YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO LANGKAWI, THE JEWEL OF KEDAH MALAYSIA

Langkawi stole my heart in 2018 when I first visited for a friends wedding. This Malaysian island paradise has everything from pristine beaches to mystical waterfalls, UNESCO geoparks to also duty-free shopping, and to my surprise not very touristy like Bali.

Langkawi is stunning, and feels almost untouched if that makes sense with the lack of tourists. There are tourist of course, but not as crowded. Granted when we came, there was an Ironman competition that took place the entire island. Honestly, this place is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated destinations. While everyone’s wanting to go to Bali, Langkawi is there in the Andaman Sea, minding its own business with its pristine beaches, ancient rainforests, and mystical legends that date back centuries.

You can feed wild eagles in the UNESCO Geopark, slide down natural rock slides at Seven Wells Waterfall, swimming at empty white-sand beaches to eating the best seafood I’ve ever had and very reasonably priced too.

Heard so many stories about this island about a healing waterfall to a lake which if you visit it may help infertile women fertile which I heard can really happen. The island is also home to the Langkawi big five which are flying fox, flying snakes, flying squirrels, flying lemurs, and flying dragons!

This guide will cover what you will need to know about visiting Langkawi from practical tips to the best things to do in Langkawi, where to eat, where to stay, and how to make the most of your time on this beautiful island. Also How many day you need in Langkawi.

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How to get to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur?

To get to Langkawi is quite straightforward, and you’ve got two main options: flying or taking a ferry. Here’s what I recommend based on my experience:

Flying to Langkawi (What I Did)

I flew from the UK to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) then transfer to Langkawi International Airport 3 hours after arriving in KL, and it was super easy. The flight from KL to Langkawi takes about 45-50 minutes, which is much quicker than the ferry.

Airlines Operating to Langkawi:

• Malaysia Airlines — I flew with them from KLIA Terminal 1
• AirAsia — Budget option, flies from KLIA2
• Firefly
• Tiger Air (Singapore-based)
• Silk Air (Singapore-based)

My Experience: The reason why I chose Malaysia Airlines was timing as they operate from the same airport hub (just a different terminal), so I only needed about 30 minutes to transfer between terminals.

Airport Transfer in Langkawi: When you land at Langkawi International Airport (located in Padang Matsirat), you’ll need to get to your hotel. Options include:

• Airport taxi — Fixed rates, pay at the counter inside the airport before you exit
• Grab — The Malaysian version of Uber (more on this below)
• Hotel shuttle — Many resorts offer free pickup

I used the official airport taxi and paid around RM 25-35 depending on where we were going, and you can get the official taxi in the airport itself and pay before you go, so its all legit.

Taking the Ferry to Langkawi

There are many slow ferries that heads out to Langkawi daily from Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah or Penang. There are also ferries from the mainland which could be the cheapest option for getting to Langkawi and it takes around an hour and a half to reach the island and arriving at Kuah.

Ferry Departure Points:

• Kuala Perlis : Closest to Langkawi, about 1.5 hours
• Kuala Kedah : Also around 1.5 hours
• Penang : About 2.5-3 hours

Ferries run multiple times daily, and tickets are quite affordable (usually around RM 30-60 depending on route).

What is the Weather like in Langkawi?

Langkawi like most South Asian countries and island experiences 2 types of weather – hot and rain(Monsoon season). All year round the temperature is around 32 degrees. The hot dry season is from December to April, and sometimes you may find the waterfalls have less water and when we went in mid-November, it was running a little dry too.

The Monsoon season is from May to November, and you will experience torrential rain but normally last between 30 minutes to an hour or two and clears for sunny weather. Just bring an umbrella and you’ll be fine. There’s no right or wrong time to visit, except the waterfalls might have less flow during the dry season.

Get a Sim Card in Malaysia:

When in Kuala Lumpur airport, make sure to get a Sim card from the phone shops there. There will be several shops selling this, and you can get a good deal. The main operators in Malaysia are Maxis, Celcom, Digi, U Mobile, and Tune Talk. Check the deals amongst the shops there, normally they have prepaid sim card with tons of data and some calling minutes included or data for social media included.

