Tag: Langkawi

Langkawi is a well-known stopover heading to Koh Lipe, but it also deserves a shorter visit or even a full vacation. I’ll share the must-see attractions and how you can include Langkawi in your itinerary through Southeast Asia.

Beautiful Beaches on Langkawi

If you’re hoping for beaches as breathtaking as those on nearby Thai islands—like Koh Lipe—with their stunning turquoise waters, I have to be honest and share that Langkawi’s beaches might not quite match up to those. There’s a little quirk I’ll share with you later, too. But instead of bustling party spots, you’ll enjoy the beauty of nature and the warmth of a truly welcoming culture here.

Cenang Beach

Cenang is the island’s most popular beach and a lively spot for tourists. The beach itself is long, wide, and quite lovely, offering a relaxing escape. The town nearby, however, has a more bustling feel, with a mix of large, sometimes plain buildings along the main street and lots of open spaces in between. While the architecture may not be spectacular, the generous stretch of beach ensures plenty of room for everyone, even when taking in the exciting nightly fire shows.

Pantai Tengah

Pantai Tengah is just a short drive south of Cenang, and I genuinely enjoyed my time there. It’s quieter, better maintained, and has a more relaxed vibe that makes it really appealing. I had a lovely meal at the Frangipani Langkawi Resort, which also left a great impression as a welcoming place to stay. If you find Cenang too busy but still want to be close to all the conveniences, Pantai Tengah is a good choice as your base.

Tanjung Rhu

Tanjung Rhu, often called Langkawi’s most stunning beach, is beautifully situated in the northern part of the island. It’s much more peaceful than Cenang, and I liked it a lot; the whole area feels more natural and untouched, making it a special place to relax and enjoy.

If that’s exactly what you’re looking for, the Tanjung Rhu Resort is worth checking out with its own private beach. The resort is very well-maintained and far away from the hustle and bustle. I didn’t actually stay there, but I liked the location so much that I made a mental note of the resort for a possible second visit.

Things To Do in Langkawi

If you’re only in Langkawi for a few days, make sure to visit these two must-see attractions. They are easily accessible and absolutely worth the visit.

Sky Bridge & SkyCab

The Langkawi SkyBridge is definitely a highlight. The cable car ride from Oriental Village to Mount Mat Cincang lasts around 15 minutes, offering breathtaking views throughout. During the ascent, you can select from various cabin types and packages. I recommend choosing the best options available!

Here’s a little tip: consider upgrading to the 360-degree gondola with a glass floor. It might be more expensive, but you’ll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views and, in my experience, a private ride all to yourself—while the regular gondolas get crowded with groups. Plus, these open-air gondolas offer an exciting, breezy experience instead of being fully enclosed and air-conditioned.

Once you arrive at the top, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire island from the SkyBridge. And on a clear day, you might even catch sight of Thailand in the distance!

Mangrove Tour at Kilim Geoforest Park

The mangrove tour through Kilim Geoforest Park is one of the most popular excursions on Langkawi—and in terms of scenery, it’s well deserved. The boat takes you through mangrove forests and past limestone cliffs, eagles, and monkeys.

It’s unfortunate that some tours market themselves as “eco,” but often, there’s not much true eco-friendliness involved. During my trip, we were allowed to feed the monkeys, and some guests even brought bananas just for that. When I mentioned this to the guide, he was honest: whether they ban it or allow it, it always leads to discussions, so they’d rather not take a stand. Additionally, we visited a seafood restaurant with its own farm. Personally, I wasn’t comfortable hand-feeding caged manta rays and the whole venue raised concerns for me.

Where To Eat & Drink in Langkawi

To me, the little street food restaurants are some of the most delightful spots on the island. They’re charming, affordable, and warmly inviting. Many of these places prefer cash payments—I didn’t realize that initially. One time, I was about to go find an ATM, but a very kind staff member kindly advised me otherwise. She reassured me that I could sit back, enjoy my meal and drink first, and settle the bill later—whether it was later that day or even the next. I was genuinely moved by such genuine warmth and trust. It’s a beautiful reminder of how friendly and caring people are, especially right here in Malaysia, where kindness seems to be everywhere.

What you should know: Langkawi has a Muslim culture, and many local restaurants don’t serve alcohol. I’ve been sober for a while now, so this wasn’t an issue for me—but if a sundowner beer is a must-have part of your vacation, you should expect that you won’t find it at every beach bar. Interestingly, Langkawi is also a duty-free zone, and you can get alcohol cheaper in the numerous duty-free shops than you might elsewhere in the country.

In the evenings, the usual night market takes place on Cenang’s main street, featuring many street food stalls. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample a wide variety of specialties. Just make sure to bring cash; card payments are not accepted at most stalls.

Where To Stay in Langkawi

Bamboo Cottage —this is where I spent most of my nights, and it was exactly my style: simple rooms, but a very homey atmosphere, a nice pool, and the whole place completely surrounded by greenery. Unfortunately, it’s a bit far from Cenang Beach. You could walk there, in theory, but most of the route follows the main road and isn’t much fun—you’re better off taking a Grab. If you’re looking for nature and peace and quiet instead of being close to the beach, though, this is the place for you.

Villa Abadi Resort —my choice for the last night because it’s conveniently located near Telaga Harbor, where the ferry to Koh Lipe departs in the morning. If you’re planning the same route, this is the most relaxed option.

Frangipani Langkawi Resort – I was only here to eat. But the resort and the stretch of beach at Pantai Tengah looked so well-maintained that I regretted a little not having stayed here as well.

Getting Around on Langkawi

Although Langkawi is an island, the distances can still be quite long. It takes a good 45 minutes by car to get from Cenang up north to Tanjung Rhu Beach. I didn’t use public transportation on Langkawi; Grab is very affordable and available almost everywhere on the island.

For day trips, I suggest renting a car with a driver, making it simple to explore many of the island’s sights. Many Uber drivers also provide daily rental options, so if you’re planning a longer trip and encounter a friendly driver, just ask.

Good To Know: Practical Tips for Your Trip to Langkawi

Getting There: I took a direct flight with Scoot from Singapore to Langkawi, and entry into the country was hassle-free. Here you’ll find cheap flights

Money: The currency used on Langkawi is the Malaysian ringgit (MYR). Credit and debit cards are not widely accepted, especially in small restaurants or street stalls—these places often accept only cash. However, you can always find ATMs or currency exchange offices, for example, in downtown Cenang or at the airport.

How many days should you plan to spend in Langkawi? Since I was traveling on from there, I figured four nights would give me a nice chance to explore a bit of the island and also enjoy some relaxing moments.

Alcohol: Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, and some establishments in Langkawi do not serve alcohol. Langkawi is also not a party island.

On to Koh Lipe: By Ferry From Telaga Harbor

If Koh Lipe is part of your travel plans, I highly suggest considering a visit to Langkawi. Instead of dealing with the hassle of long and complicated minivan and speedboat trips, you’ll find that the ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe is quick and easy, making your journey much more enjoyable.

There are two ports on the island with ferry service to Koh Lipe: Telaga Harbor and Kuah Jetty at the other end of Langkawi. Telaga Harbor is just a short drive from Cenang and the airport. Langkawi Airport is well connected to the Malaysian Peninsula, with direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Penang.