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  • Complete Langkawi Travel Guide: Plan A Perfect Trip To Malaysia's Tropical Paradise

    Eunis Ong
    Eunis Ong
    Last updated 21 Mar 2024
    langkawi itinerary travel guide

    Photo Credits: @clasizuka, @miziemohd92

    Hello, Langkawi!

    Langkawi Pantai Cenang
    Photo Credits: @bellaestrella.co
    Also known as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is a popular getaway destination in Malaysia, perfect for a vacation with family or friends! Made up of 99 islands on the northwestern coast of Malaysia, this sunny tropical paradise is a charming spot for an exciting getaway.
    Jungle-clad hills, sandy beaches, duty-free chocolate, and swaying coconut trees are just some of the things to look forward to here. Keep reading for our complete guide to planning a perfect vacation in Langkawi with your loved ones.

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    Best Time To Visit Langkawi

    Langkawi Pantai Cenang Beach Travel Malaysia
    Photo Credits: @eiykinjaafar
    Unlike most islands in Malaysia where the weather is greatly affected by the monsoon season, Langkawi has a stable climate throughout the year. Temperatures here are fairly consistent and it doesn't rain much (though it's good to note that the rainy season falls between September - November), making it perfect for a vacation all year round.
    The best time to visit is during the dry season between December and February when it rarely rains, but do also note that these are the most popular months of the island, so it may get a bit more crowded as opposed to other months of the year!

    Getting To Langkawi

    Langkawi
    You can get to Langkawi by air or by sea! Most people take a flight into Langkawi International Airport and then hop on a private transfer to their hotel. Alternatively, you can also drive up to Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, or Penang and head over by boarding a ferry. The ferry service between Penang and Langkawi departs from Swettenham Pier Penang and has a sailing duration of approximately 2.5 hours.
    #KlookTip: Do note that there is no public transport on Langkawi - we'd highly recommend renting a car once you touchdown in order to enjoy a hassle-free adventure around the island.

    Where To Stay In Langkawi

    Langkawi Travel Beach
    The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi best 5 star hotel in Langkawi
    Photo Credit: @uniquepassports (Instagram)
    The Danna best hotel resort in langkawi
    Photo Credit: @catherine.s.s (Instagram)
    As Langkawi is one of Malaysia's top travel destinations, there are tons of accommodation options dotted across the island, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly homestay or hostel, or a luxury hotel with a private beach.
    Most hotels are located close to Kuah city, though there are also some secluded options that are perfect for travellers who wish to enjoy a peaceful stay. If you're looking for an easily accessible accommodation located in a strategic location, consider getting a place either in Kuah city or by the popular Pantai Cenang. Enjoy exclusive discounts when you book your Langkawi hotel stay on Klook here.

    Getting Around Langkawi

    Langkawi
    As there is no public transport on Langkawi, you'll have to plan your transport around the island accordingly. Thankfully Langkawi is a compact island that's not too difficult to get around, we suggest renting a car, motorbike, a private charter, or embarking on day tours for convenience.
    Grab is also widely available on the island, so don't worry if you need a short ride! You can also rent a bicycle, or get around with a taxi (do note that the cabs in Langkawi use a fixed rate system and not a meter though - so even a short ride may cost up to RM15).
    Best ways to get around Langkawi:
    Don't forget to also book your airport transfer for a convenient pick up from Langkawi International Airport right upon touchdown.

    Things To Do In Langkawi

    1. Spend Time By The Beach

    Langkawi Pantai Cenang Sunset
    Photo Credits: @evelynzhuu ; 📍 Pantai Cenang
    Langkawi Tanjung Rhu beach
    Photo Credits: @northabroad, northabroad.com ; 📍Tanjung Rhu
    Langkawi is home to amazing stretches of beautiful beaches - you can simply slap on some sunscreen, put on your sunglasses and spend a full day basking in the sun. The most popular beaches in Langkawi are Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah, though you can also head to the less-touristy stretches such as Tanjung Rhu Beach if you're looking for a more relaxing and laid-back vibe.

