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Welcome to the oldest land in Malaysia 550 million years in the making.

Langkawi Geopark Official Website

Naturally Langkawi

Discover a faraway island, a tropical paradise in Langkawi. Alluring and idyllic in its natural beauty. Majestic and spectacular in its cultural heritage. Experience the Isles of Legends – Langkawi.

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Checkout the best of Langkawi here and start making your travel plans.

Here's a collection of our Top Destinations in Langkawi

Kilim geoforest park.

Ayer Hangat Village

Dayang Bunting Lake

Temurun Waterfall

Dataran Lang / Eagle Square

Dream Forest Langkawi

Rebak Island Resort & Marina

Want to see more of Langkawi?

Our biggest fans.

Stunning Nature! The boat tour around the park is beautiful, the nature is very well preserved and we got to learn a lot about the mangrove, birds and the Langkawi eagle. Good place for have lunch too, on the over water restaurants.

Natalie Deduck Itajai, SC - Trip Advisor

Enjoyable Kids will definitely enjoy the monkey feeding on boat! Opted for the 3-hour trip that includes bat cave, buaya cave (which the boat can pass thru!), fish feeding, monkey and eagle feeding. It’s a memorable experience. Strongly recommended especially for family travel with young kids.

JL Singapore - Trip Advisor

Interesting Mangroove We enjoyed the boat ride through the mangrove, the bat cave. We had some fun at the fish farm. Very interesting rock formation and beautiful scenery.

Christine F Hong Kong - Trip Advisor

Dive Into Malaysia

24 Incredible Things To Do In Langkawi: Complete Guide 2024

One of the most popular islands of Malaysia, Langkawi is a must visit for many travellers and deservedly so.

It is a true tropical paradise. From it’s white powdery beaches to its rainforests and delicious food, there are many reasons to enjoy travel in Langkawi. In this guide, I want to ensure you have the best time possible here with the top 24 things to do in Langkawi, Malaysia. This is your full Langkawi guide to everything you need to know.

I wrote this guide based on extensive research and my experience of visiting Langkawi many times. I love this place!

Langkawi is located off the northern part of Malaysia’s west coast in the Andaman Sea. It’s about 30 kilometres from the Malaysian mainland. While it’s often talked about like it’s a single island, it’s actually a district of 99 islands. It may be the most beautiful place in Malaysia.

It is easy to get here thanks to an international airport and frequent ferries from the mainland. The main island is where you’ll find an array of Langkawi attractions as well as many accommodation and eating options.

In this guide, I detail exactly what to do in Langkawi Malaysia. I cover all the best places to visit in Langkawi, the perfect 3 day Langkawi itinerary as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate Langkawi vacation!

So, if you’ve been wondering what to do in Langkawi, you’ll find plenty of answers here in this blog!

Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Top 24 Best Things To Do In Langkawi Island [2024]

Here are the best Langkawi places to visit. Read through and select which activities and Langkawi tourist attractions fit your interests and timeframe.

Many of the best things to do in Langkawi involve entrance fees or tours. The best place to purchase these is on Klook here as they offer discounts on most places.

I have visited here many times both alone and with kids aged from 3 (my middle child had his third birthday here!) to 13.

Walk Along The Langkawi Sky Bridge

The best place in Langkawi to start your sightseeing is to visit the Langkawi SkyBridge. In fact, a walk along the Langkawi SkyBridge is one of the most popular Langkawi tourist attractions.

The Langkawi SkyBridge is the longest free span, curved bridge in the world making it one of the most interesting places in Langkawi to visit. This is a brilliantly engineered bridge, being held suspended almost 2000 feet above sea level, all by a singular pylon.

There is stunning scenery at this breathtaking location as the curved bridge spans between two great mountains. It’s a great way to explore the natural attractions in Malaysia.

To reach the SkyBridge, you need to take the Langkawi SkyCab – the world’s steepest cable car – with the top station at 708 metres above sea level. Before you reach the top station where the bridge is located, passengers must get off at the middle station.

At the middle station, enjoy the panoramic views across Langkawi and surrounding islands.

Once you reach the top station, the views are even more spectacular! Here you are on the top of Machinchang mountain and can even see as far as southern Thailand !

The cable car is RM85 per adult and RM65 per child at the time of publishing. This is the foreigner price when discounted on Klook with locals paying less. It includes entry to 3D Art Langkawi (if you buy this package).

To get this discounted price, you need to buy here.

From the top station, you can now go and explore the Langkawi SkyBridge. This is an extra charge, but it’s only an extra RM1 or 2  if you buy in advance on Klook here.

You can take the 10 minute jungle walk from the top station to the SkyBridge or take the SkyGlide. The SkyGlide is like an elevator that goes up and down the side of the mountain and is great for people with mobility issues or for kids that are just too tired to walk.

The SkyGlide is also an extra cost and, again, you can get tickets cheaper by buying in advance on Klook here .

At the base station of the SkyCab there are a range of other Langkawi island attractions including 3D Art, 6D Cinema, Sky Adventure Park and more.

With so many Langkawi tourist places located in the one spot, there is a lot of fun to be had here!

Click here to buy your discounted tickets now.

See 3D Art In Paradise

Located right by the SkyCab is 3D Art Langkawi, one of those new 3D art attractions which are popping up all over the place. In fact this particular one is the second largest in the world and is fast becoming one of the Langkawi main attractions.

3D Art Langkawi is broken up into various sections including an optical illusion zone, aquarium zone, safari zone and many more. Visitors walk around the museum, taking it in turns to have their photos taken inside the art. Here you can step into exotic worlds and even step back in time – all thanks to the art of illusion.

3D art Langkawi is open daily between 9am and 6pm.

Entry cost is RM38 per adult and RM28 per child. The best deal is to buy a ticket here in conjunction with your SkyCab ticket.

Address: Oriental Village, Burau Bay, Langkawi

Walk to Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh)

Known locally as Telaga Tujuh, Seven Wells Waterfall has – unsurprisingly –  seven natural falls at different levels, formed by water flowing down from the second highest mountain of Langkawi, Mount Machinchang.  

The most picturesque and dramatic waterfall on the island with a 91 metres drop, there are also great views from here if you hike to the top.  Along the way, look out for macaque monkeys, giant squirrels and great hornbills. Keep food out of sight!

You have two choices of hike. The bottom of the falls is a short 10 minute climb from the car park through the rainforest. You can bathe in the pools here if you wish. Note that this walk is quite steep but it is over quick. This area is lovely. There are toilets and a couple of shady pagodas.

The top of the falls is where you’ll find some great views, but this is a longer and steeper walk taking about an hour with 638 steps! There are also some natural pools here where you can cool off after your climb.

The falls are at their best after a lot of rain so this can be a good activity in the monsoon season, although be careful of slippery rocks and paths. We visited in January (so during the dry season) and it was still very picturesque and fun. The water is nice and cool – perfect after the hike up.

It’s located not far from the SkyCab. If you have your own vehicle, parking costs RM2. There are some food and drink stalls at the entry.

Address: Mukim, Jalan Telaga Tujuh

See The Rainforest On A Zipline Adventure

Ever wanted to fly across the rainforest on a zipline adventure?  Well at Skytrex Adventure Langkawi you can. Thrill seekers will love this park where you can zipline and conquer obstacles with 35 obstacles to pass at great heights.

Take your pick of how thrilling you want to go with beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The advanced is extreme.

Whatever adventure you decide to take, at this park, you’ll get to enjoy the tropical rainforest which is home to over 220 species of birds and also have the opportunity to spot other wildlife.

It’s loads of fun and, of course, safety is taken very seriously.

Entry or tour cost starts at RM60 with discounted tickets here . It’s on the way to the Langkawi Sky Bridge and cable car.

Address: Jalan Teluk Yu, Kampung Kok

Click here to buy discounted tickets now.

Go Island Hopping Langkawi

One of the top things to do in Langkawi is an island hopping tour. It’s definitely a must do for your itinerary. The coastline around Langkawi is beautiful, and this is a cheap and easy way to soak it in.

There are a range of different tours available, with most tours including transfers from your hotel to the boat.  You can read our in-depth guide to island hopping tours here.

Tours stop at a range of different islands. A popular Langkawi tourist spot on these island hopping tours is Pulau Dayang Bunting which is the second largest island in Langkawi. The island is most famous for Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. Here you can enjoy a range of Langkawi island activities including swimming, paddle boarding or simply relaxing.

Most island hopping tours take you to a range of places in Langkawi including places where you can eagle watch, snorkel and other beach activities. If you’re in search of the best beach in Langkawi, you’ll especially love some of these tours. 

The best part is that island hopping tours are very affordable.

An extra fun way to go on your island hopping tour is on a jet ski! You can find a great jet ski island hopping tour here.

You can also read our full guide to Langkawi island hopping options here.

Enjoy Langkawi Water Sports

Read any Langkawi travel blog or Langkawi travel guide and you’ll see that when it comes to the Langkawi top 10 things to do, water sports are a must!  

The reason water activities in Langkawi are so popular is that the conditions here are just perfect. The water is calm and clear, and the landscape is just stunning! Plus in Langkawi, water sports won’t break the bank. Water sports here are affordable.

Some of the most popular water adventure sports in Langkawi include parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, donut boat rides, snorkelling and diving.  

In terms of  places to go in Langkawi for water sports, just pop on down to your nearest popular beach and you will see a range of little beach huts where you can arrange whatever activities you are interested in. There are plenty of options at Pantai Cenang or on the island hopping tours.

Or even better, sign up for a tour beforehand.

In addition to the possibility of a jet skiing island hopping tour here , you can also book a jet ski experience here .

Parasailing at Langkawi is an experience you’ll never forget. You can easy enjoy it from the main beach, Pantai Cenang, here .

You can also read our full guide to Langkawi jet skiing options here and our full guide to parasailing here.

Try Snorkelling And Diving

As mentioned above, Langkawi is just amazing for a range of water sports including snorkeling and diving. During your holiday in Langkawi you can, of course, do this yourself or better still, join a Langkawi day trip where you will be taken to some of the best places in Langkawi for spotting marine life. 

One of the most popular snorkelling and diving tours is a day trip to nearby Palau Payar which is only 1 hour away by speed boat. On this gorgeous Langkawi beach, you can dive and snorkel in crystal clear water either straight from the shore or from a platform in the middle of the ocean.

As well as great marine life such as moray eels, clown fish, stone fish, parrot fish and more; you will also see exotic coral reefs too. You can swim with baby sharks (if you’re game!).

Other Langkawi must-do activities include a glass bottom boat ride, swimming and relaxing on the beach.

Most tours include return transfers from your hotel as well as lunch. It makes for a fantastic Langkawi family trip out.

Click here to buy a snorkelling tour now.

Enjoy A Sunset Cruise

If you are looking for things to do in Langkawi at night, put taking a sunset cruise at the top of your Langkawi trip itinerary!  While great for families or a group of friends, it’s also one of the romantic things to do in Langkawi for a couple too.

There are a range of different sunset cruises you can do with some offering drinks. The best ones also serve a delicious dinner on board.  

Just imagine cruising off as the sun sets, admiring the stunning Langkawi landscape, enjoying an alcoholic beverage or two, taking a dip in the water or even enjoying the jacuzzi net as the boat heads out to sea.  On route you may even spot a dolphin or two.

Generally, all sunset cruises also include return transfers from your hotel too.

A sunset cruise is definitely one of the best Langkawi activities to do, no matter who you’re holidaying with. It was our favourite experience in Langkawi.

See Animals At Langkawi Wildlife Park

If you’re wanting to know where to go in Langkawi to see some animals then spend the day at Langkawi Wildlife Park. Here, you will not only get up close and personal to a variety of animals but also see some of Malaysia’s unique flora and fauna too.

At this Langkawi attraction, there is over 150 different animal species on show at the park including crocodiles, fish, turtles, monkeys, racoons, guinea pigs, macaws, flamingos, rabbits, hornbills, deer and more. There is also the opportunity to pat a range of animals as well as take part in the feeding program.

Don’t miss the animal talk show which runs twice daily.

Entry cost is RM59.29 per adult and RM40 per child if you click here to get discounted tickets. It costs more on arrival. Malaysians also get discounted tickets at that link at an even cheaper price.

Address: Lot 1485, Kampung Belanga Pecah, Jalan Ayer Hangat

Learn About Fruit At Mardi Agro Technology Park

Another one of the great places to see in Langkawi is Argo Technology Park. It’s basically a fruit farm where you can learn about a variety of local fruits.

There are tours via a truck with stops to see different fruit trees with the opportunity to feed deers at the end. It is informative and fun and the place to go if you’re looking for things to see in Langkawi with the kids.

There is also a delicious fruit buffet where you can try many different fruit.

The park is open daily from 8.30 am to 5 pm, but closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

Entry cost starts at RM20 per adult and RM10 per child and depends on exactly what you want to do.

Address: 1, Jalan Padang Gaong, Lubuk Semilang, Ulu Melaka Kuah

Get Up Close At Crocodile Adventureland

If you’re intrigued by crocodiles then another one of the Langkawi top attractions is Crocodile Adventureland. Crocodile Adventureland is a 10 acre farm in Langkawi which allows visitors to see and learn more about the fearsome, yet fascinating, crocodile.

At Adventureland, you can see over 1000 different crocodiles, including the world’s largest living crocodile species.  You can also see trainers interact with crocodiles during the various shows on each day within the park.

Crocodile Adventureland is open daily from 9:30am to 6 pm.

A visit to Crocodile Adventureland is certainly one of the fun things to do in Langkawi.

Entry cost is RM40 for a foreigner or RM28 for a Malaysian if you save money by buying discounted tickets here. Otherwise, it costs more.

Address: Taman Buaya Langkawi, Mukim Air Hangat, Jalan Datai, Jalan Datai

See Under The Sea At Underwater World Langkawi

If you enjoy animal encounters, consider visiting Underwater World Langkawi, one of the largest aquariums in Malaysia. This is definitely recommended if you are visiting with kids.  

At Underwater World, there are over 4000 different aquatic species across almost 6 acres. The aquarium is divided into multiple sections including tropical rainforest, temperate and sub-antarctic.

The kids will love seeing the colourful tropical fish as well as walking through the gigantic 15 metre long tunnel to see the sharks, stingrays, groupers and turtles. However, without a doubt the highlight of the aquarium is the Sub-Antarctic (penguin) section with chilled display tanks featuring a range of different penguins.

Try to visit during one of the feeding times, especially for the penguins. They have the latest times on their site .

Underwater World is open daily from 10am to 6pm.

This is a great attraction for the family. It’s well presented and interesting. It’s also perfect if you’re looking for activities to do in Langkawi on a rainy day as it’s one of the few Langkawi things to see that’s indoors.

Entry cost is RM48 per adult and RM40 per child if you can save money by booking here. Otherwise, it costs more. Malaysians also pay a lower rate than this on that link.

Address: Jalan Pantai Cenang, Pantai Cenang

Click here to buy discounted tickets now or click here to read a full review of Underwater World Langkawi

Walk Through The Paddy Fields At Laman Padi

Laman Padi is a serene eco-tourism attraction located in Pantai Cenang, the main tourist area. Spanning 13.86 acres, the living museum offers a deep immersion into traditional rice paddy cultivation amidst a lush and natural setting. The tranquil paddy field within the compound provides a picturesque and rustic experience, especially during the golden ripening season.

In addition to the paddy itself, there is an expansive exhibition showcasing the history and practices of paddy farming. Visitors can learn about rice cultivation in this museum, walk through the greenery, unwind at the pavilion or balconies and explore the surrounding herbal garden.

A hands-on approach is taken and you can smell the herbs, help plant or havest the rice (depending on the season) and more with a great guide. It’s also a good place for bird spotting.

Relax At Pantai Cenang

When it comes to a trip to Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia, nothing beats spending some time relaxing at Pantai Cenang. Despite being the main tourist area, Pantai Cenang is one of the best beaches in Langkawi. It’s absolutely stunning with its long stretch of powdery white beach, calm and clear water and the stunning lush islands in the foreground.

At Pantai Cenang, there are plenty of sun loungers that you can rent from beach vendors. Whether you want to relax on the beach, go swimming or partake in some Langkawi beach activities, there is plenty to do.

This is why you come to Langkawi so, without a doubt, Pantai Cenang is not to be missed.

Click here to buy discounted water activities tickets in Pantai Cenang now.

Enjoy The Beach With Sunset Drinks

If there’s one thing better than relaxing on Pantai Cenang during the day, it’s enjoying it at sunset.

The sunsets here are perfect!

Simply sit in the sand and enjoy the show.

You can also choose to have a drink as you watch the sunset from one of the great bars. Yellow Cafe or The Cliff Restaurant and Bar are good choices for sundowners.

Watch out for fire shows on the beach afterwards!

Splash In The Water At Pantai Tengah

The best attraction in Langkawi is definitely the beach. If you love the sound of Pantai Cenang, but want a quieter stretch of beach, then Pantai Tengah is what you’re looking for.

Just down the coast from Pantai Cenang, the beach here is just as beautiful as Cenang. However, there are less accommodation options here which makes it far quieter.

Pantai Tengah is a great place to come to relax on the beach or have a quiet swim in the water. This is certainly the best place to go in Langkawi if you want a stunning beach, without loads of people but still within easy reach of the main tourist area.

Get Away From It All At Tanjung Rhu

Is Pantai Tengah still too close to the tourist hub for you and you’re wanting to know where to visit in Langkawi that you can get away from it all?

Go to Tanjung Rhu.

When it comes to Langkawi beautiful places, Tanjung Rhu is certainly up there. In fact Tanjung Rhu would have to have one of the best shorelines in all of Langkawi! The water here is crystal clear and the beach has that perfect, white powdery sand. It’s really beyond words beautiful.

Apart from a small row of food, souvenir and water sport stalls, the area is quiet and peaceful and the landscape is absolutely stunning. This is the place where you go to be secluded. There is a public area right next to the Tanjung Rhu Resort near the jetty.

I also highly recommend Tanjung Rhu Resort as your place to stay. We loved it here! You can read all about it in our full review here.

It’s also the jumping off point for the mangrove cruise mentioned below . So beautiful!

Take A Mangrove Tour By Kayak Or Boat

If you’re looking for a Langkawi one day trip, a mangrove tour, either by kayak or boat, is a great way to go. It’s a fantastic way to explore one of the top nature attractions in Langkawi. It’s often listed as people’s favourite thing to do in Langkawi. I can see why.

You have two options:

• Tour through the Kubang Badak Mangrove River by kayak ( find it here ). Includes lunch at a local house.
• Tour through the Kilim Geoforest Park (UNESCO listed) by boat ( find it here ). Includes lunch at a floating restaurant.

Either option is great. Pick the one that best fits your activity level.

You will be guided through the mangroves where you will learn about the area.

Keep an eye out because you may even be lucky enough to spot exotic animals such as the white bellied sea eagles, brahminy kites, kingfishers, herons, crabs, lizards, monkeys and otters.

The guided kayak tour also includes the opportunity to swim in a secluded natural pool.

Our boat tour included a journey round the coast by sea, eagle feeding, Bat Cave (this is by foot – you exit the boat for 20 minutes and get to see the caves, monkeys and mangroves up close), Crocodile Cave (no crocs, don’t worry!) and the floating restaurant. Our guide was knowledgable and the tour well run.

I definitely recommend that if you do this, sit on the starboard side of the boat. I felt like I missed out on some of the sea journey coastal views by not sitting here. The whole route is quite touristy with plenty of people and Bat Cave was crowded. The amazing scenery made up for it.

The lunch at the Floating Restaurant was bland and boring, but it filled a hole.

Entry or tour cost starts at RM192 for kayaking and RM94 for the boat cruise if you buy your tickets here.

Address: Jeti Kubang Badak

Click here to buy discounted tickets for kayaking now or for the cruise here.

