Today we will tell you about our vacation on the island of Langkawi in Malaysia, what kind of interesting places and what to do, where are the best beaches.

What is Pulau Langkawi

Langkawi is not a single island, but an archipelago of hundreds of islands in Malaysia. Four of them are inhabited, the rest are too small.

The island of Langkawi is the largest of them (its area is 363 km²), it was on it that we rested.

The main symbol of Langkawi is the reddish-brown eagle because that is the meaning of the word "Langkawi". Pulau means island.

Population: 97,000 people (according to Wikipedia).

Highest point: Mount Gunung Rai (880 m)

The capital of Langkawi is the city of Kuah. It is also the port where ferries arrive.

The name "Kuah" comes from the Malay word which means broth. According to legend, the city arose on the site where two giants Mat Raya and Mat Cincang spilled a cup of broth during a fight between themselves. Now two of the highest mountains on the island are named after them. There is nothing to see in the city itself, and there is no beach there, mainly people come here for shopping and eating seafood.

Currency: Malaysian ringgit. 1 USD ~ 4 MYR. There are enough exchangers, but the exchange rate in Langkawi is bad, it is better to bring ringgits from the mainland or withdraw from ATMs.

The Langkawi Geopark (that is, the entire island) is included in the UNESCO list, the first in Asia.

Langkawi island on the world map

Where is Langkawi located? In the Strait of Malacca in northwestern Malaysia, near the border with Thailand. The island is washed by the Andaman Sea of ​​the Indian Ocean.

Here is a map of Langkawi with everyone interesting places and the best beaches:

What to see in Langkawi: all the sights and beaches

In general, at first it was not clear to us why Langkawi is so popular with tourists, because the beaches here are made of yellow-gray sand, which mixes with water, which is why the sea is always muddy, but then we understood.

It is very calm and green here, there are a lot of duty-free shops with reasonable prices for alcohol (in other parts of Malaysia, similar wine and beer are several times more expensive), excellent seafood restaurants, all sorts of spas, a lot of shops with quality souvenirs, good beach dresses , swimming trunks (including for Muslim women)) etc.

The island is cozy, quiet, there is little traffic, there are even sidewalks for walking (which is rare in the rest of Malaysia).

Finding Wi-Fi is not a problem, unlike where even the local phone could barely catch.

The locals say that the water was cloudy due to the rainy season (since we arrived in October) and that the water is very clear in winter, although jellyfish come in January and it gets so hot that people pass out on the streets. In October, the temperature was comfortable, and the rains lasted for a couple of hours three times in five days.

We rented a bike and rode around the island. The dimensions of Langkawi are only 30 by 20 km, so you can easily go around all the interesting places in one day.

Langkawi seems to have a lot of sights, but not all of them interested us, because we have already seen similar ones. Those who have not been to Asia can probably travel here for a week to watch. So we slept more, ate fruits and seafood, processed photos, wrote blog posts, planned the next part of the world tour.

We went to the cable car Langkawi Cable Car- this is a lift to the mountain, from the observation deck you can see half of Langkawi, not obscured by mountains, the Seven Wells waterfall and a bunch of neighboring islands, and some of them are already territory.

Height difference: 680 meters.

Ticket price: RM30-RM55, skip the line RM90-RM105. The worst queues on weekends and school holidays.

In order not to stand in line and not overpay, you need to arrive on a weekday early in the morning or in the evening. You can come in the morning, buy a ticket for certain time, and return to it.

Opening hours are constantly changing, it is better to check on the official website panoramalangkawi.com.

To Seven Wells Falls(Telega Tujuh Falls) there is also a walking approach (30 minutes from the end of the road). Many swim right in the waterfall or in the river that flows out of it. Watch out for monkeys that can steal your food and drinks.

From the top lift station you can go to sky bridge langkawi(Langkawi Sky Bridge), stretched between two mountains. The ticket price is 5 ringgit for adults and 3 for children (they are sold at the box office at the upper cable car station).

The length of the sky bridge is 125 meters, it is located at an altitude of 660 meters and almost the entire island is visible from it.

We also went on the popular Island Hopping Tour, that is trip around the islands(3.5 hours for RM35). First, they are taken through very beautiful islands.

Then unload to big island Dayang Bunting, in the middle of which is a large fresh lake surrounded by mountains. It is called the Lake of the Pregnant Lady (Tasik Dayang Bunting) - it is believed that its shape is similar to a pregnant woman, and the waters of the lake can heal from infertility.

On the way from the pier to the lake (10 minutes) there is a terrible debauchery (macaques mate right on the path in front of the astonished public). And then they scratch each other's tummies and look for fleas.

Or contemplate the meaning of life.

Or they are treated to drinks taken from tourists.

You can swim on the lake, but do not swim further than 5 meters from the pontoon.

Locals dive only with a soldier and a bomb, we showed them how to do it :)

You can still go along the path to the side, there observation platform, but only a tiny beach is visible from it, which you cannot go down to.

Then they are taken again through the beautiful islands to the feeding place for eagles, which fly up very close (eagles are generally not uncommon in Malaysia, we saw them in 4-5 places).

The last stop is a rather stupid Pulau Beras Basah beach, like for snorkeling, but the water was cloudy, shallow, it's easy to cut yourself on the bottom when swimming, it's all in dead coral, there is no toilet, and they sell drinks and all kinds of unhealthy food like chips and instant noodles for a lot of money. There are also hordes of monkeys who are trying to steal something tasty from tourists (successfully).

In general, the impressions of the tour are twofold.

There was another awkward moment. We were in the same boat with a Hindu family that seemed to be of decent appearance, but the Hindu woman simply brazenly threw her empty water bottle into the sea, as if it was the right thing to do, and then threw the cap: (I wanted to throw it somewhere myself.

Other waterfalls in Langkawi

There are two more small waterfalls here: Air Terjun Temurun and Durian Perangin Falls.

From Langkawi we flew to Indonesia, in. The weather during takeoff was clear, visibility was good :)

What else to do in Langkawi

1. Go to the Langkawi Water Kingdom water park.

2. Visit the Underwater World Langkawi Aquarium.

3. See exotic birds at Langkawi Wildlife Park. They have 150 species of birds there. Open daily from 8.30 to 18, ticket price 39 ringgit, children 22 ringgit.

4. Take a picture with the eagle statue in Kuah - the symbol of Langkawi.

5. Overeat fruits and seafood, drink coconut milk straight from the coconut.

6. Buy souvenirs at the Oriental Village market.

7. Learn all about rice farming at the Rice Garden Museum. Open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

8. Enjoy vibrant tropical sunsets.

The best beaches on the island

Remember that Malaysia is a Muslim country. Of course, you can swim in an ordinary swimsuit on the beaches of Langkawi, but too open bikinis, thongs, topless and nudists are not welcome here.

So, where to swim in Langkawi:

1. Pantai Cenang Beach is the most popular beach in Langkawi. Good for families with children. White sand, many different water activities, and a lot of people during the season.

2. Pantai Tengah Beach - actually a continuation of Pantai Chenang, they are separated by a rock.

3. Tengkorak Beach - one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Langkawi: white sand, clear water, a park and few tourists.

4. Tanjung Rhu Beach - a secluded beautiful beach in the northeast of Langkawi overlooking the island of Pulau Chabang (Pulau Chabang).

5. Shark Bay (or Teluk Yu) is a very popular beach.

6. Pantai Kok Beach - a secluded beach in the west of the island.

7. Burau Beach bay beach, or Pantai Teluk Burau) is a long white sand beach in the northwest of Langkawi.

8. Datai Bay Beach, or Pantai Teluk Datai - a private beach, which is only allowed to guests of three 5-star hotels located in this bay.

9. Batu Hampar Beach - This beach has a minimum of tourists, because everyone thinks that it belongs to a huge 5 * hotel, but in fact it is a public free beach.

