Langkawi Travel Guide
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. Whether you're looking for a relaxed holiday or an adventurous trip, you'll find something for you in Langkawi.
Photo Credits: @bellaestrella.co
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 a perfect vacation in Langkawi!
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How to Go to 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 via a ferry. Ferries also run between two destinations in Thailand - Koh Lipe and Satun.
We took an AirAsia flight to Langkawi. The flight was about 1.5 hours and prices can start from as low as $150 round trip (depending on when you travel)!
Best Time To Visit Langkawi
Soak in the slow life during sunset. Photo Credit: @elyshanorizal
Unlike most other islands in Malaysia where 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 March - November), making it perfect for a vacation all-year-round. We went in June and it was bright and sunny throughout our 4D3N trip!
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 Around Langkawi
We recommend travelling around Langkawi by car as there is no public transport on Langkawi. Some options are renting a car, getting 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! For our trip, we just booked a Grab car or taxi to get around. The rides are priced very affordably (starting from RM6 for 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).
Don't forget to also book your airport transfer for a convenient pick up from Langkawi International Airport right upon touchdown.
Best Things To Do In Langkawi
1. Spend Time By The Beach
Photo Credits: @evelynzhuu ; 📍 Pantai Cenang
Langkawi is home to amazing stretches of beautiful beaches! Slap on (a lot of) sunscreen, put on your sunglasses and spend a day basking in the sun.
Photo Credits: @northabroad, northabroad.com ; 📍Tanjung Rhu
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 something more relaxing and laid-back.
There are plenty of watersports to indulge in as well, from banana boat to parasailing, kayaking, and more! Be sure to check out the various kiosks along the beach and take your pick or pre-book below to avoid disappointment!
2. Ride The Famous Langkawi SkyCab
Did you know that the Langkawi Cable Car is 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.
We definitely recommend getting the glass-bottom gondola so you can take in the views all around!
Photo Credit: @syaraff
The cable car leads up to the Top Station, where you can hop off and enjoy a stroll and a sensational view from the magnificent Langkawi Sky Bridge, which is 2,300ft above sea level! This bridge is also amongst the longest curved pedestrian bridges in the world and offers 360° panoramic views of the island.
#KlookTip: Get your discounted combo tickets on Klook, inclusive of tickets for the Langkawi SkyCab Cable Car, SkyDome, Skyrex, and admission to 3D Art Langkawi.
3. Go on a Sunset Cruise
Photo Credits: @peter_mylife
Kredit Foto: @ali_shehzad_paul
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. Be sure to pack your swimming attire for a dip in the jacuzzi net to cool it off after a satisfying feast.
Kredit Foto: @waiwaichen
Photo Credits: @rei_f_rachel
#KlookTip: Book this popular experience on Klook at a discounted rate, inclusive of an English speaking guide, a set meal, and insurance. You can also opt for the package that comes with a hotel transfer.
4. Hop on a Pontoon Fun Cruise
Grab your buddies and hop over to Your World of Joy on a Klook Pontoon Fun Cruise! We had a whopping good time on this 4-hour cruise, which will take you out for some water activities before heading to a secret sunset spot where you can watch the sunset over the sparkly horizon.
You may wanna just sit back, chill out and enjoy the sea breeze on the boat, but we are sure that you can't resist diving into some water activities. Did you know that there is a built-in swing and slide on the boat itself? Besides that, you can also go on a thrilling banana boat ride, and try your hand at kayaking and stand up paddling!
Dinner bento boxes and ice-cold drinks are also provided onboard, so don't worry if your stomach is growling after a whole afternoon of fun.
P/S Trust us when we say that Langkawi has some of the best sunsets ever - Bali whaaaat? Here's a sneak peek into the golden hour views that we thoroughly enjoyed. There's definitely something different about getting to catch a sunset out at sea!
Note: Pontoon cruise can fit up to 10pax onboard
5. Go Island Hopping
Island hopping is a must-do fun activity when in Langkawi! Hop on a speedboat and explore unique islands blessed with crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. Our favourite spots to explore were the Pulau Dayung Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden) where we enjoyed some time on a pedal kayak, and Pulau Singa Besar, where you can witness magnificent eagles feeding right before your eyes.
