thailand border, with the island of Phuket only 230 Kilometers to the North.
How to get to Langkawi
The most obvious and easiest way to get to Langkawi is by flying. Flights from Kuala Lumpur arrive at all times of the day, and being only a 1 hour flight it’s a nice and easy flight to take even if you are transferring. You can fly into Langkawi internationally, but most of those flights are from Singapore.
The other way to get to Langkawi is by ferry. This is a popular and cheaper choice, especially for travelers that are tripping through Malaysia. Ferries run regularly from Penang, Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis on the Mainland, and Internationally to Thailand. The main ferry port on Langkawi is in Kuah.
For a really great run down of your options, check out this article on how to get to Langkawi.
What to expect
Langkawi is a beautiful island. Compared to other islands nearby such as Phuket or Penang, it is also very quiet. I personally put this down to the fact there is no bridge access, and it is not as well known as other island getaways.
The entire island is pretty much covered in jungle. When riding or moving around, you will be driving through the jungle, especially when around the national park or the mountains. Towns and villages are carved out of the jungle, or sit along the shorelines that are beautiful and pristine. Wildlife is pretty much everywhere, and a trip across the island will showcase cows, water buffalo, “wild” dogs, many, many monkeys of a couple different variety, and if you are lucky even one of the famous red eagles of Langkawi.
The beach areas of Langkawi are beautiful. Pantai Cenang is the most popular beach area on the island, but is a little spoilt due to all the jet skis and water sports. It IS the cheapest part of the island to stay though, and a good place to base yourself. Better, unspoilt beaches can be found at Tanjung Rhu, or in the Datai Bay area.
The other thing to expect in Langkawi is views. With just under 100 islands surrounding the main island, expect epic panoramas whenever you get to a viewpoint, beach or lookout. Have your camera handy!
How many days do you need on Langkawi?
Langkawi is only a relatively small island. You could see all of the main sights in just 2 days if you had your own scooter/transport. 3 Days would allow you to do some extra activities such as a mangrove cruise or island sight seeing cruise.
I personally stayed for a week and was glad that I did. It allowed me to relax and enjoy kicking back at the beach and explore a little more. Being a jungle covered island with a few mountains, there was also a little bit of rain about so I was able to pick and choose when I did activities as well. So having an extra day or two up your sleeve can always be a good idea.
Things to do in Langkawi
Langkawi is a destination for relaxing and just enjoying island life, but there is still much to do on the island other than lay on a beach. Hiring a scooter and getting around will allow you to visit some of the best places on Langkawi, and experience what the island is all about.
Here are my Guide to Langkawi choices of best things to do.
- SkyCab and Sky Bridge – Easily the most popular thing to do in Langkawi is to take the trip up the steepest cable car in the world, and then take a walk on the Sky Bridge. The views are simply amazing, especially on a clear day. See my full guide at THIS link for more info.
- Drive up to Gunung Raya – The other great place for views on the island is the highest peak at Gunung Raya. You can hike up this mountain, but the road actually goes right to the peak. The views are incredible, and on the drive up you will see monkeys and other wildlife.
- Relax at Tanjung Rhu – Easily one of the best beaches on the island. Peaceful and out of the way, on most days you will hardly have to share it with anyone. Hire a deck chair, eat and drink from the local beach restaurants, and enjoy some of the best beach views in Langkawi.
- Do a mangrove tour – It doesn’t sound that exciting, but the mangrove tours on Langkawi are pretty good, and one of the most popular activities for visitors. Visit the bat cave, where thousands of bats sleep during the day, and maybe even spy a red eagle or two whilst boating around.
- Visit Dataran Lang (Eagle Square) – In the town of Kuah, you can visit the famous, huge statue of the Eagle that gave the island its name. Worth stopping by for a photo, and visiting nearby Jetty Point Complex that has the largest collection of Duty Free shops in Langkawi.
- Stroll through Legenda Park – A huge waterfront parkland that has beautifully landscaped gardens, and statues depicting stories from local legends.
- Take a cruise or Jet Ski tour of the nearby islands – you can arrange a local boat to take you around the beautiful islands nearby, or at Pantai Cenang take a fun Jet Ski tour to secluded beaches and beautiful views of remote locales.
- Enjoy some water sports – Also at Pantai Cenang, you can do all sorts of water sports at what is the center for water sports on the island.
- Catch the sunset – Pantai Cenang is the best place on the island for watching sunsets. Kick back and chill at a beachside bar or café.
- Explore the island by scooter – Hire a scooter and get out to some of the most remote locations easily. One of my favorites is Sandy Skulls Beach in Pasir Tengorak Recreational Forest.
Where to stay
Langkawi has several areas to stay in, depending upon your requirements. The most budget accommodation can be found around Pantai Cenang. The most luxurious and exclusive at Datai Bay. If you want luxury and still be close to everything, then try Pantai Kok, which is close to the Cable Car. The choice is yours.
For a full guide on hotels and places to stay in Langkawi, check out THIS LINK.
Here are my Guide to Langkawi choices of best places to stay in Langkawi.
Luxury
THE DATAI LANGKAWI
Absolute luxury plus in the most exclusive part of the island. Surrounded by jungle, yet only a short stroll from its own private beach. The Datai Langkawi is exactly what everyone is looking for when they want peace and quiet, and definitely seclusion.