Photos of beaches #1-9: langkawi-insight.com

10. Beach with black sand (Black Sand Beach). It is included in the list of the best, but in the photo it is much more beautiful than in life :) We would rename it to Dirty Sand Beach, because here the sand is not like in Iceland or black for the whole beach, but only for a couple of upper centimeters. And a factory smokes nearby.

Sharks in Langkawi

Only reef sharks are found on the island, which themselves will never be the first to attack a person.

Underwater world of Langkawi: snorkeling and diving

Diving here is insanely expensive because people are taken to neighboring islands. For example, two 20-minute dives cost almost $100.

On Langkawi itself, snorkeling is only possible on the private Datai Beach, and on the island of Pulau Chebang, where you can walk from Tanjung Rhu Beach at low tide, otherwise you need to go to neighboring islands.

For snorkeling in Malaysia, it is generally better to go to - there is just an incredible variety under water world: and corals, and living creatures, and all this right near the shore.

On snorkeling, we were on a tour of the islands near Langkawi, and did not check out the local reef at all - faded corals and very few fish.

They write that in marine park Pulau Payar can swim with reef sharks. If someone was there, please write your review in the comments at the bottom of the post. As I understand it, this is good entertainment only in the dry season, when the sea is clear, otherwise it will be muddy and you will not see anything. And even in the dry season, you need to check the weather forecast a couple of days before snorkeling so that there are no waves.

How to get to Langkawi on your own

There is no bridge connecting the island to mainland Malaysia. You need to travel by plane or ferry.

With a trip from Penang to Langkawi, it turned out interesting for us.

We were going to drive from Penang to ferry(3 hours, RM66.5 each), but then they learned from fellow travelers that there is a cheap plane (40 minutes, RM55 + bus 2.70), so they flew by plane faster and cheaper than they would have taken by ferry.

This is Asian reality :)

Airport on Langkawi

The island has an international airport - Langkawi International Airport(IATA code: LGK). Flights fly here from most cities in Malaysia and from neighboring countries.

How to find cheap flights to Langkawi

To find cheap flights, I usually compare prices using several aggregators. They all have the same principle - they look for tickets in the databases of hundreds of airlines, but their databases may differ, so the price will be better in one or the other - check everything at once.

• - unrealistically flexible search, and there is a guarantee of connection, even if you fly with low-cost airlines and the first flight is delayed!
• - the best prices for tickets from Russia and Kazakhstan, a convenient calendar of low prices.
• - there are good prices for tickets from Ukraine.

By the way, KIWI gives 20 euro coupons for airline tickets to new users, but they can only be received by email. Who needs - I can send an invitation.

Get 20€ on kiwi.com ➜

Airfare low price calendar:

Timetable Kuala Lumpur - Langkawi:

Timetable Penang - Langkawi:

Schedule Singapore - Langkawi:

From Bangkok and other cities, you need to fly with a transfer in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

Ferry Penang - Langkawi

If you have a lot of luggage and the forecast is calm, then you can also take a ferry from Georgetown in Penang to Kuah (Kuah Jetty) in Langkawi.

See schedules and ticket prices at. There are also reviews of tourists and ratings of carriers.

On the same site you can buy ferry tickets from Thailand to Langkawi: from Koh Lipe and Satun.

Motor insurance

If you are going to ride a bike in Langkawi, then keep in mind that ordinary policies do not cover riding motorcycles and mopeds, neither in Malaysia nor in any other country! Need a separate sports insurance. The best option is to buy an insurance policy for active days from - this is international insurance, issued online, even if you are already on a trip, and covers riding a motorcycle. The same insurance covers parasailing.

Excursions to Langkawi

I found a tour of the island of Langkawi with a Russian guide only, for exorbitant money ($ 198 per person).

If you know English at least at some conversational level, a tour of the island will come out much cheaper, and there will be a good selection of options on , and GetYourGuides:

Parasailing in Langkawi

Popular local entertainment - parasailing - is when you fly on a parachute tied to a boat with a rope.

We also tried it - we liked it :) For the first time, they don’t let you in on your own, an instructor hangs behind you, who controls the parachute.

Marina flew first.

Before landing, we flew low over the bushes, I thought that we would land in them now, but the instructor clearly directed us to the water's edge.

Then they quickly loaded Seryoga, who did not even have time to take off his backpack, which contained money and a camera, but everything also went well.

How to save money on parasailing

Parasailing at Pantai Tengah Beach costs RM120. If you approach the boys who ride before 11 in the morning, ask them about the price, they will answer about 120 ringgit, then you need to tell them that our friend rode for 60, and they quite easily agree to the price of 60.

It is important not to come there by taxi!!!

Otherwise, they will have to charge the taxi driver RM60 instead of giving you a discount. Such is the taxi mafia. And so it is with any excursions - the taxi driver who brought the clients up to half the cost of the excursion.

Hotels in Langkawi: where to stay

If you want to live near the beach and close to all the infrastructure (restaurants, cafes, excursions, duty-free shops and souvenirs), then it is best to stay in Pantai Tengah or Pantai Chenang.

If you are interested in 5-star hotels with a private beach, this is Datai Beach.

Do you want solitude and silence, but are you going to go to different beaches? Book a hotel or villa in the mountains.

There are no good beaches in the capital of Langkawi Kuah - this is Big city and port.

In the high season, you need to book hotels and inns as early as possible, especially on weekends, because at this time many local Malays and Singaporeans come here. In the low season, there is more choice and prices are lower.

🛌 All hotels in Langkawi:

Also don't forget about Airbnb service- there are more than 300 offers on the island: from rooms, apartments and bungalows to luxury villas with a pool.

If you haven't signed up for Airbnb yet:

In hotels, be careful with monkeys! They will crawl through even a small gap and professionally steal everything tasty that you have lost sight of just for a second.

For example, our bungalows were full of monkeys. In the photo is the veranda where we spent a lot of time. The mop stands ready to fend off impudent monkeys. Some kind of makakoparanoia developed in Malaysia, any food was taken out into the street only under supervision, the door to the room was opened only under supervision, food during walks was securely hidden in a backpack.

On the day of check-in, we were lucky to see local monkeys (I think they are bespectacled langurs). They didn't come back, but the macaques were in abundance, and we almost lost our chocolate pie.

When is the best time to go to Langkawi: seasons, climate and weather by months

peak seasons no matter the weather: between Catholic Christmas and New Year, during Ramadan, during Chinese New Year.

High (dry) season: from January to March. The best weather and almost no rain. But these are also the hottest months. Prices are rising, and at this time you need to book hotels as early as possible, especially in Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah.

transitional season: from April to August. During this time, intermittent rains are possible, although the sea remains calm. During these months, there are much fewer tourists and lower prices.

Low season (rainy season): September and October. We were in Langkawi in mid-October. The rainy season here is mild, there may be showers, but only for a couple of hours, usually in the afternoon or at night. The sea is cloudy but warm. Not hot. There are few people, the prices are pleasant, green and cozy.

average temperature air and water in the sea 27-29°С.

Pro jellyfish season in Langkawi in reports and blogs they just don’t write. Either they are dangerous, or they are safe, and in what months they appear - the information is the most contradictory. On some sites they write that the jellyfish season in Langkawi lasts from January to mid-June, on other sites - from May to October. Perhaps their appearance does not depend on a particular month? It is better to check with the lifeguards on the spot whether there are jellyfish on a particular beach and whether it is possible to swim.

Some beaches have warning signs about jellyfish. If a jellyfish stings, then these signs advise you to contact the lifeguards on the beach, and DO NOT rinse the bite with fresh water! Jellyfish stings found in Langkawi are washed with vinegar.

Visa

Since Langkawi belongs to Malaysia, you need a visa from this country.

Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians and Kazakhs have visa-free entry to Malaysia for 30 days.

Citizens of other countries - check up-to-date information in .