Tip: I bought a Sim card with unlimited data plus minute on calling and texting and tethered it with my friend which ultimately saves costs. The local sim card will be useful for you to download the Grab car app which is the Uber in Malaysia.

WARNING – Malaysian telecoms reuse the sim card in a short space of time. Meaning when I got my sim card, the last person who had the same number might have had it 3 weeks ago. The main problem is with the Grab car app. Like Uber it registers your phone number, and my sim card was already registered to a previous person and I can’t use Grab car. I had to message them to fix the issue and that took days!

How to get around in Langkawi?

Langkawi has no public transportation, the best way to get around is by a renting a private car or motorbike or if you don’t drive like me, there’s a taxi or hire a private taxi where you can negotiate a daily price. But Grab taxi is much cheaper than a private car with driver in my personal opinion.

If you make friends with the Grab driver, or if you have a good vibe from them, what I did was we got his Whatsapp number and we can text him when we need him and he will use the Grab prices to take us if he is available.

Taxi: If your hotel does not provide a shuttle bus, you can get a taxi. When you arrive at Langkawi airport, as soon as you get out from the gates, you will be greeted by several taxi men/women trying to get you to take them. Just say no, find the designated airport taxi and give them your address. They have a fixed rate and you pay at the airport, and I find they are cheaper than the local taxis.

Grab Car: Definitely download the Grab car app which is the Uber of Malaysia (Uber does not operate in Malaysia). If you can, download it before you arrive in Malaysia. Key in your destination, and you can check the price on there as well and compare with the Airport taxi. With the Grab app, you can pay by cash at the end of the journey.

PLEASE READ THIS TRAVEL TIP: This happened to me so I have to warn you as well. I got a local sim card in Kuala lumpur, I tried to download Grab, it would not let me because the mobile number I had was already registered to the Grab account (they use phone numbers for Grab), and their customer service was diabolical at that time. So please be warned if you are using a local sim card that you just purchased as they recycle the phone numbers

I’m not promoting this cause of anything but in Malaysia, I wish I had gotten the Esim, saved me hassle with Grab.

Easier Alternative: Get an eSIM Honestly, in 2025, I’d just recommend getting an eSIM instead to avoid the hassle either Saily eSIM for Malaysia or Airalo eSIM for Malaysia

For new Grab users only: Use Promo code – GRABLANGKAWI (Check their spot in the airport for new codes)

Tip: People here love Whatsapp, we made friends with our Grab driver on our second day, and he asked to message him anytime we need him – even though he does not use the meter but he was honest to use the price shown on the Grab app.

Essential Langkawi Travel Tips

Language

The main language is Malay, and there will be some who speaks Chinese as well. And most will understand and speaks a very good level English, so it is easy to get around and communicate.

I had zero issues communicating, and my partner don’t speak any Malay and he got along fine. Just learn a few basics like “terima kasih” (thank you) and “berapa harganya?” (how much?) and you’ll be fine.

Safety in Langkawi

In terms of safety, I find Langkawi safe, the local people are very friendly and accommodating. I can’t tell you about the other tourists but of course, like anywhere be aware of your items and keep your wits about you.

The biggest safety concern are probably the Monkeys! I kid you not, they are cunning thieves and will take your phones and food if shown, and raid your fridge in your resort (if doors are unlocked).

At Seven Wells Waterfall, we were warned multiple times to keep our belongings hidden. At The Andaman Resort where I stayed, we were told to keep our room doors and windows locked because monkeys would raid fridges and steal snacks! And it happened to one of the Groomsmen, they did trash the room but took the snacks from the counter thankfully.

So if the hotel staff tells you to shut your windows before you leave, please do it.

Money & Currency

Malaysia uses the Malaysian Ringgit (RM or MYR).

Rough Exchange Rates (2025):

• £1 = RM 5.5-6
• $1 USD = RM 4-4.5
• €1 = RM 4.5-5

Cash vs. Card: Bring cash for night markets, street food, and smaller shops. ATMs are available at shopping centers and larger areas like Kuah town.

Bigger restaurants and hotels accept cards, but cash is king in Langkawi.

