Drawing from the guide below, I welcome you to explore the allure of Langkawi Island in Malaysia. My week there was memorable, filled with camping on a stunning sandy beach. Picture your mornings beginning with a refreshing swim in the Andaman Sea!
CONTENTS – go to specific questions and answers:
- Fun facts about Langkawi.
- Where is Langkawi located and what are the means of transport to the island?
- When is the best time to visit Langkawi, during the dry and rainy seasons?
- Langkawi – everything you should know before your trip:
4.1. Visa to Malaysia and formalities.
4.2. Malaysian currency.
4.3. Prices in Langkawi.
4.4. Safety in Malaysia.
4.5. Transport on the island.
4.6. Basic Malay phrasebook.
4.7. Religion in Malaysia. - Where to stay in Langkawi, where to find accommodation?
- Attractions in Langkawi, what to do – a to-do list.
6.1. Camping in a tent: Tanjung Rhu Beach.
6.2. Waterfall – Blue Lagoon Waterfall.
6.3. Landscape park with a viewpoint – Gunung Raya.
6.4. Thousand Memories Eagle Stairs.
6.5. Langkawi – night market.
6.6. Sandy Skulls Beach.
6.7. Cenang Beach
6.8. Additional attractions – for your verification.
1. Langkawi - interesting facts about the island.
- The name Langkawi comes from the combination of two words: “lang”, which is a distorted form of the Malay word “helang” meaning eagle, and “kawi” meaning marble.
- Langkawi is part of an archipelago of the same name, consisting of 99 – 104 islands (the number depends on the season, a few of which are flooded). Langkawi Island is the largest of them.
- Langkawi is a duty-free zone.
- The island has the longest cable car in Malaysia, 2.2 km long.
- The island has numerous UNESCO-listed sites.
2. Location of Langkawi, how to get to the island?
Langkawi Island is located in the northwestern part of Malaysia, near the border with Thailand. The island has an airport, allowing for direct flights. The airport is located in the central-western part of the island.
How to get to Langkawi? There are two towns near Langkawi from where direct ferries operate. Direct ferries: Kuala Perlis (a small town closer to Thailand) and Alor Setar (a city south of Perlis). For those traveling from Penang / George Town, you also need to get to the above towns first.
The 12go.asia service does not sell ferry tickets for this route, so you need to buy them locally or through the dedicated site: cuticutilangkaw.com. Cost from Perlis: 27 MYR (Ringgit) = 5,8 USD.
3. Season and weather, when to visit Langkawi?
In Southeast Asia, each country and region has its own unique microclimate. Therefore, the most important point in planning your trip is to check the weather. In the Langkawi region, there are in fact 3 seasons: dry, moderately rainy, and rainy.
The weather is quite rainy for a large part of the year, so I recommend traveling to Langkawi during the dry season, which is in the months of: January, February, March, June, July, December. On average, there are only 3-5 rainy days per month during this period, usually in the evening for 1-2 hours.
The dry season in Malaysia, on the island of Langkawi:
The dry season lasts from December to March, so the number of tourists from countries where it is winter at that time increases. The climate during these 4 months is optimal – although temperatures don’t change much: 25 – 31°C, but the rainfall is much less frequent. Humidity is also stable between 75 and 80%.
Rainy season in Malaysia, on Langkawi Island:
The rainy season lasts from April to November. Temperatures are practically unchanged, 25 – 30°C, high humidity, optimal rainfall in the first months, with the peak in November. Humidity is also stable between 75 and 80%. It is advisable to avoid visiting in the months: April, May, August, September, October, November.
Is it worth visiting Langkawi?
Definitely yes! If you like nature and less tourist traffic compared to other popular locations – a week-long holiday on Langkawi will be a great getaway!
4. Langkawi formalities - visa, currency, transport, rules
Is a visa required for Malaysia?
Yes, Malaysia requires a visa, for Europeans a free visa on arrival is available for 90 days. More details about specific countries are available HERE.
What currency is used in Malaysia?
The currency in Malaysia is the Ringgit (MYR). Exchange rate: 10 MYR = 2 USD.
I recommend having cash as not all cards are accepted. Additionally:
- Not all cards are accepted in Malaysia (operator)
- For payments in MYR with a foreign card, we pay extra for currency conversion (in most cases)
- The exchange rate on the island will be less favorable than on the mainland
Is Langkawi expensive?