Visit Waterfalls At Durian Perangin

Located on Gunung Raya is the Durian Perangin Waterfall, a stunning fourteen tier waterfall which local and tourists alike love to visit for a refreshing dip. At the foot of most of the different tiers there are translucent natural pools just perfect for a swim.

You can also take a hike to the top of the waterfall for some gorgeous views .

There are plenty of little pagodas to sit next to the water in the shade with a picnic in between splashes in the water.

This attraction is better than we expected actually. We were disappointed we didn’t bring a picnic with us and made a half day of it. There are some food, drink and souvenir stalls at the entrance.

You can visit the waterfalls at anytime of the day and entry is free making it ideal for a Langkawi budget trip.

Address: Northern slope of Gunung Raya, Langkawi

Enjoy The Peaceful Atmosphere At Wat Koh Wanararm

Wat Koh Wanararm is a Buddhist temple in a secnic spot, not far from Kuah, the main town on the island.

The main thing to see here is Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy which is carved into a section of the limestone mountain. There are colourful Tibetan pagodas in the main courtyard as well as mosaics, zen gardens, a koi pond and golden Buddha statues. The main prayer hall is popular among Buddhists.

This temple is off the main tourist trail and a great way to find some peace for a moment while touring the island. It really is quite a sight and much bigger than the photo makes it look.

However, it can feel weird initially when visiting here – there was a lot of rubbish at the entrance when we came and a whole lot of stray dogs. It was worth it though!

Address: Jalan Ayer Hangat, Kuah

Snap The Iconic Langkawi Photo At Eagle Square

Look at any Langkawi trip blog and you would have seen the iconic photo at Eagle Square. You know the image, it features the huge 12 metre eagle statue which is poised to take flight over the scenic waterfront plaza?

Eagle Square, or Dataran Lang which is its official name, is one of the Langkawi popular places that tourists flock to. The statue is located in the southeast corner of Pulau Langkawi in the town of Kuah. This is the main town on the island the statue is next to the main jetty. It also has lovely views across Kuah Bay.

Don’t leave Langkawi without getting your photo at Eagle Square!

Although maybe go to the toilet elsewhere unless you want to pay RM1!

Address: Kuah Jetty, Dataran Lang

See It All On A Helicopter Tour

The best thing about Langkawi is it’s stunning landscapes. One of the best ways to see these are on a helicopter tour.

This helicopter tour will provide you with gorgeous views across Dayang Bunting Lake and Cenang Beach. You will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands, mountains and stunning water of the Andaman Sea.

Helicopter tours include return transfers from your hotel and memories that you will never forget!

The tour cost starts at RM635 if you purchase tickets beforehand here .

Address: Jalan Pantai Cenang

Eat Everything At A Night Market

Without a doubt when it comes to what to do in Langkawi at night, the most popular attraction is the Langkawi night markets. These markets are on every night of the week from 5.30pm. They are located in a different spot each night of the week.

If you’re thinking of shopping or wondering what to buy, a good place to start is the food! The food here is absolutely delicious. Make sure you come a few nights during your time in Langkawi so you can eat everything you can!  You will not be disappointed at all and the food prices are very affordable.

As well as food, you can also pick up some Langkawi souvenirs from the markets too.

If you are looking for some Langkawi night activities, don’t miss the markets. The location of the markets are as follows:

• Monday – Ulu Melaka Market
• Tuesday – Kedawang Night Market
• Wednesday and Saturday – Kuah Langkawi Night Market
• Thursday – Temoyong Night Market
• Friday – Air Hangat Night Market
• Sunday – Padang Matsirat Night Market

Visit Koh Lipe (Thailand!)

Koh Lipe is a small island just 90 minutes ferry ride from Langkawi. You can visit here on a day trip or for longer as part of your Langkawi stay.

Koh Lipe is crazy beautiful. It’s called the “Maldives of Thailand” for a reason. It’s only 2 kilometres long by 1 kilometre wide and has fantastic beaches, great snorkelling, the frenetic energy of Thailand and more. A visit here is a great way to get a slice of Thai culture on your Malaysian adventure.

You can read our full guide to visiting Koh Lipe here.

What To Do In Langkawi For 3 Days

If you’re looking for a 3 day Langkawi itinerary, here it is! If you are staying slightly longer or shorter, you can edit it to suit your needs.

You can also click here and find out full 2-5 day Langkawi itinerary.

After arriving in Langkawi, take it easy and spend the day exploring the stunning beaches nearest to your accommodation. If you’re keen on water sports, now is the time to try some out. Otherwise, hire a sun lounger and relax and take a dip in the stunning sea.

Be sure to be down at the beach for the sunset and hang around afterwards to see the fire dancers that move from bar to bar if you are in Pantai Cenang.

During the evening, explore the local streets and pick up a few souvenirs or better still head to the local night markets for dinner.

Head to the Langkawi SkyBridge by taking the Langkawi SkyCab to the top and enjoy the fantastic views.

Join an island hopping tour in the afternoon , or return to your hotel and enjoy the facilities. If you don’t do the island hopping tour, do a sunset cruise in the evening instead.

On your final day of our itinerary Langkawi, either hire your own car or hire a driver and go and explore some of the other attractions which are of interest to you. Consider places like Seven Wells Waterfall, ziplining, Tanjung Rhu beach and taking a photo at Eagle Square in bustling Kuah.

If possible, also include a mangrove kayak tour on your last day and hopefully spot some wildlife.

In the evening, watch one last sunset on the beach or enjoy some more yummy food at the night markets and pick up any final souvenirs.

My full Langkawi itinerary is here .

Langkawi Tourist Map

On this Langkawi map for tourist, the blue markers are the Langkawi attractions listed above. The red markers are the best places to stay in Langkawi mentioned below.

You can zoom in and out on this Langkawi attraction map to get a better view of where the Langkawi must do highlights are.

Best Hotels in Langkawi

As well as the top attractions in Langkawi, I’ve also put together all my top suggestions for where to stay in Langkawi below.

While Langkawi is not very big, there are a wide range of places to stay in Langkawi as well as a wide range of locations. The attractions are also spread out but it doesn’t take long to drive to any of them. However, it may be best to shortlist the attractions you plan on visiting first and chose the location of your hotel from there.

A good option may be to split your time between two different locations, so you get two different experiences. Perhaps stay at a good value hotel whilst exploring attractions and then choose a more upmarket hotel on a stunning beach for some relaxation to end your trip. This is how we like to do it.

LUXURY – Datai Langkawi Review

The Datai Langkawi is located on a private beach in Datai Bay which is a secluded part of Langkawi.

With the rainforest on one side and the beach on the other, The Datai is beautiful, luxurious and has a wonderful beach making it a great choice if you are looking for one of the top beach resorts in Langkawi where you can really get away from it all.

It’s so luxurious and awesome that it has an amazing 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor from thousands of reviews.

There are many room types including private villas, perfect for romance or families. Many come with private pools for extra enjoyment.

There are many facilities and activities at the luxury Datai including three pools (one for adults, one for families and one for toddlers), water sports, health club and many nature activities both for children and adults.

There are four restaurants and two shops. Rates include breakfast and minibar and the villas also have a private butler service.

It’s expensive, but you also get what you pay for and this place is great. It’s the best choice for a romantic break and also works for families.

Click here for the latest prices.

TOP CHOICE IN MAIN BEACH AREA – Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa Review

The Pelangi Beach Resort is located in a great spot in the main beach area of Langkawi, Pantai Cenang. This means you can be in the centre of things in minutes with many eating and shopping options.

There are a range of room types here as well as some fantastic facilities. Facilities include two outdoor, free-form swimming pools, a gym, sauna, squash, mini-golf, tennis, archery and bicycle rental. And if you are bringing the kids, they will love the kids club as well as the dinosaur water play area with slides.

There are also two restaurants, a lounge and a pool bar. You are also just a short walk from many other eating options. And, of course, you have a beautiful beach to enjoy.

The resort has been recently renovated as well.

BEST VALUE HOTEL – Adya Hotel Review

The Adya Hotel is located in Kuah, the largest town in Langkawi. Its central location makes things very easy as it’s surrounded by restaurants, and there is a shopping centre next door.

There are a range of room types here. All feature balconies with fantastic views. Room types include simple hotel rooms, executive rooms and stunning suites. The hotel has two infinity pools (one women’s only), a kids pool, a gym, restaurant and other services and facilities that you would expect from a 4-star hotel. Note no alcohol is allowed here.

The location of this hotel is ideal for exploring attractions such as Eagle Square, Kuah Jetty and the Kuah night market and it’s only a short 20 minute drive from the airport.

It’s a great price and definitely the best value hotel on the island, but note that it’s not in a beach area.

Getting To And Around Langkawi

The easiest way to get to Langkawi is generally to fly. Prices can be crazy cheap from other places in Malaysia making this an even better option.

Click here to see flight prices for your dates.

Most flights come from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Penang.

If you want to travel overland, you’ll need to get to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis on the mainland of Malaysia and then take a ferry across to Kuah on Langkawi. This is quite straightforward but can end up quite time consuming depending on your start point.

You can read our detailed guide to how to get to Langkawi here.

Getting around Langkawi can feel more complicated. There’s not really a handy public transport system and the island is probably bigger than you imagine with tourist attractions spread out.

You’ll generally need to either hire a car or take a lot of Grab/taxis if you want to explore a lot.

Car hire is generally very affordable. You can click here to see some prices. We have also booked through Kasina directly which was great.

Grab (an app like Uber) is very handy and can be a good price. The problem is that some of the attractions in Langkawi are out of the way and you may struggle to get a Grab taxi from these places. Hiring a taxi for a day can be a better alternative.

We tend to do a combination of these things. For example, on our last trip, we hired a car for a day to go to some of the more out of the way attractions. For our other days, we visited attractions closer to Pantai Cenang and used Grab. We also did a few tours that included pick up. This worked well for us.

Langkawi – When to Go

If you’re wondering when is the best time to visit Langkawi, the short answer is that the best weather falls between November and April. This is the dry season. The water iscalm and clear with temperatures varying between 18 and 35 degrees in the daytime.

The monsoon arrives sometime in May and lasts until late October. This isn’t usually a huge deal as rain showers are usually over quickly, but we don’t recommend it for visitors who want to be able to dive or snorkel as the water is cloudy.

As a tourist, the best time to visit Langkawi is in the dry season mentioned above, although you’ll want to avoid the Christmas and new year holidays if you can as this is when Langkawi gets booked up and filled with domestic and international visitors. Room rates will be higher at this time, and you’ll need to book well in advance.

You’ll find better deals for the Langkawi islands in shoulder season around November, March and April.

Final Words

There is no denying that Langkawi is a stunning island. With lush tropical jungle and stunning beaches complete with crystal clear water, Langkawi is a fantastic place to come for an island holiday. It’s an easy, safe and wonderful destination.

Whether you like to spend your days lounging on the beach, exploring loads of attractions or a bit of both, there is something for everyone in Langkawi. We hope you’ve given you plenty of ideas for stuff to do in Langkawi! 

I hope you enjoy exploring Langkawi as much as we have.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Not sure how to fit it all in? Check out our 2-5 Langkawi itinerary here . You can also check out the best resorts in Langkawi here , all the best hotels near Langkawi airport here or the best hotels with private pool in Langkawi here . Find our full travel guide to Langkawi here.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

9 Best Things To Do in Langkawi (3-Day Travel Guide)

Langkawi: an archipelago in northern Malaysia made up of 99 paradise islands. The main island of Langkawi has so much to offer. Spend up to a week on this island, experiencing its stunning beaches, islands, and boat trips. Dig deeper into Langkawi’s adventurous side by exploring glorious waterfalls, viewpoints, dense jungle, and lush mangroves – home to many species of wildlife. The archipelago is a must-visit on your Malaysia travel route. Here are 3 days filled with the best things to do in Langkawi!

Day 1 – Langkawi from above

‘Lang kawi’ means ‘eagle red’, as the island of Langkawi is famous for the many red-brown eagles living here. It’s hard not to spot them during your time on the island. What better way to start your time in Langkawi than by seeing it from a birds-eye view? 

1. Langkawi Sky Bridge

The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a truly astonishing experience. Experience the world’s steepest cable car, taking you up to 660 meters above sea level, where the bridge is located. 

Walk across the beautifully constructed bridge, suspended between two peaks, and see panoramic views across the jungle and ocean. One of the special features is the shape of the bridge, providing a change of scenery from every viewpoint. If there is one thing you should do in Langkawi, it should be to visit this place!

Here are all your hotel options in Langkawi.

The internationally famed Langkawi Sky Bridge attracts travelers from all over the world. It is highly recommended to visit the bridge when it opens at 9 AM. Note: Strong wind speeds sometimes force the sky bridge to close down for a few hours. 

Price Langkawi Sky Bridge

Glass bottomed gondola – RM105  (~25.5 USD) Standard gondola – 85 MYR (~21 USD)

Get your tickets or tour online here

2. Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh)

Near to the top of the Sky Bridge is the Seven Wells Waterfall. The most impressive waterfall on the island gets its name from the seven pools the fall creates at different levels.

There are a few different routes you can take to reach the falls, depending on whether you prefer a shorter or longer hike, but if you can’t make it to the falls, you can also see it from the cable car on your way up to the sky bridge.

3. Relax at Pantai Cenang

After a busy day, chill and see the sunset at one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Pantai Cenang is well located on the west side of the island, where most cafes/restaurants/music bars are located. The long stretch of white sand spans for 2km and is the most popular beach on the island, which makes for a lively, fun atmosphere. 

Hotels in Langkawi 😴

4. Night market (different part of the island every day) 

When the night has fallen, the night markets open their doors. Langkawi has a different market every evening, at a different location, of a different specialty. It’s a great way to try some traditional Malaysian foods and get the vibe of the locals, as they cook and sell. The markets use a lot of plastic, so bring your own reusable bags and containers to help reduce single-use plastic (click for more tips). These are the market locations per evening:

• Mon: Ulu Melaka Market
• Tue: Kedawang Market
• Wed: Kuah Night Market
• Thu: Temoyong Night Market
• Fri: Ayer Hangat Night Market
• Sat: Kuah Night Market
• Sun: Padang Matsirat Night Market

Day 2 – Discover Langkawi by motorbike

Langkawi is a fairly big island that has lots to explore. Rent a motorbike to easily get to most parts of the island within 30/40 minutes. 

Tip: If you would rather not drive a motorbike, it is also possible to book a private island tour and create your own itinerary.

See the 2-week Malaysia Travel Route

5. Tanjung Rhu beach

After breakfast, make your way to the northern tip of Langkawi. Tanjung Rhu is a remote beach sandwiched between the lush jungle and the Andaman Sea. This area is much quieter than other parts of Langkawi and hosts only a few exclusive resorts. A little piece of heaven!

6. Cruising Langkawi

From north to south, east to west, you will find a variety of beaches and landscapes on Langkawi. Cruise with your motorbike around the island, along the rice paddies and white-sand beaches. 

Langkawi is a safe island to drive around on your own and all main roads are very well maintained for traffic.

7. Langkawi Mangrove tour

Langkawi’s northeast coastline is covered with dense mangrove forest and is incredibly important for the island’s ecosystem. The Mangrove is a UNESCO Global Geopark, in other words: a protected area that can only be visited by taking a boat tour. A mangrove tour is a great way to learn about plants and wildlife and how they all work together in the ecosystem. 

Highly experienced guides will take you by boat through the mangroves and explain why these areas are so crucial for the island, before finishing at the stunningly peaceful crystal pool.

Book your mangrove tour in advance

Two things we learned that day:

• Mangrove forests act as a barrier for waves. 
• There are almost no mosquitoes on the island because of the bats that eat insects. 

Day 3 – Adventure & Chill

Get your adrenaline pumping by zipping across the 12 zip lines in the Langkawi jungle. The longest zipline of Langkawi is located at the foot of the Seven Wells Waterfall. It gives a spectacular view of both the waterfall and jungle.

Book your zipline experience here

9. Sunset boat tour

One of the most popular things to do in Langkawi is to take one of the many boat tours that are on offer around the island. A range of cruises is available, such as island-hop on and off cruises, luxury sunset cruises, and mangrove tours.

A hop-on and off cruise allows you to see some of the biodiverse waters and islands surrounding Langkawi, freshwater lakes, and islands famed for their corals and rich marine life.

Be aware that the corals are protected at the moment in Langkawi due to excessive coral bleaching, so make sure to only swim where instructed and never touch the corals. 

Opt for a private tour if you want to be flexible in your itinerary and avoid the crowds of travelers that may also be visiting these places on the standard island hopping tours.

One of the top sunset tours in Langkawi is with Captain Eva on the Damai Indah . See the legendary Langkawi sunset whilst afloat on the ocean, take a dip at dusk, and eat incredible food at sea.

Things not to do on Langkawi

There are, sadly, a few popular activities on Langkawi that aren’t ethical. The first is to visit a crocodile farm. It may seem a credible place for the animals to live, but the crocodiles are used in stunt shows for the entertainment of travelers.

The second activity is to feed the eagles (normally a part of the island hopping tour). Travelers are encouraged to feed the eagles chicken skin, which is not a part of their natural diet, resulting in an imbalance of the food chain that causes damage to the ecosystem. Never support activities that use animals in this way and trust your instincts as to which activities may be inhumane.

Tip: Book onto a mangrove tour instead, where you can see beautiful birds and other wildlife in their natural environment, without causing them damage through feeding.

Getting to Langkawi

Although Langkawi is an island at the northernmost point of Malaysia, there are good transport connections. There is an airport with regular flights from Kuala Lumpur and other destinations in Malaysia.

A popular method of travel is to first visit Penang before taking the ferry across to Langkawi. The journey is about 2-3 hours, but it is worth checking the weather, as during the monsoon season, the crossing can be rough. Note: Since 2020, the ferry from Penang to Langkawi has stopped running and has yet to resume. For now, the only way to get there is by plane.

Get your Super Fast Ferry tickets here (search for a date to see ferries)

Getting around

Once on the island of Langkawi, you can easily make your way around the island via Grab (taxi app) or public taxi. If you’d rather have more flexibility in your journeys, there are plenty of places to hire a motorbike around the island. 

With a car, you can cover the most distance and have greater freedom and flexibility on your trip.

We recommend to rent a car in Malaysia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Langkawi to Koh Lipe, Thailand

A popular next destination after Langkawi is the paradise island, Koh Lipe, in Thailand. A two-hour ferry ride gets you to the southernmost island of Thailand .

Get your ferry tickets here

Restaurants in Langkawi

There is a wide selection of restaurants spread over the island. A mix of Malay and Middle Eastern cuisine are most common. These were our favorites:

• Yasmin Syrian Restaurant
• The Loaf Bakery & Bistro
• Arts Cafe Langkawi
• Haroo Korean Restaurant
• Night markets

Where to stay in Langkawi

Langkawi is a large island and offers many options for accommodation. Stay close to Cenang Beach so you’re close to all the restaurants, or at the north coast to have a more secluded experience away from the crowd.

Best time to visit Langkawi

Weather-wise, the best time to visit Langkawi is between January and March, when it is the dry season. However, this will also be the peak tourist season.

November to December and April to August can have a few drops of rain, but there will be fewer tourists.

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8 Things To Do in Melaka, Malaysia (2-day Travel Guide)

Malaysia travel guide: tips for the ultimate itinerary, 11 best things to do in penang, malaysia (georgetown).

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Explore Langkawi

Plan Your Trip to Langkawi: Best of Langkawi Tourism

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Things to do in Langkawi: 10 amazing island-hopping ideas

By Anya Meyerowitz

It’s odd to think that an archipelago of 99 islands could have remained relatively off grid, but that’s exactly what Langkawi has managed. Dotted off the west coast of Malaysia , these islands – many uninhabited except for majestic species of bird and monkey – are rich tapestries of culture, wildlife and vibrant rituals, all beneath the rainforest canopy. A 60-minute flight from Kuala Lumpur and 90 minutes’ from Singapore , Langkawi is becoming the destination of choice for those in-the-know.

