Hello, Langkawi!
Photo Credits: @bellaestrella.co
Also known as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi is a popular destination to visit in Malaysia, perfect for a vacation with family or friends. Made up of 99 islands on the country’s northwestern coast, this tropical paradise is a charming spot for an exciting getaway.
Jungle-clad hills, sandy beaches, duty-free chocolate, and swaying coconut trees are just some of the things to look forward to during your visit. With that, grab your papers and pens, and add these things to do in Langkawi to your itinerary!
Ready to explore the beautiful and colourful Malaysia?
When the sun shines, so do you. If you've been looking for a reason to finally book your healing island trip, here's your sign: get 10% off on all experiences and essentials in Malaysia when you book on Klook!
Best Time To Visit Langkawi
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Unlike most islands in Malaysia where the weather is greatly affected by the monsoon season, Langkawi has a stable climate throughout the year. Temperatures here are fairly consistent and it doesn't rain much (though it's good to note that the rainy season falls between September - November), making it perfect for a vacation all year round.
The best time to visit is during the dry season between December and February when it rarely rains, but do also note that these are the most popular months of the island, so it may get a bit more crowded as opposed to other months of the year!
Getting To Langkawi
You can get to Langkawi by air or by sea! Most people take a flight into Langkawi International Airport and then hop on a private transfer to their hotel. Alternatively, you can also drive up to Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, or Penang and head over by boarding a ferry. The ferry service between Penang and Langkawi departs from Swettenham Pier Penang and has a sailing duration of approximately 2.5 hours.
Klook Tip: There is no public transport on Langkawi — we'd highly recommend renting a car once you touch down in order to enjoy a hassle-free adventure around the island.
Where To Stay In Langkawi
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Photo Credit: @catherine.s.s (Instagram)
As Langkawi is one of Malaysia's top travel destinations, there are tons of accommodation options dotted across the island, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly homestay or hostel, or a luxury hotel with a private beach.
Most hotels are located close to Kuah city, though there are also some secluded options that are perfect for travelers who wish to enjoy a peaceful stay. If you're looking for an easily accessible accommodation located in a strategic location, consider getting a place either in Kuah city or by the popular Pantai Cenang. Enjoy exclusive discounts when you book your Langkawi hotel stay on Klook here.
Getting Around Langkawi
As there is no public transport on Langkawi, you'll have to plan your transport around the island accordingly. Thankfully, Langkawi is a compact island that's not too difficult to get around. We suggest renting a car, motorbike, a private charter, or embarking on day tours for convenience.
Grab is also widely available on the island, so don't worry if you need a short ride! You can also rent a bicycle, or get around with a taxi (please note that the cabs in Langkawi use a fixed rate system and not a meter - so even a short ride may cost up to RM15, ~3 USD).
Best ways to get around Langkawi:
- Book a private charter (choose between a car, MPV, or van)
- Rent a car (opt for a sedan or MPV)
Don't forget to also book your airport transfer for a convenient pick up from Langkawi International Airport right upon touchdown.
Things To Do In Langkawi
1. Spend Time By The Beach
Photo Credits: @evelynzhuu ; 📍 Pantai Cenang
Photo Credits: @northabroad, northabroad.com ; 📍Tanjung Rhu
Langkawi is home to amazing stretches of beautiful beaches — you can simply slap on some sunscreen, put on your sunglasses, and spend a full day basking in the sun. The most popular beaches in Langkawi are Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah, though you can also head to the less-touristy stretches such as Tanjung Rhu Beach if you're looking for a more relaxing and laid-back vibe.
2. Ride The Famous Langkawi SkyCab
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Kredit Foto: @johannakalda
Photo Credits: @bosleygaming
Did you know that the Langkawi Cable Car occupies a spot on the Malaysia Book of Records for being 'The Longest Free Span Mono-Cable'? Hop on the cable car and marvel at spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and the sea right beneath your feet. The cable car leads up to the magnificent Langkawi Sky Bridge located 2,300ft above sea level — this bridge is amongst the longest curved pedestrian bridges in the world and offers 360-degree panoramic views of the island.
3. Catch A Sunset Onboard A Cruise
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Kredit Foto: @ali_shehzad_paul
Kredit Foto: @waiwaichen
Photo Credits: @rei_f_rachel
This is definitely an experience you have to add to your itinerary! Catch a breathtaking sunset over the tranquil Andaman Sea while enjoying dinner aboard a yacht while in Langkawi — be sure to pack your swimming attire for a dip in the jacuzzi net to cool it off after a satisfying feast.
Klook Tip: Book this popular experience on Klook at a discounted rate, inclusive of an English speaking guide and insurance. You can also opt for the package that comes with a hotel transfer.
4. Go Island Hopping
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Photo Credits: @ivvvvvvvvy
Island hopping is a must-do fun activity when in Langkawi — all you have to do is hop on a speedboat and start exploring unique islands blessed with crystal clear waters and sandy beaches. Our favorite islands in Langkawi include the Beras Basah Island (Wet Rice Island), Pulau Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), and Pulau Singa Besar, where you can witness magnificent eagles feeding right before your eyes.
Klook Tip: Book your tour on Klook inclusive of hotel transfers and a professional English-speaking guide. You can enjoy a wide variety of activities including paddle boarding, swimming, and eagle watching on this fun tour!
Book a private island adventure and spend an unforgettable day at Paradise 101, a picturesque private island where you can enjoy tons of water activities including kayaking, banana boat ride, ziplining, and more. You'll also get access to Paradise 101's inflatable Aqua Park and OMG Bar when you book your exclusive pass on Klook.