Duty-Free Shopping: Remember, Langkawi is duty-free! Stock up on chocolate (seriously, so cheap), alcohol, cigarettes, and perfume.

What’s the Toilet like?

Don’t be surprised to see a squat toilet, it’s very common. No fear…they also have the western style toilets too. They normally come with a hose in the cubicle, it’s a way for you to clean up yourself after – your choice if you want to do it!

My advice: Bring hand sanitizer or wet wipes, only when you’re at rural areas where there might not be a toilet.

Where to stay in Langkawi?

Langkawi is famous for its beautiful resorts, stay at a resort in the heart of the oldest rainforest in the world (one of) such as Datai -named one of the best places to stay by Time Magazine. Most will have their private beach. And yes, they can be expensive but it was worth it for the experience.

Prices can vary from £150 a night to over £500. I stayed at The Andaman Resort for 2 nights towards the end of my Langkawi trip, and it was worth it, all self-contained and the resort provides a lot of things to do within their compound plus it’s great to be so close to wildlife. It was a treat, stayed at Airbnb the first few nights and ending it with a luxury resort after the wedding to relax. Unfortunately, there was a fire couple of years ago and they are rebuilding The Andaman resort.

Note: There’s a 5 Ringgit tax per night extra charge as a tourism tax

The Datai Langkawi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you want to go even more luxurious, The Datai is legendary. Time Magazine named it one of the best places to stay in the world. It’s set deep in the rainforest with private beach access.

I didn’t stay here, but everyone says good things about it. If you’re splashing out, this is the one of a few that is probably worth it.

Price: £300-500+ per night

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another ultra-luxury option on the UNESCO Geopark side of the island. Stunning villas, incredible service, multiple pools and beaches.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Langkawi

Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Great beachfront location on Pantai Cenang (the main beach area). Family-friendly with pools, restaurants, and easy access to nightlife and restaurants.

Price: £80-150 per night

The Westin Langkawi ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Modern hotel on a private bay with excellent facilities. Great if you want a relaxing beach holiday without the ultra-luxury price tag.

Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Right on Pantai Cenang beach, this is a solid mid-range choice with good facilities and a central location.

Budget Options in Langkawi

Airbnb or Guesthouses: Alternatively, you can use Airbnb here and for the first 3 nights, we stayed in an Airbnb which costs £50 a night and it was clean plus they provided breakfast.

You can find budget guesthouses and Airbnbs all over Langkawi, especially around Pantai Cenang and Kuah town.

Note: There’s a RM 5 per person, per night tourism tax in Langkawi on top of accommodation costs.

Which area to Stay in Langkawi?

Pantai Cenang Area : Best for nightlife, restaurants, and being in the middle of everything. Most touristy area.

Tanjung Rhu : Quieter, more upscale, beautiful beach. My favourite area.

Kuah : Main town, convenient for ferries and shopping, not great for beaches.

Rainforest Resorts (Datai, Andaman) : Best for luxury, nature, and escaping crowds. You’ll need transport to get anywhere.

My Recommendation: If it’s your first time and you want convenience, stay around Pantai Cenang. If you want peace and luxury, stay at one of the rainforest resorts. If you want the best beach with fewer tourists, stay near Tanjung Rhu.

Tanjung Rhu Beach: The Best Beach in Langkawi (And Why You’ve Never Heard of It)

Hands down, this is my favorite beach in Langkawi. While Pantai Cenang gets all the attention (and crowds), Tanjung Rhu Beach remains relatively quiet and absolutely stunning.

What I Loved:

• Soft white sand (some of the best I’ve ever felt!)
• Crystal-clear turquoise water
• Warm sea temperature, perfect for swimming
• Much quieter than other beaches
• Family-friendly atmosphere

Facilities: There’s a small beach bar where you can rent bean bags and buy drinks. There’s also a local restaurant right on the beach serving Malaysian food — we had laksa there and it was delicious!

Toilet Warning: The toilets here are very basic (rustic is putting it kindly!). Just be prepared. That’s the trade-off for a less developed, quieter beach.

My Experience: I left my belongings on the beach while swimming and nothing was stolen. That said, keep valuables with you or visible at all times. It’s a safe area, but better to be cautious.

