Langkawi is a group of islands located northwest off the coast of mainland Malaysia. It is part of the the Malaysian state Kedah and is comprised of ninety-nine islands. Officially, it is known as Langkawi Permata Kedah, or Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah.
Langkawi offers numerous beaches where tourists can spend time relaxing, swimming or enjoying other water sports. The islands also boasts of three major geoparks that are under the protection of the UNESCO World Geopark.
Air Travel
The fastest way for a traveler to get from Kuala Lumpur (KL) to Langkawi is to take the plane. The Langkawi International Airport at Padang Matsirat receives flights from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) through Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines. Flights are also available from the Subang and Penang airports, as well as direct flights from Singapore, Hong Kong and Phuket, Thailand.
The advantage of taking the plane from KL to Langkawi is the amount of time you save. Travelers who want to cover as much ground as they can or are in a limited vacation time should choose this option. However, note that plane fares vary on the season, and may be costly. Check the flight schedules and plan your trip accordingly.
Road Trip
Getting from mainland Malaysia to Langkawi requires a ferry trip from one of the ports in Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis.
From Kuala Lumpur, you can either take the bus or train to either port. There are several bus and coach services that offer hourly trips on a daily schedule.
While the journey can take hours (different reports say that it can take from six to twelve hours, depending one which port you’ll be coming from or the bus company you’ll be taking), the buses are generally comfortable with plush seats that recline for sleeping. Most bus services have at least two stops along the way, so you can stretch your legs for a bit and grab a bite to.
You can also reach these ports by train. The Express Langkawi offers trips to Kedah or Perlis. You can choose to buy a seat or rent out a private carriage for your comfort.
Upon arriving at the ports, you can take your pick from the available ferry services that can take you to Langkawi. Adult fare generally starts at RM12 (Kuala Perlis) and RM15 (Kuala Kedah). Ferry services are also available if you are coming from Penang.
No matter the means of getting there, Langkawi has much to offer and is definitely worth the trip.
Photos by dmytrok and alanalew
