Picture yourself lounging around, soaking the soothingly warm rays of the sun on a pristine beach, with the tranquil blue waters of the Andaman sea just a few steps away from where you are relaxing with no cares in the world (apart from maybe, what spa service to have after getting up from that lounge chair). If this is the experience you are looking forward to enjoying in Malaysia, then Langkawi should definitely be a part of your itinerary!
Fast Langkawi Facts
Langkawi is a cluster of islands (all 99 of them) which are a part of the state of Kedah, on the Andaman Sea separated from mainland Malaysia by the Straits of Melacca. The main island of Pulau Langkawi is the only one which has a defined settlement, and only four out of the 99 islands are inhabited; the length of the main island spans 25 kilometers from north to south. The official language is Bahasa Malaysia, although English is also very widely used especially in the resorts and spas that dot the main island.
The weather in Langkawi is tropical – hot and humid – all year round, with the rains being most pronounced during the months of August and September. Clothes made of lightweight materials are essential, as well as the use of a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock or sunscreen lotions to protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun. You can get to Langkawi by plane (through the Langkawi International Airport), or by boat.
Langkawi is a duty-free zone, which means that retail goods and hotel tariffs are exempted from government taxes/duty. Shopping areas can be found in the main town of Kuah, while the most luxurious and exclusive of resorts are located on isolated bays. Banks, ATMs, and money changers can be found throughout the main island; credit cards (Visa, American Express, Master Card, and Diners Club) are widely accepted as well.
Explore Langkawi
Going on an island cruise is one of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Langkawi, while relaxing at the same time. A round trip island cruise around Beras Basah Island and Dayang Bunting takes approximately four hours from start to finish. If you want to have a more exclusive and luxurious experience, you can go to the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club to charter your own private yacht for a few hours; you can have a meal or two, or a few drinks, while going taking in the spectacular scenery.
Viewing the beauty of Langkawi from a high vantage point is possible by going on a Langkawi Skybridge adventure. The world-class pedestrian bridge is 125 meters long, and is attached to a 700-meter high mountain ridge, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Andaman Sea. To get to the Langkawi Skybridge, you will have to go first to the Cable Car Park, which is approximately 15 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport (or 30 minutes from the town of Kuah); the cable car journey will whet your appetite for more awe-inspiring views you will see once you get to the Skybridge.
Experience the wonders of nature first-hand by scuba diving or snorkeling, going on a bird watching tour or a mangrove and limestone cruise, or with a jungle trekking adventure in the rainforest. Kayaking, jet skiing, and other water sports are also some of the most popular ways to get that adrenaline rush amidst the glorious sparkling waters of the Andaman Sea.
Rest and relaxation is best experienced by doing absolutely nothing, and just lying on the pristine beaches of Langkawi. You can head on to Pantai Cenang beach, considered as the liveliest beach where most of the locals and tourists go for socializing. If you prefer to free your mind from all your worries with a bit of solitude, most of the resorts offer private spots on their beaches so you can just laze around and bask in the wonderful views.
Langkawi is home to a number of luxurious resorts and spas that graciously cater to their guests’ pampering needs. You can try some of the different massage techniques offered by these spas after a long, tiring day of going around the island, after which you will truly discover how it is to be thoroughly pampered and indulged.
After all those activities, you may find yourself ravenous but there is no need to worry as you have a wide variety of dining options to choose from in Langkawi. Restaurants in hotels, fine dining establishments, and hawker stalls offer Western food, authentic local cuisine, and even Thai, Japanese, Indian, and Chinese dishes. The open-air hawker centers are where you should head to if you want to have your fill of affordable, good quality local cuisine.
Your Langkawi adventure will best be enjoyed on a leisurely pace, so you can take in the views, the people, the activities, and the whole paradise experience in the most appreciative of ways. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself falling in love with the place and yearning for another chance to come back – before you even leave the breathtaking views that make Langkawi a jewel of a tourist destination.