Nearby Alternative: I’ve heard Pantai Kok is even quieter and more beautiful. I didn’t make it there but if you have time, check it out!

How to Get There: Tanjung Rhu is in the north of Langkawi. Grab from Pantai Cenang is about RM 30-40, or rent a car to explore multiple beaches in one day.

Things to do in Langkawi:

1. Take a ride on Langkawi Cable Car

One of the must things to do in Langkawi is to take a ride on the Langkawi Cable car up to the top of Mat Cincang Mountain. Located at the Oriental village which you can explore after the ride — this is one of the best ways to get to the Sky Bridge.

The ride takes around 15minutes and be warned, it can be very hot inside the gondola, bring water is advised. There are windows you can open too.

Take in the impressive views of the lush rainforest and waterfalls on the way up, and stop by the observation deck to take in the views (one stop before the sky bridge).

Price (Correct as of 2019):

1. The normal price is between 30 to 55RM per person but you share with others and queue. Alternatively, the express pass is between 90 to 105RM but it has their own lane with less queuing time.
2. Both normal and express prices are Inclusive of entrance to SkyDome, SkyRex & 3D Art Langkawi
3. Or get what we did for that extra thrill experience, and get a private gondola with Glass Bottom for 550RM per person.

2. Walk along the Sky Bridge

This is by far one of the most famous things to do in Langkawi. To reach here, take the cable car up, and when you’re up there- walk along the 125m steel pedestrianize curved bridge and enjoy the beautiful views.

Keep in mind, there are a number of wild monkeys around, please don’t feed them – they are very opportunistic. I was told to keep my phone away from the monkeys as they think it’s food. They see the phones attached to the humans and thinks it important so they figured it has to be food!

Tip: When up there, you have to walk down and up a pathway and stairs to reach the sky bridge – takes about 15mins. There is a lift for an extra cost.

3. Take fun pictures at 3D Art Gallery

Located at the Langkawi cable car. This is included FREE with your cable car ticket! Before or after riding the cable car, head to the 3D Art Langkawi museum at Oriental Village.

It’s one of those interactive museums where you pose with optical illusion paintings. Sounds cheesy, but honestly, it’s so much fun! Great for Instagram and you’ll get some hilarious photos.

We spent about 30-45 minutes here. Perfect way to kill time before your cable car slot or cool down after coming back down the mountain.

4. Take a dip at Telaja Tujuh Waterfall (Seven Wells)

Possibly the most famous waterfalls in Langkawi – the Telaja Tujuh Waterfall or Seven Wells waterfall in English.

Climb up over 200 steps, and there are 2 parts to the climb. To see the waterfall, turn left on the first stop. Climb on further upwards to the top if you want to see the seven wells. Up here, you can dip and slide down the natural rock slides. There’s a toilet area as well where you can change clothes.

There is a legend that fairies come play here and the water has healing powers – all the more reason to take a dip!

and watch out for snakes in the pathway plus monkeys and hornbills!

5. Wizz through the Geopark Zipline Adventure

CALLING ALL ADVENTURE LOVERS! Turn on your adrenaline senses on and experience being on top of the trees. It’s a Zipline Course tour! Spend approximately 1 to 2 hours on a zipline canopy course route and fly over the geopark, possibly the sky bridge, and seven wells. Prices may range from 199rm to 429rm (best to book either 15 day or 45 days prior).

OR there are companies like Sky Trex Adventures where you can do obstacle courses from tree to tree – prices vary from 60rm up to 80 rm per person.

6. Enjoy the pristine white sand at Tanjung Rhu Beach

There are a number of beaches here from private beaches at the resorts to public ones. From my experience, Tanjung Rhu Beach has one of the nicest sand and clean water in Langkawi. It’s not very crowded like Pantai Cenang – this spot is much quieter and family orientated.

There’s a mini beach bar where you can get drinks and sit on bean bags. And a local restaurant where you can sit on the beach and have laksa.

Tip: Toilet here is very rustic per se so bear that in mind.

Safety : Water is incredibly warm with a white sandy beach. I left my belongings on the beach and went swimming. There weren’t a lot of people at the time and thankfully, no one bothered with my things. Please be careful of your belongings and always keep an eye on them.