In Malaysia, including Langkawi, prices are slightly higher compared to neighboring countries like Thailand or Cambodia. Below are some example prices:
- 10-day SIM card with unlimited internet: 35 MYR = 7 USD
- meal with a drink: 17 MYR = 3,5 USD
- scooter: 30 MYR / day = 6,5 USD
Is it safe in Malaysia, on Langkawi? d
Yes, Malaysia is a safe country, and during my stay on Langkawi, I felt very comfortable.
For visitors to Asia, including Malaysia, I have a few basic tips on what to watch out for:
- sun: avoid long exposure to the sun, it’s easy to get sunstroke. Wear a hat and use strong sunscreen.
- scooter and traffic:
- Left-hand traffic is mandatory on Langkawi
be sure to wear a helmet, for your own safety and to avoid fines 🙂
- Left-hand traffic is mandatory on Langkawi
- water: it is safe, but you need to avoid jellyfish, which can sting. In case of contact with a jellyfish:
- the antidote to the venom is vinegar
- DO NOT pour cold water on the sting – it worsens the situation
- DO NOT believe the myth about urine
- mosquitoes: protect yourself as mosquitoes spread many diseases, including the popular Dengue fever in Asia. Do not bring your own mosquito repellent, in Asia they are available at a reasonable price in every store, including bars and restaurants
Transport on Langkawi Island
As I always say, a scooter in Asia is a must-have. Depending on how you get to the island (ferry or plane), prices at nearby rental points will vary.
I recommend searching on Google with phrases like “cheap scooter” and then checking negative reviews. In my case, due to the short stay, I rented a scooter at the dock where the ferry arrives.
I recommend renting a Honda Click model (I think it’s one of the best) it cost me:
Day = 30 MYR = 6,5 USD.
Remember:
- Never give your passport as collateral, it is safer to give an ID card or deposit.
- Always take photos/videos of the scooter’s condition.
- Wear a scooter, for safety and to avoid fines
- in Malaysia, there is left-hand traffic.
In Langkawi, we can use taxis, for this, I recommend the Grab app – the equivalent of Uber.
Basic Malay phrasebook
It is always worth learning basic phrases to show respect and willingness to the local community. At least the following 3 phrases 🙂
Malaysia religion, law, and rules
Remember that when visiting a country, we should show respect to the local community and its prevailing rules. Regardless of our faith and beliefs, before the trip, it is worth taking a moment to familiarize yourself with the religious and customary norms.
Below I will try to briefly present the most important issues to consider before coming to Malaysia.
What religion is dominant in Malaysia and what norms prevail here?
In Malaysia, a significant part of the population practices Islam, so when visiting this country, we should follow the rules it represents, including those regarding dress.
Dress code rules in Malaysia
- avoiding skimpy clothes, i.e.:
- the upper part of the clothing should not expose the shoulders, so we should avoid tank tops or see-through clothes
- too short shorts or skirts, i.e., those that expose the knees
- sarongs (a type of skirt made from a single piece of fabric) are not acceptable
- Do not reveal cleavage or the navel – this applies to both genders.
- The exceptions to the above rules are beaches and pool areas.
- Most Malaysian women do not cover their heads, so it is not required for tourists.
Tip: carry an extra shirt or scarf to cover your shoulders when entering temples.
It is worth mentioning that islands usually have a different atmosphere than the mainland, so there is a “relaxed” vibe.
Can you drink alcohol in Malaysia?
Alcohol is allowed in Malaysia and is available for purchase. Respect is given to the fact that people of different faiths live in the country, so this right is not restricted. However, you should not drink alcohol in public places where it is not explicitly allowed. In most tourist areas with many bars and restaurants, drinking alcohol is allowed Remember common sense.
Interestingly, Malaysia has the third highest alcohol tax in the world.
5. How long to plan a stay in Langkawi?
The island has a lot to offer, but I think a week is quite sufficient. Langkawi has beautiful and unique surroundings, especially outside the airport and city center areas. I always recommend looking for accommodation at least a few kilometers from the heart of the city. Langkawi outside the center is not yet as urbanized as other islands, which gives it a unique charm.
6. Attractions in Langkawi - what to see and visit?
My stay in Langkawi was very spontaneous, so I didn’t see everything the island has to offer. Below is my list of recommendations.
