Are you totally confused about how to get around in Langkawi? Because believe it or not, I can relate!
Having been there recently, it took me totally by surprise that there simply isn’t that many ways to get around in Langkawi. Now, while this might happen on other, smaller tropical islands, it usually doesn’t happen on a place as large as Langkawi. Unfortunately it does, so here I am to tell you the easiest ways to actually make your way from point A to point B and back again on your Malaysian island getaway.
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Table of Contents
NOT Public Transport
Let’s start with the easy one. You WILL NOT be able to use public transport in Langkawi because there is none! Not even a local bus. At least, nothing to speak of. So basically there is no public transport option.
Scooter/Motorbike
The best way to get around in Langkawi is by hiring a scooter/motorbike.
This is done easily in many places, usually right beside the road in any tourist area. You will find a lot of them around the Pantai Cenang area. Before renting, make sure of a few things first.
- You have the proper license. You will need an international drivers permit and a full license from your home country. You can get your IDP easily at THIS LINK.
- The place you are hiring from is reputable. Make sure they ask you for the license, and provide registration for the scooter and possibly even insurance. Just use a bit of common sense when judging if they are reputable or not. You can tell the scammy ones a mile away!
- Have travel insurance.
The very best place to hire a scooter from in Langkawi is Uncle B Scooter hire at the airport right when you arrive. Check them out on KLOOK at THIS LINK or the button below.
Check out the complete guide to riding a scooter in Langkawi HERE.
GRAB Car
GRAB in Malaysia is just like Uber. Download the app and hire one right from the airport if you like. Just set it up to pay with cash, and off you go. It’s simple and easy to use, and trusted in Malaysia.
Check out the GRAB app HERE.
TIP – If you hire a GRAB at the airport and are waiting a long time and the car doesn’t seem to be getting closer, it’s because the driver doesn’t really want the fare. This happens, especially late at night. There are plenty around though, so just cancel and order another one!
Another great thing about GRAB is that they deliver food. This comes in handy on a tropical island when there are frequent downpours that last hours, often at dinner time!
Taxi
Taxi is available to get around in Langkawi, but I wouldn’t even bother. GRAB is cheaper than Taxi in Langkawi, and using the GRAB app is so easy. You also know the price before you call it, unlike in a Taxi.
Pushbike
Locally, around the area you are staying, pushbike is a good option. In the Pantai Cenang area in particular you will find pushbikes for hire beside the road. The beach area is flat, so it is a good and easy option to move around quickly. Just be careful of traffic and pedestrians.
In some hotels and even in smaller homestays they will sometimes give you a loan pushbike, or hire one to you right from the lobby.
To get further afield, unless you are a serious biker, you will need a bit more than a pushbike. Langkawi is a lot bigger than you think!
Walking
Once again this is only locally, but in most areas if you are staying central you can just walk everywhere. To go further afield though, you will need to order GRAB or have a scooter.
Summary
If you are looking for the best way to get around in Langkawi, then scooter is the number one option! Other than than I fully recommend having the GRAB app downloaded on your phone before you arrive.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Langkawi, check out my FULL GUIDE.
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