There’s another beach nearby called Pantai Kok – I hear it’s even quieter and more beautiful, check it out if you have time.

7. Water sports at Pantai Cenang

One of the famous beaches in Langkawi. It’s a big beach and you can hire water sports here such as hang gliding or water skiing. The street nearby is lined with lots of restaurants and a shopping centre with your typical fast food places.

I’m personally not a fan of this area, it’s very touristy, not the best of vibes. The restaurants are local but with tourist prices. I found the beach underwhelming. It is not what I say the best beach to sit and sunbathe. I find the water is probably not clean with all the water sports going on.

However, it’s a good place for water sports and if you’re into nightlife.

8. Admire the Black Sand Beach in Langkawi Malaysia

Yes, you read that right! A beach with black sand.

Well, it’s a mix of both white and black sand but the view here is one not to be missed. There are souvenir shops nearby, and beautiful local boats floating around the Getty.

The locals believe the black sand is a curse from a mermaid as punishment to a fisherman who stolen her ring. Or it might have been from the rice fields that were burnt by farmers a couple of centuries ago.

Which story do you think is true?

9. Eat and Haggle at a Langkawi Night Market

Night market or Pasar Malam in Malay are held every night but at different locations. Ask a local where to go that evening or you can use the list below. Grab some street food and go on, practice your haggling! (Pasar means Market and Malam means Night).

Pasar Malam happen every night but at different locations around the island.

What You could Find in a night market:

• Street food: Sate, noodles, Malaysian kueh (sweets), fresh fruit, rojak, and more
• Clothing : Cheap clothes, scarves, batik
• Souvenirs: Keychains, magnets, local crafts
• Fresh produce: Tropical fruits, vegetables
• Household items: Everything from phone cases to cooking utensils

My Experience: We visited on a Wednesday evening and it was brilliant! The atmosphere is so local and authentic, families shopping, vendors calling out their goods, the smell of food everywhere.

Langkawi Night Markets Schedule (2025):

Monday: Ulu Melaka Night Market

• Address: Taman Wawasan Indah, Kampung Padang Gaong, 07000
• Time: 5pm-9pm

Tuesday: Kedawang Night Market

• Address: Kampong Chenek Kura, 07000
• Time: 5:30pm-10pm

Wednesday & Saturday: Pekan Kuah Night Market

• Address: Lencongan Putra 3, Kuah, 07000
• Time: 5:30pm-10pm

Friday: Ayer Hangat Night Market

• Address: Jalan Padang Gaong, 07000
• Time: 5:30pm-10pm

Sunday: Padang Matsirat Night Market

• Address: Kampung Padang Mat Sirat, 07100
• Time: 5pm-10pm

Tips:

• Bring cash as most vendors don’t accept cards
• Come hungry cause the street food are delicious and cheap
• Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around for at least an hour
• Haggle politely cause it’s expected and its something you just do. If you can afford the full price, then go for it and support them.

How to Get There: Ask your Grab driver to take you to whichever night market is on that evening. They all know the locations.

10. Explore the UNESCO Kilim GeoPark Mangroves and feed Wild Eagles

This Geopark is one of the most important ecosystems here in Malaysia and is a UNESCO Heritage site. It’s a very exciting 2 to 3 hours boat tour around the Geopark. You can visit the mangroves, explore a real-life bat cave, feed the wild eagles (your boat driver will do this), and visit a fish farm.

You can pick and choose your tour, what you want to see, as well as choosing a private tour or a group tour. This is definitely a must-do activity here in Langkawi.

At one point, you will be so close to Thailand, your phone service will switch to Thai telecoms!

Tip: One thing about the Fish farm – there will be more than 10 different types of fish here ranging from grouper to Stingrays which you can touch. But they are housed in small areas. Personally I would have avoided this bit.

11. Visit the Eagle Square

Once in a while, look up! You’ll frequently see wild eagles soaring through the skies. And no seagulls, thankfully!

The Eagle Square known as Dataran Lang in Malay is one of the most iconic spots in Langkawi. Located in Kuah which is the main town on the island and here, you will find an unmissable huge statue of an eagle about to take flight!