Our review of Langkawi

We liked Langkawi. It is cozy and beautiful here, and there is something to see, and delicious food, and if you come in the right season, then there are relatively few tourists. This is a good place to spend a few vacation days, also with children. But Langkawi is not suitable for a long stay, it will be boring here.

Langkawi or Penang? They are completely different islands. Langkawi is more of a beach resort, while Penang is more of a cultural experience.

Langkawi or Phuket? Both islands are good. Phuket is bigger and more crowded, Langkawi is cozier and quieter. The number of attractions is about the same.

Langkawi or Bali? Bali is much bigger, with more people and traffic, but also more beaches and attractions. For diving and snorkeling, Bali definitely wins.

Langkawi or Koh Samui? We didn’t really like Samui, it’s like an anthill, Langkawi is cozier and calmer.

If you want more privacy, then consider, or.

If you want a big tropical island with good beaches, then in addition to Langkawi, either Indonesia or Thailand will suit you.

The attraction of Malaysian resorts for tourists from all over the world is due to the unique combination of opposites. Here, the ancient culture and traditions border on the latest technologies, and oriental tranquility is combined with a stormy busy life. Langkawi Island is one of the most popular destinations for our travelers in . Asian exoticism, snow-white beaches saturated with minerals, clear sea, heavenly conditions fascinate visitors from the first days.

Information sheet

Langkawi is the main of the 104 islands of the Langkawi archipelago, of which only four are inhabited. Langkawi () on the map is the northwest of the mainland, in the Andaman Sea, not far from the borders of Thailand. The area of ​​the island is 478 sq. km, the population is 65 thousand, the capital is Kuah (Kuah).

The name of the island in translation literally means “island of the red-brown eagle”. Here is an unusual flora and fauna, among which rare birds stand out, including this unusual eagle. He is considered a kind of symbol, so in Kuah a large statue was created in his honor.

The popularity of the island among domestic tourists is also explained by the fact that you can relax here with any budget.

There are many luxury five- and four-star hotels, but it is also easy to find more affordable three-star hotels. Both a group of students and demanding European pensioners, as lovers of exotic and extreme sports, as well as families with children, will find a comfortable stay here. For a variety of tourists, the authorities have tried to create the most convenient conditions for recreation and entertainment all year round.

Absence public transport creates a special homely atmosphere. Local taxis can deliver you anywhere on the island, and rental vehicles are also popular: bicycles, mopeds and cars. The lack of crowds of tourists also seems attractive, you can always find a secluded place and enjoy the beauty of the local nature.

Warm clear sea, wide white beaches, thermal springs and fresh air are famous for their healing properties.

It is believed that a large number of minerals in the sand help in the treatment of rheumatism, osteochondrosis, and sea air is indicated for the treatment of lungs. Contemplation of the picturesque pristine nature, rich flora and fauna, many sights will help you find peace of mind and balance, fill you with vitality.

A bit of history

The advantageous location of the island at the crossroads of sea trade routes has made it attractive since ancient times. The first recorded mention of it dates back to the 15th century - these are the maps of the navigator from China Zheng Heva.

At that time, the inhabitants of Langkawi traded mainly in rice and pepper. Due to low prices, the French general Augustin de Beaulieu arrived here in 1621 to arrange supplies, he served at the court of Louis XIV.

Over time, cities and ports that sell spices and spices become more attractive to merchants. Therefore, trade with Langkawi has been declining for many years.

Only centuries later, the Malaysian government returns the popularity of the island, focusing on the resort component.

Climate and weather

The archipelago is located in the equatorial climate zone, so it is sunny and warm all year round. However, the weather in Langkawi (Malaysia) is characterized by its seasonality, which should be taken into account when planning a trip.

The best time for a beach holiday is the period from November to March, it is called the high season. There is practically no rain, the weather is usually windless, hot and sunny.

From April to August, the middle season lasts, which is optimal for those who want to save money. Happening at this time cloudy days and rains, but they are short-lived, and the weather is quickly getting better. The middle season is characterized by fewer tourists and low prices. Sometimes hotels offer discounts of up to 50% compared to the high season.

The low season, or rainy season, lasts September and October. Cloudy days, frequent rains make the island unattractive for vacationers. But even at this time there are those who want to spend their holidays in the bosom of nature, moreover, and prices become as affordable as possible. For lovers of diving and sea hunting, the rainy season often brings the maximum variety of the underwater world.

Attractions of the island

The sights of Langkawi (Malaysia) amaze with their beauty and originality. Most sightseeing places are natural beauties and curiosities, fanned by local legends. But there are also man-made memorable places must-visit. Consider the main beauties of the island.

Sky Bridge - suspension bridge

One of the most popular places to visit is the Sky Bridge in Langkawi (Malaysia), as it offers an indescribable view of the island's beauty and neighboring islands. It was built in 2004 and is recognized as the highest (700 m) single-support suspension bridge in the world.

Its design consists of a support directed upwards and a suspension bridge on cables with viewing platforms at the ends. The length of the bridge is 125 m, the width is almost 2 m. The designers have provided all safety measures in the form of high-strength materials, steel handrails, protective mesh and wooden flooring.

It seems that the Langkawi Bridge (Malaysia) is floating in the air between the Gunung Raya mountains over the abyss, opening up a stunning panorama to the eyes of visitors.

Sky Cab - cable car

This is a must for all tourist routes, helps to view the island from a bird's eye view and from different angles. It is possible to land on one of the observation decks of the Sky Bridge. The maximum lifting point is 708 m.

In cloudless weather, the outlines of Indonesia can be seen in the distance. And the island itself appears before tourists, at a glance.

Oriental Village

This is a colorful tourist village with many shops, cafes and souvenir shops. From here the cable car starts.

Oriental Village is a special place for tourists, providing a lot of entertainment for every taste.

Lakes and waterfalls of Telaga Tujuh

Seven picturesque lakes, flowing along the slopes one into another, are fanned local legend. According to ancient legend, to lakes with high mountain Gunung Raya, mythical fairies descended to wash their hair and bathe in the purest waters.

Nearby is the highest waterfall on the island - Durian Perangin (90 m). The course of the waterfall is divided into seven streams, at its foot a cozy backwater for swimming has formed, chosen by locals and tourists.

Oceanarium

The oceanarium near Cenang Beach is recognized as the largest in Asian countries. Built in the form of a tunnel 15 meters long, the aquarium creates the illusion of immersion in the underwater world, allowing you to observe the marine life from the inside.

Only special durable glass 38 mm thick separates visitors from underwater predators. The oceanarium accommodated about 5 thousand representatives of the water world and 800 thousand liters of water.

Wildlife Park and "Legends of Langkawi"

It used to be a bird park, but now it is inhabited by many native animals, including several species of monkeys.

Animals can be fed, they are so accustomed to visitors that they easily make contact. Another beautiful park called "Legends of Langkawi" has become one of the stops on the tourist routes.

The park houses many sculptures that tell about the legends and history of the island. Also here you can enjoy the beauty of the island flora.

Mausoleum of Princess Mahsuri

This place is covered with a sad legend about the innocently murdered princess Mahsuri. According to legend, the princess was accused of treason to her husband and sentenced to death. When the executioner plunged the dagger, white blood flowed from her, supposedly confirming her innocence and purity.

Dying, she predicted many troubles for the inhabitants of the island, many of which came true. In memory of the princess, the inhabitants built a mausoleum of white marble, symbolizing innocence and purity. For the inhabitants of the island, it has become a place of worship and remembrance.

Eagle Square in Kuah

Kuah is the capital of the island, located in the southeast. An interesting legend about two giants tells about the origin of the city, which literally translates as "sauce". According to legend, the giants started a fight to find out who was stronger. During the competition, they caught on the table and knocked over the curry saucepan, on the site of which the city arose.

There are a lot of entertainment venues, shopping centers, shops and restaurants in the capital. One of the main attractions of Kuah was the sculpture of an eagle, which is a symbol of the local people. The twelve-meter red-brown eagle spread its wings wide and seems to be preparing for take-off. From this elevation, you have a stunning view of the city and the bay.

