LANGKAWI ISLAND

Geopark Langkawi is the most Northern archipelago located on the Westside of Peninsular Malaysia; located 30 km off the mainland. The archipelago consists of the main island Langkawi and almost 100 small surrounding islands; only four of them are inhabited. Langkawi lies very close to the border of Thailand, the nearest island Koh Lipe is only a 30 minute boat ride away. The island falls within the district of Kedah, and contains 479 square kilometers of tropical grounds. Langkawi has more than 62,000 inhabitants, most of which live in the capital town of Kuah, the rest of the population is spread over a number of small villages and around a large number of resorts on the island. Most inhabitants of Langkawi are of Malay origin (around 90%) followed by a small Chinese and Indian community; in contrary of neighboring island Penang, where the majority is of Chinese origin.

Beautiful tropical island of Langkawi

After tourism the main source of income for the islands population comes from fishing, padi and rubber cultivation. The island has a duty-free status; this means that prices throughout the island should be a bit cheaper although we have never really noticed this, since this is mainly relevant to perfumes, liquor and tobacco. A good bottle of wine in Kuala Lumpur can easily cost you around RM70, while an equally good wine in Langkawi is often sold for half the price. Alcoholic beverages that are sold at the resorts and bars (around Pantai Cenang for example) are very cheap compared to prices in other parts of Malaysia. Langkawi is becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations within Malaysia; over 2.5 million tourists visit the island yearly. On June 1 2007, Langkawi Island has been given a World Geopark status by UNESCO; which will eventually attract even more tourists to this wonderful island.

For many travelers Langkawi is the first acquaintance with the beautiful country Malaysia as it is not only one of the most beautiful islands of Malaysia; it is also very easily accessible. You have amazing beachesand the inland is very beautiful. There is more than enough to experience and to keep you entertained for at least a week. If you prefer to relax on the beach a longer stay is also very nice. Langkawi is a wonderful tropical island, but unfortunately the seas directly around the islands aren't suitable for scuba diving and snorkeling. For that you can best visit the islands to the east coast of the Malay Peninsula (Perhentian, Redang and Tioman) or some of the Thai islands a bit up north. You can visit Langkawi throughout the entire year; there is no realmonsoon season. It can rain daily (sometimes quite heavily) but this is quite normal in these parts of the world. Should it rain, it usually doesn't last for more than an hour. The rainy season in Langkawi falls between the months of May and September. During these months it rains a bit more then it usually does. We were unlucky once when it rained non-stop during our complete stay at the island.

The archipelago is characterized by beautiful hills, valleys, mountains, jungles, beautiful unspoiled beaches, waterfalls, rice fields and quaint villages. Unlike Penang, Langkawi is a very tranquil island. For cozy evenings you'll generally stay at your hotel or resort and if you come for night markets, shops and other entertainment, then you can best stay in the area around Pantai Cenang. Here people sit outside at the many open air bars every night. The island has a beautiful nature and many interesting sights and attractions.

The island has its own airport and even international airlines embark here. Besides transport by air a large part of the transport goes over sea. From Langkawi boats go to the nearby island of Penang, to the mainland, and even to Thailand. The southern (south-western) part of the main island is the most densely populated area; here you'll also find the most hotels and resorts. In the north you'll find a number of luxury resorts , some so luxurious that only the rich and famous can afford staying there (in fact many renowned Hollywood stars have stayed at the resorts north of the island of Langkawi in the past).

Enormous amount of attractions at Langkawi Island

I know enough people who went to Langkawi for some days, but stayed for weeks. Should you only stay for a couple of days, use your time wisely. Just rent a small motorcycle (100/125cc modern scooter), and explore the complete island. Officially you need to be able to show your international motorcycle license, though outside of Kuah they will probably not ask you for this. Around Kuah you often cannot get a motorbike without valid proof of a motorcycle license as local police not only check tourists occasionally, but also the rental company where those tourists got their motorbike (which results in fines for both parties involved). You can also hire a rental car on the island; prices usually start from RM120 a day, but due to fierce competition it is possible to drive a car for a much cheaper price (we once paid RM80 per day). Do not linger at your resort during your complete stay, be active and you'll see for yourself why we think Langkawi is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia.