Take a boat tour through the mangroves

Langkawi’s waterways run through the dense mangrove fields of Kilim Geoforest Park on the main island and spill out into the Andaman Sea, making them the perfect way to explore. The channels range from wide, open stretches – sometimes large enough for restaurants to float atop of them – to narrow labyrinths, thick with plant life. A boat trip here is a tranquil way to get close to the wildlife, as well as learn the history of Langkawi, as an expert spotter joins each tour to point out the creatures that dart through the undergrowth. Weather permitting, the tour ends with a journey out in the open ocean . No need for bug repellent as the mangrove trees keep mosquitos and other pests at bay, however the resident monkeys aren’t as distant. They’ve learned to swim out to boats in search of food and drink so be careful with sweet drinks in open cans and easily-accessible food such as fruit. Visit: junglewalla.com to book their Langkawi Unesco Geopark Mangrove Cruise.

Visit the roving night market

Exploring a market in a foreign country can offer a fascinating insight into its flavour, and Langkawi’s night market (pasar malam), which roams from place to place, is particularly special. You won’t find the traditional tourist trinkets here, but rather good quality food for as little as 40p. Local Malay food isn’t available in abundance around Langkawi, and often roadside restaurants can be hit and miss, so this floating food fair is an ideal taste of what island life is all about. After a feast, pick up a sugar cane juice, spooned out of giant vats and immensely refreshing. The biggest markets are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Markets: Monday: Jalan Makam Mahsuri Lama, 6pm to 11pm; Tuesday: Kedawang, 5.30pm to 10pm; Wednesday and Saturday: Kuah, 5.30pm to 10pm; Thursday: Bohor Tempoyak, 6pm to 11pm; Friday: Padang Lalang, 6pm to 11pm; Sunday: Padang Matsirat, 6pm to 10pm.

Go island hopping

There are so many choices here but JungleWalla is a good sustainable option – its tours respectfully observe the wildlife rather than coax the animals out for visitors’ enjoyment. The rivulets, small-scale beaches and caves make ideal jumping-off spots and the wider waters offer chances to spot whale sharks. If you do choose the eco-friendly option, tour times are limited so booking early is a must. It’s also more environmentally friendly for the boats to pootle at a slower pace – something for adrenalin junkies to bear in mind. Visit: junglewalla.com for more information.

Head skywards

The Langkawi Sky Bridge may be one of the better-known things to do in Langkawi but is worth a visit nevertheless – and anyway, the islands’ version of busy pales in comparison to that of larger Asian destinations . This 125-metre long, curved structure, is suspended 660 metres above sea level, making it the longest free span, curved bridge in the world. Those who brave it are rewarded with a truly wondrous view, including the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls and several surrounding islands. Skip the queues by buying your ticket beforehand, but only book on the morning you want to go as the views are weather dependant. If it’s raining or cloudy, choose another day. Visit: panoramalangkawi.com for more information.

Up, up and away

The Langkawi Cable Car, also known as Langkawi SkyCab, is said to be the steepest in the world and takes visitors on a 15-minute journey from the Oriental Village at Teluk Burau to the peak of Gunung Machinchang (also home to the the Langkawi Sky Bridge). Head above the canopy of trees towards the open air decks at the top, to see vistas of the lush Langkawi rainforest from a bird’s-eye vantage point. The glass-bottomed SkyCabs offer an entirely 360 experience and an exceptional viewpoint – although they can feel slightly hair-raising if you aren’t comfortable with heights. Visit: panoramalangkawi.com for more information.

Pull on your walking boots

Hiking up towards Gunung Raya's 880-metre peak is no easy feat but well worth the effort. An expert guide who knows how to navigate is a must, but journey to the roof of the island to discover white-bellied sea eagles that soar above the tree canopy, cheeky macaque monkeys and the astonishing flora and fauna that dot the mountainside. Closer to the top, the climb becomes steeper, but those who do make it should look out for the large hornbill birds that can be spotted from here.

Revel in an underwater experience

Langkawi’s marine life attracts divers and snorkelling enthusiasts to its underwater world and Pulau Payar Marine Park often tops their list. Some 30km south of the main island, around a 45-minute boat trip from Kuah jetty point, four uninhabited islands stretch over two nautical miles and are strictly regulated to maintain their unspoiled state. Seasoned divers swear this is the best site on Malaysia’s west coast while, for first-timers, even the shallow waters provide an array of life, including little blacktip reef sharks (pictured above).

Wade into the padi fields

Nowhere on these islands is particularly busy, but the Laman Padi rice garden and museum has really managed to slip under the radar. For a gentle activity to offset all the watersports, this working rice farm, with water buffalo, is great. Free to visit, Laman Padi translates to rice fields and that’s exactly what’s on offer across this sprawling complex. Finding a staff member can be tricky but persevere – you’ll be given a fascinating glimpse into the process of rice farming.

Address : Jalan Pantai Cenang, Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia Telephone : +60 4 955 4312

CNT Editors

Cass Farrar

Sophie Heawood

Sophie Prideaux

Make a splash

Langkawi is home to many beautiful falls but the most spectacular is the Durian Perangin Waterfall. It’s hidden right in the heart of the jungle and those who make it through the dense undergrowth will appreciate the refreshing dip (don’t worry, you can also drive and park nearby). Named after the spiny oval-fruited durian trees that are found in abundance here, the waterfall is located at the north-eastern side of Langkawi. Avoid the dry season (from mid- November to mid- April ) when there is scant water, but the area is beautiful nevertheless.

Address : Durian Perangin Waterfall, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia Telephone : +60 12 476 0403

Take the driving seat

You might hear people refer to the ‘rhino tour’ while you’re in Langkawi but alas, there is no rhino spotting to be had. Rather these are tours of the local villages, landscapes and jungle trails while driving a 4x4. It’s an exhilarating way to see the island as you spin through streams and different terrains, slowing down for nuggets of knowledge from the personal guide who accompanies you. Don’t forget the mosquito repellent – some of the jungle’s inhabitants like to get more up-close and personal than you’d like.

Like this? Now read:

The Datai, Langkawi hotel review

Free travel guide to Malaysia, Malaysia

20 best hotels in Asia and the Indian Subcontinent 2018

• 1.1 Politics and demographics
• 1.2 Etymology
• 1.3 History
• 1.4 Climate
• 1.5 Preservation
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By boat
• 3.1 By taxi
• 3.2 By car or motorbike/scooter
• 3.3 By bicycle
• 5.1 Beaches
• 7.2 Mid-range
• 7.3 Splurge
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 10.1 Telephone
• 10.3 Internet
• 11 Stay healthy
• 12 Stay safe

Langkawi (Jawi: لانكاوي), officially known as "Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah" ( Malay : Langkawi Permata Kedah ) is an archipelago of 99 islands (an extra 5 temporary islands are revealed at low tide) in the Andaman Sea, 30 km off the mainland coast of Kedah . It is a popular destination due to its natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage, craggy mountain peaks and duty-free status, where alcohol is affordable.

Understand [ edit ]

Politics and demographics [ edit ].

The islands are a part of the state of Kedah , adjacent to the border with Thailand . The total population of the islands is 99,000; however only two islands are inhabited: Pulau Langkawi, the largest island, with a population of 65,000 and Pulau Tuba. Langkawi is also an administrative district, with the town of Kuah as the capital and largest town.

Etymology [ edit ]

The name "Langkawi" has two possible origins. First, it is believed to be related to the kingdom of Langkasuka, itself a version of the Malay negari alang-kah suka ("the land of all one's wishes"), centered in modern-day Kedah . The historical record is sparse, but a Chinese Liang Dynasty record (c. 500 AD) refers to the kingdom of "Langgasu" as being founded in the 1st century AD. Second, it could be a combination of the Malay words 'helang', meaning "eagle" and 'kawi', meaning "reddish-brown" or "strong", in old Malay.

History [ edit ]

Langkawi was long under the influence of the Kedah Sultanate, founded in 1136 AD upon the introduction of Islam. Kedah, including Langkawi, was conquered in 1821 by the State of Siam (now Thailand ). During the invasion by the Siamese, the leaders were killed, many islanders were taken as slaves, and most of the population fled. In the Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909, the Siamese ceded control of the island to the British, who held the state until Malaysian independence in 1957, except for a brief period of Thai rule under the Japanese occupation of Malaya during World War II. Thai influences remain visible in the culture and food of Langkawi.

Langkawi remained a sleepy backwater island until 1987, when the island was granted tax-free status with the intention of promoting tourism to improve the lives of the islanders.

Climate [ edit ]

Sheltered by the mountainous backbone of Peninsular Malaysia , Langkawi is not affected by the northeastern winter monsoon and enjoys sunny skies in winter when the eastern provinces are flooded.

Preservation [ edit ]

The 10,000 hectares of Langkawi and its 99 islands were declared a geopark by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2007.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], by boat [ edit ].

• Langkawi Ferry Services operates fast air-con boats from Kuala Perlis (RM18, 75 min), Kuala Kedah (RM23, 105 min), Penang (RM60, 165 min) (the ferry is freezing cold, so bring warm clothes), and Satun (RM45 or 450 Thai baht , 75 min), (Satun ferry to Langkawi: one boat departs Satun daily at 11:30AM.) Langkawi to Satun: one boat departs Langkawi daily at 8:30AM. The ferry was suspended during COVID-19 and reinstated with only one daily ferry as of November 2023.
• Langkawi Ferry Line operates between Langkawi and Kuala Perlis , Kuala Kedah .
• Super Fast Ferry operates between Langkawi and Penang . Still suspended in 2023 due to Covid-19 .
• Tropical Charters [1] operates ferries between Kuah Jetty in Langkawi and Ko Lipe . The price is RM118 one way (RM100 if you book online), including the longtail boat transfer and Thai customs fees. Check-in is at the inner entrance of the Jetty Point Food Court, opposite 7/11, 1 hour before departure. The trip takes 90 minutes. Arrival in Ko Lipe is at the Bundhaya Resort.
• Telaga Terminal operates speedboats between Langkawi and Ko Lipe (RM128 1-way, RM248 return, 75 min). These boats dock at a pontoon in Pattaya Bay from where there are longtail transfers to immigration on Pattaya Beach.
• Tigerline Ferry operates between Langkawi and Ko Lipe .
• Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club Company operates between Langkawi and Ko Lipe .
• Bundhaya Speed Boat operates between Langkawi and Ko Lipe . Choose the Ferry (not Speedboat) tab on their website.

Get around [ edit ]

There is effectively no public transport on the island, so your choices are to use taxis or to rent a car, motorbike/scooter, or bicycle.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis and the Grab mobile app operate on a fixed price system. A taxi from the airport to Pantai Cenang costs RM20 or less with Grab. You can buy a coupon at the taxi desk at the airport. From the ferry terminal to Pantai Cenang, the price is RM24. For those arriving at the Kuah Jetty and going into Kuah Town, the price is RM8.

By car or motorbike/scooter [ edit ]

Renting a car or motorbike/scooter is highly recommended due to the lack of public transport. This can be done at the airport, the port complex, or from shops on Pantai Cenang. Refrain from renting from touts, as many are operating illegally without permits and usually without insurance. Accidents happen to tourists on motorbikes/scooters regularly, so be careful although the traffic is not as chaotic as in Penang and other areas. The roads are in good condition. Most rental agencies will not provide full insurance coverage and you have to cover the damage up to RM3000 if there is any accident.

Renting an air-conditioned mid-sized sedan costs RM70-RM150 per day depending on model, condition and length of stay and a 150cc motorbike/scooter costs RM40-45 per day. Cheaper but usually very used and older are the semi-automatic 115cc bikes for RM25 a day. A tired Proton within Pantai Cenang costs RM60-90/day.

Check your fuel level regularly because petrol pump stations (gas stations) are far from one another. Most rental agencies do not care how much fuel is in the tank when the vehicle is returned, although some may do so and mark it on the receipt. Fuel costs are cheap and are fixed by the government and you should return the bikes with the same filling level as you picked it up.

The first time at a gas/petrol station will confuse you. You will need to guess how much fuel you need and pay first. Most saloon cars, if empty, are RM50 to fill up and motorbikes are approximately RM5. Sometimes you fill up your car/bike and you haven't used what you have paid for; not to worry, as you can claim this back at the counter.

Remember to drive safely and slowly on the island and on the left side of the road. There are tourists, children and animals like chickens, cows and even buffaloes crossing. Take care not to run over the beautiful snakes or monitors. Cattle and snakes like to lie on the road at night; the blacktop radiates heat.

Driving laws:

• Your driver's licence needs to be with you at all times. An international driver's licence is not necessary but licences must have text in English.
• Seat belts are mandatory in all vehicles. Fines are given ranging from RM50 if not wearing one.
• Helmets are mandatory. Fines are the same as above but more importantly, the hospital does not have facilities to treat head injuries, so you will have to get a medivac out to Penang, which takes 45 minutes or more — if the helicopter is available.

Roadblocks are commonplace in Langkawi; they are mainly interested in locals with no licence. Make sure you have the above items and your seat belt fastened, and you will have no problems.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Some hotels offer bicycle rentals. Expect to pay between RM10-30 per day.

See [ edit ]

• 6.381765 99.672886 1 Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls aka Seven Wells ( Gunung Mat Cincang, Northwest corner of the island, 45 km from Kuah, walking distance from Oriental village and cable car (10 min) ), ☏ +60 4 9667789 . This waterfall is named after the seven natural pools along its path. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the pools to bathe and frolic. There are 2 viewing areas at Telaga Tujuh. The lower area is at the base of the waterfall and the higher area is where the 7 pools are. You can bathe in the pools and even slide down the slick rock between them. To get to the 7 pools, you must climb 638 steps which can be quite slippery when wet. As with most Malaysian tourist sites, the toilet facilities are not maintained and rubbish is strewn everywhere. There is also a jungle trekking course available at the site which will lead you through a trail of about 2,500m, up 2 mountains. This trail is achievable with slippers, but it is best to wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots as some segments of the trail are nearly vertical. These trails are not recommended for family trips.  
• 6.3689 99.81852 2 Gunung Raya ( take the snaking paved road through the jungle ). The tallest mountain on the island, at 881m, in a rainforest habitat. The peak can be reached via a 25-minute drive on a canopy-covered road lined with leafy pandan and banana trees or by climbing 4,287 steep stairs, estimated to take 2 hours 15 minutes each way. The stairs may be covered in fallen trees or landslides after rainfall. The summit offers a panoramic view over Langkawi and surrounding islands in the Andaman Sea, although the view is often obstructed by fog – make sure to visit on a clear day. Wildlife includes monkeys, squirrels, hornbills, lizards, and geckos. There is also an abandoned resort at the summit that has fallen into disrepair.  
• 6.402343 99.712303 3 Crocodile Adventureland , Jalan Datai, Mk. Ayer Hangat ( on the way to Teluk Datai ), ☏ +60 4 9592559 . Daily 9AM-6PM, show time: daily at 11:15AM & 2:45PM, hourly feedings . Over 1,000 crocodiles and alligators. Witness a boxing match of man vs crocodile, or take a ride in a rickshaw drawn by a crocodile. this attraction will not be enjoyed by some visitors, the crocodiles are inbred and deformed. Adult RM25, child RM18 (below 12 yrs), Malaysian: RM18/12 .  
• 6.29861 99.72248 4 Laman Padi Rice Garden ( northern end of Pantai Cenang, opposite Casa Del Mar Hotel ), ☏ +60 4 955 4312 . Daily 10AM-6PM . Rice fields and nice landscaping. Museum in English details the process of cultivating rice. Guided tours are available. Free .  
• 6.311141 99.854548 5 Taman Lagenda ( Legenda Park ) ( 400 m from Kuah Jetty beside the CHOGM Park and Al-Hana Mosque. ), ☏ +60 4 9664223 . Daily 8AM-11PM . Beautiful garden on 50 acres (20 hectares), designed based on Langkawi heritage. Adults RM5, children RM2.50 .  

• 6.28799 99.7289 6 Underwater World ( Pantai Cenang ), ☏ +60 4 9556100 . M-F 9:30AM-6:30PM, Sa Su 9:30AM-8:30PM . An indoor aquarium. Try to attend the feeding times. RM53 for adults and RM43 for children .  
• 6.371 99.6721 8 Oriental Village . Daily 8:30AM-6PM . Asian-themed village featuring restaurants, an exotic snake charmer, jugglers, silat displays, traditional music, kite flying demonstrations, palmistry, portrait painting and ZON free duty shop. A miserable elephant is forced to offer rides to tourists. A cable car up the mountain costs $20. Some describe this place as a tacky tourist trap. Rent a Segway to scoot around.  
• 6.38729 99.86188 9 Langkawi Wildlife Park ( Taman Hidupan Liar ), Jalan Ayer Hangat , ☏ +60 4966 5855 . Daily 8:30AM-6PM . A zoo with many wild animals. RM16–39 .  
• Galeria Perdana , Jalan Ayer Hangat , ☏ +60 4 959 1498 . Tu-Su 10AM-5PM . Museum featuring gifts Malaysia has received from foreign countries. RM10 .  

Do [ edit ]

Organized activities in Langkawi include cruises via yacht or sailboat , mangrove tours, island hopping tours, jet ski tours, birdwatching tours, nature walks, kayak tours , scuba diving & snorkelling , helicopter tours, and jungle trekking tours.

• 6.316402 99.724469 2 Morac Adventure Park - Go-Karting , Lot67, Jl Pantai Cenang , ☏ +60 4 955 5827 , +60 4 955 5792 . Morac International Karting features a 1,000-m track. RM75 per session .  
• 6.4263 99.6859 3 Golf at The Els Club Teluk Datai ( Northern part of the island ), ☏ +60 4 959 2620 . There is a world-class, 18-hole golf course designed by Ernie Els near the Datai resort. RM400 for 18 holes or RM300 for 9 holes .  

Beaches [ edit ]

• 6.2817 99.7294 5 Pantai Tengah . Located just south of and contiguously with Pantai Cenang. 1 km long. Means ‘Middle Beach’. Peaceful and tranquil alternative to the hustle and bustle of Pantai Cenang. All-inclusive resorts are popular with families.  
• 6.3665 99.6796 6 Pantai Kok . Isolated, relatively undisturbed stretch of beach in the western part of Langkawi Island, 12 km north of Pantai Cenang. Telaga Harbour, and the cable car ride to the peak of Mat Cincang Mountain and the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls are located here.  
• 6.42804 99.67375 8 Datai Bay Beach . The most expensive resorts are located here.  
• 6.36477 99.66928 9 Burau Bay . Beach lined with rocky outcrops located on the West Coast of Langkawi. Nearby Burau island is also a roosting place for migratory birds.  
• 6.42775 99.79493 10 Pantai Pasir Hitam ( Black Sand Beach ). The sand is mixed in white and black shades, due to rich tin and iron ore deposits.  
• 6.43065 99.7265 11 Pantai Pasir Tengkorak ( Skull Beach ). Very beautiful small beach in the north of the island. The beach got its name from skulls which were washed ashore in the 1940s. Prisoners and wardens from the nearby Thai island Ko Tarutao became pirates, throwing the bodies of those they had killed into the sea.  

Buy [ edit ]

ATMs and money exchange booths are available at the Langkawi Airport, at Langkawi Parade Shopping Complex, next to Underwater World at Pantai Cenang and at Cenang Mall.

Langkawi is a duty-free island, and alcohol is significantly cheaper here than in the rest of Malaysia.

Hotel tariffs and retail goods are exempt from government duty. Visitors with more than 48 hr stay in Langkawi are exempt on items like wines and liquor (1 liter), tobacco (200 cigarettes), apparel, cosmetics, souvenirs and gifts, food and food preparations and portable electronic items (one item).