Crocodile farm

This corner of the island attracts thrill-seekers. There are about 1000 reptiles here, you can see them on close range. The trainers put on a reptile feeding show twice a day. The farm also sells crocodile skin products, stuffed animals and other souvenirs.

In addition to these places, the island boasts other interesting corners, museums, temples and mosques of incredible beauty.

Langkawi hotels in Malaysia

The choice of a hotel on the island depends directly on your financial preferences. You can also choose luxury luxury hotels with closed bays, but you can also choose a simpler option, located further from the coast, at more affordable prices. In total, there are more than 30 hotels on the island, including 17 five-star hotels. The most popular are located in the Pantai Chenang beach area on the southwest coast: Langkawi Village, Holiday Villa, Best Start Resort and others. It should be noted other beaches with hotel complexes Tanjung Langkawi, The Anjungan, Pangkor Laut Resort and others.

When choosing a hotel, be sure to pay attention to its rating and reviews. He will also study its location on the map so that it does not turn out that it is located in a field far from the coastline, and transport is indispensable. Since there is no public transport on the island, taxis will come to your rescue, or you can use a rental vehicle.

Local kitchen

Malaysian cuisine is traditionally rich in spices, peppers, rice and seafood. Also, many dishes are based on fresh vegetables and fruits. Malaysians rarely eat meat, more often it is still chicken and seafood. To feel the local flavor and get enough of the tastes, you should definitely try the street treats that are full of squares in the evening. Among the popular ones are rice noodles with shrimp, fried rice, curry sauce, lamb soup with herbs and others. They also offer exotic treats such as cuttlefish salad, shark fin soup, fried scallops, etc.

Fans of European cuisine will also be able to enjoy their favorite dishes. In Kuah, tourists can visit establishments with cuisines from different nations of the world.

The most sophisticated gourmet will be able to find suitable treats for themselves.

If you want to buy food on your own and cook your usual food, then you will have to work hard to find supermarkets and regular food markets. Experienced tourists are advised to go to night markets, as well as knowing the location of supermarkets.

• The island of Langkawi can be called a duty free zone. A whole chain of stores is located throughout Langkawi, and the prices of goods vary.
• To save on car or bicycle rental, it is better to rent it from the very morning and at 12 o'clock.
• The traffic on the island is left-handed, so in order to avoid an accident, make yourself a bright reminder or a label in a conspicuous place.
• During the evening low tide, the beaches of the island turn into a kind of open-air kingdom, inhabited by many crabs, starfish and urchins.
• Coastal sea waters are very interesting for diving enthusiasts, especially the reserve in the waters of the island of Payar. But it is worth considering the peculiarities of the season and weather when planning a trip for this purpose.
• Golf lovers will find several decent golf courses in Langkawi located in different parts of the island.
• There are two ways to get to the island of Langkawi (Malaysia): air and water. The fastest is a flight by plane, the island has an international airport that receives flights to several destinations, the most frequent are from the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. A ferry also runs regularly, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the bay.

Travel companies, offering tours to Langkawi (Malaysia), provide detailed information about the trip and the necessary documents, insurance and other security measures. Judging by the reviews of vacationers, a trip to the island will not leave anyone indifferent.

Beach resort with warm clear sea, pristine nature, oriental exoticism and original culture forever leave a mark in the memory, casting dreams of returning here again.

The month did not pass in vain and became one of the most interesting among all our trips! Before leaving Malaysia for Thailand, we share our impressions, secrets and photos with the readers of the Traveler's Diary blog. We present a brief review about the rest of the Langkawi archipelago with the whole family with two children. Langkawi Map(Malaysia) with all the most interesting things on the island. Secrets and life hacks. Transport, hotels and restaurants. Food, shops and markets. Beautiful places. The best beaches. The most interesting sights What is the most memorable and must-do in Langkawi...

Before leaving Langkawi for Thailand, we had mixed feelings... We are "tumbleweeds" and just can't stay in one place. One side. On the other hand, we have never stayed so long (almost a month) in any of our trips ... We really liked Langkawi and, whatever one may say, we were reluctant to leave. In addition, even in a month, we managed to see far from everything ...

So where do you start? Probably from the most useful, and this is - map of langkawi with our labels. In the map menu, the labels are divided into several sections: Transport and settlements, Hotels, Beaches, Restaurants, Attractions, Shops and markets, ATMs and currency exchange offices. And also, the route around Langkawi by car. Tabs can be closed and opened all together or individually.

Plus: both the article itself and the markers on the map contain useful links to relevant articles.

Pros and Cons of Langkawi

There are a lot of pluses on the island of Langkawi! The most unusual plus is the versatility of the island: despite its small size, both the budget traveler and the most spoiled tourist will find a service for every taste and budget. Langkawi will be good for backpackers, newlyweds, families with children, groups of students, and demanding pensioners from Western Europe. Compared to most countries in the South East Asia, here clean beaches, clean streets, adequate road traffic and there are sidewalks. There are no crowds of tourists, but you can meet a traveler from any corner of the planet. Langkawi has excellent wide white sand beaches and a warm, calm sea. It is believed that the high season in Langkawi is from November to April, but in fact, holidays in Langkawi are possible all year round.

There are optimal morals and culture here, which please after visiting crazy Thailand or Turkey with Egypt, as well as overly strict Muslim countries... Young people will not be molested by transvestites, girls in miniskirts will not be molested by locals, but also to the police for a naked torso or no one will drag you short shorts.

On a small island and the entire archipelago - a huge number of attractions and beautiful places.

The relative disadvantages include the following ... From November to February, there can be a lot of jellyfish in the sea. There is no public transport on the island. Few good department stores (but they do exist!). It is quite difficult and not very cheap to get to Langkawi from Russia. But there are options...

How to get to Langkawi (Malaysia)?

To Langkawi with a child or children

If it were not for the long road, then the island of Langkawi itself is almost ideal for relaxing with a child (children). This is facilitated by a good attitude towards children, a fairly developed infrastructure, interesting sights for children, not too exotic food, a wide selection baby food and goods ... And, of course, excellent beaches with clean sand and a gentle entrance to the warm sea!

Read more about the nuances of a holiday in Langkawi with children in the articles:

Hotels and hostels

As I said, there is a wide choice of hotels in Langkawi for every taste and budget! From a bed in a hostel for 15 ringgit (3 euros) or a small house for 60 ringgit (13 euros) per night to luxury premium hotels for 4600 ringgit (1000 euros) per night!!!

We mainly cooked ourselves from products purchased in the store and in the markets. And about good shops, and about the wonderful "night markets" in Langkawi - just below ...

Shops and markets on the island

Most shops on the island have a wide range of chips, chocolates and sodas. And where to buy fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, manufactured goods and more? Finding really good big stores in Langkawi is very difficult! It is much better to know where they are in advance) Thanks to the knowledge about supermarkets and "night markets", the traveler will save a lot of time and money, and the food will be very tasty ... It took us more than a week to find what the blog is now sharing with our readers...

A map of Langkawi with a corresponding tab will help you navigate the location of the shops.

There are two supermarkets on Chenang Street - at the beginning and end of the street. The best is Cenang Supermarket in the north, the second is Gecko Minimarket in the south. Another good supermarket Pasaraya Kedawang is located between Chenang and Langkawi Airport. An excellent modern Billion hypermarket is located in Kuah near the Jetty Point and Legend Park.

In addition, there is a complex of duty-free shops on Chenang near the Oceanarium, Cenang Mall shopping center in the center of Pantai Cenang, and large shopping centers near the Jetty Point pier in Kuah.