As said before, I do not know of many other islands where you can do so many things or visit so many attractions. The best attractions are Seven Wells, Langkawi Cable Car, Kilim Geoforest Park boat tour, Eagle & Lagenda Park, Tumerun Waterfall, Durian Waterfall, exploring the inlands on a motorcycle, visiting some of the nice temples, eating out at the many hawkers or food courts, Underwater World and the secluded beaches (and Black Sand Beach) at the north side of the island (area of Tanjung Rhu  and Four Seasons ). Most of these attractions are also fun for children; which make Langkawi also a great destination for families.

Animals rule Langkawi Island

Animal and nature lovers will have a blast on the island. There are many different animal species that live on Langkawi. Don’t be surprised if you spot a huge monitor lizardalongside of the road. Also don't be surprised if you encounter a road being blocked by a group of cows or monkeys. Especially in the Burau Bay area you are likely to encounter many monkey-species. Watch out for the Macaques, they tend to get aggressive around people. The Silver leaf monkeys are very sweet, but make sure you don’t feed them to ensure they keep their natural instincts.

In the garden of the Mutiara Burau Bay resort  you can spot the awesome looking butterfly lizards. Every morning these lizards bask in the sun for warmth, this is the best time to spot them. When you come too close, they vanish in one of the many holes in the ground. Sometimes you can see them fight; they take on a very cool looking fighting stance. They have 'wings' between the front- and hind legs, which they can spread open when angered in order to impress opponents.

Apart from the animals mentioned above you can also spot Hornbills, Eagles, Snakes and many other species. So when you are exploring the island of Langkawi, always keep an eye out for exotic animals. The north side of the island is best to search for animal species.

Enough places to withdraw money on the island

On Langkawi, there are several locations where you can withdraw money. At the airport you can find a few ATM machines. There is also an ATM in Pantai Cenang at the Underwater World Complex. You can also withdraw money at Telaga Harbor. At the Petronas gas station you can find a bank with ATM machines (near Burau Bay, which includes Mutiara Bureau Bay Resort and Berjaya Langkawi Resort). In Kuah you can use ATM's in the bank area and also at Jetty Point. You can also withdraw cash at the shopping malls Langkawi Fair and Parade Mall. There is also an ATM at the concrete factory in Kampung Ewa at the north side of the island (it is not certain if this ATM still exists).

History of Langkawi

The archipelago of Langkawi has a relative young history. In contrast to the turbulent history of the adjacent island Penang; there have been hardly any significant historical facts on Langkawi. Langkawi has not been the place for a number of major developments that where responsible for the emergence of Malaysia. Langkawi was a place where pirates did hide, but unlike the island of Penang Langkawi did not turn into a place where pirates and travelers actually settled. A long time ago the area in which Langkawi is located was known as a pirate area. This history is the origin for many of the legends and myths that are circulating currently. Myths and other mysterious tales are being told until now.

"Princess Mahsuri was unjustly accused of adultery and was executed as a result. It was said that she bled white blood which proved her innocence, however just before she died, she put a curse on Langkawi that it would not prosper for 700 years."

Langkawi wasn't that popular among foreign tourists until a former inhabitant of the state of Kedah where Langkawi falls under became the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia. Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad rolled out great plans to put Langkawi Island on the world map. His efforts soon turned into more tourist arrivals and nowadays Langkawi is one of the most visited destinations by tourists within Malaysia. National Geographic recently listed Datai Beach at Langkawi as the 9th best beach in the world .

Weather at Langkawi Island

Langkawi can be visited throughout the year. There is a mild monsoon period between June and September. We have visited Langkawi many times during this rainy season; and all except for one visit was with great weather. That one visit we were unlucky; as it rained from the moment we arrived until we took off again by airplane. In those four days it had been raining hard non-stop during the days and nights. This really is an exception; all other visits during this time of the year were great with much sun and of course the occasional rain shower at the end of the day. During the rest of the year the weather at Langkawi is great.

There's also great food outside of the resort

If you grow tired of the food at your resort or Hotel on Langkawi, then you can eat out to enjoy the taste of some of the great hawkers. Between the Langkawi Fair and the Jetty Pointyou can find a fine food court. In Kuah city centre there are also a couple of great food courts and restaurants. In the area of Pantai Cenang you can find many hawkers and small restaurants. In the area of Burau Bay you can head over to Telaga Harbour, where you can find a small strip with some 10 restaurants (mainly western dishes). Should you insist into eating in hotels or resorts, do not hesitate heading over to other hotels instead of eating daily at your own hotel. It is common that Malaysian people only go to a hotel to enjoy a good dinner (almost a local custom), the same goes for tourists.

