The island of Langkawi is located in the northern part of Malaysia and is the main island of the archipelago of the same name, consisting of 99 islands. Langkawi is a diverse island with plenty to see and do, from beautiful mangrove forests where you can spot wildlife to pristine white beaches with turquoise blue waters. Renting a scooter and exploring the island’s most beautiful places is a delightful experience. Curious about what to do, where to eat, and where to stay? Read all about it in this article filled with tips for Langkawi!
How to Get to Langkawi?
Most people travel to Langkawi from Penang (Georgetown) or Kuala Lumpur. Read below on how to travel from these destinations.
From Penang to Langkawi
By train + boat: From Georgetown, take the ferry to Butterworth. From there, catch a train to Aloh Setar and then take a taxi to Jeti Kuala Kedah, where the ferry departs to Langkawi.
By plane: There are also daily flights from Penang to Langkawi. The flight only takes 40 minutes, and tickets are very affordable. Check here to compare all flights.
Note: Before COVID, there used to be a daily ferry between Langkawi and Penang. Nowadays, this ferry no longer operates. Many websites still mention this ferry, but that’s outdated information. You can only travel by plane, train, or bus. However, taking the bus is not recommended as it takes much longer.
From Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi
By bus + boat: From Kuala Lumpur, take a bus to Alor Setar. This is about a 6.5-hour journey, and multiple buses run daily. Check the bus departure times. In Alor Setar, take a taxi to the port of Kuala Kedah. Here, you’ll board the ferry to Langkawi, which takes about an hour and a half. Check the ferry departure times.
By plane: The quickest way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi is by plane. It’s a one-hour flight, and several budget airlines operate daily flights on this route. Compare all flights here.
What to Do on Langkawi?
You come to Langkawi to relax on the beach, but there’s also plenty to do if you prefer to be active. Below, you’ll find 10 tips for the most enjoyable things to do on Langkawi.
Rent a Scooter and Explore Langkawi
The best way to explore Langkawi is on a scooter. The distances are relatively small, so you can get from one side of the island to the other in under half an hour. Riding a scooter gives you the freedom to stop wherever you like and take photos of the pristine nature and the many monkeys along the way. Be cautious around these monkeys; despite their cute appearance, they can be quite cheeky and often try to grab your food. At the following points, you’ll find tips for fun places to scooter to.
Tip: It’s recommended to rent a scooter from this rental company. Here, you don’t have to leave your passport as a deposit, and the owner is very friendly. It’s always a good idea to make a video of the scooter before you take it out for a ride. This way, you can avoid any disputes about potential damage.
Hike to Seven Wells Waterfall
Seven Wells Waterfall, also known as Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, might be the most beautiful waterfall in Langkawi. The waterfall is named after the 7 natural water sources found on top of Mount Mat Cincang. The waterfall consists of multiple levels. At the bottom of the waterfall, you’ll find some small shops, and this is where the hike to the top begins. To reach the second level, take a left turn after about 5 minutes of climbing stairs. Here, you’ll find the large waterfall where water cascades down a steep rock wall. Further up, you’ll discover many water pools where you can take a refreshing dip. Seven Wells Waterfall is at its most impressive from September to December (the rainy season). During the dry season, there is less water, but it’s still a beautiful place.
The Gunung Machinchang Hike
After visiting Seven Wells Waterfall, it’s fun to continue with the hike to Machinchang Peak. The starting point of the hike is at the top of the waterfall. It begins at this trailhead, and you’ll walk to this viewpoint. Wear sturdy (hiking) shoes and bring plenty of water because it’s not an easy hike. You’ll walk through beautiful jungle, and especially towards the end, there are sections where you’ll need to climb and scramble using ropes and over rocks. It’s a fun challenge for anyone with an average level of fitness. Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view of gigantic mountains, the Langkawi Sky Bridge, and the sea beyond. You’ll now be standing at 701 meters (2300 feet)above sea level! It’s useful to use the Maps.me app as it clearly shows hiking trails and allows you to navigate offline. The total hike, round trip to the viewpoint, takes about four hours.
Tip: Wear high socks when hiking here because there may be leeches in the jungle. If a leech attaches itself to you, push it off with your nail against the leech’s suction cup until it lets go.
Take the Cable Car to the Langkawi Sky Bridge
The Sky Bridge is a gigantic 125-meter-long (410-feet-long) bridge hanging high above the jungle at an altitude of about 660 meters (2165 feet) above sea level. To reach the Sky Bridge, you’ll take one of the steepest cable cars in the world. The view from the cable car is incredibly beautiful. On a clear day, you’ll have a stunning view of Langkawi’s coastline, and you can see miles out to sea. Once you reach the top, there are several viewpoints in addition to the Sky Bridge itself. Walk to the other side of the bridge, and with a bit of luck, you might even see Thailand in the distance.
Tip: It’s convenient to pre-book your cable car ticket so you don’t have to wait in the ticket queue. With this ticket, you’ll have access to the cable car, the 3D Art in Paradise museum, and a few other attractions. You can also book a combination ticket that includes access to the Sky Bridge, so you won’t have to wait in line at the ticket counter there either.
Explore Langkawi’s Mangroves
Kilim Geoforest Park is a geological heritage site consisting of dense mangrove forests and massive limestone rocks. Visiting the mangrove forests is one of the most enjoyable things to do on Langkawi. You can spot wildlife like snakes, monkeys, kingfishers, otters, eagles, and even dolphins here. The reddish-brown eagle is characteristic of the island, and the name “Langkawi” is believed to be derived from it. There are two different options for exploring the mangroves: by boat tour or kayak tour. With the 4-hour boat tour, a nature guide accompanies you and provides information about the flora and fauna. During the 4-hour kayak tour, you’ll need to paddle through the mangroves yourself. However, it’s not a strenuous journey as there’s no strong current. The calm paddling allows for excellent wildlife spotting, and a guide is also present to provide information. Lunch is included in both tours.