    2. Ride The Famous Langkawi SkyCab

    Langkawi Cable Car
    Langkawi Cable Car Skybridge
    Photo Credits: @jiaxern
    MY BM Kereta Kabel Langkawi Skycab Percutian Malaysia
    Kredit Foto: @johannakalda
    Langkawi Sky Bridge Malaysia
    Photo Credits: @bosleygaming
    Did you know that the Langkawi Cable Car occupies a spot on the Malaysia Book of Records for being 'The Longest Free Span Mono-Cable'? Hop on the cable car and marvel at spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and the sea right beneath your feet. The cable car leads up to the magnificent Langkawi Sky Bridge located 2,300ft above sea level - this bridge is amongst the longest curved pedestrian bridges in the world and offers 360° panoramic views of the island.

    3. Catch A Sunset Onboard A Cruise

    Langkawi Sunset Cruise
    Photo Credits: @peter_mylife
    Langkawi Sunset Cruise
    Kredit Foto: @ali_shehzad_paul
    Langkawi Sunset Cruise
    Kredit Foto: @waiwaichen
    Langkawi Sunset Cruise Travel Beach Malaysia
    Photo Credits: @rei_f_rachel
    This is definitely an experience you have to add to your itinerary! Catch a breathtaking sunset over the tranquil Andaman Sea while enjoying dinner aboard a yacht while in Langkawi - be sure to pack your swimming attire for a dip in the jacuzzi net to cool it off after a satisfying feast.
    #KlookTip: Book this popular experience on Klook at a discounted rate, inclusive of an English speaking guide and insurance. You can also opt for the package that comes with a hotel transfer.

    4. Go Island Hopping

    Langkawi Island Hopping
    Photo Credits: @waaaanizulkifli
    Langkawi Island Hopping
    Photo Credits: @______vyean______
    Langkawi Pantai Cenang Beach Travel
    Photo Credits: @ivvvvvvvvy
    Island hopping is a must-do fun activity when in Langkawi - all you have to do is hop on a speedboat and start exploring unique islands blessed with crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. Our favourite islands in Langkawi include the Beras Basah Island (Wet Rice Island), Pulau Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), and Pulau Singa Besar, where you can witness magnificent eagles feeding right before your eyes.
    #KlookTip: Book your tour on Klook inclusive of hotel transfers and a professional English-speaking guide. You can enjoy a wide variety of activities including paddle boarding, swimming, and eagle watching on this fun tour!
    Book a private island adventure and spend an unforgettable day at Paradise 101, a picturesque private island where you can enjoy tons of water activities including kayaking, banana boat ride, ziplining, and more. You'll also get access to Paradise 101's inflatable Aqua Park and OMG Bar when you book your exclusive pass on Klook.

    5. Visit The Langkawi Underwater World

    Langkawi Underwater World
    Photo Credits: @j_sriselvam
    The Langkawi Underwater World is one of the largest aquariums in Malaysia - it's home to 4,000 different aquatic species and is almost six acres big! Our favourite part of the space is the gigantic, 15 meter-long tunnel where you can get up-close and personal with sharks, giant stingrays, groupers, and turtles. You can also befriend adorable penguins at the Penguinarium here!
    #KlookTip: Skip-the-queue with direct entry admission tickets from Klook! Tickets are discounted, open-dated, and you can enter directly with your mobile or printed voucher - easy-peasy.

    6. Jungle Trekking

    Langkawi Jungle Trekking
    If you're a nature lover, you can embark on a jungle trekking adventure and explore the beautiful Langkawi rainforest that's home to exotic tropical flora and fauna. These hiking tours are perfect for people of all ages, including children. You may come across gentle creatures such as flying lemurs, mouse deer, and civets on your adventure through a rain forest that dates back 500 million years!