Scuba diving and snorkeling around Langkawi Island

Although Langkawi is a beautiful tropical island, scuba diving and snorkeling is not possible directly around the island. People that would like to enjoy diving or snorkeling have three options; they can book a day-trip toPulau Payar (one hour by boat from the island of Langkawi); second option is a day-trip (or even an overnight stay) to the neighboring Thai island of Koh Lipe. Lastly you can take a flight from Langkawi to one of the islands that are renowned for diving and snorkeling possibilities like Perhentian, Redang or Tioman.

ATTRACTION 

BLACK SAND BEACH AT LANGKAWI ISLAND 

It isn’t difficult to figure out how the beach earned its name – the sand really is black. The sand is actually a mix of black sand and normal sand but up to this day, scientists are still unable to figure out the truth behind the existence of the black sand.

While scientists remain baffled about the black sand on the beach, the locals have believed for centuries that the black sand’s origins are related to a mythical giant half-man half-eagle called a Garuda. The legend starts with the Garuda kidnapping a Chinese princess with a romantic intention in mind but the princess‘s heart has long belonged to her beloved fiance, a Roman prince. A battle soon broke out between the prince and the Garuda with the eagle seeking refuge in its homeland of the Langkawi Island. With the prince determined to defeat the Garuda, the war extended to the island and the black sand seen today are believed to be the remnants of the war. As the end to the story, the prince was reunited with his princess while the Garuda disappeared and was never seen again.

Regardless of how the sand became black, the Black Sand Beach is one of Langkawi’s oldest fishing villages that offer a sense of calm and serenity. There is a jetty which serves as a nice spot for fishing and also doubles as a picturesque spot for photography. Those without patience or a penchant for photo-taking can simply laze at the beach doing absolutely nothing at all. You can have a small picnic there, take a dip in the water or just lay back and enjoy the sun, breeze and the sound of slapping waves. If hunger calls, there are some stalls around the area that sells refreshments and also a few souvenir shops to get gifts or any item that you might need for a day out at the beach.

The beach used to be a place packed with children running around and colorful boats in the sea. However, these days, the beach has turned into a more tranquil spot ideal for those who just want to enjoy some peace and quiet. It is still very much a place where you can come to enjoy the breeze, sand in your toes and the sight of black sand that you will not find anywhere else in the country.

ATTRACTION

BIRD PARADISE WILDLIFE PARK 

Bird Paradise Wildlife Park is the first and largest covered wildlife park in Asia. It is home to over 2,500 birds that, well, make themselves feel very much at home as they fly, soar, hop and even swim over, across and around the park. The park was officially launched by Chief Minister of Kedah Y.A.B Dato Seri Syed Razak on the 25th of December 2002.

The park was originally named “The Bird Paradise” but the name was later changed to “Langkawi Wildlife Park” in 2006. The change was necessary as the park is not just home to birds but also to various other species there; there are crocodiles, pythons, donkeys, raccoons and monkeys. You could feed some of them with food provided by the park staff but of course, there are some animals that you wouldn’t want to risk getting too close to!

Nevertheless, the highlight of the park remains its 2,500 birds of more than 100 species. As you stroll through the tropical gardens, you will see a walk-in aviary that allows you to take a closer look at the colorful birds. Soon, you will come across a man-made waterfall that cascades from a height of 15 m high. Against the beautiful backdrop of the waterfall are different species of water birds such as the flamingo or the mandarin ducks. The scene indeed looks a lot like a postcard picture or a painting on a canvas; there is no denying that flamingos are a favorite or that mandarin ducks indeed exude calm and elegance.

After mingling with colorful and friendly birds, it is time to get a little tougher. If you are a fan of eagles, you can check out the eagle section where you will have the chance to see the carrion (the flesh of dead and decaying animals) eaters. There is no need to be afraid of the majestic birds as they only feast on the dead! You can also check out the owl section if you have not had the chance to see an owl. Species such as the barn owl can be found there.

Bird Paradise Wildlife Park is definitely a paradise for animal lovers, particularly birds. The park stretches for an area of 5.5 acres along Jalan Ayer Hangat on the island of Langkawi, Kedah and is a mere 10-minute drive from Kuah Town. If you are visiting the island, do drop by the Bird Paradise Wildlife Park for an opportunity to discover the fascinating world of birds and nature.