To give you more options on private island hopping adventures, you can also book this private boat tour with a hotel transfer option! Just choose the boat size (depending on the number of people in your group), and you’re good to go. The private boats available can accommodate from 8 to 16 persons.
5. Visit The Langkawi Underwater World
Photo Credits: @j_sriselvam
The Langkawi Underwater World is one of the largest aquariums in Malaysia — it's home to 4,000 different aquatic species and is almost six acres big! Our favorite part of the space is the gigantic, 15 meter-long tunnel where you can get up-close and personal with sharks, giant stingrays, groupers, and turtles. You can also befriend adorable penguins at the Penguinarium here!
Klook Tip: Skip-the-queue with direct entry admission tickets from Klook! Tickets are discounted, open-dated, and you can enter directly with your mobile or printed voucher, easy-peasy.
6. Kayak through Langkawi’s mangrove forests
If you're a nature lover, you can embark on a jungle trekking adventure and explore the beautiful Langkawi rainforest that's home to exotic tropical flora and fauna. These hiking tours are perfect for people of all ages, including children. You may come across gentle creatures such as flying lemurs, mouse deer, and civets on your adventure through a rain forest that dates back 500 million years!
You can also opt to try something different like a mangrove kayaking tour that comes with lunch or dinner, depending on the time you choose. If you join the morning session, lunch will already be included in the tour. But if you decide to go for the afternoon session where you can kayak through Kilim Geoforest Park by sunset, your dinner is already included in the tour.
7. Try Ziplining
Photo Credits: @rayan.alshali
Photo Credits: @rayan.alshali
Photo Credits: @firdhausrahmat7
Itching for an adrenaline rush? Fly over Langkawi's beautiful rainforest on a thrilling zipline adventure! Choose to ride a zipline over a lush jungle canopy, or one that swings over a spectacular waterfall (we personally love the waterfall option!). To level up your adventure, opt for the special 3-in-1 experience that comes with a waterfall adventure, a Malay gastronomic experience, and a fun swim at the waterfalls.
8. Snorkelling
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Photo Credits: @explorernico
Don't leave Langkawi without spending time in the water! Langkawi's crystal clear waters are great to snorkel and dive in - you'll come across exotic coral reefs and marine life like moray eels, clownfish, and baby reef sharks on your adventure.
Here are some great snorkeling spots across the island:
- Pulau Payar Marine Park
- Tanjung Rhu Beach
- Langkawi Coral
- Datai Bay Beach
- Pulau Beras Basah
- Pulau Timun
9. Ride an ATV
If you're looking for an adventurous way to explore the island, hop on an ATV for an adrenaline-pumping journey that you will never forget. Explore the countryside of Langkawi including paddy fields, a traditional village, waterfalls, and a rubber plantation from aboard an ATV. The experience is a lot of fun, but be sure to bring along a cap to protect yourself from getting sunburnt, slap on enough sunscreen, and put on some good shoes to thoroughly enjoy the experience!
10. Splash Out Water Theme Park
Photo Credits: @splashoutlangkawi_waterpark
Photo Credits: @splashoutlangkawi_waterpark
This one's a great activity if you're traveling with children. Splash Out is Langkawi's famous water theme park with tons of fun rides and attractions for both the young and the young-at-heart. Ride 5-foot waves at the Wild Water, plunge down twisting water slides, and catch a barrelful of water at the Big Splash Kingdom at Splash Out Langkawi. You can easily spend half a day here going through the many thrilling rides.
11. Shop For Duty-Free Gifts
Langkawi has been Malaysia's popular duty-free island since 1987! Travelers often leave with bags full of duty-free chocolate, tobacco, cosmetics, and alcohol. The island is dotted with huge duty-free shopping centers, mostly located in Kuah Town or along Pantai Cenang. Be sure to allocate extra space in your luggage so you can bring home souvenirs and gifts!
Other Langkawi Travel Tips
1. Pre-Book Your Tickets And Activities
Photo Credits: @syaraff
Save some bucks by pre-booking discounted passes to attractions and activities in Langkawi such as Splash Out Water Theme Park, the Langkawi SkyCab, or an island hopping tour. Not only can you enjoy discounts, you'll also be able to earn Klook Credits for extra savings off your next adventure, and discover fun things to do on our site! Check out our full list of offerings here.
And hey, if you want to experience more of Langkawi without spending too much of your travel budget, then get this Klook Pass Langkawi that gives you access to up to six attractions such as the Underwater World Langkawi, Dream Forest Langkawi, and Splash Out Water Theme Park! It’s your best bet to visit Langkawi’s famous attractions with just one pass.
2. What To Eat In Langkawi
Seafood is the specialty of Langkawi, and you can enjoy a wide range of local delicacies including authentic Malay and Chinese cuisine on the island. You can find popular restaurants serving relatively cheap fresh seafood at tourist-friendly areas like Kuah, Pantai Cenang, and Pantai Tengah.
One place to get all that seafood, with breathtaking waterfront views is at Kapal Layar Restaurant. Here, they serve scrumptious seafood like white pepper crab, steamed snapper in Thai sauce, and dry chili mantis prawn.
There are also a lot of cute beachfront cafes where you can enjoy drinks (or cocktails) and catch a beautiful sunset. Some of our recommended spots to chill at include the Yellow Beach Cafe, The Cliff Restaurant & Bar, and The Nest Rooftop.
But if you’re looking for something to indulge in between meals, there’s Paloh Restaurant & Bar, where you can have light snacks like pizza and wine or a full-on Malaysian High Tea experience that comes with appetizers, mains, and desserts. Apart from the delectable food they serve, the ambiance is also great and relaxing.
