Picturesque Langkawi is comprised of a group of about 100 islands, located in the Andaman sea, 30km from the mainland port of Kuala Perlis, at the very north of Malaysia, on the western coast. It’s a 1-hour ferry ride away from both the mainland of Malaysia and Thailand.
Some say there are 99 islands, others – 104, but what matters here is that from wherever you will be travelling to Langkawi you will get to the same one island, like other travellers. Getting to others, the majority of which are uninhabited is possible later by boat already from the main Langkawi island.

Pulau Langkawi is a serious tourism hotspot in Malaysia and with its stunning views, white beaches and crisp waters you can see why; the archipelago of islands also makes for some great day trips.
With a population of 70,000 Langkawi Island is the largest island of the whole archipelago, both by size and population, and the best known as well.
Langkawi, known also as The Jewel of Kedah (Kedah is the name of the state), is a popular destination because of its natural beauty and water-based activities, like yacht charters, kayaking and parasailing.
Being only 20 kilometres wide and 15 kilometres long it’s small enough to be explored in a couple of days if you are short on time.
What’s also worth mentioning is, that since 1986, Langkawi has been a duty-free island, which means that here you can buy alcohol, cigarettes, imported sweets and some other things significantly cheaper than in other places in Malaysia.

Where to Stay in Langkawi
There are two places in Langkawi where most backpackers stay. They are – Cenang beach (Pantai Cenang) and Kuah town:
Kuah
Kuah is the biggest port town on the island and staying here is easy and simple. It’s where you get off the boat from the mainland and the town teeming with cheap accommodation for backpackers on a budget on this sometimes expensive island.
There are a few high-end hotels, a couple of mid-range hotels and some budget guesthouses. It is also arguably the best place to rent motorbikes or cars on the island, you’ll also be near shopping malls, the yacht club and ferry terminal.
Note: there is no public transport in Langkawi so getting around can be expensive.
The best options in Kuah are…
Clover Guesthouse Langkawi is a good basic backpacker option. Dorm beds are a very reasonable $5 USD. It’s close to the ferry port, making it very easy to get to. The staff are nice and you can help yourself to tea and coffee whenever you want.
If you’d rather have a private room, Best Seven Motel will provide you with a double for $16 USD. All their rooms have private bathrooms. The whole place is very clean and the staff are extremely accommodating.
If there are a few of you travelling together, you could consider renting out a whole place. Villa Sri Tebengau houses up to six people (in 3 double beds) for $74 USD per night. It’s very comfortable and has a pool. Worth thinking about if you’re in a group.
The St. Regis Langkawi is probably not for most readers (or, for that matter, most people in general). However, just on the off chance that you were considering spending between $400 and $1600 per night on a room, we thought we’d give it a mention. It has its own gym and all the other mod-cons you would jolly well expect at that price!
Click here to check out more accommodation in Kuah!
Cenang
Just a 10-minute taxi ride south of Langkawi airport, Cenang has a great beach and is by far the most sociable place on the island, with packed-out pubs and restaurants lining the streets.
Unlike Kuah, (which is 10 – 15 kilometres away from the beach) Cenang is right on the beach and there are plenty of different accommodation options, including hostels, a lot of restaurants, shops and also a shopping mall.
Most of the activities available on the island can be arranged from travel agents working in Cenang.
The best accommodation options in Cenang are…
Arma Guesthouse: Arma is the cheapest option in Cenang. Beds cost just $4 USD. It’s relatively basic, as you would expect for that price, but neither cleanliness nor friendliness (or WIFI-speed) has been sacrificed.
Indiana Cafe & Dorm: Proximity to the beach and the airport, fantastic healthy food and wonderful owners make Indiana a great place to stay. Dorm beds cost $7 USD.
J Dorm: A very popular option with a great atmosphere, spotless rooms and very helpful staff. Dorm beds cost $9 USD.
Langkawi Urban Cottage offers private double rooms with a lovely big bed for $22 USD. Stylish, clean and close to the beach, a great option if you are after some privacy.
Click here to search through more options in Cenang!