On this island hopping tour, your first stop is Pulau Dayung Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden). Take a short 15-minute hike and you will reach the beautiful Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, Langkawi's largest fresh water lake!
Go for a swim, take part in paddle boarding or choose to relax at a natural catfish spa - do note that expenses for water activities are not included. You will have to make payment at the counters here. We chose to rent a pedal kayak and explored the lake on it.
Your second stop is to Pulau Singa Besar, where you will get a chance to watch an eagle feeding session up close! Langkawi is home to two types of eagles, mainly the White-Bellied Eagle and the Brahminy Kite. You will get to see both in action on this leg of the tour!
For your third and final stop, you'll spend some time at Pulau Beras Basah! This island features cute colourful houses that make for adorable photospots, or you can dive into more watersports available!
#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!
Island Hopping via Jetski
If you want to add even more adventure to your island-hopping expedition - we recommend doing the jetski version. We definitely enjoyed this! After all what could be better than an island hopping tour when you get to do your own 'cruising'?
You'll take to the open waters and visit various islands via jetski! Don't worry if you've never gone on one before - no experience is necessary and there will be a guide to keep you safe!
6. Visit The 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!
7. Explore the Mangroves on a Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark Adventure Cruise
Nature lover or not - the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark Adventure Cruise is a must-do when you're in Langkawi! Besides its gorgeous white-sand beaches and sparkling waters, its sprawling mangrove forests are quite a spectacular sight to behold too!
Your guide will take you up close to the mangroves, and you'll get to learn more about the history of nature's wonders at Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. You will also get to see and learn more about the limestone caves and formations - and if you're lucky - spot cute little crabs, mudskippers and other wildlife!
8. Try Ziplining at SKYTREX Adventure Langkawi
Itching for an adrenaline rush? Fly over Langkawi's beautiful rainforest on a thrilling zipline adventure! Each trail showcases different difficulty levels with a range of challenges along the circuits: Eagle Thrill, and Extreme Challenge:
- Little Legend Adventure (features relaxed zipline rides from tree to tree and balancing on obstacle bridges)
- Eagle Thrill (dare to conquer height-induced obstacles such as the Flying Fox, Plank Bridge and many more)
- Island Extreme (most difficult level! Houses 35 notorious tasks that would make even the biggest thrill-seeker tremble in fear. Participants have to go through the Saddle, Cargo Net Up, X Bridge, Surf Board and more)
Which will you pick?
9. Snorkelling And Diving
Photo Credits: @andrewchoojh
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, clown fish, and even baby reef sharks on your adventure.
Photo Credits: @explorernico
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
10. ATV Adventure
If you're looking for an adventurous way to explore the island, hop on an ATV for an adrenaline-pumped 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!
11. Splash Out Water Theme 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.
Photo Credits: @splashoutlangkawi_waterpark
Ride 5-food waves at the Wild Water, plunge down twisting water slides, and catch a barrelful of water at the Big Splash Kingdom. You can easily spend a full day here going on all the thrilling rides.
12. Shop For Duty-Free Gifts
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!
13. Go Cafe Hopping
Langkawi is a fantastic place to go cafe hopping - the entire island is dotted with many hidden gems just waiting to be discovered! Some of our favourites include:
- Hidden Langkawi
- Loaf Cafe
- Tapaz Langkawi
If you're looking for excellent breakfast options - head to Loaf! For delectable lunch and lazy afternoon snacks, we recommend Hidden Langkawi and Tapaz Langkawi. Hidden Langkawi is a beachside cafe, so you can head down to the sandy shore for a seaside stroll once you're done, while Tapaz Langkawi offers tasty bites paired with a sea view.
14. Dream Forest Langkawi
Image credit: Klook Review Lay Peng
Enter the mystical and magical world of Dream Forest Langkawi, a teamLab-esque attraction that's sure to sweep you off your feet. Touting itself as the first-of-its-kind experience in Malaysia, Dream Forest Langkawi is a multi-sensory and immersive adventure set in the lush tropical landscape of Langkawi's rainforest.
Wander down the footpath and enjoy the sparkling sights and sounds as you learn more about the epic myths and legends of Langkawi's Princess Dayang Bunting, Tun Teja, Merong Mahawangsa and the Giants of Langkawi come to life with interactive digital technology, illuminations, and ethereal soundscapes!
Where To Stay In Langkawi
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.
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.
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