Beach camping - Tanjung Rhu Beach
Location: here
Rating: 10/10
The most important point of this article, i.e., where to stay in Langkawi – tips for free camping on the beach!
There are 2-3 resorts and restaurants in this area, but in the middle part of the beach on the right, under the trees, there is a space where locals come with their families for a few days to camp. There is enough space for several tents, and for those interested in evening camping, there is also the possibility of lighting a bonfire.
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It is a beach that no one manages, but this means there are no sanitary facilities and no electricity. Fortunately, a restaurant 100 meters away offers both toilets and showers for a symbolic fee – the standard is very colonial, but ahoy adventure! As for access to electricity, if you are guests of the restaurant/cafe, there will be no problem charging phones. We always connected powerbanks at the same time. Malaysia is safe, but we preferred not to risk leaving phones directly.
There is a kayak and quad rental point here, so an additional attraction, unfortunately, I don’t remember the prices.
Waterfall - Blue Lagoon Waterfall
Location: here
Rating: 10/10
Reaching the waterfall doesn’t take much time, and it’s worth it! The 20-30 meter high waterfall is, in my opinion, one of the main attractions. In many locations, waterfalls are inactive for most of the year due to lack of rainfall, but in Langkawi, there is no shortage of rain, and the pressure is substantial! Beautiful view, cool water.
Beware, I always warn to watch out for monkeys in Asia. It is no different here, family gangs roam the area and steal anything they can. They easily open backpacks, and they react aggressively to your intervention – so be careful!
Landscape park with a viewpoint - Gunung Raya (caution - land leeches!)
Location: here
Rating: 5/10
(if there are birds: 10/10)
There are two ways to reach the Gunung Raya viewpoint: by road and by stairs. Why I don’t recommend the stairs is explained below. Honestly, the view is not particularly interesting (unfortunately, I was so exhausted by the climb that I didn’t take a photo), but if you are lucky, you will see beautiful birds:
Great Hornbill - unique birds in Southeast Asia
A few words about these beautiful birds:
Great Hornbills are found in Malaysia (also Nepal, India, Malaysia, Bhutan).
- They live in family flocks (up to 100 individuals!) – they often cooperate with monkeys (warning sounds about dangers)
- Males buy the favor of females with gifts of food
- During breeding, males return from “hunting” with up to 60 fruits at a time!
- They live in sealed nests
- They move through trees using their beaks
- There are as many as 54 types of Hornbills, with mixes of colors: black, yellow, orange, and white.
Thousand Memories Eagle Stairs
Location: here
Rating: 1/10
(unless you want to do a leg workout and sweat liters of water)
I do not recommend a hiking trip, as it is a 2-hour hell uphill, through (as the name suggests) 1000 stairs…
This route is very neglected, even though it is part of a landscape park. Nature has taken over, and the higher you go, the more fallen trees and broken railings there are. We stumbled upon this place completely by accident and unknowingly because we came to see the park itself.
But the worst part of this trip was, beware… Land leeches! But more on that in my thriller…
Langkawi - night market
Location: List below
Rating: 7/10
Of course, in Asia, you can’t miss the night market rankings! In Langkawi, the event is divided between different locations (very fairly!), so every day of the week, the market moves according to the list below.
Compared to markets I visited in Thailand and Cambodia – these are much smaller, but they still have their charm and are worth visiting for dinner.
Beach for peace and relaxation - Sandy Skulls Beach
Location: here
Rating: 6,5/10
If you like peace and quiet, besides Tanjung Rhu Beach, I recommend Sandy Skulls Beach. There is a sandy beach here, lots of trees, and shade, which allows you to hide from the sun. Nothing extraordinary, but in travel, places without crowds of tourists are priceless. 🙂
Beach in the entertainment center - Cenang Beach
Location: here
Rating: 6/10
This is the heart of the city, where there are numerous pubs, clubs, and restaurants. The beach is very spacious and offers many attractions, including fire shows performed by acrobats.
Additional attractions - for own verification
Below, to be honest, a few locations I didn’t personally visit, but I recommend checking out whether they are worth it.
Langkawi - Sky Bridge
Langkawi - Cable Car
One of the main – advertised attractions on the island. Price approx. 45 MYR = 9.5 USD.
Maiden Dayang Lake and Pregnant Maiden Island
Location: here
Location: here Organized tours are available, which look interesting, so I recommend checking the offers and deciding if it’s worth it. 🙂