Attractions Langkawi

On the Langkawi archipelago, despite the small size of the main island, there are many interesting sights for every taste. Our map of Langkawi will help you find almost everything. Some can be easily reached on your own, others will need to book an excursion ... Cenang will give a lot of emotions to both children and adults Aquarium Underwater World Langkawi

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In the west of the island - Kok beach, Eastern village, Seven Wells waterfall and, of course, amazing cable car Cable Car Panorama Langkawi and Sky Bridge. In the north of Langkawi - Temurun waterfall and beautiful beaches. In the northeast - mangrove forests and northern islands. South - Kuah and southern islands with the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden...

An excursion to the islands or a tour of the mangroves will cost from 30-40 ringgit (6.50-8.50 euros) per person to 300-400 ringgit (65-85 euros) per boat. By the way, numerous excursions to neighboring Thailand deserve attention: for example, on very beautiful island Koh Lipe nearby, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi, Phuket, and even Koh Samui or Bangkok... Most trips will cost 100-200 ringgit (20-40 euros) per person.

Well, the most wonderful way to see everything interesting on the island itself is to drive around it in a rented car!

Transport: taxi, car or bike rental

There is no public transport in Langkawi. That is, it does not exist at all! There are taxis with reasonable fixed rates. We wrote about taxi in Langkawi in a separate article. Directly at the Airport, after passport control and baggage claim, you will find a taxi ordering desk, to which a queue will immediately line up. In the window, it is enough to name the hotel, the girl will look through their list and name the fixed cost of the trip. Also on the island. Taxi stands are often found on the streets, very similar to bus stops. They have a price list with prices up to most points. You can also call a taxi at the counter of any hotel.

Estimated cost - 1 ringgit (0.20 euros) per kilometer. Although, for short trips, a kilometer will be much more expensive ...

But there is a service "Tour around the island" - up to 4 hours of skiing will cost 120 ringgit (25 euros), and each subsequent hour - 25 ringgit (5 euros) ... A very worthy alternative for a company if there is no right or desire to take car rental!

Our map of Langkawi will show the location of these taxi ranks in Chenang.

There are many rental points, both at the Airport and on the island ... In almost every small travel agency, except for excursions, you can rent a car or a bike ... The cost of renting a bike starts from 10 ringgit (2 euros), a bike - from 20 ringgit (4 euros), car rental - from 65 ringgit (14 euros) per day. As always: longer rent - lower price... Is it possible to get the lowest price when renting just for a day? Yes!) How it is possible and where to do it, we will tell you a secret below...

Yes, by the way, traffic in Malaysia is left-handed, but not loaded - there are few cars on the road. Theoretically, international rights are required, although in fact they were not useful.

The beaches of Langkawi

With the beaches in Langkawi, everything is simple. All the beaches on the island are very good and beautiful. The difference is in infrastructure, hotels and distance from the Airport. We recommend Cenang Beach (Pantai Cenang) to almost all blog readers. It is located very close to the Airport, covered with perfect white sand, has a developed infrastructure and many hotels for absolutely every taste and budget. The Oceanarium is also located here. If you are looking for extreme water activities - then you are a little south to Tengah beach. If you do not need infrastructure, but are interested All Inclusive hotels with an excellent beach - Tanjung Rhu beach is yours. You cannot live without a city - you are in Kuah. If you are interested in the most expensive and exclusive luxury hotel with the best service and a huge golf course - you are in the Datai club in the north of the island...

Secrets and life hacks on the island

• If you don't want to stand in a long queue for a taxi in Langkawi airport, hurry up with passport control and luggage and hurry to the taxi stand.
• On the island of Langkawi hard with ATMs. Withdraw the required amount at the airport ATMs. On the island, there are ATMs in the Cenang Mall, duty-free shopping center, on the Kuah pier ... Our map of Langkawi, thanks to the corresponding tab, will help you find ATMs and exchangers.
• There are very few good general supermarkets on the island. Marked on the map best stores: Pasaraya Kedawang, Cenang Supermarket, Gecko Minimarket and Billion in Kuah. Huge selection and low prices.
• If you want to enjoy the unique atmosphere, arrange unique shopping and try local delicacies - you Langkawi night market. From 17:00 to 22:00 on Thursdays - on Cheang on Bohor Tempoyak, on Tuesdays - on Jalan Kedawang.
• If you are looking for a really inexpensive restaurant with delicious food, we recommend Thai Haji Jelani next to Cenang Supermarket! Very tasty and inexpensive!
• Do you want to rent a car or a bike for just one day and pay the lowest possible price (as when renting for a month)? Welcome to T-Shoppe Chenang! Tariff "Early Birds" allows you to do this if you come in the very first morning and rent for 12 hours from 9:00 to 21:00...
• If for some reason you are not ready to rent a car, but want to drive around the entire island ... Use the taxi fare "Tour around Langkawi". Up to 4 hours of travel around the island will cost 120 ringgit (25 euros), and each subsequent hour - 25 ringgit (5 euros).
• In order not to buy constantly bottled water, you can use special machines with drinking water. There are two of them in Cenang: in the center to the left of the Cenang Mall shopping center and in the north of the street next to Cenang Supermarket. A five-liter bottle can be filled for 1 ringgit (€0.20). So you save a decent amount on water and do not harm nature by constantly throwing away plastic containers ... Our map of Langkawi will show their location (Miscellaneous tab).
• Many do not really want to stay in Kuah, thinking that there is no beach. This is not true. An excellent beach is located right behind the Legend Park, and another one to the south - at the end of Jalan Beringin Street.
• If you want to save on accommodation, look for affordable accommodation in Cenang.

  If you can’t find the right price in the search, book something in the northern part of Chenang for three days, and find suitable accommodation on the spot.

• There is only one pharmacy on the entire Cenang beach - next to the Cenang Supermarket.

By the way, do not forget about insurance:

What is a must-do in Langkawi?

In every country or locality There is something that must be done! Not just for show, but because it's really worth it... In Paris, for example, you just can't help but climb the Eiffel Tower, visit Notre Dame de Paris, or visit Montmartre... In Malaysia, on the island of Langkawi, too there are things from the category of must-do ... So, during your vacation in Langkawi you must:

• Slowly go around the whole island by rental car. Over 80 km of the way you will see almost all the beaches, take the cable car to a height of 700 meters above sea level, feed the monkeys, visit most of the sights of the island, look into Kuah and this is just a small part of the experience! amazing views, beautiful photos and great mood guaranteed! But keep in mind that even moving at a speed of 80 km / h, due to the many interesting things along the way, your trip will last not one hour, but from 10 hours at least to several days )
• Visit the "night market" Langkawi. Very low prices, the widest selection of fruits and seafood, an unforgettable flavor, as well as a lot of tasty treats prepared right in front of you - yes, you must visit!
• Stroll along Cenang Beach during evening low tide... The sea, which has gone far from the shore, will open to your eyes a lot of crabs, fish, sea urchins and stars...
• Spend a day at Kok Beach.
• Of the attractions, we note the Cable Car, Temurun Waterfall, the Oceanarium, an excursion to the southern islands and the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, as well as a tour of the Mangrove forests...

Langkawi is not only the most major island of the archipelago of the same name, but also the most popular resort in the country, where countless people from all over the world, including Russia, come every year. The main reason for this popularity is the unique untouched landscapes, white sandy beaches and clear sea. By the way, sand local beaches contains a large amount of minerals and is recognized as very beneficial for health, for example, it has been proven that it treats osteochondrosis, rheumatism and bronchitis. No less useful are the magnificent thermal springs and the clean air of the island. Langkawi is also famous for its natural and man-made attractions, which are covered with many legends and myths. The most romantic myth tells of Princess Mahsuri, who was executed on a false charge of adultery and cursed the island, which caused a lot of trouble.

The Malaysian government positions Langkawi as a place for wealthy vacationers, but, of course, in practice this is not at all the case. Of course, the island has several beaches with luxury hotels, where the average tourist can not get. However, most of the beaches, including the most popular beaches of Pantai Tengah and Pantai Cenang, are very democratic in cost and, moreover, are the liveliest places. In general, Langkawi is just perfect place, which is suitable for both fun pastime and for secluded relaxation.