DURIAN PERANGIN WATERFALL 

Many urbanites these days head to the condominium pool, sports center or the water theme park for a swim or a splash about in the water. Seldom does one give thought of nature’s natural sources for some water fun. It is quite amusing that some stay away from the beach or waterfall despite being on a beach holiday, but instead take a dip in the hotel pool! It is time to see what nature has in its lesser-known spots, that includes discovering waterfalls which only nature enthusiasts would know about.

The Durian Perangin Waterfall is located on the northern slope of Gunung Raya, the highest mountain of Langkawi. The thought of water cascading from such a high peak should be enough to tempt you into spending a day dipped in cool gushing waters. The waterfall, which has several tiers place, is a hit among locals but remains relatively favored by visitors, who prefer to visit the more ‘touristy’ places on the island. The grounds of the Durian Perangin waterfall make a great picnic spot where even having a simple meal can turn out to be an enjoyable experience.

If you are adventurous enough to hike slightly higher towards the peak, you will see a well-maintained park. Staying on the path, you will come across several shelters where you can stop to catch your breath while enjoying the view and the soothing sounds of the cascading waters. Continuing your journey, you will encounter the many tiers of the waterfall, at which you can take a dip if you want. Note that caution must always be exercised as the rocks in the water can be slippery as well as sharp, so thread and splash around carefully.

If you do make your way to the summit, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view that is simply breathtaking. If you have come this far, just another 5 km up the track will leads you to the highest peak of Gunung Raya. On your way down, there is a trail that you must explore, which will take you to a destination that you would not expect to find at the foot of a mountain – the Malaysia Book Village. You’d probably think it is absolutely strange to find a library-like facility smack in the middle of a mountain but that’s what it is! The book village is part of the International Book Villages and Book Towns Movement and is the first and only book village in Southeast Asia. Find an extensive collection of new and pre-loved books, all ready to be indulged in against a setting of calm and serenity.

How to get to the waterfall

The Durian Perangin waterfall is just 16 km from Kuah town. You could either drive there in a rented car or get a cab ride there. There are food stalls and shops located at the car park of the waterfall, so you can get some refreshments for your hike or picnic, or some swimming gear if you had not come prepared.

JETTY POINT,LANGKAWI 

The Jetty Point is one of Langkawi’s must-visit places for several reasons. For starters, there is the legendary statue of a soaring eagle at the popular Eagle Square. No visit to Langkawi is complete without a picture taken with the bird that gave the island its name.

The Jetty Point used to be a small and old fashioned harbor but now it is a modern facility where you can shop, eat, buy boat tickets and also tour packages. It serves boats arriving and departing Langkawi. Boats are frequently used as a form of transportation because it is cheaper to travel than by air and it is also a good experience for those who haven’t tried it yet. Travelers travel in comfort in air-conditioned boats to the mainland, Penang or Thailand. Many who just want to experience traveling by boat would take a short ride from the jetty to Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Penang or to Satun in Thailand. However, do know that boats to the beautiful Thai island of Koh Lipe depart from the small Telaga Harbor in the northwest of Langkawi.

You can buy boats tickets and tours at the small tour offices, where you have a lot of options from the many different tour operators. They also provide rentals for cars and motorcycles where you can get a car from between RM80 to RM120 a day, depending on the model and transmission. The motorcycle is cheaper where you can rent one for RM40 per day or even cheaper, but you need to be able to show a motorcycle license. You will need to own an international license to rent a car but if you don’t have one, your next best alternative for getting around is a taxi (there is a taxi counter opposite Jetty Point main entrance).

Who would have thought that the jetty would be a popular place to shop? It is, as the items sold there are all duty-free i.e. they cost less as the items are not taxed. There is a limit to the number of items that one can buy but that is probably good – as a deterrent for shopaholics! When enough shopping is done and a need to refuel arises, you can reach to the popular food court within walking distance, where seafood is the specialty.

There are other things to do to kill time if you are waiting for your boat ride. For instance, you can have a cuppa at the nearby Starbucks cafe. There is also an amusement center in the front corner of the Jetty Point Mall, where youngsters can battle out an arcade game. A bowling alley also is good for keeping boredom at bay. As such, the Jetty Point is not just.. well, a jetty but rather, a point to dine and be entertained.

