Langkawi, on Northwestern shore of Malaysia is a archipelago of Langkawi Islands. Situated Just where the Indian Ocean narrows down into the Straits of Melaka,it was once a heaven for pirates. Today it serves as a retreat for visitors near and far. The tropical island of Langkawi is one of the most popular destinations within Malaysia. Though the island is recognised as one of the most beautiful islands in the world; you will never feel you’re visiting a crowded tourist overrun island. Visit Langkawi for wonderful jungle, fantastic sightseeing and beautiful beaches.
Beach, Langkawi
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Beach
Time Zone: (UTC+08:00)
Pincode: 7000
STD Code: N.A
Info Website: N.A
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the year.
HistoryEdit
Langkawi is an island of legends. Its name is believed to have originated from the abundance of eagles on the island: helang (eagle in Malay) and kawi (marble in Sanskrit), begets the moniker helang-kawi which was eventually toned down to Langkawi. The main settlement of locals is in Kuah, a dusty town noticeably beloved for its array of duty-free stores and Chinese seafood restaurants. Other popular areas include the Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah stretch, the quite strips of Pantai Kok and Padang Matsirat and the exclusive beaches of Datai Bay and Tanjung Rhu.
Places to Visit
How to ReachEdit
By Air : Malaysian Airlines (MAS) and Air Asia operate daily flights to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur. International travelers from certain places such as Osaka, Taipei and London can connect with MAS flights directly from their country or other airlines, depending on their availability in that particular region. Air Asia is the airborne version of a cheap local minibus, so you can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a good deal without the frills. Visitors from Singapore can use Silk Air which also flies directly to Langkawi daily.
Local: 1300 88 3000
International: +60 (0)3 7846 3000
Air Asia
Local: 1300 88 99 33
International: +60 03 7884 9000
Silk Air
+65 (0)6 223 8888
By Train : The Express Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur promises a comfortable and economical journey up to Alor Setar (Kedah) and/or Arau(Perlis). From Alor Setar or Arau, buses and taxis are available to Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis respectively, from where the Ferry Services take you to the island.
By BuS : You can choose to rough it out and wait for a bus instead, but their stops are limited to a few places and the wait is long. There is a bus station in front of the City Bayview Hotel and they run from the jetty to the centre of town. The only other destination for buses is Pantai Cenang. However buses are few.
By Taxi : A taxi from the Airport to Pantai Cenang costs RM20 (Dec 2013). You can buy a coupon at the taxi desk in the airport. From the ferry terminal to Pantai Cenang the price is RM24. For those arriving at the Kuah Jetty and going into Kuah Town, the price is RM8. All taxis work to a fixed price system, a fare from one part of the island to another is always the same price. This system results in higher prices, but very few problems since the taxi drivers are paid well enough and do not try and rip off tourists or participate in any of the dodgier shenanigans seen elsewhere in South East Asia. The result is a reliable and trustworthy, but more expensive taxi system.
By Other : Langkawi Ferry operates fast A/C boats from Kuala Perlis (RM18, 75 min), Kuala Kedah (RM23, 105 min), Penang (RM63.5, 165 min) (the ferry is freezing cold, so bring warm clothes), and Satun (RM30 or THB300, 75 min, last boat departs 4PM).
Telaga Harbour operates ferries from Ko Lipe, Thailand twice per day during the high season, at 9:30AM and 2:30PM (RM128 1-way, RM248 return, 75 min). These boats dock at the south end of Pattaya Beach. Bookings can be made online.
The fast boat is also known as the ‘vomit comet’ due to the number of people succumbing to sea sickness. Bring lots of water and be prepared for a bumpy ride. Renting a car or motorbike/scooter is highly recommended due to lack of public transport. This can now be done at the airport from the departure lounge, and the rate is reasonable, 50 RM for a small car) and also from the port complex, or from shops on Pantai Cenang. Refrain yourself from renting from touts, as many are operating illegally without permits and usually without insurance.