Climate and weather

Langkawi lies in the equatorial climate zone, so it is always sunny and hot here. On average, the air on the island warms up to +26...+30 °C, and water to +29°C.

It is generally accepted that the best time for a holiday in Langkawi is a dry period from November to April, during which there is practically no rain. However, in general, the weather on the island is excellent throughout the year, so you can relax here in any season. Of course, in Langkawi, as well as throughout the territory this region, there is a wet season (May - September), but the weather during this period is quite unpredictable: precipitation may be absent for many days in a row, but the showers themselves are most often warm and short.

Nature

The island of Langkawi is part of the archipelago of the same name, which consists of 104 islands scattered in andaman sea along the northwestern shores of the Malaysian mainland. The island itself is located in Strait of Malacca, near the border with Thailand. Around Langkawi there are many small islands that create a very beautiful and picturesque seascape.

Nature in Langkawi is truly unique, because, despite the honorable age of the island (more than 5 million years), it has been preserved almost in its original form. For this reason, in 2007 UNESCO announced this Paradise Island geopark. Here you can see the rarest species of animals and plants, beaches with healing sand, caves with stalagmites, wild landscapes and centuries-old trees. The main inhabitants of the island are monkeys, mouse deer, hornbills, colorful butterflies and eagles. Separately, it is worth mentioning the rare chocolate brown eagle, which is the symbol of the island.

Attractions

Basically, the sights of the island of Langkawi are unique natural objects(mountains, parks, hot springs, waterfalls, etc.), although there are some very remarkable historical buildings and museums.

The most famous attraction of the main city of Kuah is Eagle Square, which is decorated with artificial reservoirs with bridges and the figure of a red-brown eagle. Located next to the square Park of Legends, the exhibits of which tell about the legends and myths of the archipelago. Also in the city rise the golden baths of the largest and most popular mosque of the island - Al Khan mosques. And not far from Kuah is gallery Perdana with an extensive collection of awards and souvenirs that were presented to former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Among other man-made attractions, it is worth highlighting the only Hindu temple on the island. Hindu Temple. It is also recommended to visit the handicraft Langkawi complex, tomb and house-museum of Princess Mahsuri and oceanarium " Undersea world» , as well as the Museum and Cultural Fund with paintings by the country's most famous artist - Ibrahim Hussein. No less interesting excursion objects are:

• black beach Pantai Pasir Hitam,
• temurun waterfalls,
• durian,
• "Seven Wells"
• snake and crocodile farm,
• "Rice Compound" with the Rice Museum.

Notable tourist complex East Village, where you can get acquainted with the life of typical Malaysians, buy a lot of souvenirs, try exotic dishes and see theatrical performances or performances of folk performers.

Other famous and popular objects of Langkawi include:

• Gua Chrita and Gua Kelavar caves
• observation decks on Mount Mat Chinchang,
• hot springs in the village of Air Khangat,
• cable car with suspension bridge Skybridge,
• the mythical Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, which is located on a neighboring island.

Nutrition

The culinary customs of Langkawi have been influenced by Chinese, Thai and Indian traditions. Therefore, it is not surprising that a characteristic feature of local dishes is a large amount of pepper and spices. At the same time, restaurants with European cuisine can be easily found on the island. They are mainly concentrated in the city. Kuah.

If we talk directly about national cuisine Malaysia, it is based on rice, which is included in most Malay dishes, as well as vegetables, exotic fruits and coconut milk. The most common treats that you can try in any restaurant are rice noodles with eggs and shrimp " cha qui tew", fish curry with rice " nasi dagang", fried rice " nasi goreng and rice with chicken and vermicelli. It is also recommended to taste the vegetable salad " gado gado» with peanut sauce and coconut milk or pineapple salad « rojak» with cucumbers and shrimp fritters.

Local chefs use meat quite rarely, most often on holidays. Among the national meat dishes, meat stewed in coconut milk is most often served. rendang", chicken skewers "sati ayam" with sweet and sour sauce, pancakes with meat " murtabak» and noodles with chicken and curry sauce « laksa curry". Also, Malay cuisine is replete with interesting seafood dishes: shark fin soup, fried scallops, anchovies, cuttlefish salad and much more.

In addition, guests of the island are advised to try local street food, which is sold in the evenings along the coast of Cenang and in the capital. Signature "street" dishes are noodles in curry sauce "laksa-kedah", lamb soup with herbs " sop-ecor» and small kebabs « sate”, which are sold with rice pudding and peanut and chili sauce.

Accommodation

In Langkawi, tourists are provided with the widest choice of hotels and hotels for every taste: from luxurious world-class resorts to budget guest houses. Many of the island's hotels are stylized as traditional kampung villages, where you can stay in both bungalow chalets and cozy rooms.

In total, there are 30 hotels on the island, of which more than half are five-star hotels. The beach is one of the most popular places. Pantai Chenang where the big resort is located Pelangi Beach with many cottages and cheap hotels. Although a quieter beach is better for families with children Pantai Tengah. In this place, the most convenient location and quality service is famous for the hotel. Langkawi Village. Lovers of expensive and eventful holidays will love the beach Pantai Kok with the most expensive hotels, restaurants, duty-free shops, etc. This is where the famous hotel is located. Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort & Spa which is quite popular among foreign tourists. Also excellent hotels can be found on the beaches of T Anjung Roux, Datai and in other places.

Entertainment and recreation

The most popular pastime in Langkawi is beach holiday and water sports. The best beaches islands that boast white sand and excellent infrastructure are considered:

• pantai chenang,
• Pantai Tentah,
• Pantai Kok,
• Tanjung Ru,
• Pantai Pasir Hitam.

Beautiful nature and clear water turned these places into magnificent resorts, where many celebrities, including Margaret Thatcher and Elizabeth II, rested. Almost all beaches offer sports such as windsurfing, snorkeling, boating, yachting, catamarans and boats, beach volleyball, fishing and much more.

Due to its high popularity, Langkawi boasts a large number of resort hotels where all types of recreation are available, as well as many interesting tourist sites where you can have great fun and relax. Of these, the most important is East Village, which is a very colorful place with many duty-free shops, Asian restaurants and souvenir shops. Also here you can see theatrical performances and performances of folk performers or listen to traditional music. No less interesting and popular tourist sites are the grand cable car with a suspension bridge, a huge oceanarium " The underwater world of Langkawi” and the village of Air Hangat, which is an entertainment complex with hot springs.

lovers nightlife there will also be something to do, as there are several great places where you can dance, drink and listen to live music. Most of these establishments are located in Pantai Chenang and Pantai Tentah, where in addition to clubs there is a huge variety of restaurants and eateries.

Purchases

The island of Langkawi is a free (duty-free) trade zone, so alcohol, cigarettes, bags, clothes, shoes, textiles and souvenirs are sold here for quite low prices. Of course, duty-free shops, which look like souvenir shops, are the most popular among tourists. Duty-free shops operate almost everywhere where there are tourists, but most of them are concentrated in East Village and the beach area Chenang. Well, the main shopping centers of the island are located in the main city of Langkawi - Kuahe. Here for shopping you should go to the mall Teow Soon Huat duty free Supermarket & Department Store, on the territory of which there are a lot of shops, 12 restaurants and a large supermarket. You can't ignore shopping malls either. Saga Shopping Center and Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall, where the only McDonalds on the island is located.

Outside of Kuah, there are also many shopping centers and shops, they are mostly concentrated near hotels and main attractions. For example, a gallery shop De' Zone is the island's largest trading center selling souvenirs and local artisans, such as traditional silverware, pewter, gems and batik. A wide selection of interesting souvenirs is provided in the shops skydeep souvenir shop(Pantai Tengah resort area) and Cinnamon's(Pantai Cenang resort area), as well as a great batik shop Atma Ala. In the latter, you can get acquainted with the process of making and painting this fabric, and then buy something for yourself as a keepsake, for example, a bag, wallet, pillow, scarf, painting and much more.