12. Must eat Seafood at Wonderland

This is the one restaurant you must visit! You have no idea how many locals have recommended Wonderland to me – from the airport counter lady to our hotel and Grab car driver.

It’s outdoor under a tent and fans and it gets very busy and perhaps, you may share a table. IT’S WORTH IT!

Their prices are worth it. Order their famous fresh seafood and enjoy.

Order squid, fish and crab and they have delicious other dishes as well.

Tip: They are only open in the evening!

13. Go shopping – Langkawi is a Dutyfree island!

Well, this title speaks for itself. Go ahead and shop! (Check your balance first though). There are lots of duty-free shops dotted around, and they are, as expected, much cheaper than in KL.

What’s Cheap:

• Chocolate: I bought SO much chocolate to bring home. Prices are ridiculously cheap compared to the UK or elsewhere.
• Alcohol: Beer, wine, spirits all significantly cheaper
• Cigarettes: If you smoke
• Perfume: Designer fragrances at lower prices
• Cosmetics: Some brands are duty-free

Where to Shop:

• Cenang Mall (Pantai Cenang area): Biggest shopping mall with duty-free outlets
• Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall (Kuah): Multiple duty-free shops
• Jetty Point Complex (near ferry terminal): Good for last-minute shopping before leaving

Tip: If you’re flying out, remember to check your airline’s baggage allowance for liquids and weight limits!

14. Visit MARDI Langkawi Agro Technology Park

Funnily enough, my Grab car driver suggested visiting here and how I regretted not going! It was a toss between Pantai Cenang or here due to time constraint.

If you are a fruit lover or interested in learning more about local fruits and vegetables- this place is for you! This park is the best place to visit to learn more about the local fruits and vegetables and how they are sustainably farmed here.

The park grows a wide variety. You can sample fruits like dragon fruit, jackfruit, durian, and rambutan during your tour. They aim to educate visitors on how the Malaysian Government is growing and showing their local produce.

15. Keep a lookout for the exotic Langkawi wildlife animals and flora

One of my favorite parts of Langkawi was the incredible wildlife. Keep your eyes open for:

Birds:

• Hornbills: We saw several around Seven Wells and at The Andaman resort. Their calls are distinctive!
• Eagles :Everywhere! The island is named after them for a reason.
• Kingfishers
• Herons

Mammals:

• Monkeys: Macaques everywhere, especially near waterfalls and resorts
• Flying foxes (fruit bats) — At dusk near mangroves
• Monitor lizards: We saw huge ones at The Andaman and went swimming with one. Not intentionally, it jump into the pool when we were in it.

The “Langkawi Big Five” (if you’re lucky):

• Flying lemurs (colugos)
• Flying squirrels
• Flying snakes
• Flying dragons (lizards that glide)
• Flying foxes (the only one we saw!)

The Kilim Geopark tour is your best chance to spot multiple species in one go.

Where to Eat in Langkawi

I’ve already talked about Wonderland, but here are other places worth trying, and you have to try Langkawi Nasi Campur.

Tanjung Rhu Beach Restaurant The little restaurant right on Tanjung Rhu Beach serves excellent Malaysian food. We had laksa and kuay teow goreng (fried noodles) with grilled squid. Simple, delicious, and affordable.

Oriental Village After the cable car, grab food at Oriental Village. Multiple restaurants and cafes offering everything from local Malaysian to Western options.

Night Market Food The best street food! Try satay, Laksa, rojak, grilled fish, Malaysian kuih (sweets), and fresh tropical fruit juice.

Your Resort Restaurant If you’re staying at a resort like The Andaman or Datai, the restaurants are actually excellent. We had several meals there and the quality was top-notch (though pricier than local restaurants).

Cenang Mall Food Court If you’re near Pantai Cenang and want cheap, decent local food, the food court at Cenang Mall has loads of stalls serving Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian food.

