Concept season in Langkawi very relative. Firstly, having lived here for about 4 years, I can conclude that there is no change from year to year, and secondly, each tourist has his own concept of “season”.
On Langkawi there is no low season, when hotels close, cafes and restaurants operate at half capacity, as for example in the Perhentians. On Langkawi There are tourists all year round, only their racial composition changes throughout the year (Europe goes in winter, China in spring, Arab countries in summer, India in autumn, and so on).
On Langkawi there are 2 main seasons: the first is dry, when the winds blow from the east, and the Malay Peninsula protects our island from the winds and the rain and waves they bring; the second is the monsoon season, winds blow from the west, bringing precipitation, winds, and waves to the island.
Now let's take a closer look at each of them.
1. The dry season in Langkawi is from December to mid-April.
There is basically no rain. Rare drippings occur at night, but they are so insignificant that the ground does not have time to become saturated with moisture. Hence the specific colors of the vegetation during this period - the grass seems to be scorched, the trees stand half naked (they shed their leaves en masse), the palm trees are yellow and withered.
- Minuses: you will not be able to visit the waterfalls, since they simply do not exist during this period, you will not see how the rice fields grow and bear fruit, all the fruits will be imported and not the first freshness, the lack of wind creates a feeling that it is very stuffy, the constant scorching sun - being in the daytime the sun is impossible, you can easily get sunburned. It is almost impossible to travel on foot during the day - only in a car with air conditioning. There are crowds of people all around, especially in December (holidays for locals) and on New Year's Eve. Hotels often make peak markups.
- Pros: the sea is calm without waves, the weather is always good, clear and without rain, if you come for just a few days with the maximum program for a chocolate tan, then this is your season. You can go to the cable car with confidence that visibility will be excellent, and other excursions will not be disrupted by weather conditions.
2. Monsoon season in Langkawi is from July to October.
It rains quite often, almost every day. But not around the clock, most often 1-2 hours, but sometimes it happens all day, but there are only a few such rainy days a year. And the likelihood that you will arrive on these days is minimal. In June-July, rain often falls in the second half of the day, but in the morning the weather is almost always good; in September-October, the rain gradually shifts to the evening.
- Minuses— there are rains. Sometimes they may put swimming over active sunbathing, especially if you are only visiting for a few days. Sometimes excursions have to be rescheduled or postponed, waiting out the rain, that is, you won’t get a clearly planned vacation; in any case, your activity will depend on the weather. You will definitely get wet at least once during your vacation. It is problematic to travel on foot (when leaving the hotel the sun is shining, half an hour later you are getting wet in a tropical downpour).
- pros-The sun is not so bright, the clouds, the refreshing wind - all this creates the feeling that it is not so hot. It's harder to get burned. During the day you can move along the street on foot. Abundance of fruits. Fewer people - no queues at attractions; a more individual approach to everything, from the restaurant to excursions. Hotels often offer promotions and discounts on accommodation.
The remaining months - May, June, November - are the months of the transition season. The weather during these months is very changeable. During the day, the sun may change to rain several times. The weather at this time is unpredictable and defies any logic.
Langkawi Island in Malaysia- one of the islands of the archipelago of the same name, the most popular holiday destination in Malaysia among our tourists. We vacationed in Langkawi for several days, or rather, we stopped on the way from Koh Lipe to the Perhentian Islands :) Therefore, I’ll tell you about the island of Langkawi from the point of view of a tourist, not a long-liver.
general information
Langkawi Island is located in the north-west of Malaysia near Thailand in the Strait of Malacca in the Andaman Sea, part of a group of 99 islands in the Langkawi archipelago, of which only four islands are inhabited. The length of the island from north to south is about 25 km, and from east to west – about 30 km (in a straight line 🙂), and in general around the island there is a “ring road” about 75 km long (strange, the road around is 60 km, and the island of Langkawi seems much bigger than Koh Samui...)
Langkawi Island. View from an airplane :) 
Langkawi is an island of the same name, an archipelago of 99 islands
The symbol of the island is the eagle, a statue of which is installed in the capital of Langkawi, Kuah. According to one version, the name “Langkawi” means “brown-red eagle”; these eagles actually live on the island.
The eagle is the symbol of Langkawi island The island of Langkawi is covered with lush tropical vegetation, surprises with its empty roads and sometimes completely deserted areas, and on the other hand pleases with its developed infrastructure for tourists. The island is home to many wild monkeys who are not afraid to come out to people :) For example, we saw a flock of monkeys brazenly rummaging through a trash can right in the parking lot near a large shopping center in Kuah... And it was in Langkawi that we first saw black monkeys in the wild with white faces. They are so funny!
Completely empty roads in the center of the island 
Monkeys who are not at all afraid to go out to people 
There are a lot of monkeys in Langkawi, they feel at home here. Well, this is how cats and dogs walk around our yards; in Langkawi, monkeys walk the same way :) 
Black monkeys with white faces are an unusual phenomenon for us :) Seasons and weather in Langkawi
Like other regions of Asia, Langkawi can be divided into two seasons:
- High or dry season from November - December to June
- Rainy season from June to October
Most precipitation occurs in September and October. In fact, the climate has changed so much in recent years that it is difficult to predict what the weather will be like in Langkawi.
In summer and early autumn there can be strong storms at sea; during this period, water communication between Langkawi and Koh Lipe is even canceled. But in winter there are jellyfish in the sea in Langkawi...