Shop around before buying: the airport is probably the most expensive place to buy anything. Shop in Kuah town for batik, tobacco products and chocolate confectioneries.

• KV Tobacco , 136, Kompleks Kelana Mas ( 5 min walk away from Kuah, in an area called the Trimula ), ☏ +60 19 5422558 . Daily 1:30-8:30PM . Well-stocked tobacco and cigar shop. Easily recognisable by a big orange signboard, and door painting by the left. Has a variety of Cuban cigars, rare European smoking pipes and packed tobaccos. Knowledgeable and friendly shop owner.  

Eat [ edit ]

There are food stalls and restaurants all over Langkawi. Try one of the many seafood restaurants. Langkawi people like their food hot and spicy, and even if they tone things down at your request, you may still find your food challenging to eat.

Seafood or fish may be priced by weight or by a set price for the dish - clarify before ordering.

Budget [ edit ]

For a taste of simple Malay-style breakfast, just walk up to a small stall opposite the Underwater World in the mornings and feast on the famous freshly-prepared banana leaf-wrapped nasi lemak (steamed rice in coconut milk). The price is most affordable at less than RM 2 for a pack. Go local and enjoy this with a glass of hot teh tarik or really good local coffee. This very unassuming stall is just simple and great (clean too!). The nasi lemak comes with curried beef, squid in chili, fried salted fish or chicken.

• AddaMaya Café ( Pantai Cenang (near Haji Ramli's; or opposite Nadia's Comfort Inn) ). Small, cosy place for meals and coffee. The chef can whip up great meals - from local dishes to western fast food easily (and in that little cabin of his). It can get a bit dusty as it is located fronting the main road. Locals like to come here for good food at reasonable prices.  
• Rafi's Place ( sandwiched between Restoran Aliah's and Tomato Nasi Kandar on Pantai Cenang ). Rustic shack. No visible signboard either but ask around and you will find Rafi's. Rafi is a Penangite but has been on the island since 1988 so he considers himself very much local. Ask him for recommendations and he'll happily tell you. Ample parking space in front of his 'shack'. Good ambiance especially early mornings. nasi lemak (RM3), local tea and coffee (RM1) .  
• Tomato Nasi Kandar ( Opposite Langkawi Boutique Hotel ). Typical budget Indian food establishment with patrons all day (and night!) long. Very crowded even in the wee hours of the morning. They serve an enormous variety of dishes, from the flavoured roti varieties to naan, briyani and kebabs. The standard is quite high - to an extent where the meal is extremely value-for-money. The only problem is that their waiters are exceedingly bad at taking orders. RM1-3 for roti, RM 4-10 for main dishes .  
• Restoran Almaz , northern end of Pantai Cenang ( Next door to the 'Laman Padi Rice Garden' and across the road from 'Casa Del Mar' ). A really nice little restaurant with Roti and Indian food that is very tasty and cheap. RM0.80-12 .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Babylon Mat Lounge & BBQ ( Right on Pantai Cenang ). Mats are laid out on the sand for guests to sit on and there is a low table with a candle. They also have a live band or playlist that is passed off as a DJ. In contrast to the atmosphere, the staff are quite rude compared to other places.  
• Cenang Boat Quay , Pantai Cenang . Offers a variety of pizza, German sausages, pasta, local dishes, fusion food and a grilled fish hawker. The concept here is by individual hawker selling the different styles of food. Sunset view at the Quay.  
• Champor Champur , Pantai Cenang . Moderately wacky fusion food in a fusion setting courtesy of a Dutch-Malaysian couple with an affinity for Africa. Great ambiance - feels like eating in an outdoor garden.  
• Fat Mum Restaurant , Pantai Tengah , ☏ +60 2 4707863 . Just up the road from Awana Resort. Great authentic local Chinese seafood restaurant, good food for a reasonable price.  
• Hole in the Wall Fishfarm & Restaurant , Kilim River, northeast part of the island ( call for free shuttle ), ☏ +60 4 9675301 . Floating on the river, part of the amazing scenery of the Kilim Mangrove Forest. They serve the freshest Malay style seafood you will be able to eat on Langkawi island. The traditional dishes of freshly caught fish, prawns, crab, lobster. are famous. Shuttle service from Kilim jetty to the fishfarm restaurant and return is free of charge for lunch and dinner guests (However, if your bill is less than RM50, you have to pay an absurd amount for the shuttle. The logical workaround here is to order the cheapest available item to make the bill RM50) If you book a Mangrove Tour, you will most definitely end up having your lunch here. However, you may want to give their package buffet a pass and try their dishes.  
• Mimi ( a few minutes walk from Underwater World, on the opposite side of the road ). Greatest 'ikan bakar' or grilled fish with tantalizing self-made sauce. Also offers a variety of traditional Malay dishes like tomyam and 'ayam masak merah' (chicken cooked in non-spicy sauce). Snapper or grouper RM4/100 gram .  
• Orkid Ria Seafood Restaurant , Lot 1225 Jl Pantai Cenang , ☏ +60 4 9554128 . Daily 11AM-3PM and 6-11PM . Some tables having water views. They have fresh seafood displayed out front. Choose from a wide range of cuisines, including dishes prepared in Malay, Thai, Chinese and Western styles.  
• Rasa Restaurant ( Pantai Cenang ). Good Malaysian food with reasonable prices. Seating available outdoor in courtyard overlooking main road or inside.  
• Rose Tea 2 ( Pantai Cenang ). Closed on Friday . Thai food. Great service.  
• Sun Cafe ( Pantai Tengah ). A friendly and relaxing restaurant that offers a variety of Western food, Italian food, and Malaysian food. Hot and cold beverages, cappuccino to milkshake, fruit juice, mocktail. If you love fish, try their fillet of barracuda. They are also open for dinner too. Also famous for the very nice restrooms.  
• Taj Mahal , Landcon Square ( opposite Zon Shopping Mall ). Huge open-sided restaurant, also has an air-con room opposite for hot days. Specialises in Arabic and North Indian dishes all of which are very healthy, very tasty and very cheap. Very popular with locals and with Indian and Arabic holidaymakers. Great place to just sit around for a few hours occasionally ordering another batch of fresh flat breads and dips.  
• T. Jay's Italian Bistro & Pizzeria ( Pantai Cenang, opposite Underwater World ), ☏ +60 4 9553995 . Daily 8AM-11PM . Though this place looks a little sleepy, they make some great wood-fired pizzas.  
• Telaga Arabic Cafe and Restaurant ( Pantai Cenang ). The same kitchen serves an indoor dining area and a large outdoor area across the street. Good food with reasonable prices. Stay and enjoy some of the best hookah/shisha (tobacco water pipe) smoking anywhere. While good, the food is not as great as some Middle Eastern restaurants in Kuala Lumpur.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• The Lighthouse Restaurant ( the edge of Pantai Tengah ). Fantastic food on the beach wonderful views.  
• The Loaf , Lot No. C9 Perdana Quay ( Telaga Harbour Park ), ☏ +60 4950 2101 . F-W 8AM-11PM . Japanese-style bakery & bistro owned by Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed, ex-Prime Minister of Malaysia. Quality breads and full meals. Amazing view of the harbour and the yachts especially if you have your breakfast al-fresco outside. Attentive staff. Try Tun's Favourite Breakfast set (2 softboiled eggs, a bowl of mutton curry and thick toasted bread) with coffee and orange juice. Good place to have a leisurely breakfast. Bread from RM4 . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• Papadam Indian Cuisine ( Pantai Cenang (near Underwater World) ). Indian restaurant that also serves Arabic food.  
• Sunsutra Restaurant , Jl Teluk Baru ( Pantai Tengah ). Fine dining restaurant that serves great Western food too. If you're a big fan of lamb, you must try their lamb shank. Tender and full of flavours. Its portion is huge too! Good for someone who wants a hearty meal.  

Drink [ edit ]

Because of Langkawi's tax-free status, alcohol is much cheaper than in the rest of Malaysia. Religious Muslims do not consume alcoholic drinks, and while they do tolerate non Muslims who do, try not to behave in a rowdy imbibed manner near them, their houses, mosques, and please respect local culture and communal sensitivities. For those living on a budget, you can obtain alcohol at cheap prices from the local duty-free shops: the larger the outlets, the lower the prices. Expect to pay RM35 for 1 L Absolut Vodka, RM37 for 1 L of Johnny Walker Red Label, RM45 for 1 L Kahlua, RM60 for 1 L Bailey's, and RM70 for 1 L Chivas Regal 12 years. Small cans of beer: RM2.30 for Tiger Beer 330 ml and RM1.80 for some cheap Dutch beer. Small quantities? 500 ml of some random gin per RM15.

Some of those prices can be as cheap as a half of the price of the same product on the Duty Free Shop of the International Airport at Kuala Lumpur (KLIA).

Despite low alcohol prices, Langkawi is predominantly popular with couples and families. Single travelers and backpackers may therefore be disappointed with the lack of nightlife. Most bars remain empty, particularly in the low season, and the 1-2 nightclubs may only seem worthwhile in the peak season, and even then only on Friday or Saturday nights. Overall, Langkawi provides a family-friendly alternative to Thai locations such as Phuket and Koh Samui.

• 6.278297 99.733097 1 Bam-Boo-Ba , SunBlock, Jalan Teluk Baru, Pantai Tengah ( End of Sunba Block beach ). 5PM-Late . A covered open-air bar and lounge. Cool music, comfortable & relaxed place with beer on tap, shooters and great cocktails, a big projector screen for sports events and fiber-optic broadband. Happy Hours 5-9PM: draft Tiger/Heineken 5RM, House pouring spirits buy 1 free 1 10RM, cocktails buy 2 free 1 16RM-22RM.  
• OMG Restaurant at Paradise 101 ( Take a ferry ). One of best and liveliest sports bars in Langkawi. On its own island; you will need to take the ferry here. Offers beach volleyball, kayaking, sunset cruises, parasailing, jet skis, and other activities.  
• Raffi's Cafe ( Pantai Cenang beach ). Beach bar. Beer: RM4 .  
• Yellow Cafe ( Pantai Cenang beach ). Beach bar. Beer RM7 .  

Sleep [ edit ]

Both luxury and eccentric hostels are common on Langkawi. If you are looking for budget accommodation, your best bet would be to walk along the beach and adjacent road at Pantai Cenang. It is hard to find budget accommodation in other beaches in Langkawi, except Pantai Cenang and Kuah town. Prices there normally range from RM50 to RM150 per room per night, on or next to the beach.

• Rainbow Lodge ( Kampung Haji Maidin, Pentai Cenang ). 20 beds. Each bed has its own cubicle room with curtain and directional fan. An outstanding bargain but no aircon or hot water. RM18, for a single bed in a mixed dorm. .  
• AB Motel ( Pantai Cenang ), ☏ +60 4 9551300 , [email protected] . 30 rooms RM120, sleeps 4 .  
• Cenang Beach Motel ( Northern end of Pantai Cenang ), ☏ +60 4 955 1395 . Good value. Clean rooms with fan or air-con directly on the beach. RM55-75 .  
• GeoPark Hotel & Dormitory ( Part of the Oriental Village ), ☏ +60 4959 2300 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . 30 rooms. WiFi access in lobby. Outdoor pool. Dorm beds RM23, rooms RM245-480 .  
• The Palms Guest House ( Pantai Cenang ). 8 rooms with queen beds (no twin rooms). Attached bathrooms with hot and cold shower. Mini-fridge. Free WiFi. Fan room RM55, Aircon room RM85. Peak season fan RM75, air-con RM95 .  
• Bougainvillea Holiday Homes , Pantai Cenang ( Pantai Cenang ), [email protected] . 3 self-catering holiday homes for weekly or long term rental. Situated in a quiet location, near Underwater World. 2 fully furnished, 1-bedroom houses (houses 1 and 2 double bed + single bed or roll out sofa ) and one chalet/studio, (house 3 - double bed). Air-con, self-catering kitchen, fully furnished, clean and comfortable amenities & quality linen, cleaning products provided, good security, mosquito nets, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Houses 1 and 2 have secluded and covered gardens. House 3 has covered seating area at front with table and chairs. Outside parking. Weekly rates (7 nights) from approx. RM1,200 and longer term prices are negotiable.  
• Rumours Guesthouse and Cafe , Jalan Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi Kedah Darul Aman ( Opposite side of the road to Duty Free Mall Zon, and about 100m north. It is down a little road about 50-100m ), ☏ +60 4 9552632 , +60 175600803 (Awie) , [email protected] . Really nice little guesthouse. Chilled atmosphere and very reasonable prices. The rooms are basic and clean, only cold water but in this place that is fine. Free WiFi and the loung area is comfortable enough. They have dorms from RM15, rooms with shared bathrooms for RM40, rooms with attached bathrooms for RM60 and rooms with air-con and hot showers from RM80.  
• 6.37872 99.86864 6 Eylizar Homestay Langkawi , No.490 Taman Nilam ( Jalan Ayer Hangat ), ☏ +60 195640251 (Whatsapp) , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . More than 15 units, 10 units Serviced apartments with swimming pool in Kuah town, guest house and chalet with swimming pool as well. Car rentals and local tours can be arranged. Most of the home stay have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathroom, full kitchen with electric appliances such as TV with Astro, refrigerator, washing machine, Air con, ceiling fan, blankets, towel. The home stay and serviced Apartment is suitable for large family group vacation trip (max 15 persons including children) no charge for extra pillow and blankets. RM150-250 . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• Awana Porto Malai ( Southern tip of Langkawi ). 208 spacious rooms and suites offer panoramic views of the lagoon and nearby islands and equipped with modern amenities and facilities. Fun swimming pool with fountains and slide for kids. RM245-4,800 w/breakfast; up to 15% off for booking online .  
• Charlie Motel ( Pantai Tengah ), ☏ +60 4 9551200 . Dialysis treatment also available RM85-145 .  
• 6.324567 99.846124 9 Citin Hotel Langkawi by Compass Hospitality , No. 3, Jl Pekan ( in Kuah town ), ☏ +60 3 966 9000 , fax : +60 3 966 9001 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . Renovated, 46 cozy rooms, clean, air-con, 22" LCD flat screen TV, ensuite bathroom. There is a cafe which provides a decent breakfast and the lobby is with WiFi. The friendly staff are well informed about the island. From RM90 .  
• CoCoTop Hotel ( Kelibang Kuah Langkawi, 5-10 min to town and jetty. ), ☏ +60 4 9672559 . Quiet, Clean, air-con, friendly Environment with a hint of bakery fragrant every morning from a local owned bakery, 30 room hotel with, attached bathroom (hot and cold shower) and two single beds and TV. Ranging from RM70-100 or approximately US$25-$40 .  
• Helang Hotel , Jalan Lima ( located on airport grounds ), ☏ +60 4 9553030 , [email protected] . 232 spacious rooms. Airport accommodation. From RM155 . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• Holiday Villa Resort . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . 2 swimming pools, 3 tennis courts. 258 sea-facing guest-rooms and luxurious suites TV, in-house movies, air-con, fridge, mini bar, in-room coffee/tea-making facilities and in-room safe deposit box. RM300-1,400 .  
• Hotel Langkasuka Langkawi ( Langkasuka Hotel ), Batu 3/4, A-14-15 Pokok Asam ( in Kuah, 20 min from Langkawi International Airport and 10 min from Kuah Jetty ), ☏ +60 4 9666828 , fax : +60 4 9661371 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . 168 spacious rooms and suites. All rooms with air-con, heated showers and mini refrigerator. From RM125 w/breakfast; year round discounts if booked online .  
• Kampung Tok Senik Resort , Lot 1577, Kawasan Mata Air, Mukim Ulu Melaka ( Along the road to Ulu Melaka ). Full facility resort. No beaches here but a truly green surrounding. RM150-350 + tax .  
• Kondo Istana Langkawi , Lot 575, Jalan Penarak, Kampung Padang Lalang, Mukin Kuah , ☏ +60 4 9661118 . 15 budget rooms, all of which have air-con, cableTV, and refrigerator. Fitness room/gym, internet, and room service. From RM125 .  
• Langkawi Seaview Hotel , Langkawi Seaview Hotel ( Kuah ), ☏ +60 4 9660600 , [email protected] . 143 rooms. WiFi.  
• Mutiara Burau Bay . Sprawling resort the tropical rainforest. 4 restaurants and 150 cabanas. There's a long stretch of beach and plenty of space for you to stake your own private spot if you don't mind swimming in the sewage outfall. The Seashell Beach and Cafe is a nice little place you can while away the evening with a couple of drinks and a pretty good live band. Go early to get a table as it can fill up pretty quickly after dinner. RM270-1,700 .  
• Shirin Villa ( Pantai Cenang ). 3 bedrooms (2 air-cond + 1 fan). For 6 people, suitable for couple, friends &amp family gathering. Fully furnished, AstroTV, Kitchen, fridge. From RM150 w/breakfast .  
• Azio Hotel , 1-19 Jalan Pandak Maya 7 ( Located in Kuah, 20 min from Langkawi International Airport and 10 min from Kuah Jetty ), [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . Rooms with LCD TV, air-con, WiFi, heated showers, hair drier but no refrigerator. Clean. From RM95-125 w/o breakfast .  
• The Andaman , ☏ +60 4 9591088 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . Built in the middle of virgin tropical rainforest, between the Mat Cincang mountain range and the Andaman Sea. Centuries-old trees, many with huge buttress roots and jungle creepers envelope the resort. 186 rooms and suites. From RM690 .  
• 6.36675 99.66726 13 Berjaya Langkawi Resort , Karong Berkunci 200, Burau Bay ( 5 min walk to the Cable Car station at the Oriental Village ), ☏ +60 4 959 1888 , toll-free: +1 800 88 3236 (Malaysia only) , [email protected] . Biggest hotel on the island, with 424 rooms and suites. There are 9 F&B outlets including the Sunken Pool Bar and Boat House Bar. Nature walks with a qualified guide are provided free of charge to guests. Beach football, kiddie pool, watersports. This resort has abundant wildlife, some unique to the island.  
• Bon Ton . One of the island's most stylish and intimate resorts. 8 individually styled antique Malay villas. Nam Restaurant at Bon Ton is regarded as one of the best on the island. RM490-1,190 .  
• Casa del Mar ( Pantai Cenang ). Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . Boutique resort with 34 sea-facing rooms. Day spa, gymnasium, non-motorised watersports facilities. Restaurant & cocktail bar on the beach. Suitable for couples and adults. RM980 .  
• 6.360652 99.707615 14 Century Langkawi Beach Resort ( formerly Sheraton ), Teluk Nibong ( 2 miles south of telaga harbour ), ☏ +60 4 9528000 . Check-in: 3PM , check-out: noon . In 38 acres of spacious, lush tropical surroundings with private beach coves. From RM500 .  
• 6.32682 99.83495 15 Century Suria Suites , Jalan Taman Pelangi , ☏ +60124087327 . 3-star serviced apartment hotel just outside of Kuah. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• The Danna Langkawi , Telaga Harbour Park, Pantai Kok , ☏ +60 4 959 3288 , fax : +60 4 959 3188 , [email protected] . Check-out: noon . 5-star resort of 125 rooms and suites, opened in December 2010. Constructed in British Colonial style. 5 levels with big, richly decorated rooms. Gymnasium, business centre, child care centre, billiards room and spa. Outside, a three tiered infinity pool overlooks a private beach, bordered by lounges. From RM1,250 .  
• Four Seasons Resort , Jl Tanjung Rhu , ☏ +60 4 950 8888 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . Middle Eastern influenced resort set on the beautiful Tanjung Rhu beach. Probably the best place to spot a billionaire on the island. From RM1,850, 4th night is free .  
• Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa ( Pantai Tengah ). 4-star 258-room picturesque resort covering 13 acres of land. Large swimming pool with open air jacuzzi, an indoor pool for ladies and the Amoras spa. From RM420, promotional rate: RM525 and up for 2 nights .  
• Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa . 350 rooms are spread over 51 clusters of elegant wooden chalets offering pool, sea or lake views. The Meritus offers seven F&B outlets including two pool bars and the excellent Niyom Thai Restaurant. From RM2070 plus 10% service charge . ( updated Aug 2017 )
• 6.29438 99.700363 16 Rebak Island Resort - Vivanta by Taj Langkawi , Pulau Rebak Besar ( On privately-owned 390 acres (160 hectares) Rebak Besar Island, a 15-min ferry ride from Port Langkasuka jetty ), ☏ +60 4966 5566 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . 94 rooms. Managed by India's Taj Group of Hotels. It consists of clusters of timber chalets. The hotel has the only fully equipped marina in Malaysia. From RM525 . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• Sang Ria , Jl Tasik Anak ( Pantai Tengah ). A tastefully designed beach villa in a contemporary Asian style. Their breakfast is delicious but must be booked in advance. Near great restaurants, bars and cafes.  
• Tanjung Rhu Resort . A resort on what most people consider to be the best beach on the island. It has been built to minimize any environmental damage and to blend in well with its surroundings. 60 m pool, abundant gardens, restaurants, very well maintained. Standard rooms from RM1,400/night .  
• 6.300112 99.853211 17 The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa , Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar, Kedah , ☏ +60 4-960 8888 . 202 rooms and 400 villas From RM700 .  