The north of the island: There are tonnes of fantastic resorts in the far north of the island, but they’ll cost you for their slightly more scenic and relaxed atmosphere.
Things to do in Langkawi
Island Hopping, Private and Group Yacht Charters, Parasailing, Diving, Snorkelling Tours, Mangrove Tours, Kayaking and Eagle Watching from the Boat
All of these and more can be easily arranged in Cenang.
Rent a Motorbike to Explore this Beautiful Island
As there is no public transport on the island, only taxi, it’s also the best way of getting around.
Spend a Day on Secluded Tanjung Rhu Beach and Visit the Waterfalls
Tanjung Rhu is a scenic, secluded northern beach nestled in mangrove forests, and great for a chilled day in the sun. 5km from here, you can also head up to Perangin Waterfalls, which never run dry. However, as the beach is within a protected area, you will not be allowed to go to it after 5-6pm (depends on the season).
You can also try a Langkawi speciality at Tanjung Rhu, as it’s the last place in the area to get the traditional Langkawi dish ‘mee gulung’, due to the growing expense of the key ingredient – tiger prawns.

Swim in the Pools of Seven Wells Waterfall
Do this if you are coming to Langkawi at the end of the rainy season, which is at the end of summer/beginning of autumn and when there is more water.
Try Langkawi’s Cable Car
From the otherwise tacky Oriental Village, you can take the island’s only cable car, (and supposedly the steepest cable car ride in the world!) where you can walk across the stunning sky-walkway for a unique view of the cluster.
The cable car is a 20-minute journey, across 2.2km and brings you over a 360-degree view of the Andaman sea, 708m above sea level. Go on a sunny day and from the top platform, you will have the best view of Langkawi and islands around it!

Go to Langkawi Oriental Village
There are few less frightening attractions as well, not just a cable car. Art in Paradise, for example, is one of the largest 3D museums in whole Asia. Give it a try!
Malaysia’s Largest Aquarium – Underwater World
Close to Cenang beach.
Climb to the Top of Gunung Raya Mountain
It is the highest mountain in Langkawi and the best sunset viewing spot on the island. It’s possible to go there by motorbike or car, and if you’re feeling energetic, it’s possible to take stairs and climb.
The latter one I wouldn’t recommend if you are going up for sunset, as to get to the top and back you will be going through the rainforest, climbing almost 5,000 steps in one direction. Trust me it’s not the most fun thing to do when it’s completely dark!

Head to the ‘Island of the Pregnant Maiden’
The second largest island of the group, Pulau Dayang Bunting provides visitors with a unique experience of deep fresh and saltwater lakes, thought by the locals to aid conception. You can even rent paddle boats to see the quiet, scenic lakes at your own pace.
Getting there
You can fly or you can take a ferry. Langkawi has an international airport, that is easily accessible from the mainland port of Kuala Perlis – with boats operating on the hour. There are direct flights to and from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Bharu, Penang, Singapore and Guangzhou.
Getting to Langkawi by ferry from mainland Malaysia is possible from three places – Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis and Penang (Georgetown). It is also possible to get here by ferry from Thailand. There are two options – Koh Lipe and Satun.
Where to go next?
- Penang: You can get a boat from the main jetty across to Georgetown to explore the multicultural haven that is Penang.
- Cameron Highlands: Head south-east across from the mainland to hit the Cameron Highlands, deep within Peninsular Malaysia, to enjoy the peace and tranquillity provided by this scenic area.
- Trang: Going in the opposite direction, head to Thailand and gorgeous islands of Southern Thailand. Tired of islands and beaches? Go to Trang in Thailand and explore caves and waterfalls scattered around it.
Author’s Bio: This article was written by Kaspars, a long-term traveller and blogger from Latvia. He loves going on long walks, reading non-fiction books and spending time outdoors. Together with his girlfriend Una they are travelling – volunteering – working abroad since 2013. You can follow their travels on their blog, WeAreFromLatvia.com.
Photos in this article by Patrick Lowe from his ebook ‘Langkawi Backpacker’.