PANORAMA CABLE CAR AT LANGKAWI ISLAND 

The Panorama Langkawi Cable Car is a 2.2km long telpher carrier. Starting place is of this great attraction is Oriental Village on the northwestern side of the island. Soon after departure the gondola immediately rises almost 400 meters at a 42 degrees elevation. The carrier takes you up Mount Matahari, one of the highest mountains (hills) on the island. At the top (approximately 700 meters) you have breathtaking views of the island. Right in front of the mountain you’ll see Oriental Village and the Burau Bay area (Mutiara Burau Bay Resort and Berjaya Langkawi Resort). On the other side you can see two luxurious resorts; The Andaman and the Datai.

From the gondola you can also see the Seven Wells, another great attraction on the island. On top of the mountain there is a small restaurant and a store where you can buy some refreshments. There is a lookout plateau where you can see several signs that point into the direction of big cities, and neighboring countries like Thailand and Indonesia.

In 2006, a long course bridge has been built. To get to this suspension bridge you need to head over to the highest point of the ride, at the level 2 stop. From here you walk down a path for approximately 100 meters. At the end of the path, the suspension bridge starts. During rough weather operators will temporarily close the Cable Car. The best time to visit the attraction is during clear weather, and this is usually in the early morning. Visiting hours are Monday – Thursday from 10am till 7pm, Wednesday 12pm – 7pm and Friday – Sunday, Public & School Holidays 9.30am – 7pm. Costs are 30RM for adults and 20RM for children.

Sometimes the attraction is closed to public due to maintenance. In that case you cannot enter the Cable Car. Often maintenance means the attraction is closed the whole day or even longer. Check the official website to find out whether there is maintenance planned to avoid disappointment.

LANGKAWI EAGLE AND LAGENDA PARK 

Nearby Jetty Point – Langkawi Harbour – you can visit the Langkawi Eagle Square. On this square an enormous hand-made eagle rises in the sky. This eagle symbolizes the island of Langkawi. The name of the island originates from a combination of the words Helang (which means eagle in Malay) and Kawi (red/brown, the color of the statue). On one of the many benches around statue you can enjoy one of the best sunsets on the island.

Next to the Eagle Square lies the 50 hectares large Lagenda Langkawi Park. Lagenda Langkawi is a splendid park with many types of trees, plants and flowers. The park contains four ponds and a considerable number of information columns with information about the island and its history. According to a number of Internet sites the entrance fee is 5RM, but when we were there, we did not have to pay a fee to enter the park. If you visit the park during dry season then the park might look that healthy compared to visiting the park during the wet season.

I would personally suggest combining a visit to the eagle and the park with a visit to Kuah. If you like to shop a bit, you can even fill one entire day. Right next to park you can find Langkawi Jetty Point, with a couple of shops (including Starbucks). At the end of the day you can enjoy a great meal at the seafood hawkers in front of the park.

BLACK SAND BEACH AT LANGKAWI ISLAND 

It isn’t difficult to figure out how the beach earned its name – the sand really is black. The sand is actually a mix of black sand and normal sand but up to this day, scientists are still unable to figure out the truth behind the existence of the black sand.

While scientists remain baffled about the black sand on the beach, the locals have believed for centuries that the black sand’s origins are related to a mythical giant half-man half-eagle called a Garuda. The legend starts with the Garuda kidnapping a Chinese princess with a romantic intention in mind but the princess‘s heart has long belonged to her beloved fiance, a Roman prince. A battle soon broke out between the prince and the Garuda with the eagle seeking refuge in its homeland of the Langkawi Island. With the prince determined to defeat the Garuda, the war extended to the island and the black sand seen today are believed to be the remnants of the war. As the end to the story, the prince was reunited with his princess while the Garuda disappeared and was never seen again.

Regardless of how the sand became black, the Black Sand Beach is one of Langkawi’s oldest fishing villages that offer a sense of calm and serenity. There is a jetty which serves as a nice spot for fishing and also doubles as a picturesque spot for photography. Those without patience or a penchant for photo-taking can simply laze at the beach doing absolutely nothing at all. You can have a small picnic there, take a dip in the water or just lay back and enjoy the sun, breeze and the sound of slapping waves. If hunger calls, there are some stalls around the area that sells refreshments and also a few souvenir shops to get gifts or any item that you might need for a day out at the beach.

The beach used to be a place packed with children running around and colorful boats in the sea. However, these days, the beach has turned into a more tranquil spot ideal for those who just want to enjoy some peace and quiet. It is still very much a place where you can come to enjoy the breeze, sand in your toes and the sight of black sand that you will not find anywhere else in the country.