Further information and tips:

1. There’s wildlife roaming around freely everywhere, please be aware of the monkeys on the road and also don’t feed them.
2. Bring cash with you which will be very useful for night markets or street food. There are ATM at shopping centers and some bigger restaurants do accept card payment.
3. Things to do 1 to 4 are all in the same area – it is possible to visit all in one day depending on your time

Langkawi Travel FAQ

Is Langkawi worth visiting? Absolutely! Especially if you want beautiful beaches, nature, and a more relaxed vibe than Thailand or Bali. It’s also great value for money.

How many days do you need in Langkawi? Minimum 3 days to see the main attractions. 5-7 days is ideal for a proper relaxing beach holiday plus all the activities.

Is Langkawi good for families? Yes! Safe, lots of kid-friendly beaches and activities (cable car, island hopping, wildlife). Many family resorts available.

Is Langkawi better than Penang? Different! Langkawi is better for beaches and nature. Penang is better for food, culture, and city life. I’d try to visit both if possible!

When is the best time to visit Langkawi? December-April for guaranteed sunshine. November or early May for fewer crowds and better prices.

Is Langkawi expensive? Not at all! Much cheaper than Singapore, less expensive than Thailand beach destinations. Food, accommodation, and activities are all reasonably priced.

Do I need a car in Langkawi? Not essential if you’re happy using Grab, but a car gives you more freedom.

Is Langkawi safe for solo travellers? Very safe! I felt completely comfortable. Just watch out for those cheeky monkeys!

Can I drink alcohol in Langkawi? Yes! Malaysia is Muslim-majority, but Langkawi is duty-free so alcohol is widely available and cheap. Most resorts and tourist restaurants serve alcohol.

What should I pack for Langkawi? Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, light clothes, hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.

Do I need a visa for Langkawi? Depends on your nationality. UK, US, EU, Australian, and many other passport holders get 90 days visa-free in Malaysia. Check your country’s requirements.

Is the water safe to drink in Langkawi? Stick to bottled water. Available everywhere and very cheap. Your resort will usually provide complimentary bottles.

Are there ATMs in Langkawi? Yes, plenty in Kuah town, Pantai Cenang, and at shopping malls. Most accept international cards.

This is included FREE with your cable car ticket! Before or after riding the cable car, head to the 3D Art Langkawi museum at Oriental Village.
It’s one of those interactive museums where you pose with optical illusion paintings. Sounds cheesy, but honestly, it’s so much fun! Great for Instagram and you’ll get some hilarious photos.
We spent about 30-45 minutes here. Perfect way to kill time before your cable car slot or cool down after coming back down the mountain.

Final Thoughts: Is Langkawi Worth Visiting?

After spending a week in Langkawi, I can genuinely say it’s one of my favourite Malaysian destinations. Yes, even over Bali (controversial, I know!).

What I loved most was the balance, it’s developed enough to have great hotels, restaurants, and infrastructure, but still feels relatively untouched compared to other Southeast Asian beach destinations.

The beaches are stunning, the UNESCO Geopark is incredible, the food is fantastic (especially that seafood at Wonderland!), and the whole island is steeped in mystical folklore that adds so much charm.

Plus, being duty-free doesn’t hurt. I came home with a suitcase full of chocolate and zero regrets.

Who Is Langkawi Perfect For?

• Families looking for a safe, easy beach holiday
• Couples wanting a romantic getaway
• Nature lovers who want rainforest AND beaches
• Anyone who wants a more relaxed vibe than Phuket or Bali
• Budget travellers who want tropical paradise without breaking the bank

Who Might Not Love Langkawi:

• Hardcore party animals (nightlife is limited compared to Thailand)
• People who want tons of cultural attractions (it’s more about nature and beaches)
• Those who can’t handle humidity and heat!

Honestly though, I think most people would love Langkawi. It ticks so many boxes and offers experiences you can’t get elsewhere and better beaches if I say so myself.

I’m already planning my return trip, next time I want to stay longer at one of those rainforest resorts, do the island hopping tour I missed, and eat at Wonderland at least three more times.

If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, definitely include Langkawi. Whether it’s 3 days or a full week, you won’t regret it.

And this concludes my tips for visiting the beautiful island of Langkawi, Malaysia. I really hope that this guide will inspire you to explore this beautiful island and fall in love with it!

Safe Travels!

Courtney xx

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