Langkawi
Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are a part of Malaysia’s Kedah state, but are adjacent to the Thai border. By far the largest of the islands is the eponymous Pulau Langkawi with a population of about 45,000. The island is a declared duty-free zone.
The peak season is from December to March when moonson at the eastcoast shuts down most of the Islands there (Perhentian etc.). This makes Langkawi a good island alternative during that time period. Generally though, Langkawi can be visited all year around.
Pulau Dayang, view from Gunung Raya
Sunset at Pantai Cenang
Getting to and away from Langkawi
Flight
Langkawi has an airport in the western part of the island with regular connections to Penang and Kuala Lumpur.
Airlines: Air Asia, Firefly, Malaysian Airlines, Berjaya Air
Ferry
Ferry to Langkawi arrive at the ferry terminal in Kuah, the main town of the island in the eastern part of Langkawi. Langkawi can be reached by boat from these locations:
Kuala Perlis (travel time 75min)
Kuala Kedah (10min outside of Alor Setar, travel time 105min)
Georgetown, Penang (traveltime 2h 45min)
Koh Lipe (Thailand) (travel time 1h)
Satun (Thailand) (travel time 1h 15min)
click on the link to book a ferry ticket online:
| Langkawi - Kuala Perlis | Kuala Perlis - Langkawi |
| Langkawi - Kuala Kedah | Kuala Kedah - Langkawi |
| Langkawi - Penang | Penang - Langkawi |
Bus Connections
main bus terminal: Shahab Perdana Bus Terminal
click on the link to book a bus ticket online:
| Kuala Lumpur - Kuala Perlis | Kuala Perlis - Kuala Lumpur |
| Kuala Lumpur - Alor Setar | Alor Setar - Kuala Lumpur |
Excellent alternative online resources:
How to get to and away from Langkawi
Langkawi is a large island in the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia just south of the Thai border and about 30km from the mainland. It has ferry connections to Satun and Koh Lipe in Thailand as well as to Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis and Penang in Malaysia. Read on for more details
Langkawi Cable Car
The daring cable car ride that takes you up to Gunung Macincang at 708 metres offers spectactular views over the Island and is a must when visiting Langkawi
Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach)
This wide and long beach is the most popular beach on the island and the center of Langkawi's tourism infrastructure. It is a lively place also at night with various bars and restaurants.
Gunung Raya
highest peak on Langkawi (881m) with spectacular views over the island and even to Thailand when it is clear
Tanjung Rhu Beach
wide and empty beach at the north of the island. home of the fancy Tanjung Rhu and Four Seasons resort and starting point of Mangrove River tours
Kuah
The main town on Langkawi and the place you arrive per boat from Penang, Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis or from Thailand.
Datai Beach
Langkawis most exclusiv beach in the north-west of the island. Home to the super-exclusiv Datai and Andaman Resorts
boutique hotel at Cenang beach with exceptional loft design
... moreIsland Horses
Equestrian centre called 'The Perdana Stables', operated by Island Horses Sdn Bhd, located near the Oriental Village offering fun rides, beach or jungle rides and mountain trail horse rides
Mega Water Sports
Specialized in water sports specifically jet ski rentals and jet ski tours, also offering luxury motor yacht getaways and other services
Langkawi International Airport
Langkawi's airport is located in the west of the Island and has flight connections to Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore.
Malibest Resort
nice Budget Resort on Cenang Beach, RM 100 - RM 230 (Chalets). They also have really lovely treetop chalets (RM180, RM230) but you need to book in advance to get them, on-site indian restaurant
Kedawang Beach Inn
Friendly accommodation with guest kitchen on northern end of Tengah Beach (right south of Cenang Beach), RM70- RM110
Sandy Beach Resort
Chalets on both sides of the road on Cenang Beach, from RM90
Rainbow Lodge
3min from Cenang Beach with scenic mountain view, village landscape, quiet and peaceful surrounding and calm atmosphere. In-house restaurant and bar available.