Best beaches at Langkawi Island

Rhu beach

The best place for these isolated beaches is in the northern side of the island, nearby resortsThe Datai , The Andaman , Four Seasons  and Tanjung Rhu . Some of the best beaches are located along Jalan Teluk Yu and Jalan Tanjung Rhu. If you drive past the luxurious resort Tanjung Rhu there you will find the public Rhu beach. Here you will find some nice hawkers and also some souvenir shops. There is also a small harbor where you can book tours to visit the mangrove forests.

Burau Bay (Pantai Kok)

The beaches in front of Mutiara Burau Bay  and Berjaya Langkawi Resort  are great too, although usually somewhat more crowded (to be specific; this means you share a huge beach with around 20 other tourists, which is not that bad of course).

Pantai Cenang

Probably the best public beach can be found in the Southwestern part of the island; Pantai Cenang (which is also a very popular tourist place). Here you find a long stretch of white sandy beach, with nice restaurants and bars along the beach. Pantai Cenang is by far the most popular beach on the island. Most luxurious hotel is Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort , located north of Pantai Cenang.

Pantai Tengah

Next to Pantai Cenang lies Pantai Tengah; an equally beautiful beach but usually less crowded. There are few nice resorts along this long stretch of beach; The Frangipani Langkawi, Holiday Villa Beach Resort  and Awana Porto Malai Hotel .

Black Sand Beach

To the north there is the famous Black Sand Beach. Though it is not the best beach to visit for sunbathing; it is a nice beach with a fantastic view on some of the Thai islands opposite of Langkawi.

Pasir Tengkorak

Along the way from the Black Sand Beach to the Northwestern part of the island, along Jalan Teluk Yu, you will find the nice and secluded Pasir Tengkorak beach.

Pantai Kok

Nearby Telaga Harbor along Jalan Telok Barau you have the nice Pantai Kok beach; especially popular among locals who come here to picnic during weekends. There is one luxurious hotel in this area; The Danna Langkawi Hotel .

Datai Bay

There is also one beautiful beach at the Northern tip of the island, but this beach is inaccessible to wandering tourists. The beach along Datai Bay is only accessible to guests of both The Datai  and The Andaman ; two very luxurious resorts on the island.

GETTING AROUND LANGKAWI ISLAND

There are numerous ways to get around the island. The road network is fine. It is usually quiet on the road, and people drive relatively slow. Busiest parts of the island are around Kuah and Pantai Cenang. Traffic on Langkawi Island cannot be compared to traffic in Kuala Lumpur orGeorgetown on the neighboring island Penang. The most dangerous traffic situations we have encountered at the island usually are crossing animals like cows and monkeys.

Taxis on Langkawi Island

Tourists use taxi busses to get around the island most of the times; taxis are an excellent form of transportation. Unlike other places in Malaysia the taxi system is arranged very decent, there are fixed rates for the entire island. No problems with the taximeter, no bargaining for a good price, just buy a ticket at the counter and hop in! Make use of this, it might cost a bit more (although it is still very affordable if look at the distances). Do not use unlicensed cabs on the island, unless you do not mind running the risk to be arrested together with the illegal taxi driver. Taxi stands are everywhere on the island. Usually every resort has a taxi stand; you will also find these stands in almost all major attractions on the island, in the shopping malls and at the harbor (Jetty Point) and airport. Transport takes place mainly in small vans, especially useful when you have your big travel bag or suitcase with you.

Renting a car on Langkawi Island

There are numerous car rental companies on Langkawi Island. You have the option to pick the car up in Kuah; or to have it delivered at your hotel or resort (in case you make online reservations up front). Renting a car is quite expensive compared to renting a motorcycle; rental prices usually start at RM120 per day for a small car. As Langkawi is a small island; a small car is already sufficient to explore the island with. There's no need to rent an expensive 4 wheel drive car; as you won’t be doing any off-road driving on the island as there are no such facilities. Driving in Langkawi means driving on decent two lane roads.

Renting a motorcycle on Langkawi Island

Though it is easy to rent a car on the island; for some it is somewhat small to explore by car. The motorcycle is much more fun and also better affordable. Like in many other places in Malaysia, you can explore Langkawi perfectly on a motorcycle. It is the best way to quickly and easily explore the island. The island has a quiet road network. Especially in the northern parts of the island you'll hardly see any cars.