Connect [ edit ]

Telephone [ edit ].

Mobile phone coverage is very good in all built up areas of Langkawi. Many affordable pre-paid phone and data plans are available. Recharge cards are readily available except for the very cheap TuneTalk which is harder to find and SIM cards almost non existent. It is best to buy this back in LLCT where no commission is charged on the SIM. Full reception and reasonable data speeds can be achieved on the beach and inside the resorts on Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah.

Post [ edit ]

The main post office in located in Kuah Town. Mini post offices can be found in Padang Mat Sirat. There is no post office in Pantai Cenang, but you can buy stamps and send postcards in T Shoppe on the main road. Courier service, Poslaju shop can be found at Taman Berlian, Kuah.

Internet [ edit ]

Broadband is available and some Internet cafés can be found along Pantai Tengah, Pantai Cenang and Kuah. In addition, many of the upscale hotels, resorts, and restaurants provide free WiFi.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

The biggest health risk on Langkawi is from jellyfish stings, especially during January - June season. Uninformed visitors are stung every day and the lifeguards on Pantai Cenang and the hospital treat more or less severe cases of jellyfish stings most days. There are several species of jellyfish in Langkawi's waters, while most will give you a nasty sting or a burn, there are some that will cause partial paralysis or even kill, in case of the lethal box jellyfish. If you have been stung badly, don't exert yourself physically as this will pump the toxins around the bloodstream and aggravate the symptoms. Vinegar is the only scientifically proven treatment for tropical jellyfish stings, apply it for 30 seconds to block toxin which has not yet been absorbed into the blood. To stay safe, swim only in stinger suit.

Langkawi can have a lot of mosquitoes depending on the time of year and location (i.e. Mangrove areas), so don't forget to use mosquito repellent. "Off" spray and various citronella or DEET based products are available in most supermarkets.

Average temperatures are hot or hotter; it's the tropics. Be sure to stay hydrated . You will need to drink about 3 litres a day and don't wait till you are thirsty to drink. Room temperature water preferably. De-hydration accounts for a large percentage of dodgy tummy holiday illnesses.

See also Tropical diseases .

Stay safe [ edit ]

Speedboats can often bounce off the waves at very high speeds and passengers can get quite strong jolts into the non-sprung seats, so persons with back or neck problems should not travel on the speedboats, but on the ferry. There have been reports of serious back injuries happening on the speedboats. They are also known as 'vomit comets' due to the number of people succumbing to sea sickness. Bring lots of water and be prepared for a bumpy ride! Also be very careful while swimming. At times, tides and currents can be very aggressive and not easy to spot.

Be careful driving around Langkawi at night. Although main roads are well-lit, some of the more minor roads are not very well lit and may pass through Kampungs (traditional Malay villages) or rural areas where the locals seem to take a very casual approach to road safety . Drive slow and watch out for erratically piloted motorbikes, pedestrians and livestock. Inside Kuah Town, watch out for errors in the road arrows - they may lead you into wrong lanes or into barricades. at night, watch out for water buffalo sleeping in the road.

Crime is generally not a problem on Langkawi, especially compared to the larger cities in Malaysia. In theory, you don't even have to lock your car, because it cannot get off the island without customs knowing about it!

Beware of smart wild monkeys . Those at Tengkorak beach attack humans who have food. If attacked, pick up stones (or just pretend to do so) and throw them at the monkeys, this will scare them away. Also, do not carry plastic bags as the monkeys associate these with food. Don't let them get too close to you or they will steal your glasses.

Please read up on rip tides before you go; learn to recognise and to avoid them.

Respect [ edit ]

Langkawi is a Geopark but still needs to improve its environmental friendliness. Don't participate in certain activities such as eagle feeding and monkey feeding as this harms the animals by encouraging them to become reliant on tourists and you may give them the wrong food.

Go next [ edit ]

• Ko Lipe — Great diving and snorkeling at the only inhabited island in Tarutao National Marine Park, a short speedboat ride (1½ hr) away on the Thai side of the border.
• Ko Tarutao — Another island in Tarutao National Marine Park, however does not suffer from the rapid development issues faced by Ko Lipe.

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Dangli Island is one of the best snorkelling spots in Langkawi.

Home to three geoforest parks and some of the oldest rock formations in Southeast Asia - from Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park – Langkawi is a dream destination for those who love to lose themselves in nature.

Whether you are looking forward to enjoying a stroll in the sunshine at Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach), escaping to Telaga Tujuh Waterfall or appreciating the beautiful sightseeing of mangrove nature, there is plenty to get excited about!

Did you know Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea and is the first recognized UNESCO Global Geopark in Southeast Asia since 2007? The island’s karst landscape was shaped by the erosion and formation of rocks since 550 million years ago.

Meanwhile, the island’s high biodiversity consists of limestone forests, sandstone forests, granite forests and mangroves. Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, which has the oldest rock formation in Southeast Asia, is the only geoforest made from sandstone in the world!

The formation of Machincang peak geosite, for example, is derived from the uplifting of the ocean floors, forming sandstone deposition followed by prolonged weathering and erosion processes by rainwater.

Thanks to the SkyCab by Panorama Langkawi, 360 degrees of Langkawi’s breathtaking viewpoint at the peak of the Machinchang Range is now accessible via this world’s steepest cable car.

There are myriads of places to explore in Langkawi, but here are some recommended destinations and activities for a perfect getaway on the island.

Pulau Tuba (Tuba Island)

A herd of buffaloes roaming freely on the paddy field at Pulau Tuba.

Leave the skyscrapers and crowded cities behind and head out to this lesser-known inhabited island, located about 5 kilometres off the south coast of Langkawi's main island.

The best way to explore this idyllic fishing village is by renting a bike or a van, and it is accessible by boat from Pekan Rabu Jetty. For a leisurely and laid-back experience, you can enjoy paddy field scenery with buffaloes roaming the roads or discover colourful village houses at Desa Keda Teluk Berembang.

Alternatively, you may opt for hiking at Bukit Licin, exploring Gua Wang Buluh and Gua Kelawar, trekking Bukit Kecik for its geological wonders or enjoying prawn noodles at Tanjung Pandan.

The formation of striped stones found in Bukit Kecik was due to high-pressure phenomena about thousand years ago.

Prawn noodles.

For a fantastic experience, try Dayang Bunting Island Jet Ski Safari conducted by Mega Watersports based in Pantai Cenang. Embark on four hours adventure zipping on the Andaman Sea, complete with a professional guide and enjoy several stops at eight islands, including Dayang Bunting, Beras Basah, Singa Besar, Rebak Besar as well as The Fjords of Langkawi.

Feel the rush of adrenaline as you accelerate and increase the speed once you turn on the jet ski ignition switch. A good rule of thumb to avoid capsizing is to keep the load balanced and centred. Believe me, you will not fall off even though you are a beginner!

Cruising around Dayang Bunting Island by jet ski.

The Langkawi Cable Car

Hopping on Langkawi's cable car will bring you an elevated experience at 708 metres above sea level. Located on the west coast of the island, this SkyCab journey by Panorama Langkawi covers a total distance of 2.2 kilometres linking the Base Station at the foot of Machinchang Range to the top station at the summit.

Besides that, visitors can go on a spine-chilling walk on the 125-metre Sky Bridge, the longest free span and curved bridge in the world.

Other activities in Panorama Langkawi include visiting SkyRex, Oriental Village, 6D Cinemotion and 3D Art Langkawi.

The longest free span and curved bridge in the world in Langkawi.

Kuah Town Tour & Laman Padi

Spend a day in Kuah Town, a former fishing village in Langkawi, now becoming a favourite tourist destination for shopping under the duty-free island. Some of the must-buy items among the local tourists include chocolates, kitchenware, and perfumes. There are also other tourist attractions such as iconic Dataran Lang, National Art Gallery Langkawi and Maha Tower.

Experience dining in a little wooden hut overlooking paddy fields at Kerisik Restaurant, Laman Padi, near Pantai Cenang, with several choices of Malay traditional cuisines, including Nasi Set Tuba, Nasi Set Padang Lalang, Nasi Set Sunda and Nasi Set Kedawang. The view is certainly stunning at night. Another nearby attraction is Underwater World Langkawi.

Dining at Kerisik Restaurant, Laman Padi.

Kubang Badak BioGeoTrail

This island’s newest eco-tourism destination has bagged the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Awards 2021 under Heritage Category. Kubang Badak BioGeoTrail consists of 12 sites to explore by boat, starting at Kubang Badak Jetty.

Located on the northwest coast of the island, Kubang Badak BioGeoTrail is generously endowed with high geological diversity, pristine mangrove forests and a history of an early settlement of the Thai community with the discovery of 100-year-old igloo-like charcoal kiln remnants used for fuel production dating back to the 18th century.

In short, visitors can admire three different types of rock formations with sandstone Machincang Range in the west, granite rocks of Bukit Sawar in the south, and landscape of karst hills of steep slopes as well as rough peaks of limestone in the east.

Gua Pinang is a remnant of an ancient sea cave formed by waves when the sea level was about 15 metres higher than the current level, about 6,000 years ago.

Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas

Discover postcard-perfect 20 traditional Malay style houses at Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas owned by renowned Malaysian designer Datuk Radzuan Radziwill on a trip to this Langkawi gem. Each of the interior designs is also befitting the kampung lifestyle with a blend of modern furnishings.

Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the resort’s saltwater pool and indulge in the speciality dishes of Malay cuisine at Pohon Beringin Restaurant. Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas is just a stone’s throw from Langkawi International Airport, and it is definitely an awe-inspiring sight.

The open space next to Pohon Beringin Restaurant for visitors to unwind at Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas.

Address: Kunang Kunang Heritage Villas 1947A, Jalan Pantai Cenang, Kampung Gelam, Kedawang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.

Phone:+604 952 3656

WhatsApp: +6013-4372378

Website : http://www.kunangkunangresort.com

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The Ultimate Travel Guide To Langkawi (+ Itinerary And Map)

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: February 16, 2023

Categories Malaysia

Langkawi is a beautiful island in the Andaman Sea about 30km from the northwestern coast of Malaysia.

There are several reasons that make Langkawi a very attractive island to visit, such as its accessibility, the fact that you can visit year-round, and the beautiful white-sand beaches.

This guide to Langkawi will help you plan a perfect trip to this pretty Malaysian island.

Guide to Langkawi Island

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Quick facts about Langkawi

Langkawi, also known as Pulau Langkawi (Pulau means Island in Malaysian) , is not just the name of the island, it's actually an archipelago counting almost 100 islands, big and small!

The currency of Langkawi is the Malaysian Ringgit , check the current exchange rate at XE.com .

The largest town in Langkawi is Kuah but Pantai Cenang is the most popular place to stay for tourists (read more below).

When to visit Langkawi

As I mentioned above, you can visit Langkawi at any time of the year, unlike the islands on the East side of Malaysia (such as Tioman and the Perhentian Islands ).

While the island of Langkawi doesn't experience a strong monsoon season, like the East Coast, there is a rainy season (September-October) .

However, don't feel like you have to avoid these months altogether, it usually only rains for a couple of hours (often at night).

The dry season is from January to March , so if you want to maximize your chance of sunny days this is the best time to visit Langkawi.

Keep in mind though that this is high season and prices will be higher. Temperatures are higher as well, the average temperature is well above 30 degrees Celsius.

We visited Langkawi in May , which in my opinion was a great time to visit. We had both sunny days as well as some cloudy afternoons but no rain whatsoever.

The island wasn't too busy and there was plenty of accommodation available for a good price.

Plan your Southeast Asia trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Book your transport tickets (train, bus, ferry, minivan, and more) via 12Go.Asia ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

How to get to Langkawi

There are 2 ways to get to Langkawi: you can travel either by plane or by boat.

Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi by plane

We flew to Langkawi airport from Kuala Lumpur with Malindo Air (for just €13 per person, including luggage!).

Penang to Langkawi by ferry

If you are traveling from the neighboring island of Penang, you can hop on a ferry. The ferry goes twice a day and takes around 3 hours.

Unfortunately, due to Covid the Penang to Langkawi ferry is suspended until further notice.

Kuala Perlis to Langkawi by ferry

You can also take a ferry from the mainland to Langkawi, ferries depart from Kuala Perlis (1h15min) and Kuala Kedah (2h30min). More information about ferries can be found here .

How to book tickets online?

• Find a cheap plane ticket from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi
• Book a ferry ticket from Penang to Langkawi
• Book a ferry ticket from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi
• Book a ferry ticket from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi

Where to stay in Langkawi

We stayed in Pantai Cenang, a lovely village located on the West coast of Langkawi and about 8km from Langkawi international airport by car.

If you are looking for the perfect place to stay, I highly recommend NR Langkawi Motel . This is a lovely and affordable budget accommodation with spacious rooms and private bathrooms.

The only slight disadvantage is that the hotel is located a bit further away from Pantai Cenang beach. We hired a scooter (more below) so that wasn’t a problem for us.

How to get around Langkawi

There is no public transport in Langkawi. There are lots of taxis but if you want to explore the island at your own pace, you can either rent a scooter or get a rental car .

The main roads on Langkawi are in good condition, the secondary roads can be unpaved and a little more challenging (but fun!) to navigate. Fuel is around 2.50RM per liter (we paid 7RM for fuel in total).

How to rent a scooter in Langkawi: practical information

We paid 70RM for the scooter rental, this was the price for 2 days (so 35RM per day). In general, the longer you rent a scooter, the lower the price per day.

There are plenty of rental places in Pantai Cenang. I rented ours across the road from Rasa Senang Chalet.

Also read about the best islands to visit in Southeast Asia

2 day Langkawi itinerary: map

The best thing about having your own transportation is the freedom to pull over wherever you want. To take a picture of the spectacular views. Or to have a break at a cute cafe to have a great coffee.

Or chill out at a nice beach to relax and read. We did all of these things (and more) during our 2-day itinerary in Langkawi.

Click here for the interactive map

2 days in Langkawi: itinerary

• Day 1: Pantai Cenang – Kuah – Tanjung Rhu Beach – Pantai Cenang
• Day 2: Pantai Cenang – Teluk Burau ( Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge ) – The Datai in Datai Bay – Pantai Cenang 

Day 1: explore the East side of Langkawi

Itinerary: Pantai Cenang – Kuah – Tanjung Rhu Beach – Pantai Cenang

We made a short visit to Kuah to check the ferry schedule. After a coffee at a nice cafe, we continued our journey.

However, if you like shopping, there are some great duty-free outlets and duty-free shopping options in Kuah town! Unfortunately, we didn't have any space in our backpacks…

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Tanjung Rhu is one of the best beaches in Langkawi and is found in the Northeast of the island.

And unlike the beautiful beaches in busy and popular Pantai Cenang, you may end up having this beach entirely to yourself…

To get there we followed the coast road (Jalan Tanjung Rhu) which ended at Tanjung Rhu Beach.

Just before getting to the beach, we came across a gate with a guard where we had to fill out an environment protection form.

The great thing about Tanjung Rhu Beach? Besides the beautiful white sand, breathtaking views and crystal clear water the major selling point of this beach is the fact that it's so calm and quiet… We spent a very relaxed afternoon here!

Important note: a section of the beach is off-limits as this is part of the exclusive Tanjung Rhu Resort .

Day 2: explore the West side of Langkawi

Itinerary: Pantai Cenang – Teluk Burau ( Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge ) – The Datai – Pantai Cenang 

The Langkawi SkyCab

On the second day of our ‘Langkawi on a scooter exploration trip,' we drove to Teluk Burau, the starting point of the Langkawi Cable Car, also known as the SkyCab.

Taking the Langkawi Cable Car is one of the most popular activities in Langkawi and a lot of fun.

The cable car starts at the foot of the Machincang mountain and takes about 15 minutes to reach the Top Station, 708m above sea level.

Fun fact: the Langkawi Cable Car has been added to Malaysia Book of Records for ‘The Longest Free Span Mono-Cable'.

Click here to book your Langkawi Cable Car ticket online

The Langkawi SkyBridge

Once you arrive at the top of the cable car it's only a short walk to the SkyBridge, a pedestrian bridge where you'll find yourself 100 meters above the ground…

Another fun fact: this is the longest free-span and curved bridge in the world!

Click here to book a combined ticket for the Cable Car and the SkyBridge.

When exploring an island, I usually have a map. However, on our second scooter day, I forgot my map so we just drove around and went where the road took us.

That is how we end up at the Datai, a stunning five-star resort on the northwest coast of Langkawi, and literally at the end of the road.

When we ask the guard if we can have a coffee at the resort, he was very welcoming and told us to park our motorbike. We headed down a green lane to a large and fancy-looking building.

At the entrance, we were welcomed by two friendly employees. Once again, we asked if we could have a coffee.

We were then redirected to employee no. 4 who asked us if we wanted to have a drink in the lounge or at the Beach Bar. A bit confused we looked at each other and said: the Beach Bar, please.

But of course, Sir, Miss, one moment please, the friendly lady replied. We settled down on a luxurious sofa, a little uncomfortable because we were the only ones in the huge and quiet lobby.

One minute later, the friendly lady called us and led us to a golf cart. We hopped aboard and yet another employee drove us to the Beach Bar.

At this point we started to get a little worried about the costs for this yet to be ordered drinks, fortunately, we had gotten enough cash at the ATM that morning…

The golf cart zigzagged around the resort grounds and I have to say: the villas looked stunning.

When we arrived at the Beach Bar we were welcomed by a whole team of staff and led to a comfortable sofa with a mountain of pillows and a beautiful view over the bay.

We ordered our long-awaited coffee; when the waiter arrived with a tray it wasn't just coffee. No, there was coffee, cookies, cashew nuts, cold water, a fruit skewer, and a cold-scented towel. What a service!

Again we shot a worrying look at each other, this could end up costing our entire daily budget… But first, we drank our delicious coffee, nibbled on the provided nuts and fruit, and sipped our ice-cold water.

We spent a comfortable hour on a sofa so soft it felt like we were sitting on a cloud. We didn't dare to order another drink so we asked for the check and were amazed this wonderful experience ended up costing only 30RM (€6,50/$7,50)!

A little reluctant we headed back to our scooter (after being driven back to the lobby by a golf cart, imagine having to walk somewhere;-).

If we ever go back to Langkawi, I would love to stay at this resort for a night. Though I better start saving up because the villas cost a lot more than a cup of coffee…

Click here to check the latest prices of the Datai

Update: reader Stanley informed me that unfortunately it's no longer possible to have a drink at the Datai unless you are staying there .