THE RITZ CARLTON LANGKAWI
The Ritz Carlton might be a little closer to the action, but it certainly doesn’t hold back on the luxury, which also comes with the appropriate price tag. Every cent you pay is worth it though, as you will be spoilt and pampered in the way that only the Ritz Carlton know how.
FOUR SEASON’S LANGKAWI
The Four Season’s is the best luxurious choice around the beautiful Tanjung Rhu area of the island. Melding seamlessly with the surrounding nature, the Moroccan Resort theme is sure to impress, as are the private beach and incredible breakfasts.
Mid Range
ALOFT LANGKAWI
If you want to be close to the action, but just far enough away to still be quiet, then Aloft Langkawi could be your answer. The pool is a sure fire hit with spectacular views out over the entire bay, and it’s only a short stroll down to the beach.
BERJAYA LANGKAWI RESORT
One of the best locations on the island for this price. Right next door to the Cable Car with its own private beach, incredible views and delicious breakfasts makes this place a winner. Just beware that it is a bit of a drive from most places, but if you are after peace, quiet and seclusion, you will find it here.
THE RIYAZ LAVANYA LANGKAWI
Located at Pantai Tengah – just down the road from Pantai Cenang puts this place in a prime location. Wonderful rooftop pool and bar with views to die for.
Budget
TISHA LANGKARI RESORT
Beautiful gardens, pool area and spacious rooms pretty much says it all. Tisha is a little further from the beach, but still only about a 15 minute stroll. Close to the Thursday night markets, and Telaga Walk for cheap budget meals.
DE BALQIS CHALET TANJUNG RHU
Located right on the beach, with wonderful hospitality and great staff. If you want to experience the beautiful Tanjung Rhu area, and are on a budget, then take a look at this place.
GECKO GUEST HOUSE
In a great location at Pantai Cenang. Walking distance to the beach and heaps of really cheap and tasty restaurants nearby. This is a great budget option with a super chilled atmosphere.
How to get around
Getting around Langkawi is easy as it is not a big island. One word of warning though – there is NO public transport, and no bus service at all. Despite that, getting around still isn’t really hard. Here are the guide to Langkawi best choices for getting around in Langkawi.
- Scooter – Hire a scooter and get around yourself. It is the absolute best way to see the entire island. Roads are good, and riding is not hard. Just make sure you have the right license, and hire from a reputable source. Check out my entire guide to Riding a Scooter in Langkawi HERE.
- GRAB or Taxi – You will find these easy enough, especially at the airport. I recommend GRAB, as they are cheaper and you know the price before you even order it. Similar to UBER, they are everywhere in Langkawi. Just download the app and you’re all set.
- Pushbike – If you just want to get around your local area then pushbike is a very popular option. Some hotels and guest houses rent them to guests. Otherwise in places like Pantai Cenang you can rent them beside the road.
Guide to Langkawi tip – If you are flying to Langkawi, hire your scooter at the airport when you arrive. Check out Uncle B’s Scooter Rental, located right at the airport and one of the most trusted and reliable rentals on the island. Find his details in my guide at THIS LINK. For easy and trusted scooter hire you can organize online, click THIS LINK.
Where to eat
Well, I guess no guide to Langkawi is going to be complete without suggesting some great places to eat!
Having been all over the island, I’ve found a few. Mostly, I like to stick to a budget when traveling, but on Langkawi I found myself shooting above my normal budget a few times because the food was SO good.
Here are my guide to Langkawi recommended places to eat.
- German Food Corner – This is my #1 choice, and my mouth is watering just thinking of it. Located at the base of the SkyCab (cable car) in the food court area, this place does the best Schnitzels I have tasted in a long, long time. German food that is hard to beat!
- Telaga Walk – Located at Pantai Cenang, this place really rocks on a couple nights of the week as they have live music and markets as well as the normal restaurants. Good food for a good price, including local and western.
- Scarborough Fish and Chips – You can find this place at Tanjung Rhu. Nice seafood located in a really beautiful spot. They have a few up and down reviews, but I loved it when I was there.
- El Toro Langkawi – Wonderful Mexican food located in the mall at Pantai Cenang. Not exactly a budget place, but great portions and worth the money.
- Kalut Café and Bar – Found right on the beach at Pantai Cenang, this is one of the best and most popular places for sunset. Lounge on colored beanbags, enjoy happy hour drinks and chow down on great burgers and fries as you watch the sun drop behind the nearby islands.
- Samara Langkawi – Located on the main street through Pantai Cenang, this little place serves good budget wraps, shawarma and salad.
Guide to Langkawi tip – Chase down the nightly food markets for the cheapest and possibly nicest food on the island. These move every day, therefore being found in a different place on the island every night. Here is a list of where you can find them.
- Monday – Ulu Melaka Night Market
- Tuesday – Kedawang Night Market
- Wednesday – Kuah Town Night Market
- Thursday – Temoyong Night Market (Pantai Cenang)
- Friday – Ayer Hangat Night Market (Tanjung Rhu)
- Saturday – Kuah Town Night Market
- Sunday – Padang Matsirat Night Market
Summary
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Langkawi and that it helps you to plan your next holiday. It’s an amazing island to visit, and I’m sure you will enjoy your stay. I know I did!
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