    7. Try Ziplining

    Langkawi Ziplining
    Photo Credits: @rayan.alshali
    Langkawi Ziplining
    Photo Credits: @rayan.alshali
    Langkawi Ziplining
    Photo Credits: @firdhausrahmat7
    Itching for an adrenaline rush? Fly over Langkawi's beautiful rainforest on a thrilling zipline adventure! Choose to ride a zipline over a lush jungle canopy, or one that swings over a spectacular waterfall (we personally love the waterfall option!). To level up your adventure, opt for the special 3-in-1 experience that comes with a waterfall adventure, a Malay gastronomic experience, and a fun swim at the waterfalls.

    8. Snorkelling

    Langkawi Pulau Payar Snorkelling
    Photo Credits: @andrewchoojh
    Langkawi Snorkelling
    Photo Credits: @explorernico
    Don't leave Langkawi without spending time in the water! Langkawi's crystal clear waters are great to snorkel and dive in - you'll come across exotic coral reefs and marine life like moray eels, clownfish, and baby reef sharks on your adventure.
    Here are some great snorkelling spots across the island:
    • Pulau Payar Marine Park
    • Tanjung Rhu Beach
    • Langkawi Coral
    • Datai Bay Beach
    • Pulau Beras Basah
    • Pulau Timun
    • Pulau Kentut

    9. Ride an ATV

    Langkawi ATV
    If you're looking for an adventurous way to explore the island, hop on an ATV for an adrenaline-pumping journey that you will never forget. Explore the countryside of Langkawi including paddy fields, a traditional village, waterfalls, and a rubber plantation from aboard an ATV. The experience is a lot of fun, but be sure to bring along a cap to protect yourself from getting sunburnt, slap on enough sunscreen, and put on some good shoes to thoroughly enjoy the experience!

    10. Splash Out Water Theme Park

    Langkawi Splash Out Water Park
    Photo Credits: @splashoutlangkawi_waterpark
    Langkawi Splash Out Water Park
    Photo Credits: @splashoutlangkawi_waterpark
    This one's a great activity if you're travelling with children. Splash Out is Langkawi's famous water theme park with tons of fun rides and attractions for both the young and the young-at-heart. Ride 5-foot waves at the Wild Water, plunge down twisting water slides, and catch a barrelful of water at the Big Splash Kingdom at Splash Out Langkawi. You can easily spend half a day here going through the many thrilling rides.

    11. Shop For Duty-Free Gifts

    Langkawi Duty Free Chocolates
    Langkawi has been Malaysia's popular duty-free island since 1987! Travellers often leave with bags full of duty-free chocolate, tobacco, cosmetics, and alcohol. The island is dotted with huge duty-free shopping centers, mostly located in Kuah Town or along Pantai Cenang. Be sure to allocate extra space in your luggage so you can bring home your souvenirs and gifts!

    Other Langkawi Travel Tips

    1. Pre-Book Your Tickets And Activities

    Langkawi Skybridge
    Photo Credits: @syaraff
    Save some bucks by pre-booking discounted passes to attractions and activities in Langkawi such as Splash Out Water Theme Park, the Langkawi SkyCab, or an island hopping tour. Not only you can enjoy discounts, you'll also be able to earn Klook Credits for extra savings off your next adventure, and discover fun things to do on our site! Check out our full list of offerings here.

    2. What To Eat In Langkawi

    Seafood is the specialty of Langkawi, and you can enjoy a wide range of local delicacies including authentic Malay and Chinese cuisine on the island. You can find popular restaurants serving relatively cheap fresh seafood at tourist-friendly areas like Kuah, Pantai Cenang, and Pantai Tengah.
    There are also a lot of cute beachfront cafes where you can enjoy drinks (or cocktails) and catch a beautiful sunset. Some of our recommended spots to chill at include the Yellow Beach Cafe, The Cliff Restaurant & Bar, and The Nest Rooftop.

    More Langkawi Travel Guides

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