Visit the Pristine Tanjung Rhu Beach
Located in the northern part of Langkawi, near the mangrove forests, you’ll find the pristine Tanjung Rhu Beach. It’s safe to say that this is the most beautiful beach on Langkawi. It’s incredibly vast, surrounded by gigantic limestone rock formations. The water is bluer than blue, and the white sand is super fine. Plan to spend a few hours at this beach because it’s pure relaxation. You can rent kayaks and SUP boards here to explore more of the surroundings.
Tip: For a few days of ultimate relaxation, stay at Tanjung Rhu Resort. This resort is located right on Tanjung Rhu Beach and next to the mangrove forests. There are two pools, one of which offers a fantastic view of the beach.
Watch the Sunset at Pantai Cenang
Pantai Cenang is a two-kilometer-long (1.2-mile-long)beach and the most famous beach in Langkawi. Watching the sunset from this beach is an activity in itself. The sky transforms into beautiful colors while you enjoy a drink at one of the cozy beach bars. After the sun sets, there are often fire shows, and the atmosphere remains lively.
Tip: Kalut Café and Bar is a nice beach bar. Sink into a bean bag, order a tasty drink, and enjoy the fire show.
Relax at Tengah Beach
If you prefer to seek tranquility, then the neighboring Tengah Beach is perfect. This beach is also beautiful and much quieter. When you arrive and walk all the way to the left side of the beach, you’ll find some large rock formations. During low tide, you can walk around them and reach the last section of the beach. A beautiful spot!
Tip: There is only one beach bar on Tengah Beach, which is Hidden Langkawi. Here, you can enjoy a delicious meal and drinks with the setting sun. Make sure to arrive well before sunset because it can get quite crowded here in the late afternoon.
Visit and Support WOOFF Animal Shelter
When traveling through Malaysia, you can’t miss the fact that there are many stray animals, particularly a large number of stray dogs that are often in poor condition and left to fend for themselves. Jeffrey is dedicated to these animals and virtually runs the WOOFF animal shelter in Langkawi single-handedly. His shelter houses around 150 dogs and dozens of cats, many of which arrive injured or neglected. Jeffrey does everything in his power to provide them with the necessary care, food, and medication to nurse them back to health. He takes in every animal and never makes exceptions. Unfortunately, he struggles to make ends meet as more and more animals have found a home in his shelter. He relies on donations in the form of money or pet food. You can visit the animal shelter daily between 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM. The animals are also available for adoption, and you can volunteer there as well.
Enjoy Delicious Food at One of the Night Markets
Food plays a significant social role in Malaysian culture. You’ll find something delicious to eat at every street corner. Malaysian cuisine is influenced by Chinese, Indian, and Thai flavors. Just like in many other destinations in Malaysia, you can sample the delightful cuisine at the various night markets on Langkawi. There’s an evening market taking place every night at different locations on the island, typically starting around 5:00 PM. The Thursday night market is in Pantai Cenang, where most travelers stay. Here’s a list of all the evening markets for your convenience.
Monday: Ulu Melaka Night Market
Tuesday: Kedawang Night Market
Wednesday: Night Market Kuah Town
Thursday: Temoyong Night Market
Friday: Ayer Hangat Friday Night Market
Saturday: Night Market Kuah Town
Sunday: Padang Matsirat Night Market
Best Restaurants on Langkawi
Indiana Vegan Cafe & Yoga – This café is always bustling with activity. You can enjoy delicious smoothie bowls, sandwiches, and freshly squeezed fruit juices here.
Ah Chong Beach Bar Cafe – Here, you can savor the tastiest cocktails with your feet in the sand. This beach bar is open until midnight.
Kalut Café & Bar – Sink into a colorful bean bag on the beach and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere here. There’s a fire show every evening.
The Loaf Plaza Cenang – If you’re in the mood for a nice coffee or a small snack like a muffin or fresh oatmeal cookie, this is the place to be.
Yasmin Syrian Restaurant – Experience the Syrian cuisine on Langkawi. The food here is delicious, but please note that the menu mainly consists of meat dishes.
MY French Factory – For when you’re craving a real French crêpe.
Pegaga Langkawi Vegan Experience – Delight in plant-based cuisine while enjoying a breathtaking view of the mountains and the sea.
Hidden Langkawi – This is a fun beach club to watch the sunset and enjoy a tasty cocktail. They mainly serve Western dishes like pizzas, hamburgers, and pastas.
Where to Stay on Langkawi?
The majority of visitors stay near Pantai Cenang, where you’ll also find most restaurants and accommodations. The above-mentioned restaurants are all located near Pantai Cenang, so you have plenty of options for good dining if you stay here. Below, we recommend three accommodations located near Pantai Cenang.
Our Favorite Places to Stay on Langkawi
For a charming stay, check out The Temak Villa. The treehouses here are fantastic! There’s a lovely swimming pool, and it’s centrally located yet peaceful. The friendly owners make your stay extra pleasant, providing a fresh snack every day and being willing to assist with anything you need. If you’re looking for even more luxury, consider Panji Panji Tropical Wooden Home. The villas look amazing from the outside and are beautifully styled inside as well. You’ll shower in the open air and sleep in a king-size bed. You won’t need to leave for good food because they can cook here! The lush garden attracts many birds, and there’s a nice swimming pool. If you’d like to socialize, Bed Attitude Hostel Cenang is perfect. This is undoubtedly the best hostel on Langkawi. There’s a large common area where you can play games like pool. It’s a great place to meet other travelers.
  The Temak Villa |
  Panji Panji Tropical Wooden Home |
  Bed Attitude Hostel Cenang |