Langkawi travel guide: in conclusion

You can download the map of our 2-day Langkawi scooter itinerary below.

Check out my other posts if you want to read more about my Malaysia travel budget ,   2-week itinerary , or my guide to the Perhentian Islands and Tioman Island .

This post was updated in October 2022 .

Vanessa Workman

Monday 15th of April 2019

5 star resorts don't generally encourage people to pop in for a cup of coffee and use the beach chairs reserved for their guests. There are also security issues. It sounds to me as if you were initially mistaken for a resort guest, thus the confusion.

Recently a young man decided to come to the resort via 'jungle path' then proceeded to video the guard questioning why he was there, etc.. while 'jungle boy' condescendingly spoke to the guard 'this is a free beach, free for the public to use... '. Jungle boy then proceeded to post it on Facebook so everyone could see the indignity of it all.

As far as I know, yes you can certainly have a cup of coffee at The Datai, but making proper reservations and going through the front gate/lobby is preferable (not sneaking in through a jungle path). Dressing appropriately is probably a good idea as well. In addition to not being rude to the staff.

I personally wouldn't want to be paying for 5 star service and have to worry about random people just popping in. Especially in a remote location. I also would never spend 35RM on a cup of coffee, unless of course I was taking full advantage of beach chairs and inclusive snacks.

Monday 22nd of April 2019

Hi Vanessa,

Thank you for your comment. I agree sneaking in isn't appropriate at all, but I just want to clarify: we drove to the main gate with our scooter and stated clearly we were not staying at the resort. We asked if we could have coffee and the guard said that was okay. This was 4 years ago however and apparently the Datai changed their policy in the meantime. Perhaps because of people trying to sneak in or perhaps due to complaints of resort guests, who can tell. In any case, we very much enjoyed our 5 star cup of coffee, it was quite an experience for us:-)

All the best! Lotte

Thursday 14th of March 2019

Hey, thanks for writing! We enjoyed loosely following this itinerary round Langkawi. Just to let you know that we got to the Datai today to pop in for a drink and you're unfortunately no longer allowed to do this. The security staff told us we had to have made a reservation and be guests of the hotel. They were actually pretty brusque and seemed to want to get rid of us. Oh well! They shan't be receiving my custom when I'm a wealthy man ;)

Sunday 17th of March 2019

Hi Stanley,

Thank you so much for your feedback! I'll make sure to adjust that in my post. I hope you still enjoyed Langkawi, it's a lovely island:-)

Thursday 6th of April 2017

Waw. That's amazing :D

Have you try motobike touring in Indonesia?

Friday 14th of April 2017

No haven't been to Indonesia yet! But I imagine that would be great:-)

Tuesday 12th of January 2016

I wish my hubby was brave enough, but he must have been an actuary in a previous life... doesn't like anything that could be remotely considered dangerous. lol I just wrote a sponsored article on the sky bridge... can't wait to see it for myself.

Haha, lol! The Skybridge is very safe, though is doesn't feel like it when you are standing on the glass:-D Have a great trip!

Tuesday 8th of December 2015

Love a good motorbike adventure!

Yes me too! One of my favorite things to do when I am traveling:-)

15 Things To Do In Langkawi, Malaysia

From the cable car and a magical sky bridge nestled in the clouds, to spas, mangrove tours, island hopping and markets, there are plenty of things to do in Langkawi, Malaysia.

After a few days in Singapore , my blogger pal Emily ( Emily Luxton Travels ) and I jetted over to Langkawi in Malaysia. Our intentions? To have three days of doing very little – sunbathing on the best beaches in Langkawi, drinking cocktails and eating some delicious Malaysian cuisine.

The best time to visit Langkawi is between November and March, during the island’s dry season. However, I visited in April and still absolutely loved my time there!

It was warm, but rather overcast and not your classic ‘sunbathing’ weather. Rather than wait for the sun to appear, we planned some adventures, booked a few activities and enjoyed a trip to one of the spas in Langkawi.

So if you’re looking for the top Langkawi attractions and activities, scroll down to find out my suggestions for a few days on the island. I’m sure you’ll have fun, whatever the weather! Oh and don’t forget to stock up at one of Langkawi’s duty free stores before you leave.

Best Things To Do In Langkawi

Langkawi 3 island tour.

Despite overcast skies, we really enjoyed getting out to explore some of the nearby islands. The first island you visit is Pulau Dayang Bunting (Pregnant Maiden Lake) where there’s a beautiful green lake hidden inside the island. It’s absolutely magical and definitely one of my favourite places to visit in Langkawi. You can swim there, take lots of pics and hang out with the island’s monkeys too.

Then its on to another spot to watch enormous eagles take flight. It’s amazing to see them up so close. The final stop is the paradise island of Pulau Beras Basah where you can enjoy some relaxation and swim time.

Find out more and check latest prices and availability here.  

Langkawi SkyCab Cable Car And Sky Bridge

This is an absolute must-do if you’re visiting Langkawi (and aren’t scared of heights!) The cable car is one of the most popular attractions on the island. As you ascend up the mountain, you’ll get a unique perspective, taking in the jungle, sea views and most-likely some clouds too!

We visited on a day where the weather changed every two minutes. At times, visibility was great, then we’d be plunged inside a cloud and barely be able to see our hands in front of our faces. The height at the top is 708m, and once you’ve reached that level I’d recommend paying a little extra to visit the Sky Bridge too. It’s such an impressive feat of architecture, and definitely one of the top things to see in Langkawi.  

Hire Jet Skis And Go Island Hopping

If you fancy getting out on jet skis, head to private island Paradise 101 and experience the exhilarating activity. You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the islands and the Andaman Sea. You could even book for sunset for an even more memorable experience.

Go On A Tour Of The Mangroves In Langkawi 

If we’d had one more day on the island, this is what we would have done. Lots of you guys recommended we go on a mangrove tour, and my blogger pal Jess went a few years ago and said it was amazing! It’s a great way to see Langkawi’s diverse wildlife, which includes monkeys, monitor lizards, snakes, eagles, and crabs.

It’s also a wonderful way to see the mix of white beaches, lagoons and forests in Langkawi. You can either go by boat for a relaxing cruise, or hop in a kayak and go on your own adventure through the mangroves. 

Check prices and latest availability here

Go Parasailing In Langkawi 

There seemed to be a constant stream of parasailers along Cenang Beach. While I didn’t have a chance to try it this time, I’ve been parasailing in Mexico and the UAE absolutely loved the floating sensation. To try to capture the view, I flew my drone up to a similar height to the parasailers by Cenang Beach – what a place! This is definitely one of the best adventure activities in Langkawi.

Take A Helicopter Tour Of Langkawi 

Fancy an extra special way to see the island? Take to the skies in a helicopter and glide over the magical landscapes! There are lot lots of different Langkawi tours , including flights over the Kilim River, Cenang Beach and Datai Beach. It’s a great way to see the 99 islands that make up Langkawi.

Visit Seven Wells Waterfall  

If you’re visiting the cable car, you can take a path from the car park to visit Langkawi’s prettiest waterfall. Also known as Telaga Tujuh, the waterfall has seven natural pools. You can swim in some areas, so don’t forget to pack your bikini! This post has lots of handy info if you want to plan your visit!  

Relax On The Beach Or At A Beach Club

We based ourselves in Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach). It’s the busiest area on the island, with a great beach and plenty of bars, restaurants and activities for tourists. You can rent sun loungers right on the beach, or head to a beach bar and enjoy drinks with a view. Our favourites were Thirstday (great in the evenings too, and the perfect spot to watch the beach fire show), Yellow Beach Café , and Huggin Hippo . They serve food too – the satay were fab!

Visit A Spa In Langkawi 

What to do in Langkawi when it rains? Head straight to the spa! There are lots along the main street in Cenang, and prices are reasonable. I visited Alun-Alun  (rated as one of Langkawi’s best spas) for a pedicure. As most of the building was hidden from the street, I wasn’t sure what the facilities would be like inside, but as you can see from the photo below they were very smart!

It’s a big spa, with a large courtyard and several private rooms off a long outdoor corridor. When I visited in 2018, the spa prices were: RM 120 for an hour’s massage (around £22), RM 66 for a manicure (around £12) and RM 77 (around £14) for a pedicure. There are plenty of spas offering cheaper prices, but I can’t vouch for the experience!

READ MORE: Looking for where to stay in Langkawi ? From budget to luxury, I’ve got you covered!

Visit The 3D Art Museum In Langkawi

What can I say about the 3D Art Museum in Langkawi, apart from you absolutely HAVE to go! Artworks are painted on the walls and floor, making for hilarious photos as it looks like you’ve fallen into the jaws of a hippo, are about to be slurped by a panda eating soup, or falling off a rickety bridge into a waterfall. It’s located next to the entrance to the cable car, and you can buy a joint ticket, so don’t miss it.

Skytrex Tree Top Adventure , Langkawi

On the way to Langkawi’s cable car is this fun tree top adventure park. Set against the backdrop of Mount Mat Cincang Peak and tucked in the lush rainforest, you’ll spend the day flying, swinging and gliding from tree to tree. There are three different levels of challenge, so even the biggest adrenaline addicts will find something that will test their nerves! 

Check latest prices and find out more here.  

Visit The Night Market In Langkawi

If you’re staying in Cenang, be sure to visit the Temoyang Night Market on a Thursday night. The main draw is the delicious Malaysian food . You’ll find street vendors selling everything from grilled chicken satay and ho fun noodles, to Malaysian laksa and pancakes.

There’s a buzzy vibe, and I can guarantee this is the cheapest meal you’ll eat on your holiday. We had 10 x chicken satay, 1 beef skewer, a box of noodles and a laksa soup for around £2.70! This is without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Langkawi at night. To be honest, I could probably write a whole Langkawi food blog about the experience. Maybe that’ll be appearing here soon!

As it’s not right in the town centre, here’s a little map to help you find it…

If you’re staying somewhere else in Langkawi, there are night markets in other areas on different days, so have a Google and I’m sure you’ll find one nearby.

Guided Bike Tour Of Langkawi  

As most people know, I’m a disaster on two wheels… but if I wasn’t, I’d be keen to explore Langkawi on a cycle tour like this one. This guided route shows off some of the island’s prettiest scenery, from rivers and rainforests to cute villages and markets. Check latest prices and availability here.

Get Your Adrenaline Fix With Some Water Sports In Langkawi 

Along Cenang Beach there are plenty of companies selling water sports activities including banana boat rides, jet ski tours, parasailing and more! The trips on the giant inflatables looked like a lot of fun.

Go Snorkelling At Pulau Payar , Langkawi 

When you look up beauty spots in Langkawi, it’s pretty likely Pulau Payar (Payar Island) will come up. It’s a marine park and a great place to snorkel, dive and enjoy the underwater world.  Check latest prices and tour availability here.

Have you been to Langkawi? What was your favourite thing to do? Let me know what you got up to!

Best Time To Visit Langkawi

From the beautiful warm and sunny summer season to the cooler, rainier climate of the winter months, find out the best time to visit Langkawi.

Where to Stay in Langkawi for All Budgets

Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing beach break or planning some exciting adventures, find out where to stay in Langkawi with this handy guide to the island’s best hotels.

Enjoyed this Langkawi travelblog? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

4 thoughts on “15 Things To Do In Langkawi, Malaysia”

Your photos are all amazing! Langkawi sure is a very lovely and interesting place in Malaysia. Would want to try parasailing when I get to visit hopefully next year. Great blog post!

Thanks Joshua – I loved it!

Hi there! Absolutely luved this blog- so informative & helpful Thnx so much!!

My pleasure – have an amazing time in Langkawi!

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The Best Langkawi Attractions & Where to Stay

With our Langkawi holidays only a few months away, I thought it was a good idea to ask some of my favourite travel bloggers for their tips on the best Langkawi attractions so I could finalise our Langkawi itinerary.  I also asked them to share with us their tips on where to stay in Langkawi.

In this post you will find tips on the best Langkawi activities, including stunning beaches, the best Langkawi places to visit to spot wildlife, tips for day trips and the best place to stay in Langkawi.

Heading to Langkawi? Click here to for our guide on the best resorts with kids club & budget hotels perfect for families .

Page Contents

• 1.1 Pantai Tanjung Rhu (Tanjung Rhu Beach)
• 1.2 Kilim Geoforest Park Mangrove Tour Langkawi
• 1.3 Langkawi Night Markets
• 1.4 Island Hopping Langkawi
• 1.5 SkyCab Langkawi (Langkawi Cable Car)
• 2.1 Langkawi SkyBridge
• 2.2 Lagenda Langkawi
• 2.3 Underwater World Langkawi 
• 2.4 Paradise Island 101
• 2.5 Langkawi Water Sports: Jet Skiing and Parasailing
• 2.6 Gunung Raya – the Highest Mountain in Langkawi
• 2.7 Langkawi to Koh Lipe – a Day Trip
• 2.8 Hike to the Summit of Gunung Mat Cincang
• 3 More things to do in Langkawi
• 4.1 Casa Del Mar
• 4.2 Berjaya Lankgawi Resort Hotel
• 4.3 Meritus Pelangi
• 4.4 Tanjung Rhu Resort

The Best Langkawi Attractions

Pantai tanjung rhu (tanjung rhu beach).

Thanks to Richard from Travel Tramp

In the north of Langkawi one of the island’s best kept secrets is hidden away between mangroves and jungle. Pantai Tanjung Rhu is one of the most secluded  Langakawi Beach. It’s also possibly the best beach in Langkawi, especially for those looking for a bit of peace in a stunning tropical setting.

This long stretch of coast line is fringed with palm trees and faces out across the sea to the nearby Thai islands which rise magnificently in the distance. The white sand is soft underfoot and the water is turquoise, while limestone karsts form a natural bay around the beach.  This is one of the most beautiful places in Langkawi.

Pantai Tanjung Rhu is everything you’ve ever been told a tropical paradise should look like, and aside from a few homestays, one luxury hotel and the ramshackle local restaurants near the beach this whole area is far removed from the main tourist centres of Langkawi. To get here you drive north until you hit the sea and the shoreline becomes dense with mangroves and palms. Follow the road through the jungle, and you’ll emerge onto the fine white sands and solitude of Tanjung Rhu.  Add this beach to your Langkawi itinerary.

Kilim Geoforest Park Mangrove Tour Langkawi

Thanks to Marianne from Mum on the Move

A Langkawi trip is not complete without visiting the Kilim Geoforest Park mangrove forest, one of the unique features of Langkawi. The Kilim Geopark is a 100km nature reserve with some of the most stunning scenery – towering limestone cliffs, hidden sandy white beaches and hidden caves among the mangroves.

There are many Kilim Langkawi mangrove tours to choose from. Taking a kayaking tour is a great way to get off the beaten path and explore the mangroves away from the crowds of other tours, but being on a boat is also an excellent way to get a feel for the mangroves. Keep a look out for mudskippers, monkeys, mangrove vipers, mud crabs and monitor lizards as you go.

Many tours will take you to visit a bat cave in among the mangroves, and another highlight is watching as Black Kites and White Bellied Sea Eagles swoop into the water to catch fish. You can finish your Langkawi mangrove tour at one of the floating restaurants with their own fish farms.

And Thanks to Erica from Mum Travel Diaries

The dense mangroves of Langkawi’s Kilim Geoforest Park are teeming with life and one of the most interesting places in Langkawi to visit. Residents include brown eagles, tree crabs, giant water monitor lizards and macaques. A Kilim Geoforest Park Tour to the mangroves is sure to delight visitors of all ages and will be a highlight of your time in Langkawi.

The most spectacular of the wildlife is the brown eagle, native to the islands. In fact, the name Langkawi is derived from the Malay word helang, meaning “eagle” and kawi, for the spectacular red-brown colour of these birds.

The best way to explore the mangroves is via a boat, picked up from Tanjung Rhu beach. There are different boat trips to choose from, varying in length and combining different sights. Many visitors opt for a two hour tour, ranging in price from RM200 to RM300, which includes an exhilarating trip on the open water to access the mangroves, fish feeding, bat caves, viewing macaque monkeys and the brown eagles.

The price of this Langkawi tour is per boat rather than per person, so if you want to save some money, why not buddy up with another group. For the more adventurous visitors, kayaking the mangroves is also an option.

Click here for more information about these tours and / or to make an online booking which include transfers from your hotel.

Alternatively if you prefer the kayaking option, click here for more information.

Langkawi Night Markets

Thanks to Erica from Mum Travel Diaries

If you are looking for places to visit in Langkawi at night, be sure to visit the Langkawi night markets.  food on offer is freshly prepared and incredibly cheap, with most dishes priced between RM4 and RM10. There aren’t many seating areas in the Langkawi market to eat, so pick up some snacks to eat on the go and or choose a selection of dishes to take back to your accommodation. Be sure to try some nasi lemak (the national dish) and nasi ayam (chicken rice) – Malay staples and totally delicious.

The markets start at about 5:30pm and run until late. In addition to food, other items for sale include local produce, handbags, wallets and household supplies.

The Langkawi night market locations are held in a different location each night.  See below for each night’s location:

• Monday – Ulu Melaka Market
• Tuesday – Kedawang Night Market
• Wednesday and Saturday – Kuah Night Market
• Thursday – Temoyong Night Market
• Friday – Air Hangat Night Market
• Sunday – Padang Matsirat Night Market

Island Hopping Langkawi

Thanks to Arzo from Arzo Travels

Langkawi has stolen my heart within seconds and if you are looking for a beautiful place to visit in Malaysia than this little paradise could be it. To make the best of your stay and enjoy it as much as I did, I recommend doing an island hopping tour via boat. It is just a lot of fun and this way you will see a lot of beautiful, lesser known places that are part of Langkawi. After all Langkawi is an archipelago of about 100 islands and it would be a pity if you just stayed on the main island.

A Langkawi Island tour is not expensive and will take about half a day- depending on the tour you take you will see islands near Langkawi like Beras Besah or Tanjung Rhu Beach, or stop at the Lilim Karst Geoforest Park!

We also got to see some swimming monkeys while doing the boat tour and of course you´ll get to se eagles- a lot of them (well, Langkawi is famous for eagles).

So, whatever you plan to do when you visit Langkawi, be sure to plan in an island hopping tour to see all of Langkawi´s beauty!

Click here for information about Langkawi Island Hopping Tours and to check prices.

SkyCab Langkawi (Langkawi Cable Car)

Thanks to Laura from Passport Collective

SkyCab Langkawi is one of the most impressive gondola rides in the world and one of the most popular Langkawi island attractions. Soaring high above the lush tropical forest, you’ll travel over 1.5km before you reach the impressive craggy rock face preceding the middle station. The cliff face towers an impressive 650 metres above the sea level and this is where the ride really gets interesting. The pitch of the gondola increases dramatically and for a moment you can be forgiven for closing your eyes for fear of being dashed against the rocks. Just when you think you’re done, your car rises, almost vertically to the summit. A shorter secondary ride to the peak and you’re amongst the clouds

Once you’ve reached the top, there are a series of platforms where you can take in the views, and on a clear day, see all of the way to the coast. If you’re feeling brave, you can upgrade to a glass bottomed gondola car or if you prefer you feet on the ground take a stroll on the skywalk. One thing’s for sure, no matter how you ride, this is one of the must do Langkawi tourist attractions.

Langkawi cable car tickets start at RM 30 per person, although you can purchase combo tickets for the other Langkawi activities in the area.  The Langkawi cable car operating hours are 9.30 am to 7 pm daily.

Click here to book online tickets in advance which also include admission into the SkyRex, SkyDome and 3D Interactive Art.

Thanks to Craig from No Real Plan

Langkawi is famous for the Sky Bridge, however, there are many other Langkawi tourist places at the site, such as play zones and a 4D cinema at the bottom just before riding the cable car up. One of the standout attractions there is the Langkawi 3D Art Museum as it is such a fun memorable experience. You can buy a combo ticket which includes the 3D Art Museum, Cable Car and, Sky Bridge at a discounted price if you want to experience all three.