Transport

Langkawi International Airport is located just 20 km from the capital of the island. It receives flights several times a day from Kuala Lumpur. Also Langkawi is connected regular flights with all major cities in Malaysia, London, Osaka, Singapore and Taipei (Taiwan). In addition, there is a continuous ferry service between Langkawi and Penang Island.

Public transport in Langkawi is not well developed and is mainly represented by taxis and buses. bus service connects the main areas - the pier, airport, Pantai Chenang beach and the city of Kuah. However local buses go quite infrequently stopping points not marked in any way. Therefore, if your own time is valuable to you, you should use a taxi or rent a car. Taxis on the island do not operate on meters, but at fixed rates, which are quite high here.

You can rent a car or motorcycle in the city of Kuah, on Patnai Cenang Beach, at the airport or near the pier. The cost of renting a car will cost from $23 per day, and a motorcycle or scooter - from $5 per day. Bicycle rental is available in most hotels ($3-10).

Ferries are another way to get around the island.

Connection

Mobile communications, which are provided by several local operators, operate in the GSM standard. However, roaming rates are quite high here. Broadband Internet is available in the Internet cafes of Kuah and in almost all resorts on the island (about $ 3 per hour). If you have a laptop, wireless internet is available in some resorts.

International calls can be made from any hotel, although it is much more economical to use one of the pay phones that are installed in the capital of the island, at the airport and in other most crowded places. Such machines work from telephone cards, which can be bought at any large store or kiosk.

Security

In terms of security, Langkawi is quite calm place. Tourists here, as a rule, face only the theft of wallets, handbags and photographic equipment. Basically, such crimes happen in crowded places (in shopping areas, on beaches, etc.). Of course, if you follow reasonable precautions, no trouble will happen.

Vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, as well as against polio and malaria, are recommended before travel. Recommended to take with you necessary set medicines and medicines. Tap water should be avoided and only boiled or bottled water should be consumed.

It must be remembered that Malaysia is a Muslim country, so some rules must be followed here, for example, women outside the resort areas should prefer modest clothing.

Business climate

Langkawi is an important economic and tourist centre country, and is also a free trade zone, so the business climate here is very favorable and promises considerable benefits. For example, to organize your own business, the number of shares of a representative of the country and a foreign investor can be distributed 30 to 70%, and not 50 to 50% as in most other countries. Well, the local tax system is simple and has many benefits, for example, there is no need to calculate VAT and pay many types of taxes that are required in other countries. The main tax of local businessmen and entrepreneurs is the income (corporate) tax, which has many benefits.

The property

Today, Langkawi is the most popular resort in the country, so there is a high demand for any property. At the same time, despite some excitement, the prices here are quite democratic. For example, buying an apartment, a good villa or a cottage will cost from $70,000, and a one-story bungalow - from $32,000. Although there are very expensive elite objects here. In general, the local real estate market is characterized by stability and high potential, as well as the possibility of year-round rental.

Currency exchange in Langkawi is not a problem, but the rate here is lower than on the island Penang or in Kuala Lumpur, for this reason, it is better to take care of money in the capital. In general, you can exchange currency in almost any hotel, however, at a rather low rate. Also, numerous exchange points are located at the airport, in the city of Kuah, on Pantai Chenang and in some resort areas. The most favorable exchange rates can be found in the shopping centers of the city of Kuah.

Langkawi Island is an administrative region of Malaysia and the most important tourist destination countries. The island is one of the most beautiful corners of the world with the richest underwater world, amazing landscapes and developed infrastructure.

General information

Langkawi is part of the Malay state of Kedah. The name of the island from colloquial Malay is translated as a red-brown eagle. The population of Langkawi is over 64 thousand inhabitants. Capital and The largest city islands - Kuah (Kuah).

The history of Langkawi is connected with the tragic legend of Princess Mahsuri. The princess, according to legend, was unjustly accused of adultery, as a result of which she was awaiting the death penalty. Dying, Mahsuri cursed the island, saying that Langkawi would remain in desolation for seven generations.

The island really remained for a long time in desolation. Its development and prosperity began only in 1986, when Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad decided to turn Langkawi into a tourist resort, personally taking part in the planning of many buildings on the island.

In 2008, the Sultan of Kedah Abdul Halim, the island was awarded the title - "Langkawi, the Pearl of Kedah."

Weather in Langkawi

The island is located in the tropical climate zone. The average annual temperature is 25 °С. The dry season on the island lasts from December to February, the rainy season - from March to November. August is the wettest. The holiday season in Langkawi lasts throughout the year.

Transport Langkawi

The island can be reached by sea and air. Langkawi International Airport is located near the city of Kuah. The airport is a tourist attraction on the island. It serves as the venue for the famous International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA). You can get to any point of the island from Langkawi Airport by taxi.

The island is located in close proximity to Thailand. Langkawi is connected by ferry to the Thai island of Ko Lipe. The port of Langkawi is home to The Star Cruises cruise terminal, located to the west of Kuah.

You can get around the island by taxi ( approximate cost per hour - 15RM, about 5 USD). The most convenient and economical option is to rent a vehicle - a motorcycle, scooter, bicycle or car.

Districts of Langkawi

• Capital of Kuah Island. The coastline of the city is quite dirty due to the proximity seaport. Kuah is the main transit point for numerous ferries arriving from the mainland. The city is famous for its large number of duty-free shops.
• Datai Bay. Here are the elite resorts of the island. Area attractions include Crocodile farm and the Ibrahim Hussein Museum.
• Pantai Kok bay, surrounded by picturesque limestone mountains covered with dense jungle. The bay is famous for its magnificent beach, modern marina and tranquil atmosphere.
• Pantai Tengah. Here is the longest beach in Langkawi. Several resort complexes popular among newlyweds have been built in the area.
• Pantai Cenang is a hub of budget and mid-range hotels. The area is famous for its developed white sand beach, turquoise waters and magnificent coconut trees.
• Padang Matsirat is a resort area that is famous for the magnificent Langkawi Lagoon Hotel.
• Tanjung Ru. Here is one of the best coastlines islands. The area is completely isolated from other parts of the island by limestone cliffs and picturesque jungles.
• Rebak Island is the perfect place for an unforgettable romantic getaway.

Nature of Langkawi

Langkawi is an island of amazing beauty, popular among fans of ecotourism. There are a huge number of islands around Langkawi, many of which are uninhabited.

The pristine, untouched nature of the island captivates at first sight. Mysterious caves, majestic mountains, mangrove jungles, picturesque waterfalls, turbulent rivers, mysterious underwater world and snow-white beaches, all this annually attracts more than 2 million tourists to the island.

The main natural attractions are scattered throughout the island and are far from tourist spots. To visit them, you need to hire a taxi or rent a car.

Natural attractions of Langkawi

• Waterfall "Seven Wells" - indescribable beauty spectacle. Seven waterfalls flow down from the mountains, forming the same number of small pools, flowing into a single one, which falls down from a height of 30 meters.
• The park wildlife - a habitat for more than 150 species of exotic birds of Southeast Asia. Some birds can be fed, photographed and held in your arms. On the territory of the park there are wonderful restaurants, an exhibition of crystals and a magnificent collection of first-class Chinese tea.
• Healing hot springs islands located north of Kuah in the village of Air Hangat. It offers traditional massages and healing baths.
• mangrove jungle, stretching along the coast of Langkawi and occupying an area of ​​1,309 hectares. The mangrove forests of the northern part of the island are home to many brown eagles. Every day, at dawn, many people come here by boat to watch the feeding of these proud birds and photograph how the eagles taste the treats generously scattered by the guides.
• Lake of the Pregnant Maiden- a freshwater lake located on the island of the same name in the middle of the sea. According to legend, its waters have healing properties. It is believed that if a woman who wants to have a child bathes in the lake, she will become pregnant within a year.
• Pulau Payar Marine Park, which consists of many islets that stretch around Langkawi. The park is the best place for snorkeling and diving.
• Crocodile farm, which contains over 1000 crocodiles. There is a reptile show twice a day. Here you can buy stuffed crocodiles and products made of crocodile skin.
• The Temurun waterfall is the most beautiful on the island. The best time to visit the waterfall - the rainy season, because in the dry season Temurun dries up and becomes like a stream.
• Durian Falls, consisting of many picturesque waterfalls. At its foot there are cafes and souvenir shops.
• Numerous caves of the island with stalactites and stalagmites. Each cave has a unique name and a mysterious legend. The most famous caves of Langkawi are Gua Langsir Death Spirit Cave, home to over 1,000 bats, and Gua Chrita Cave with ancient inscriptions and mythical figures.
• The fruit farm is a huge plantation located in the center of the island. Many fruit plants are grown here, which you can taste. On the territory of the farm, informative and interesting excursions are held, during which they talk about the fruit trees growing here.

