Langkawi Island Malaysia Travel Guide

Langkawi Island is actually a group of islands off the northwest coast of Malaysia close to Thailand. There are around 99 islands that make up the Langkawi archipelago.

As well as the spectacular white sandy beaches Langakawi, excellent reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving there are also forest to explore in the middle of the island with many beautiful waterfalls.

The jungles on Langkawi have a variety of wildlife including the long-tail Macaques monkeys and red giant flying squirrels. There is also a diverse range of birds with many bird watching tours available for your chance to see the grey-faced buzzards, mountain eagle, hummingbirds, kingfishers and 3 different species of hornbills. The mammals found in the jungles of Langkawi include the long-tailed macaques and dusky-leaf monkeys, also known as the spectacled langur.

The most built up area of Langkawi is Pantai Cenang or Cenang Beach. This area has many hotels, restaurants and a good nightlife. The airport on Langkawi is a short ride from Cenang Beach.

The highest point on Langkawi is Gunung Raya at 900m which is covered with dense jungle with a large variety of different trees, up to 150 different species. There is a rock formation called Mount Machincang with a cable car 1.6km long which travels to the top of Mount Machincang for 360 degree views over Langkawi.

There are some good hiking trails through the Machincang ranges. In an area called Telaga Tujuh there are 7 naturally formed pools of water connecting to an impressive waterfall.

Underwater world

Underwater World is one of the largest aquariums in Malaysia with over 5000 fish and marine life on display.

Night Markets at Padang Matsirat

There are night markets at Padang matsirat lined with stalls and shops selling a variety of products including batiks and other fabrics and also plenty of food vendors selling Laksa, curries and satay chicken. The food here is really tasty and cheap.

Restaurants and Bars on Langkawi

There is a great selection of restaurants on Langkawi with a variety of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, Thai and western food to choose from.

Little Lylia's Chillout Bar

Go Slow Bar

Getting to Langkawi Island Malaysia

By Plane

Firefly Airline have direct flights from Langkawi to Penang and Subang airport in Kuala Lumpur. www.fireflyz.com.my

Air Asia has direct flights from Langkawi Island to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. www.airasia.com

Tiger Airways is a budget airline that has direct flights from Langkawi to Singapore. www.tigerairways.com

Malaysia Air have flights from Langkawi to destinations in Malaysia as well as connection flights around the world www.malaysiaairlines.com

By Ferry

Ferries operate between Langkawi Island and Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah and Penang. There are also ferries that go to the town of Satun in southern Thailand.

Langkawi Ferries have online booking for ferries between Langkawi and Penang. www.langkawi-ferry.com

Last updated 14th August 2009

Hotels on Langkawi Island Malaysia

Following is a list of hotels found on Langkawi Island Malaysia with current 2009 room rates and contact details.

Pondok Keladi budget hotel accommodation with WiFi wireless internet access. Room prices from RM45 (US$13) to RM85 (US$24) per night. pondokeladi.blogspot.com

Nadia Inn Comfort have motel style budget accommodation at RM100 per night. (US$29) www.langkawi-resorts.com

Malibest Resort located at Cenang Beach is a deluxe resort with 56 rooms and 5 tree top chalets. Room prices start from RM100 (US$29) http://malibestresort.com

Asenia Resort is a 217 room resort located on Tengah Beach on Langkawi. The resort has a large lagoon swimming pool (largest hotel pool in Malaysia), WiFi wireless internet access and the Enigma nightclub. Room rates start from RM139 nett (US$40) www.aseaniaresortsgroup.com.my

The Beach Garden Resort Langkawi an exclusive jungle paradise resort with 12 marble lined guest rooms with private beach. Room prices start from RM231 (US$66) www.beachgardenresort.com

Lanai Beach Resort located 10 minutes from Langkawi airport. With deluxe hotel rooms and villas. Room prices from RM268 (US$77) www.lanaibeach.com.my

Mutiara Burau Bay Beach Resort the resort is set on 19 acres of tropical gardens and looking over Burau Bay on Langkawi island. Room rates from RM480 (US$137) www.mutiarahotels.com

Langkawi Lagoon Resort is a 5 star resort located 5 minutes from the airport on Langkawi. Room rates start from RM490 (US$140) per night www.langkawilagoonresort.com

Sheraton Langkawi Resort is set on 38 acres of tropical gardens 10 minutes from Langkawi airport. Room rates from RM581+ (US$166) www.starwoodhotels.com

Westin Langkawi Hotel a beautiful island resort located right on the beach overlooking the Andaman Sea. Heavenly Spa located with the Westin offers massage and beauty thearpy. Room rates from 625 RM per night (US$177) www.starwoodhotels.com

The Datai Resort is a luxury resort located on the north west tip of Langkawi surrounded by tropical rainforest. Room rates start from RM1530 (US$437) www.langkawi-resorts.com

Casa del Mar Langkawi is a luxury resort with spa facilities for massage therapy and beauty treatments. Room rates from RM1570 (US$449) www.casadelmar-langkawi.com