The Langkawi 3D Art Museum is one of the largest in the world, with over 100 3D paintings in various themed sections such as Ancient Egypt, aquatic, jungle etc. Visitors position themselves in front of the paintings so it looks like they are part of the picture or interacting with it. This makes for some great photo opportunities and an excellent way to spend many hours laughing at what pose you will do while pretending to be eaten by a hippopotamus for instance. So make sure you have plenty of room on your phone or camera to take plenty of photos, as trust me, you’ll be taking a lot!

Langkawi SkyBridge

Thanks to Teresa from Brogan Abroad

The Langkawi SkyBridge is one of the most popular Langkawi points of interest and it’s a must see in the island. It’s the longest free span and curved bridge in the world, and it hangs between two mountains above virgin jungle.

It’s suspended over 2,000 feet above sea level by a single massive pylon, which makes it quite a feat of engineering. But what attracts people here are the 360-degree views of the Langkawi islands and the Andaman Sea.

When you first hear about it, you may thing that it is a tourist trap but the views are really worth the visit and fighting the hordes.

It’s located about 6 miles from Pantai Cenang and there is no public transport in Langkawi, so I would recommend hiring a scooter to get there and you can then explore the rest of the island.

To get to the Sky Bridge, catch a 15-minute ride in a cable car, which leaves from the Oriental Village complex. While you are going up, make sure you look out for the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls (Seven Wells Waterfalls) on your right – you can hike to them after your visit.

Lagenda Langkawi

Thanks to Erin from Traveling Thru History

When we visited Langkawi, we happened upon this fun little park called Lagenda Langkawi. The official name of the site is Lagenda Langkawi Dalam Taman, which means Legendary Langkawi in a Garden. It is a beautifully landscaped park near the waterfront in Kuah and there is no charge to explore. Little is probably the wrong word because the entire park is about 50 acres (20 hectares) of winding paths that lead to ponds, grottos and gardens that host heroic giants, mythical birds, evil ogres and beautiful princesses. It definitely takes a bit of time to see the entire park, but it’s worth it.

The purpose of this park is to tell the story of how Langkawi came to be. There are 17 massive stone sculptures depicting legendary scenes from Langkawi’s folklore. To make it easier on visitors, the signs explaining each of the legends is in both Malay and English. Starting with when Pangaea broke up and going all the way through the first few generations of inhabitants on the island. The stories are beautiful and really quite interesting. The statues are showing signs of age, but there is a project to restore and revitalize the park starting soon. Even with the statues not being in the best shape, this park is worth visiting and worth checking out to learn a bit more about Langkawi’s history and folklore.

Underwater World Langkawi 

Thanks to Niels from The Road Trip Guy

When you visit the beautiful island of Langkawi you do not want to miss the island’s best-known attraction. It is called Underwater World Langkawi and is one of the largest aquariums in Malaysia.

It houses over 200 different marine species including African- and Rockhopper penguins, harbor seals, rays and of course lots of sharks! The mission of the aquarium is to educate the public about nature and wildlife conservation to make sure that our future generations can also enjoy the beauty of our oceans.

The aquarium is divided in three different areas, which include a tropical rainforest, temperate and sub-Arctic section. In the sub-Arctic section you will find the most popular inhabitants of the aquarium: The penguins!

These popular birds can be viewed underwater as the Penguinarium has a large acrylic underwater panorama. You will see an interesting display of grace, flexibility, speed and agility as they swim passed at high speeds chasing each other and finding their food.

Paradise Island 101

Thanks to Sally from Our 3 Kids v the World

Paradise 101 is a man-made island offering various water sport activities and is a great day out if you are looking for fun things to do in Langkawi with kids. The kids loved the inflatable aqua park, jet skiing with NAAM Team, banana boating and zip lining across the island. You are also able to parasail, snorkel, scuba dive or just enjoy a wonderful buffet lunch or take in the breath taking island sunsets from the Paradise 101 Bar and sunset viewing platform located at the rear of the island.

Paradise 101 has now opened for day visits, there are fully functioning bathroom facilities including showers and change rooms for those that want to get showered before leaving the island. Paradise 101 is 5 min speed ride from Langkawi and is a great way to spend the day enjoying water sports and is completely family friendly.

Langkawi Water Sports: Jet Skiing and  Parasailing

Thanks to Inma from A World to Travel

Indeed, Langkawi is an adventurous archipelago and as such, the perfect destination to get your hands in cool Langkawi water sports such as parasailing and jet skiing. The water is warm, prices are affordable and safety measures in place. Plus, both of them will give you superb views of these stunning islands.

Simply be aware that due to the weather conditions – if you are visiting Langkawi on the rainy season – your water activities in Langkawi could be canceled or postponed and plan accordingly!

We did both jet skiing and parasailing in Langkawi a couple of years back and they suddenly became our favorite things to do in Langkawi, and one of the reasons why we believe Langkawi is pretty much the best of Malaysia.

Gunung Raya – the Highest Mountain in Langkawi

Thanks to Anuradha from Travel Highway

On our visit to Langkawi during the last holiday season, we were itching for some where to go in Langkawi that was less touristy and relaxed. We stumbled upon this view point on top of the highest mountain in Langkawi called Gunung Raya.

With an altitude of about 880 meters and a dense rainforest at the base, the winding drive till the top is refreshing. Once you reach the top, get an entrance ticket for about RM 10 from the D’Coconut Resort which is where the watch tower resides. The tower has viewing decks on all four directions and when we arrived there, hot cinnamon tea was waiting for us. But unfortunately, clouds had blocked out everything for us. Just when we were about to leave, clouds cleared up as though curtains were lifted to being the show. And begin it did. We were able to see hundreds of tiny little islands, vast turquoise sea, the mountains that surround them and like a cherry on the top, rainbow upped up the whole glamor.

So go ahead and take a well-needed break from beaches, island hopping and other activities and head towards this marvel in the Central Langkawi.

Langkawi to Koh Lipe – a Day Trip

Thanks to Hannah from Getting Stamped

Langkawi is an amazing island but after you ticked off all the things to do in Langkawi and are ready for another adventure consider taking a day trip to the nearby island Koh Lipe Thailand. You’ll need to bring your passport but since both countries are visa-free for most nationalities it’s no big deal and super easy.

Langkawi to Koh Lipe is only an hour speedboat ride away and day trips can be organized. It’s way different than Langkawi, there are gorgeous white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The first time we visited the island was from Langkawi and ever since that visit it is now our favorite island in the world, we’ve been back three times since. Our favorite part of the island is Sunrise Beach and we highly suggest having lunch at Sunrise Beach Restaurant for some Penang Curry it’s out of this world.

Hike to the Summit of Gunung Mat Cincang

Thanks to Kaspars from We are from Latvia

Thinking of doing something adventurous in Langkawi? What about hiking to the summit of island’s second highest mountain, Gunung Mat Cincang?

Chances are you haven’t even heard of it. But it’s there, almost right next to the famous Langkawi Cable Car. And it’s a hike many can do. However note that it’s not an easy hike. And if you aren’t in a good shape it may take you 6+ hours to get to the top and back (2-3 hours if you are fit). So plan accordingly, and bring some snacks and enough water to keep you going. There aren’t any shops along the trail. It’s just a rainforest.

Many have been to the top of Gunung Raya, Langkawi’s highest peak, because you can get there by car, scooter, bicycle or on foot. But only few hike to Gunung Mat Cincang. Because, well, there is only one way to get to the top. On foot. But that view, oh, it’s totally worth the effort!

Trail starts (and finishes) at the top of Seven Wells waterfall. Since there is no public transportation on the island it’s recommended to rent a scooter or get a taxi for getting there.

More things to do in Langkawi

• Zipline Advetnure Tours: Zipline through the Langkawi rainforest and enjoy stunning views.  Click here for more information and to check prices.
• SkyTrail Guided Trek: Visit Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park the oldest mountain in Malaysia, there are 3 walks to choose from starting at 900 metres up to 2.2 kilometres.  Click here for more information and to check prices.
• Private Car & Driver: If you need transportation to get around to all these attractions, you can book a car and driver for around $50 AUD per 4 hours.  Click here to book or for more information.
• Airport Transfers : Pre arrange your airport transfers with prices starting at $15.90 AUD for up to 3 people and $28.60 for up to 10 people one way.  Click here to book or for more information.

Where to Stay in Langkawi

Casa del mar.

Thanks to Mar from Once in a Life Time Journey

Casa del mar is one of the nicest places I have ever stayed at, not because of the location, the rooms or the food, which are all great, but because it has some of the kindest and most welcoming staff, so much so that they make you feel at home, your home by the sea.

The hotel is themed like a Mexican hacienda and is located right on Langkawi’s most popular beach so you don’t even need to wear shoes all day or go too far to participate on any of the water activities available or join in the night fun on the island. Stay at one of the beach rooms and your room will lead directly onto the sand.

Click here to check current pricing or to make a booking for Casa Del Mar.

Berjaya Lankgawi Resort Hotel

Thanks to Brenda from Dish our Town

Eagles fly over deep blue waters. Rubber plants line the roads. White sand line the shores, and steep green mountains completing the scene. The fruit, sweet; the food filled with soul. Included with this are comfortable rooms, balconies that overlook a forest that also doubles up as a playground for monkeys, excellent service, and a swimming pool with a bar that tempts.

This was the first and lasting impression we had upon checking into the Berjaya Resort in Langkawi, Malaysia. The property was vast. So large in fact that they have a service in which carts pick you up from your room to bring you to wherever you need to travel within the resort. Though it was so beautiful, that it behooves one to walk and enjoy enclosed nature.

Langkawi is a gift that needs to be appreciated, and a stay at the Berjaya Resort wraps it up in one little package made especially for you.

Click here to check current pricing or to make a booking for the Berjaya Resort.

Meritus Pelangi

During our stay on Langkawi we stayed at the Meritus Pelangi Resort, I can not speak more highly of this resort and we enjoyed every minute of our stay. We had a garden view family room that was large and very spacious and provided plenty of room for the 5 of us. Not that you spend much time in your room in a location like this.

They have two resort pools and both have waterslides and children’s play areas that safe for kids to play. The main Horizon pool has a kids splash zone guaranteed to keep the kids happy. I of course loved the Casade pool as the kids slide was shallow with a rail into the main pool and had a swim up bar for those of us with kids that are old enough to be confident in the water.

This resort in is located 15 minutes from the airport on popular Cenang Beach. Its a short walk into Cenang Beach along the beach and there is also a great shopping strip there to get your shopping fix and great restaurants if you don’t want to eat at the resort every night. The island isn’t huge so you are able to get around easily and economically by taxi’s.

Best of all is the sunsets from Penang Beach, the palm trees create such a tropical calming relaxing atmosphere and if you catch a sunset like we got you’ll never want to leave. I sure didn’t, I really hope to get back to this resort ones day, it was one of my favourites so far.

Click here to check current pricing or to make a booking for the Meritus Pelangi Resort.

Tanjung Rhu Resort

When we visited the islands of Langkawi, we were lucky of staying two nights at the amazing Tanjung Rhu, a 5-star and 1100 acre resort located in the northern part of the greater island, in which you can certainly consider Langkawi’s best beach, the Tanjung Rhu Beach, bathed by the Andaman Sea.

With an unbeatable service, spa, spectacularly tasty cuisine, gorgeous pools and even some surprises along the way (we saw a large reptile swimming placidly in the central pond), we would return without hesitation to this excellent hotel on our next visit to the island.

The only downside could be that bathing on the beach is not always possible. However, the hotel pools are excellent and this should not be an issue. Enjoy Langkawi, one of the best islands of Malaysia!

Click here to check current pricing or to make a booking for the Tanjung Rhu Resort.

Click here for even more accommodation in Langkawi.

Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that should make any bookings using my links, I may be paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.  This allows me to provide this information free of charge – thank you for supporting our website.

1 thought on “The Best Langkawi Attractions & Where to Stay”

Informative post containing tips on the best Langkawi attractions, including stunning beaches, the best places to visit, tips for day trips and the best place to stay. Ambong Pool Villas is a collection of 9 private pool villas having 1 bedroom & 3 bedroom, each overlooking the sea and the islands of Langkawi, Malaysia. Thanks for sharing.

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5 things to know before you visit Langkawi

Millions of tourists visit the island of Langkawi every year in search for an ideal tropical holiday. Its virgin beaches, verdant forests, warm people, and delicious food will leave you with an unforgettable experience. The tourism driven economy of the island ensures that Langkawi is one of the most tourist friendly destinations in the South East Asia. However, a lack of preparation is enough to sour a vacation, even in friendliest of the places. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, here is our list of five things to know before you visit Langkawi.

1. Lack of Public transportation

Mass public transportation is non-existent in Langkawi. Travel options for tourists are taxis, rental cars, motorbikes and bicycles. Taxis are available pretty much across the island, and run on a fixed rate system. They can be booked over the phone or simply hopping into one at the taxi ranks is also fine. However, make sure to hire a taxi with appropriate license to avoid brushing with the law. To explore the nooks and crannies of the island, where it is not easy to find a waiting taxi, renting a car, motorbike or a bicycle is a good idea. Use a reputed rental shop to avoid any tourist scams and do insist on getting a helmet when renting a motorcycle, as they are necessary to avoid any traffic fines. Insurance to cover the damage to a rented vehicle will also save a lot of trouble in case of an accident. Finally, drive on the left side of the road and stay clear of stray water buffalos and wildlife.

2. Duty Free Shopping

Langkawi is known as a shopping heaven that can be accessed without facing the final judgement. Big and small duty-free shops are spread across the island selling everything under the sun. Confectionaries, liquors, wine, tobacco, and electronics are crowd favourites. Kuah is the commercial hub of Langkawi and hosts two of the biggest shopping centres offering massive discounts. Boutique stores attract people searching for exquisite local handicrafts and traditional items such as batik songket and metal works.

3. Insects and Jellyfishes

Insects such as mosquitoes and flies are a nuisance on this island. The warm and humid weather, along with dense mangroves and vegetation nurture a wide species of insects and bugs. To avoid getting nasty bites, use an insect repellent whenever are out, especially in the rainforests or mangroves. Jellyfish are also a problem when going for a swim in the water. Langkawi’s beaches are swarmed with jellyfish in the first half of the year. Hence, before you get into the water, check with your hotel staff or locals for a jellyfish forecast and wear protective clothing to avoid any stings.

Just like the rest of Malaysia, Ringgit is the official currency of Langkawi. Most of the shops and hotels in Langkawi offer currency exchange services, but the rates are higher than the mainland Malaysia. There are not a lot of ATMs, and sometimes they do tend to run out of cash. Cash is widely used on the island and is the only option in most restaurants and small shops. A minimum of 5% tip is customary when eating in restaurants. High end cafes and restaurants usually attach a service charge to the bill as well.

5. Religion and Culture

Although a number of religions are practised in Langkawi, Islam is the most widespread. Hence, dress appropriately in general and especially when visiting any religious sites. Cover your knees and hands when you are visiting mosques or temples. Langkawi’s culture is a colourful blend of Malaysian, Indian, Indonesian, Chinese and other South east countries. Malay is the official language, but English is commonly spoken and understood by the islanders.

6. Thean Hou Temple, Langkawi

Needless to say every visitor should stay wary of scammers and pick pockets thriving in the presence of crowds of gullible tourists. Be informed and safe to make the most of your once in a life time Langkawi experience.

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• Top Things To See And...

Top Things to See and Do in Langkawi, Malaysia

Langkawi provides tourists with everything they could dream of in a tropical wonderland: beaches, mountains, wildlife, islands, mangroves, duty-free shopping and alcohol. From climbing the highest peak to feeding eagles and visiting the island’s largest mosque, here are Culture Trip’s picks of the best things to do in Langkawi.

1. eagle square.

Eagle Square, or Dataran Lang, dominates the skyline at Kuah Bay. The 12-metre, (39 feet) reddish-brown monument forms Langkawi’s emblem. According to local stories, the island’s name is an amalgam of both helang, or ‘ eagle’ and ‘kawi’ which translates to reddish-brown in old Malay. Terraces, fountains and bridges fill the surrounding area along Kuah Bay creating an attractive environment at any time of the day. Tourists can find delicious Malaysian food in the area, too.

Eagle Square, Kuah, Langkawi, Kedah

The iconic eagle statue on Dataran Lang | © mynikfoto/Flickr

Explore Langkawi’s Islands

Langkawi houses approximately 100 smaller islands in its Andaman Sea archipelago. The UNESCO Pulau Dayang Bunting , translated as ‘Pregnant Maiden Island’, features a mountain lake. Pulau Singa Besar is another popular island famous for its eagle feeding. Several other inhabited and uninhabited islands surround Langkawi and can be reached as part of a tour or hiring a boat.

3. Gunung Raya

Located near Langkawi’s centre, Gunung Raya reaches 881 metres (2890 feet). Tourists have three options to reach the summit of Langkawi’s tallest peak: either drive, join a tour, or hike. Renting a motorbike and driving to the top rates as one of the more fun things to do in Langkawi, while having a guide provides context. Active visitors can hike along the trail of more than 4000 steps , which covers a total distance of approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) to the top. A tower marks the summit with panoramic views. Hornbills, eagles and kingfishers call the jungle rainforest their home.

Gunung Raya, Langkawi, Kedah

4. Langkawi Cable Car

The Cable Car passes through three stations starting in Oriental Village at the foot of Machinchang, Langkawi’s second tallest. It takes approximately 15 minutes to ascend 708 metres (2323 feet) to the top up a steep gradient of 42° in some sections. Expect views of the mountains, valleys and rainforests as the gondola rises. According to some, the Langkawi Cable Car ranks among the top things to do in Langkawi. Others say it’s more of a tourist trap and not worth the admission fee. Expect dual pricing, long waiting times and to pay RM 1 ($0.25) extra to use the toilet.

Langkawi Cable Car, Oriental Village, Barau Bay, Langkawi , +604 959 4225

Opening hours: From 10:00am to 7:00pm Mondays to Thursdays; From 9:30am to 7:00pm Friday and Sunday

Admission Fee: RM40 ($10) for Malaysians; RM55 ($14) for Non-Malaysians

View from the Langkawi Cable Car | © RoB/WikiCommons

5. The Langkawi Sky Bridge and Sky Trail

Hit the beaches

Most tourists claim the best things to do in Langkawi are to simply enjoy the beaches. Clean white sand interspersed with palm trees against the gentle lapping sea can be the very definition of a paradise . Langkawi boasts several beaches, including Pantai Cenang, Tengkorak, Tanjung Rhu, Black Sand Beach, among many others. Popular water sports include banana boating, jet skiing, wakeboarding and parasailing. Pantai Cenang features one of the world’s most romantic sunsets .

6. Al Hana Mosque, Kuah Town

Building, Mosque, Park

The island’s largest religious building rarely features on the typical list of things to do in Langkawi. Completed in 1959, Al Hana Mosque functions as the central mosque in Langkawi catering to hundreds of local Muslims. Those with a keen eye for architecture might spot the unusual elements and motifs adapted from Uzbekistan decorating the exterior. Enter outside of prayer time to marvel at the large hall. Al Hana is a short walk from Eagle Square at the northern end of Taman Lagenda Park.

Al Hana, Kuah Town, Langkawi

The whitewashed facade of Al Hana Mosque | © CEphoto Uwe Aranas/WikiCommons

7. Langkawi Craft Complex

Located near Black Sand Beach, the Langkawi Craft Complex displays art and craft by local artists, reflecting the island’s rich cultural heritage. Different rooms feature various traditional handicraft while teaching visitors insights into batik painting and weaving. The Local Legends Hall depicts the story of Mahsuri, who was falsely accused of adultery and executed in the early 19th century. Tourists who want to have more of a cultural insight should consider putting the Craft Complex on their list of things to do in Langkawi.