The beaches of Langkawi

The most popular beaches in Langkawi:

• Black sand beach Pasir Hitam - amazing place. The color of the sand is explained by the proximity of the source, which gradually erodes the rocks.
• Chenang and Tenga beaches, located in the southwest of Langkawi. The island's nightlife is concentrated here - numerous bars, restaurants and duty-free shops. Opposite is Rebak Island.
• The beaches of Pantai Kok and Burau Bay, located in the west of Langkawi. The beaches are famous for fine white sand and excellent conditions for water sports. There are many souvenir shops and fish restaurants.
• Teluk Datai Beach, which is famous for its luxurious five-star hotels and beautiful bays. The beach is surrounded by dense jungle. Only a small part of it is available for swimming.

Attractions Langkawi

There are practically no historical and architectural sights on Langkawi. Among the main man-made attractions of the island are:

cable car and skybridge suspension bridge. The cable car consists of 3 platforms. From the main platform you can ride in a cabin over the jungle. The middle platform was built at a height of 650 meters. Here you can admire the surroundings of the island and use the funicular to climb to the highest platform, where the suspension bridge is located.

Eagle Square in Kuah. In the middle of the square is a statue of an eagle, red-brown, after which the island was named.

East Village(Oriental Village) - a shopping village-attraction. There are a huge number of duty-free shops and souvenir shops. Traditional music sounds on the street, artists paint portraits, theatrical performances take place and folk performers perform.

Tomb of Mahsuri(Makam Mahsuri) - the place where Princess Mahsuri, who cursed the island, was buried. The white marble tomb is located near the rice fields. A museum is open nearby, which contains ancient objects that tell about the Mahsuri family.

The Al-Khan Mosque is the largest and most popular mosque on the island. The structure is decorated with beautiful golden domes and surrounded by palm trees.

Craft complex, where you can see how Malaysian artisans work. Also, the complex is a huge souvenir market where you can buy a variety of local products.

Museums in Langkawi

Perdana Gallery with interesting exhibits, which are souvenirs and gifts from all over the world, donated to Prime Minister Mokhatir Mohamad.

Rice Museum and Rice Fields. Among the exhibits of the museum are various varieties of rice, tools, photographs and illustrations. Museum visitors can participate in the cultivation and processing of rice. There is a restaurant in the park where you can taste rice dishes.

Ibrahim Hussain Art Museum- a two-story building located in the jungle. Here, the famous artist of Malaysia - Ibrahim Hussain, created a unique museum in order to preserve modern Art and show how this art can coexist harmoniously with pristine nature.

Holidays Langkawi

The island annually hosts vibrant international and national fairs and shows. Among the popular international events of the island are:

• An international maritime and aerospace exhibition showcasing the latest products in the field of shipbuilding and aviation technologies. During the exhibition, exciting shows are held.
• The Tour de Langkawi is the region's most important cycling event.
• International Auto Show and Langkawi International Regatta.

Things to Do in Langkawi

Theme park "Legends of Langkawi" located in Kuah. There are many statues in the park that tell about the legends and traditions of the island.

Oceanarium "Underwater World" one of the largest in Asia. This is a huge complex consisting of many aquariums, which are home to more than 4,000 marine animals. There is a 3D cinema hall in the oceanarium, where documentaries are shown dedicated to the amazing flora and fauna of the World Ocean.

While in Langkawi, you should also visit the islands around it. Among them:

• island of the Pregnant Virgin with the famous freshwater lake,
• Wet Rice Island (Beras Basah) with crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches,
• the island of the Great Tiger (Singa Besar), where rare representatives of flora and fauna live.

Popular bars in Langkawi:

• Bar Chime, located on the territory of the Sheraton hotel. The bar is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, incendiary dances, performances of musicians and pool games. Outside you can relax on a soft sofa and smoke a hookah.
• Sunba Retro Bar, built in the style of a Malay traditional village house. Here you can drink a cocktail or beer, listen to live music and play billiards. This is the best place on the island for unforgettable parties.
• Babylon Bar is a small bar with friendly staff, good music and a dance floor. The bar is located on Cenang Beach.

Langkawi Restaurants

The traditional cuisine of Langkawi was formed under the influence of Malay, Thai, Indian and Chinese cuisine. Local dishes of the island are distinguished by a large amount of pepper and spices. Langkawi also has many restaurants with modern European cuisine, most of which are concentrated in Kuah.

The best restaurants in Langkawi:

Restaurant "Underwater World" is a unique restaurant located on the territory of the oceanarium. It is famous for its excellent menu, which consists entirely of seafood. One wall is a gigantic complex consisting of 100 aquariums, which are home to over 5,000 marine representatives of flora and fauna.

• Privilege Restaurant (Kuah) is the island's most popular and expensive restaurant. Its menu features the best dishes of traditional local cuisine.
• Restaurant La Sal @ Casa del Mar (Pantai Cenang). The menu consists of dishes prepared according to author's recipes. The restaurant is famous for its high quality service.

At nightfall in Kuah and on Cenang Beach, street stalls with local dishes open. Popular dishes are:

• Laksa-kedah - noodles with curry sauce.
• Sate - small skewers of chicken, beef or lamb. They are served with chili and peanut sauce, rice pudding, onion and cucumber.
• Sop-ekor is a traditional soup with a variety of herbs.

Langkawi Hotels

Langkawi has 30 hotels, 17 of which are five-star hotels. The best hotels on the island are:

• Four Seasons is a luxury hotel complex built in the Tanjung Rhu area. The comfortable villas of the complex are built right on the beach, allowing hotel guests to admire the breathtaking sunsets and enjoy the soothing sound of the surf. The villas are built in the traditional Malay style. On the territory of each of them there is a small outdoor pool.
• Casa del Mar - best hotel islands located in the Pantai Cenang region. This is a magnificent five-star hotel, each room of which is exquisitely decorated with expensive furniture. The hotel has a cigar room, which offers famous brands such as San Cristobal, Monte Cristo and Cohiba, as well as fine wines and live music in the evenings.
• The Danna Langkawi is a grandiose five-star hotel built in the British colonial style. The hotel is surrounded by magnificent gardens. On its territory there is a three-level pool and a spacious secluded courtyard with fragrant flowers.

Shopping in Langkawi

In 1987, Langkawi was recognized as a zone duty free. This event led to the rapid development of the island. In numerous duty-free you can buy literally everything. However, for this, guests of the island must stay in Langkawi for at least 72 hours.

The main center of shopping in Langkawi is the capital of the island - Kuah. Large shopping malls built on popular beaches - Chenang and Tenga. The main souvenir shops are concentrated in the Eastern Village and at the Kraft Complex Bazaar, located near Pasir Hitam Beach.

Langkawi is a mysterious island that attracts numerous guests with its mysterious legends and traditions, pristine nature, romantic atmosphere, spectacular sunsets and beautiful snow-white beaches with emerald water. The island is a true paradise for tourists who prefer relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.