Langkawi: The Best Tips for the Greenest Bounty Island in West Malaysia

Langkawi, Malaysia, is a fantastic destination for those seeking a mix of nature, adventure, and beach relaxation. This beautiful island is located in the Andaman Sea, just an hour’s ferry ride from the Thai border. During your Langkawi vacation, you can kayak through mangroves, take a ride on the steepest cable car in the world, and indulge in delicious Malaysian, Thai, and Indian cuisines. The island is a true melting pot of cultures, reflected in its diverse culinary offerings. We provide the best Langkawi tips: from the most exciting attractions on Langkawi to activities in the lush national parks.

Where is Langkawi, Malaysia?

Langkawi is located in the far north of Malaysia, off the west coast of Thailand. Technically, Langkawi is not just one island but an archipelago consisting of 99 islands. The main island of the archipelago is called Pulau Langkawi, but for simplicity, we refer to this island as Langkawi here. The only other inhabited island in the group is Pulau Tuba. As mentioned, Langkawi is located off the coast of Thailand, making it easy to combine Malaysia and Thailand into one trip by taking a boat to the bounty island of Koh Lipe (Thailand). You’ll be dropped off at Koh Lipe’s beach, where you can relax with a cold Bintang in hand at the passport control, which is also on the beach. A super relaxed Malaysia-Thailand border crossing indeed!

The Rock Formations of Kilim Geoforest Park

The Kilim Geoforest Park in the northeast of Langkawi is incredibly beautiful. Kilim boasts 500 million-year-old limestone formations, hidden caves, and a vibrant mangrove forest. Between September and March, you can spot kingfishers and ospreys here, and throughout the year, you can see langur monkeys and macaques. The mangroves are also home to mudskippers, crabs, and snakes. Since you can only visit this unique area by boat or canoe, it’s wise to travel first to Kilim Jetty Point.

Kayaking Through the Mangrove Forest on Langkawi

A kayak tour through Kilim Geoforest Park is one of the highlights of Langkawi. It’s best to depart early in the morning when there are fewer visitors and the sun isn’t too intense yet. Also, around 8 am, there are no motorboats, allowing you to spot birds and paddle in peace. During a four-hour journey, you’ll enjoy imposing rock formations, the blue waters of the Andaman Sea, and the wildlife of the mangrove forests. Be sure to bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a dry sack, and wear clothes that can get wet. The surroundings are truly breathtaking. You can book your kayak tour including snacks and guidance from a guide.

The Most Beautiful Beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia

One of the Langkawi attractions you shouldn’t miss is the fine sandy beach of this Malaysian island. The beaches Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah in the southwest of Langkawi are enchanting. Here, you truly feel like you’re on a bounty island, without being overwhelmed by tourists. At Pantai Cenang, you can also book snorkeling and diving tours or take a ride on a banana boat. The booking office is located on the left side of the beach. Additionally, Kok Beach near Oriental Village and The Black Sand Beach in the north are also great Langkawi tips. As the name suggests, Black Sand Beach mainly has dark sand and is more suitable for a beach walk than sunbathing.

The World’s Steepest Cable Car on Mount Machinchang

With the Panorama Cable Car, also known as the Sky Cab, you ascend over 2.2 kilometers to over 700 meters. In about 15 minutes, you’ll find yourself atop Mount Machinchang, gazing out over the surrounding jungle and the azure blue sea. The Panorama Cable Car costs 85 RM (approximately 19 euros) and is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. For an extra 50 RM (10 euros), you can skip the line. This can be convenient if you’ve planned your Langkawi vacation during the peak season. The ticket also grants you access to Skydome, Skyrex, and 3D Art, where you can see projected art in the nearby Oriental Village.

The Sky Bridge and Sky Glide

One of Langkawi’s attractions is the Sky Bridge. This 700-meter-long bridge connects to the top station of the cable car and offers spectacular views of the jungle. For 6 RM (1.50 euros) or 11 RM if you prefer to take a train (2.50 euros), you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings even longer. At the entrance of the Sky Bridge and at the top station of the Cable Car, you can enjoy a refreshing iced coffee or have your name and that of your partner engraved on a padlock and hung on the railing.

Oriental Village as a Base for Many Langkawi Attractions

Oriental Village is the place to be if you want to visit the cable car, the 3D art gallery, or the Sky Bridge. Moreover, this tourist village is within walking distance of the beautiful Kok Beach and from here, you can hike to the Seven Wells waterfall. This waterfall can be reached via a 600-meter-long staircase. If there has been enough rain, you can swim in the pools. Entrance to the waterfall is free. Furthermore, Oriental Village, which feels a bit like an open-air museum, is a nice place to have lunch by the water, exchange money, or shop for souvenirs. Enjoy a delicious nasi Lemak by the suspension bridge or order a cold Tiger beer after the climb to Seven Wells.

Food and Drinks During Your Vacation in Langkawi

Langkawi, with its cultural mix, is a great place for foodies. During your Langkawi vacation, you can taste something different every day, from fried bananas with cheese (pisang goreng) to yellow noodles (Mee Goreng Mamak) and Thai mango salad. Western, Turkish, and Indian cuisines are also well represented. The island has many coffee shops, and most restaurants turn into bars with live music in the evening. Fresh coconuts and roti (Malay pancakes) are also available in many places, as well as local ice cream in Durian flavor and naan bread. Almost every evening, there is a night market somewhere on the island, where you can taste local delicacies at affordable prices.

More Tips for Langkawi

Langkawi has no public transportation, so you’ll need to take a taxi to Langkawi’s attractions. Fortunately, taxis are not expensive, but you should negotiate the price clearly in advance. A half-hour ride usually costs between 25 RM and 40 RM (6 to 10 euros). To and from some Langkawi attractions, taxis have fixed rates. The price is often listed on a board at the taxi stand. Grab Car is the Malaysian version of Uber. The app is easy to download, and taking a Grab Car can reduce the cost of a ride by about 15%. If you enjoy cycling, you can rent a mountain bike at Pantai Cenang and explore the island. Renting a scooter can also be a good way to see more of the island. Just make sure to check if any damage during scooter riding is covered by your travel insurance. Sometimes, scooter riding is considered a risky sport and is therefore excluded from the basic insurance.

Traveling to LangkawiYou can easily reach Langkawi by boat from Satun, Thailand, after, for example, island hopping in the Andaman Sea. From Satun, it’s a one-and-a-half-hour journey to Jetty Point in the south of Langkawi. A ticket costs 350 THB (approximately 10 euros). You must be present at Thammalang pier one hour before departure to obtain your exit stamp from Thailand. Once in Langkawi, you’ll also have to go through customs. You can also travel to or from Penang, Georgetown from Langkawi. This takes about 2 to 3 hours and costs 80 RM (approximately 18 euros). Short on time? You can also fly from Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, as mentioned earlier, it’s possible to take a boat from Langkawi to the Thai island of Ko Lipe.