Renting an air-conditioned mid-sized sedan costs RM70-RM150 per day (depending on model, condition and length of stay) and a 150 cc motorbike/scooter costs RM40 to RM45 per day. Cheaper but usually very used and older are the semi-automatic 115 cc bikes for RM25 a day. A tired Proton with in Pantai Cenang maybe around RM60-90/day. You can rent bicycles in many of the hotels. Expect to pay between RM10-30 per day.
Top HotelsAdd
Budget – Up to Rs. 800
Hotel Bahagia Langkawi ; 78, Persiaran Bunga Raya, Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. ; Ph – 60 4-969 8899 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, Air conditioning, Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
Twin Peaks Island Resort ; 1, Jalan Pandak Mayah 4, Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. ; Ph – 60 4-966 8255 ; Facilities – Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Elevators, Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
Kampung Tok Senik Resort ; Lot 1577, Kawasan Mata Air, Mukim Ulu Melaka, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia. ; Ph – 60 4-955 7288 ; Facilities – Valet Parking, Banquet facilities, Doctor on call, Travel Desk, 24-hour front desk, 24-hour room service, Air conditioning, Baby sitting, Conference facilities, Elevators, Free airport shuttle, Laundry, Parking, 24-Hour Security.
Top RestaurantsAdd
- Nam Restaurant ; Bon Ton Restaurant and Resort, Laman Padi Langkawi, Jalan Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia ; M – 60 4-955 6787 ; Food Serve : Malaysia,Chinese
- The Cliff Restaurant & Bar ; Jalan Pantai Chenang, Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia ; M – 60 4-955 6787 ; Food Serve : Malaysia,Chinese
Must Eat FoodAdd
- Mughlai Paratha – Night markets ; Pasar Malam Menu, 208 Grand Street Malaysian . ; Ph/M – 718-487-4576 ; Cost – N.A ; Famous for – N.A
- Beef sticks – Night markets ; Pasar Malam Menu, 208 Grand Street Malaysian . ; Ph/M – 718-487-4576 ; Cost – N.A ; Famous for – N.A
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
Must ShopAdd
- Chocolates, Perfumes ; Zeno Duty Free Shopping Centre ; 20, 22 & 24, Jalan Pandak Mayah 6, Pusat Bandar Kuah ; Ph/M: 604 969 828
- Tobacco ; Cuban Attitude ; 14, Jalan Pandak Mayah 6, Pusat Bandar Kuah ; Ph/M: 604 969 8282
Alcohol ; Wine & Liquor House at Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall ; GF15, Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall ; Ph/M: 604 966 9279
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
- Yellow Cafe Langkawi ; Pantai Cenang, PO Box 121, 07000 Langkawi ; Ph/M: 6012 459 3190 ; Cost: N.A ; Food Serve : N.A
SpaAdd
- The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa ; Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia ; Ph/M – 60 4-960 8888 ; Cost: N.A ; Services – N.A
- The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa ; Jalan Dato Syed Omar, Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia ; Ph/M – 60 4-960 8871 ; Cost: N.A ; Services – N.A
FestivalAdd
- Water Festival Langkawi International Water Festival ; Venue: Langkawi ; Period : April ; Details: Held in April every year, the Langkawi International Water Festival is a water-sports competition designed as a tourism marketing event by the Langkawi Tourism Action Council and the Ministry Of Tourism Langkawi. Comprising an island-to-island kayak race, sandcastle-building competition, underwater treasure hunt, beach netball game, fishing competition and more, this event has been observed since 2002.In conjunction with the National Water Festival, the festival takes place all around the main island but most contests happen at Telaga Harbour Park in Pantai Kok as well as at Pantai Cenang.
- Chinese New Year ; Venue: Langkawi ; Period :
February ; Details: After Muslims, the Chinese population in the island would be the next highest. And therefore Chinese New Year is a significant celebration in the island. It is the first day of the Lunar calendar year. It may fall in end January or February beginning. The celebration actually begins on the eve when almost all Chinese families gather for reunion dinner. You will find many restaurants decorated with lights and offering different types of exotic dishes.
Safety / WarningEdit
- Beware of pickpockets as Malaccais a major tourist city in Malaysian.
- Beware of fake items, Better to buy from reputable shops even though you have to pay more.
HelplineEdit
- Police & Ambulance 999
- Fire Brigade 999.
ItineraryEdit
N.A