Langkawi Island, Malaysia

Introducing Langkawi Island

Langkawi Island belongs to a group of islands located about 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the northwestern shores of Peninsular Malaysia. The island has a population of 45,000 and the capital is Kuah with a population of only 12,000. For an island of its size and a population of only 45,000, Langkawi is not a very populated island.

Langkawi was once a sleepy island and its main activity was fishing and farming but today receives nearly 2 million tourists each year, attracted by the island’s sandy beaches and sunny skies. However, the island never seems crowded with tourists since many of the accommodations are spread out around the island.

Getting to Langkawi Island

By Plane

Langkawi International Airport is about 20 minutes by car from Kuah and not more than 40 minutes from the furthest beach. Most flights to Langkawi are domestic flights served by low cost airlines Air Asia and Firefly flying from Malaysian airports near Kuala Lumpur (40 minutes to Langkawi) and Penang (20 minutes to Langkawi).

International flights to Langkawi are mainly from Singapore served by Tiger Airways and Silk Air and the flying time from Singapore to Langkawi is about an hour. There are also the occasional chartered or seasonal flights to Langkawi from Europe and Japan but there are no direct flights from cities in the United States or Canada.

By Ferry

There are also ferry services from the mainland departing from Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah to the ferry terminal in Langkawi and the travel time is about 45 and 90 minutes respectively. There are also ferry services from the island of Penang (3 hours) and the Thai border town of Satun.

The journey by road from Kuala Lumpur to the ferry terminals is more than 250 miles (400 kilometers). Therefore it’s best to fly rather than take the road and then ferry to Langkawi if traveling from Kuala Lumpur unless traveling to the northwestern corner of Peninsular Malaysia is your plan.

Kuah - The Capital of Langkawi

Kuah is the capital and commercial center of Langkawi Island with a population of only 12,000. Kuah is a small town and rather laidback considering that the island receives nearly 2 million visitors every year.

There is not much to see or do in Kuah except shopping namely for duty-free items. There are also not many choices of eateries in Kuah other than a few fast food outlets. The best place to eat out is at Pantai Cenang about 2 miles (5 kilometers) from Kuah where there are greater choices.

The Beaches

The beaches in Langkawi Island are for most part sandy and surrounded by the crystal blue waters of the Adaman Sea. Thus, visitors are spoilt with choices for a preferred beach destination in Langkawi. There are the popular beaches with the usual tourist trappings and the quieter beaches that are away from the tourist crowd.

The beaches of Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah are among the popular beaches in Langkawi but are rather touristy with their hotels, restaurants, shops, and entertainment spots. Burau Bay, Pantai Rhu, and Datai Bay are quieter beaches with one or two resorts occupying each beach and perfect places for a quiet getaway.

Hotels & Resorts

There are a couple of 2 to 3-star hotels in Kuah and being away from the beach are usually cheaper than those near the beaches. Visitors staying in Kuah Town generally have duty-free shopping in mind rather than the beaches.

Those preferring accommodations beside the beach, there are plenty of options along Pantai Cenang followed by Pantai Tengah. Accommodations are mainly 3 to 5-star hotels or resorts and most have facilities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and bars. There are not many accommodations along the beaches of Burau Bay, Pantai Rhu and Datai Bay and occupied mainly by 4 to 5-star holiday resorts and expect to pay for the privilege of a quiet beach.

Mt Machinchang

Visiting Langkawi’s mountains should not be missed. It is possible to reach the top of Mt Machinchang situated more than 2,300 feet (700 meters) above sea level. Cable cars take passengers between the base station at the Oriental Village and the top of Mt Machinchang.

At the mountain top, there is a curved suspension bridge called the Skybridge spanning a length of 410 feet (125 meters) supported by steel cables. From the bridge, visitors can view the rainforest below and the sea beyond, which is simply breathtaking.

Shopping

Langkawi is a duty-free island for both Malaysian and foreign visitors to the island. Popular duty-free items here include the usual alcohol and cigarettes as well as consumer electronics, leather goods, clothes, chinaware, and confectionary. There are several duty-free outlets situated in the shopping centers in Kuah including the popular Jetty Point Mall just beside the ferry terminal.

Other Attractions & Interests

Underwater World is an aquarium located about 15 minutes drive from Kuah’s town center. There are collections of freshwater and marine creatures at the aquarium from around the island and other parts of the world. Collections include sharks, stingrays, crustaceans, huge Arapaima fish from the Amazon, and Rockhopper penguins from South Africa.

There are boat cruises taking visitors around Langkawi and the neighboring islands. Visitors can make bookings from outlets located near the ferry terminal. Visitors can also book these boat cruises from some of the hotels but expect to pay more. The Langkawi Crocodile Farm is about 16 miles (32 kilometers) from Kuah and crocodiles here are bred for their skins. The Snake Sanctuary has a collection of venomous and non-venomous snakes from around the world. Another attraction is the Langkawi Bird Paradise, which is home to more than 150 species of birds.

Transport

Public transport on the island is limited or minimal. Taxis are available but few and mostly found waiting at the airport and ferry terminal. A good option for traveling in a group is to hire a van with a driver for half a day or the whole day.

There are plenty of car, scooter, and motorbike rentals in Langkawi and companies offering these services can be found at the airport, hotels, ferry terminal, and along the beaches. A valid driving license is required and many foreign licenses including those from Europe and North America are accepted.

More on my travel blog about Langkawi Island.