Table of Contents
Beautiful Langkawi Island Malaysia
Langkawi is in the Andaman Sea, an island off the mainland of Malaysia. Langkawi is, in fact, an archipelago of up to 104 islands; it is the only UNESCO Geopark listed in South East Asia. There are many reasons why you should visit Langkawi and many places in Langkawi to visit.
Things to know before you go to Langkawi
The best time to visit Langkawi
Most travellers do not know that Langkawi is a duty-free area (meaning alcohol is more affordable in this part of Malaysia – Phew!) This makes it a cheap place to visit any time of the year.
Since I have lived in Kuala Lumpur for over three years, I have been asked this question numerous times. Of course, my favourite time of year to visit Langkawi is between November and April; however, let me break it down for you. Overall the temperature in this part of the world is consistent all year round – think sun and warm weather no matter when you vacation in Langkawi.
January to March is popular because you get barely any rain during the dry season, so you can spend every day outside exploring or splashing around in the water.
April to August has occasional thunderstorms but nothing that will spoil your day if you can be flexible. It won’t ruin your holiday in Langkawi because the temperature is constant.
September to October is considered the rainy season; however, this comes with perks. It is usually more affordable, with fewer tourists, and if you don’t mind planning your day around the afternoon’s thunderstorms, then it is ideal.
November to December can also be a great time to visit, but it gets busy as school holidays begin and work commitments wind down for the year.
Car rental in Langkawi
Hiring a car in Langkawi is easy; book online and pick it up as you arrive. Driving is relatively easy (nothing as crazy as Kuala Lumpur), and they drive on the left-hand side of the road. There is no public transport on the island, but plenty of taxis exist. Getting to any beaches in Langkawi is easy.
Cheap flights to Langkawi
Langkawi is one of those destinations that you can fly to from many places in South East Asia. If you hunt around, you can generally find a deal or two to Langkawi; try Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, or Malindo Air. I know other airlines fly there, but they aren’t airlines I would recommend.
Five Langkawi places to visit
There are some great places to visit on Langkawi island, so it was hard to reduce the number to ten, so I have decided to break it into two sections. So here are my favourite Langkawi places of interest to start the ball rolling.
Kilm Karst Geoforest Park
Most people highlight Kilim Karst Geoforest Park as Langkawi’s best place to visit. In 2007 UNESCO awarded this attraction of Langkawi the first Global Geopark in South East Asia. Staying here, you will see why. The Mangrove Kilim UNESCO Geopark & Cave Tour is a great way to see all the wildlife with a professional guide; they pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at the end – PERFECT!
Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
The name Telaga Tujuh Waterfall means seven wells waterfalls because of the seven individual waterfalls that lead to separate natural pools. It will take approximately 45 minutes to reach the top, but it is well worth the view! It is breathtaking!!
Cenang Beach
Cenang beach is by far one of the most popular beaches in Langkawi. With many affordable accommodations in and around this area, there is also plenty of things to do. With its white sand and crystal clear water, why wouldn’t you want to spend your days laying on the beach drinking coconuts all day?
Gunung Mat Cincang
Gunung Mat Cincang is a mountain in Langkawi. To reach the top of this beautiful 850-metre mountain, you need to hike, so it is not for the faint-hearted. But if you are up for the challenge, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Langkawi. This is also possible if you would prefer to trek the nearby Gunung Raya with a guide.
Pantai Cenang
This beach town is one of the busiest Langkawi Tourist places, with plenty of restaurants to eat (great seafood, by the way) and little shops to buy beach toys and souvenirs, click here for more information. There is also a shopping mall here where you can purchase local brands.
Five things to do in Langkawi
Visit Langkawi Sky Bridge and Skycab
Langkawi Sky Bridge is one of the major attractions in Langkawi, so as you can imagine, it can get jam-packed. The bridge in Langkawi is open from 10 am most mornings, except Wednesday, which opens at midday and the weekend at 930am. With closing time at 7 pm each day. I would suggest you arrive before the queues or book online before you go. The 125-metre curved bridge is set 700 metres above sea level and has spectacular views.
Explore Underwater World Langkawi
Underwater World Langkawi explores loads of different marine life in this fun interactive aquarium. The aquarium is the largest in South East Asia, and it is a fun day out for all the family, and you can purchase tickets online here. Make sure you plan your visit before you go, as there are many different feeding times that the little ones won’t want to miss – It opens from 10 am to 6 pm daily.
Have fun at Art in Paradise
I love illusion Art, and this place is one of my favourites (I have been to quite a few around Asia). 3D Art Langkawi is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily, but it does get very crowded, so you will have to wait for a little to get the right shot (with no one in the background), but it is worth it, and if nothing else, it is airconditioned.
Book a Dinner Cruise
The choices of watersports are in abundance in and around this beautiful island. Whether you choose to head to Cenang beach or hire some water toys at your resort, the decision is yours. If you still want to be close to the water and have run out of things to do at night, why not try a dinner cruise? This island is beautiful at night.
Become a little more educated at Rice Garden Museum
The Rice Garden Museum (Laman Padi Langkawi) first opened its doors in 1999, and since then, it has welcomed many visitors to this exciting museum. This eco-tourism museum gives you a real educational experience on a 14-acre rice farm.
Places to stay in Langkawi.
Budget Hotel
Langkawi Yacht Club
Although the location isn’t Cenang Beach, it is, however, overlooking a beautiful marina. The Langkawi Yacht Club’s rooms are clean and comfortable, and the place is good value for money. With breakfast in every room, it’s the perfect start to the day; you can choose to lounge around the infinity pool or explore for the day.
Family-friendly resort
Family Suite Langkawi Lagoon Resort
A great location right on the water’s edge and not far from all the kids’ fun activities. A great outdoor pool for kids of all ages, with loads of games and free parking, so there is no need to leave the resort. Studio apartments are a suitable size, so you are getting your money’s worth at this resort.
Luxury Accommodation
The Andaman
I may be slightly biased with this one, as it is my favourite hotel in Langkawi. The resort has friendly staff, a pristine beach, and so much to do you won’t want to leave the premises. In addition, the hotel views are unique as it is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef and a ten million-year-old rainforest; what is there not to love?
Thanks for taking the time to read the blog. I hope this post has given you the necessary information before travelling to Kuala Lumpur. If you have any recommendations, tips or travel advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Check out my Instagram page or join the Truly Expat Facebook group.