A motorcycle costs about RM40/45 per day. Gasoline costs a few ringgit for a full tank. Usually we rent a motorcycle for the entire stay; we get on the motorcycle upon arrival, and return the motorcycle upon departure. In this way, you are always mobile, and not dependent on (usually) expensive taxis. With the motorcycle you can easily explore the small villages in the inlands of Langkawi. You stop every now and then for a fast drink or to take some photos. We rented our motorcycle at the main entrance of the Mutiara Burau Bay resort. You will usually not receive a helmet by default. For your own safety you will have to ask for this specifically. Accidents can always happen and wearing a helmet is an obligation when you want to get reimbursed by your insurer after a (small) accident. Besides, the island is not the best place to get proper medical aid when it comes to head injuries.

Riding a bike on Langkawi Island

Riding a bike is not that common on Langkawi Island. Every time we rented a bike we noticed we were the only ones enjoying a nice ride through the countryside on bikes. Most tourists either go on an organized trip; or they just rent a car or a motorbike (which is of course also a very nice way to explore the island). We rode from the Burau Bay  area to the northern part of the island around Datai Bay . This was at some points a pretty exhausting trip. We did have fun (do not forget to bring enough water and cash to replenish or to buy refreshments or even lunch or dinner).

KUAH TOWN ON LANGKAWI ISLAND

The town of Kuah lies in the southeast of the main island and is the capital of Langkawi Island in the northwestern part of Malaysia. The town has about 13.000 inhabitants and it usually looks quiet with a relaxed atmosphere, just like the rest of the archipelago of Langkawi. Georgetown, the capital of the nearby island of Penang is a bustling town compared to Kuah Town. Langkawi is an island that nearly every tourist will visit when one is visiting Malaysia. A visit to the town of Kuah is recommended as it is the only place to do some real shopping on the island.

Duty-free status

Since the introduction of the tax-free status, the town has gone through a transformation and has grown into a small city. Before 1987, Kuah was the only place where you could find accommodation for the night. The centre of Kuah has some old-fashioned shops. In most stores you can purchase liquor and tobacco (tax-free). On the outskirts of the town you will find one of the few places in Langkawi where you can do real 'Western' shopping; there you can find the Langkawi Fair. In Kuah you also have several internet cafes. If your resort has no internet, then Kuah is pretty much the only place where this is possible.

If you get tired of the food of your resort or hotel on Langkawi, you might want to consider having dinner at a one of the hawkers along the streets in Kuah. Between Langkawi Fairand the Jetty Point there is a pretty decent food court. Jetty Point is the place where all boats to the mainland, to Penang and to Thailand (Koh Lipe) depart and arrive. Right in front of the building you can find numerous small shops that sell tickets to many destinations. Here you will also find many small offices that sell tours around the island. The Jetty Point Complex has some nice shops; including a Starbucks with wifi.

Should you decide to visit the beautiful island of Langkawi; I would personally not stay in or directly around Kuah. The town is nice, but only for a daytrip or short visit. Langkawi has numerous wonderful resorts all throughout the island. Another thing is that Kuah doesn't have a real beach, so sunbathers can only enjoy the sun at the swimming pool. Some nice attractions in Kuah are: Eagle Square and Lagenda Park. As Langkawi is a small island, many other great attractions are also easy to visit.

RESORTS AND HOTELS AT LANGKAWI ISLAND

Langkawi has many hotels and resorts ranging from budget accommodation to the most luxurious resorts on the planet. Though hotels and resorts can be found throughout the whole island, there are certain locations where you can find more hotels clustered together. Below a list with the areas in Langkawi with some of the corresponding hotels and resorts you can find in those areas. Most resorts are located directly along one of the nice beaches of Langkawi Island.

Resorts around Kuah

The small town of Kuah mainly offers basic accommodation. The most exclusive resort in the area is the Westin Langkawi; with fantastic views over the sea and also with a nice private beach. We enjoyed some of the best breakfasts over there. In the town itself the Bayview hotel is pretty popular (but still basic).

Resorts around Pantai Cenang

On the western side of the island there are numerous hotels and resorts grouped together along famous Pantai Cenang beach. Accommodation is mostly basic, though Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort is a fantastic 5 star resort along a stretch of private beach. Another very nice resort in this area is the Bon Ton Resort . Along Jalan Pantai Chenang there are numerous guesthouses where you can stay for less than RM100 per day. We stayed at TheCabin (February 2011) and thought it was a very nice place to stay overnight. Cenang beach was right behind the guesthouse (3 minute walk) and the guesthouse is located right along the busiest part of Pantai Cenang (right next to Langkawi Underwater World). We paid RM150 per night including air-conditioning.