Kompleks Kraf Langkawi, Jalan Teluk Yu, Mukim Bohor, Langkawi, Kedah , +604-959 1913

Opening hours: From 10:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Sunday.

Admission is free.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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WHERE LANGKAWI COMES TO LIGHT

Welcome to a land that is rich in culture, history, and legends; and to a brand new city that sits in the midst of it all.

Langkawi Cit y

Where the island dazzles.

Bask in the light that comes from the vibrancy of Langkawi City, where a multitude of things happen all at once. Home to a wholesomely unique experience for your discovery here in this new city centre, Langkawi City is the place where the brightest and most luminous come together, representing various people, cultures, and their stories. With the Maha Tower as the pinnacle of this development, Langkawi City is the epicentre of all the bustling happenings around the island, right in the middle of all these:

Langkawi is full of wondrous local customs, arts and crafts, and traditions. Starting from the local community that pours their heart and soul into expressing the essence of the island, Langkawi City aims to create an experience that outshines, with an impressive array of local dishes and handicraft that is solely unique to the island’s culture, just to name a few.

Unlocking The Local Passion

The island is famously saturated with rich history, and where myths and legends are showcased with utmost pride. Langkawi City serves as the ideal platform that aims to bring in curious tourists, as well as encourage the locals to display their own untold stories from the heart in a variety of illuminating ways.

Unlocking The Legends of Langkawi

The Maha Tower is set to become the new feature of prominence in Langkawi, and in turn making Langkawi City itself a landmark. With amenities that make this building iconic, visitors will find themselves stepping into a space that is filled with possibilities, stunning views on the daily, and a welcoming environment for folks from all walks of life.

Unlocking A Landmark of New Beginnings

Langkawi City offers the best aspects of the island, including the personalities and lifestyles of the locals, a place to thrive, and most importantly, a place for visitors to enjoy customised experiences like yacht rentals, cycling along the boulevard, and discovering hidden gems, to their fullest potential.

Unlocking A Life Well-lived

The New Legend

Of langkawi.

Opening up a new horizon from top down, the Maha Tower is a monument that transforms the skyline of Kuah Town, by cementing its position as the centrepiece of Langkawi City. Surrounding the tower is The Square, providing a place for locals and visitors alike to gather and experience the vibrant culture and shining community that Langkawi City has to offer.

With the need for office spaces within the central business district of Langkawi, Langkawi BLVD provides the perfect avenue for businesses to flourish, surrounded by key business amenities and facilities. Fully completed, Langkawi BLVD sees full occupancy with major corporate offices relocating to this new city centre of Langkawi.

A sensory playground for locals and visitors alike to savour authentic cuisines, indulge in stimulating entertainment, explore the local culture, discover old stories in a new light, and treasure the heritage of Langkawi. Langkawi Ave is the meeting point of history and modernity, culture and community, set in the heart of a thriving landmark development.

Come home to a spacious dwelling to relax and rejuvenate, where the soothing tides of the Andaman Sea meets modern amenities, bringing the spoils of contemporary living for a perfect retreat. Own the privilege of a residential haven next to an iconic monument – the Maha Tower & Square.

Whether it is an exciting family getaway or a relaxing private retreat, treat yourself to the luxuries of the island as you bask in the shimmering glow of the Andaman Sea. From the comfort of the sunset bar and restaurant, you’re all set to enjoy the best of Langkawian hospitality.

• Tower & Square
• Shop Offices
• Lifestyle Retail shops
• Residential
• Hotel, Private villas & marina

THE MAKING OF A RADIANT ICON

One of the best things in life is a stunning view, hence with this in mind, the Maha Tower was conceptualised. Visitors can rise up and take in the beauty of Langkawi Island within the same tower that adds a unique and impressive presence to the existing landscape.

Envisioned as a new landmark public space with a performance stage to boot, the Dataran will serve as the hub of a neighbourhood masterplan containing world-class retail, residential zones, hotels, and entertainment facilities. The Maha Tower and Square will support the goals of the Langkawi Local Plan 2030, which is aimed at establishing the island as a modern tourism centre without compromising its traditional elements.

UNLOCKING THE CHARM OF A THRIVING ISLAND

Emerging off the coast of Northern Peninsular Malaysia and dubbed the ‘Monaco of the East’, Langkawi is a stunning archipelago of 99 islands. It’s a land rich in culture, history, and legends.

This exquisite tourist destination sees a footfall of over 3 million visitors annually, all yearning to unravel the charm of this humble yet bustling island that merges the old with new through myths and cutting-edge technology, that all comes together in the new city centre of Langkawi for a distinct island experience.

Langkawi also hosts international events every year; from regattas, Ironman triathlon, Le Tour De Langkawi to the World Amateur Inter Team Golf Championship and Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA).

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Located in the centre of langkawi’s heartbeat.

Langkawi City is a 28.5-acre integrated commercial development situated in Kuah Town, Langkawi’s most prestigious business address. Its prime location places the development at the centre of convenience, with direct access to the Kuah Jetty and a mere 15 minutes away from the Langkawi International Airport.

Popular tourist attractions such as Dataran Lang, The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, and the Gunung Raya Golf Club, along with internationally recognised luxury hotels such as The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa, and The St. Regis Langkawi Resort is within a 2km radius from the development.

GPS Coordinates: 6°19'12.2"N 99°50'50.1"E

WHERE NATURE'S BEAUT Y OUTSHINES THE REST

Surrounded by the natural turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, Langkawi houses a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills, encompassing its inhabitants in nature’s beauty. Nature lovers are able to enjoy its pristine shorelines fringed by powder-fine sand and gentle swaying coconut trees, or trek amongst its majestic mangroves and lush rainforest mountains.

In addition to its natural beauty, Langkawi offers world-class attractions such as a scenic ride on the world’s steepest cable car over an impressive 1.7km, the world’s longest curve suspension bridge on top of the Machinchang mountain, and Malaysia’s largest aquarium at Underwater World Langkawi.

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Book now and bask in the grandeur of Langkawi from above.

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Where to Stay in Langkawi: Best Towns & Hotels

The Malaysian paradise island of Langkawi is a perfect combination of white sandy beaches, clear turquoise waters, thick luscious jungle and mountainous landscapes. But the island has seen much development in recent years and is easy to reach by boat and plane at the international airport.

Map of Places to Stay in Langkawi

Langkawi boasts many luxury 5-star resorts with private beaches and gardens, but there is something for everyone’s budget with clean and inviting backpacker accommodation still very popular. The island is just waiting to be explored and is best done by renting your own transport and traveling along the lush jungle roads and to the lesser known hidden beaches. Here’s a look at the most popular destinations on the island to help you decide where to stay in Langkawi:

Pantai Cenang

Stay in the popular resort of Pantai Cenang along its palm-lined curved white sand beach and find yourself where all the action takes place. This is the busiest beach on the island and is packed full of people wanting to enjoy the sun, views of the clear Andaman Sea and try out one of the many water sports on offer.

Accommodation in this family-friendly area is very varied, from basic backpacker beach huts, to mid-range resorts and a handful upper end, all-inclusive hotels, so there is something to suit everyone’s budget. A lot of the bigger resorts are open to the beach and have manicured gardens and beachside pool areas along with restaurants and bars.

Pantai Cenang is about a 15 minute drive from the main airport in Langkawi and is easy to reach by taxi. The area has many different cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from, many of which serving a wide range of dishes from various cultures.

Best Places to Stay in Pantai Cenang

Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort – Immaculately maintained, and with staff who make guests feel well looked after, this 5-star resort hotel is set along the sandy beachside. Spend your time here chilling in the luxury wooden chalets, enjoying spa treatments, reclining on the private beach, swimming in one of the outdoor pools, and dining in one of four restaurants on offer. Rooms here overlook the ocean or the tropical gardens and are a relaxing, stylish space to spend your free time. Guests can make use of a babysitting service, and there’s a gym as well as water sports activities to try out.

Telaga Terrace Boutique Resort – This resort comes complete with everything you’ll need to make your holiday as fun as possible. There’s an outdoor pool, a wellness center, and other handy things on offer – including bicycle hire. As you’d expect from a boutique hotel, rooms are simple, cozy and stylish, and come with touches of Eastern-inspired decoration. Set in a quiet end of the town, less than a ten-minute walk from here and you can feel the sand between your toes at Cenang Beach or stroll to the nearby Cenang Supermarket, complete with its own food court. The Rice Museum is less than 500 meters away, too.

Nadias Hotel Cenang Langkawi – Located right in the center of Cenang Beach in a lively area, this newly-built hotel features simple, modern rooms perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep, but it is also in the middle of the action. A rooftop bar looks over the street and the ocean, so you can spend time soaking up sunsets and watching people in the square below. Next door to the hotel is the Cenang Mall, and around the area is a wide choice of seafood restaurants and food vendors. If you want some time away from the buzz of the area, you can take a relaxing swim in the hotel pool or chill out in the Jacuzzi.

Just a short walk from the main ferry terminal in Langkawi is Kuah Town. Built on reclaimed land close to the water, Kuah is the biggest town on Langkawi and is where most people will arrive on the island.

he town isn’t the idyllic picture of a paradise island that you might have imagined as your boat pulls in to the dock; Kuah is more about the shopping rather than its beaches. The port town is still a good place to stay if you are looking for accommodation close to transport links and on a budget.

Kuah town itself is lined with duty-free shops which sell everything you could ever want, from perfume to tobacco and a whole lot more. Accommodation is cheaper here than on the rest of the island, but there is one five star spa resort here as well!

Best Places to Stay in Kuah

The St. Regis Langkawi – For travelers who want a tropical retreat surrounded by the jungle, this dreamy 5-star hotel could be your dream destination. Sit back and relax in a world of luxurious calm as the staff at this hotel help you out with every request and create a wonderfully low-key ambiance. Select one of the various suites on offer and wake up to views of the lush rainforest, or have direct access to the hotel pool – there are also panoramic sunset villas. The location of this resort means that you’ll be surrounded by nature, so don’t be surprised to see birds of paradise fly by your window!

Adya Hotel Langkawi – With a chic touch of Moroccan style, this modern hotel offers amazing facilities and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is close to the Langkawi Shopping Complex as well as Kuah Night Market, so guests will get the chance to enjoy a slice of local life – or just spend days gazing out across the ocean from the pool. The hotel features Muslim-friendly facilities, such as a female-only pool and a halal restaurant, which means everyone can enjoy a stress-free holiday.

The Ocean Residence Langkawi – With its huge array of stylish rooms, suites, and villas to choose from, this hotel provides a friendly and welcoming place for many different types of travelers. Families can enjoy holidays here in deluxe family rooms, while couples can opt for a privacy in their own deluxe villa. Whatever your travel requirements, you’re bound to love stepping from your sun terrace right into the swimming pool, or relaxing in peace and quiet surrounded by mountains as the sun sets. This 3-star offering features its own restaurant, but there are also many local restaurants – such as Mahsuri Bamboo – plus there’s a selection of food stalls just a ten-minute walk away.

If you are on Langkawi to soak up the sun in luxurious surroundings then Pantai Kok is the area for you. The beach here is clean and beautiful and is perfect for those looking for some relaxation during their holiday. The high-end accommodation available in Pantai Kok comes with stunning views and beautiful attention to detail.

Nearby is the contemporary Telaga Harbour which houses everything you should need during your stay: shopping, bars and restaurants as well as amenities such as a bank and a post office. The depths of the jungle is never far away on Langkawi and nearby is the fun cable-car to the top of Mat Cincang Mountain and the Telaga Tujuh Waterfall.

Best Places to Stay in Pantai Kok

Berjaya Langkawi Resort – Set right on the fringes of the rainforest on the water’s edge, this resort is pretty much a honeymooner’s dream. This decidedly 5-star resort is made up of a range of traditional Malay-style villas that are all connected by wooden boardwalks; utterly stylish and serene, some villas sit on stilts over the water itself. Indulge yourself by spending time watching the sky change color over the stunning scenery, dine with your over half over a candlelit dinner at one of four restaurants, sip cocktails at one of the three bars and unwind in the outdoor pool.

The Danna Langkawi – Boasting high standards of luxury, this elegant, colonial-style hotel features staff who work hard so that guests have an amazing stay. There’s so much on offer at The Danna Langkawi that you’ll find it hard to leave the comfort to explore the rest of the island. Enjoy days sunbathing on the private beach, cool off in the super impressive infinity pool, and when you’re hungry, tuck into the delicious food at any one of the three onsite restaurants. Rooms come with wooden floors, huge comfortable beds, and boast the ultimate in luxury – including a rain shower.

Teluk Datai

Teluk Datai (or Datai Bay) is all about luxury resorts. The stunning sandy beaches and lush green of nature play home to the swanky, exclusive hideaways for those holidaymakers who don’t want to lift a finger during their holiday. Choosing to stay in one of the lavish resorts means you will have access to the wonderful facilities such as spas, quality restaurants and golf courses.

This is the kind of Malaysian resort that you simply won’t want to leave once you have arrived as the hotels here have everything you should possibly need. The nearby area doesn’t have a lot in terms of tourist attractions apart from the Langkawi Crocodile Farm.

Hotels in the Datai Bay will also be able to arrange transport around the island for you to visit various tourist locations – if you can peel yourself away from your sunlounger that is!

Where to Stay in Teluk Datai

The Datai Langkawi – Like staying among the ruins of a secret jungle temple, this hotel is designed to seamlessly fit into its natural surroundings. A unique place to stay, especially if you like being close to nature, rooms are nestled amongst the tropical flowers. There’s also access to a pristine private beach, which is great since the sea on this part of the island is crystal clear – perfect for swimming and great for snorkeling. The Els golf club is a five-minute drive away and is great for those who like a spot of golf.

Tanjung Rhu

Tanjung Rhu could secretly be the best spot on the whole of Langkawi. Along the jungle road, through the thick of the trees and on to the fine, sandy, stretch of sand that is Tanjung Rhu beach. A favorite with Malaysian visitors and even locals on the island, the beach is still and quiet with only a handful of hotels in the area.

The beachside restaurants around here are small, family-run places that serve up some of the most delicious, fresh food on the island at very reasonable prices. Enjoy discovering the local cuisine with a view of the crystal clear ocean and then after take an afternoon stroll among the soft mangrove sand.

The coastline here looks out onto bewitching karst rock formations and many places offer boat trips or guided kayak tours to discover the surrounding seas for yourself.

Where to Stay in Tanjung Rhu

Tanjung Rhu Resort – Situated on a secluded private beach, this resort is the perfect spot for people looking for a quiet place to relax among spectacular seaside surroundings. Rooms are decorated in simple, neutral colours and, along with wooden shutters, hardwood floors and woven rattan furnishings, have the feeling of seamlessly connecting with the tropical landscape outside. It boasts five separate restaurants, a freshwater swimming pool, and lagoon pool. There’s a handy kid’s club too – perfect for when you want to hit the spa for a spot of unwinding.

Pantai Tengah

Just around the bay from Pantai Cenang is the more laid-back Pantai Tengah. Relaxing is the main activity here: spend your days laying on the golden sands, taking a dip in the ocean to cool off and then maybe a spot of lunch at a beachside cafe. This is the longest expanse of beach on Langkawi, which means there is plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the blissful surroundings.

The beach has a boho atmosphere and is where you will find many backpackers, who stay in one of the many budget guesthouses a little bit further inland – but still in easy walking distance to the beach. There are also beachside resorts here with their own pools and beachside bars for those who have a little more money to spend.

Small bars, restaurants and shops line the main road that runs parallel to the beach and serve a range of food from Lebanese and Italian to traditional Malay curries.

Where to Stay in Pantai Tengah

Ambong Ambong Langkawi – Get away from the stress of the modern world at this adult-only hotel, where you can escape your hectic schedule. It’s truly a rainforest retreat, so don’t be surprised if you get a visit from local monkeys every morning! Rooms here are a mix of rustic jungle materials with high-end design, to create a comfortable, authentic environment to enjoy the amazing tranquility of the surrounding nature. The staff here are always very helpful and approachable, whilst the hotel restaurant serves up tasty food.

Padang Matsirat

Close to Langkawi International airport, you should stay in Padang Matsirat if you want to discover more about the local life on Langkawi. The area has little in way of public beaches, but does have some lovely resorts with private waterfront access.

You will probably want to rent your own transport if you stay in this area so that you can travel around the various interesting sites such as the cultural Batik Art Village, the historically significant Field of Burnt Rice and, if you fancy a spot of retail therapy, the modern Air Hangat Village.

On a Sunday night Padang Matsirat holds its own night market, which is a great place to go if you are looking to sample a whole load of tasty local food, often for very low prices.

Where to Stay in Padang Matsirat

The Smith House – A great budget stay that’s in easy reach of the airport – handy if you’re arriving by plane – this hotel more than exceeds expectations when it comes to value for money. While not located close to a beach, the hotel’s rooftop pool more than makes up for that with its incredible views across the mountains. Rooms are very clean, super modern, and decorated in a trendy boutique design. The hotel cafe and restaurant is a comfortable place to enjoy meals, or you can relax with a book in the hotel library.

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Tourist Information Centers in Langkawi

Langkawi Tourist Information Center

Kedah Tourism Office

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CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Langkawi – Malaysia

Cruise port Porto Malai – Langkawi – Malaysia: docked

Shuttle services

Most cruise lines offer a shuttle service to the nearest beach (Cenang beach) or town. Please check with the front office on board if this will be the case for your cruise.

There are plenty of taxis available at the Langkawi cruise dock. Official taxis are red and taxi vans are white coloured. There are usually also a handful of taxis at the cruise dock. These taxis are usually more expensive than the ones waiting for you at the exit of the port, which is around 200 yard walk. Negotiate a price before you step into the taxi. A taxi to the city centre usually costs around 80-100 RM one way. Taxis vans also quite commonly offer their “shuttle” service to the Cenang beach for just a few dollars per person.

Local Currency

The local currency is Ringgit Malaysia (RM). Please keep in mind some places take US dollars, some do not. There is usually a currency exchange facility at the dock. Your cruise ship might also offer exchange services for this currency.

If you would like to visit one of the many islands surrounding Porto Malai you can do this by organised shore excursion. Alternatively you can arrange an excursion in port at one of the local tour operators at Resort world Langkawi. You can also find some local boats who are more than happy to take give you a tour of the islands. You can find them just outside Resort world Langkawi. Find their exact location in the map above. These boats are about a 10 minute walk from the dock.

Beaches near the cruise terminal

There is a small beach just outside Resort World Langkawi at 10 minutes walking distance. This beach has no facilities and we couldn’t really recommend is. The nearest beach with facilities is Penang beach.

Travel information Malaysia

Official currency – Ringgit Accepts Us dollars – are often accepted Creditcards – are widely accepted

Drives on the – left Timezone – UTC +8

About Malaysia

Inhabitants – 30 million Official language – Bahasa Malaysia Capital city – Kuala Lumpur

Malaysian Federation Government – Federal parliamentary constitutional monarchy

Malaysian language

Good day – Hari yang baik How are you? – Apa khabar? Thank you – Terima Kasih Cruise ship – Kapal pester Port – Pelabuhan

Also look at our cruise port guides for:

Port Klang Singapore Rangoon Penang

Find your port of call:

• Mediterranean
• Norway – Cruise port guides
• Baltic & Scandinavia
• British isles
• Western Europe
• French Polynesia
• North America
• Central America
• Southeast Asia
• North Africa
• Middle East

Langkawi cruise dock

Cruise ships visiting Langkawi can dock at Porto Malai. Here you will find a large cruise pier with a great facility center in front of it. From the cruise dock you will need transportation to visit the nearby attractions. Read all about this is our full Langkawi cruise port guide.

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