Resorts around Pantai Tengah

Along this nice beach there are a couple of nice resorts and also enough basic accommodation available. This area is located 'below' Pantai Cenang, on the western part of the island. Popular resorts are Frangipani Langkawi Resort , Holiday Villa Beach Resort  and Villa Molek .

Resorts in the Burau Bay area

Burau Bay area is located in the northwestern part of Langkawi Island. It has very nice beaches and it is also located nearby many popular attractions on the island (Langkawi Cable Car, Seven Wells). Along Burau Bay there are two nice 3 and 4 star resorts; Berjaya Langkawi Resort and Mutiara Burau Bay Resort . Latest addition is the fantastic 5 star The Danna Langkawi ; right next to Telaga Harbor. There are only three hotels in this area; especially during peak season it's wise to make your reservations up front.

Resorts north of the island

The most exclusive resorts are located in the northern parts of the island. The famous Datai Bay and Rhu beach has a couple of very nice 5 star resorts. There is no basic accommodation in these parts of the island. The resorts that you can find here are The Datai Resort , The Andaman , Tanjung Rhu Resort and the Four Seasons Resort .

Rebak Island Resort

On the western side of the island there is a small island called Rebak Island. You can see the island from Pantai Cenang. There is a very luxurious resort on the island; Rebak Island Resort . The area has a small harbor which makes it especially popular among those who travel the world by sea.

SHOPPING MALLS

Langkawi is a beautiful island; tourists come here for the fabulous beaches and the beautiful nature. If you want to do some serious shopping Langkawi is not the best island to be at; although it is a duty-free island. For real shopping you should visit Kuala Lumpur orGeorgetown. Wine and strong liquor, tobacco, chocolate and perfumes are cheap compared to the rest of Malaysia.

Langkawi Fair

Langkawi Fair is located on the south side of the island at the edge of the capital Kuah. This is the biggest shopping mall on the island and it has much to offer. However, it is a bit of an outdated mall. On the ground floor (next to the fountain) you'll find a man who specializes in reflexology, after a visit chances are you will be ridden of all your pains. Also there is a good hairdresser at the ground floor where you can get a decent hair cut for a low price. At the back of the complex you will find a big supermarket - Billion Supermarket - with a small department store next to it. Here they mostly sell drinks, cigarettes, and cheap clothing. We usually get ourselves some snacks for the trip (during day trips to the island) at this large supermarket.

There are also a few shops where you can buy CDs and DVDs, the quality is ok but they are obviously copies. Left of the entrance you have a shop where art is sold. Here, we have always seen beautiful works of art and paintings. You can also drink coffee at this small shop; it is also a kind of mini coffee house. On the top floor you've got a large teashop, here you can buy various types of tea. You can also try the types of tea before buying.

You've also got a small food court, where you can eat fine local food, but a pleasant atmosphere is hard to find. It is really more an inn for the locals who work in the mall.

 

Other shopping options at Langkawi Island

Pantai Cenang

There are many small shops along Jalan Pantai Chenang where you can mainly buy t-shirts and souvenirs. Typical shops that you will always see at a popular tourist destination; Pantai Cenang is the most popular area on the island. There are also quite a few 7/11 supermarkets.

Langkawi Parade Megamall

Together with Langkawi Fair the biggest mall on the island. The mall has numerous international brands. There is also a warehouse and supermarket, and the only cineplex on the island.

Jetty Point

At 150mtr distance from Langkawi Fair you can find the Jetty Point, the main Langkawi harbor. Here you have some shops, a bowling alley, an amusement center, a Starbucks and a couple of places to eat.

ZON Duty Free Complex

There's also the ZON Duty Free complex; located next to Langkawi Underwater World at Pantai Cenang. This is one of the places to buy duty-free alcohol, cigarettes, candy and perfumes. There's an ATM nearby.

Airport

At the airport there are also a couple of small shops. If you haven't had time to buy tobacco or liquor in Kuah, then this is your last chance to make use of the duty-free prices. There are some ATMs here and also a Starbucks Coffee.

Kuah City Center

In Kuah center you can find many small duty-free shops. Most of them sell either liquor, tobacco, chocolates or perfumes. During the day Kuah is a bit of a dull town, but at night it is very nice to walk over the night market. Especially the huge Saturday night market is very popular among locals and tourists. This night market starts every Saturday evening (around 6pm) at the basic Baron Hotel, nearby Kuah city center.