How to get there
On the island of Langkawi there is an airport where planes fly from cities and China, as well as two ports where ferries and boats arrive from the mainland, Malaysia, and in high season from. Therefore, you can get to Langkawi directly by plane or by ferry/boat.
To get to Langkawi from Russia/Ukraine, you first need to fly to Kuala Lumpur, and then get to the island by plane or bus + ferry. Or you can buy a comprehensive plane ticket directly to the island (most likely it will be more expensive!). Another option to get to Langkawi from Russia is through Thailand: fly to Bangkok, and then to Langkawi.
Detailed article on how to get to Langkawi:
Transport on the island of Langkawi
There is no public transport in Langkawi, so you can get around by:
- Taxi
- Bike
- Car
From Langkawi Airport you can use a pre-booked transfer.
Taxi Langkawi
Taxis in Langkawi generally charge a flat rate. Below is a photo of taxi prices in Langkawi:
Taxi rates from Oriental Village to different points on the island 
Taxi prices from Cenang Beach to attractions and other places on the island Rent a bike in Langkawi
Unlike Thailand, in Malaysia not everything is so simple with renting a bike:
- Firstly, in Malaysia, when renting a bike from us always asked to see my driver's license(it’s good that we have laws that are valid in many Asian countries and also international Russian laws)
- Secondly, the bikes themselves in Malaysia, including in Langkawi, are some old and unusual models for us. In general, we got a small, uncomfortable bike with mechanics...
- Bikes in Langkawi are not available for rent at every turn, but you still have to look hard!
We saw bike rentals on the pier in Kuah, and rented them ourselves on Chenang Beach. Prices for renting a bike in Langkawi are 25 - 50 MYR per day.
We arrived in Langkawi on holidays and had difficulty finding a free bike to rent on Cenang Beach. We rented for 45 ringgit per day, but on regular days you can find it cheaper! Car rental in Langkawi
Most tourists prefer to rent a car in Langkawi rather than a bike. Many Europeans drive small cars. The price of renting a car in Langkawi may not be much higher than renting a motorbike.
Arena car in Langkawi
Langkawi Hotels
Choosing a hotel in Langkawi depends on your preferences, and most importantly, your budget. On the island there are luxurious five-star hotels with their own beaches in closed bays, and there are cheap hotels (here they are often called not guesthouses, as in Thailand, but motels), which are located in a field in the middle of the road and you can’t get out of them without transport...
When choosing a hotel in Langkawi, carefully study its location. Look not only at Booking-Agoda maps, but also at Google Maps. I almost chose this hotel, but it turned out to be almost in an open field! 🙂 
Hotel on the highway in a field :) Finding the best hotels in Langkawi in terms of price, quality and location is not so easy!
We stayed in two hotels on the island of Langkawi:
- Geo Park Hotel – in the park next to the cable car. Review .
- Best Start Resort – on Cenang Beach
If the first hotel, although a little shabby, is quite cheap by Malaysian standards and I can safely recommend it for a stay for a few days on the island (but you need a car to drive around the area!), then the second hotel left some not very pleasant memories and I cannot recommend it. Although many tourists like it, the rating of this hotel on booking is quite good - 7.1.
Our room at the Geo Park Hotel 
Our room at Best Start Resort 
The Best Start Resort hotel is built in the shape of a “P” and many rooms have windows overlooking the hotel’s courtyard 5 star hotels in Langkawi
Sights of Langkawi, what to see on the island
1. Sky Bridge
The Sky Bridge, in our opinion, is one of the best attractions in Langkawi, a must-see place on the island. Langkawi Sky Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world, located on top of a mountain that offers stunning views of Langkawi and neighboring islands.
Cost of visiting the bridge: 5 MYR for adults and 3 MYR for children.
Visiting time: from 9:30 to 18:30 It is best to arrive either in the morning or already at sunset.
Sky Bridge in Langkawi 
It’s scary to walk on a bridge that is not clear how it is fixed at a huge height :) Sky Bridge 2. Cable car (Sky Cab)
The Langkawi Sky Cab takes you up the mountain and to the sky bridge over 700m above sea level. Along the way he makes one stop, where you can go to the observation deck.
Cable car fare: 55 MYR for adults and 40 MYR for children.
Opening hours: from 9:30 to 19:00.
Langkawi cable car 
This is the beauty that opens from the cable car cabin 3. Oriental Village
Oriental Village is a tourist village with shops, cafes and entertainment. It is here that the lower station of the cable car is located, which takes you high into the mountains and to the sky bridge.
Oriental Village Park Detailed article about the main attractions of Langkawi Oriental Village, cable car and sky bridge:
4. Mount Gunung Raya
Mount Gunung Raya is located almost in the center of Langkawi, it is the highest point of the island, its height is 880 m. A good road leads to the top of the mountain, and there is a national park with trekking routes around it. At the very top there is a telecommunications station, the D’Coconut Hill Resort Langkawi hotel (which was in some kind of abandoned state when we visited) and an observation tower, which can be reached at the very top by elevator.
At the top of the tower there is an observation terrace with chairs and tables, where you can drink a cup of tea and enjoy the views of the island.
Cost: climbing the observation tower 10 MYR per person.
We go to the highest point of the island - Mount Gunung Raya 
At the top of the mountain there is an observation tower and a hotel 
You can relax on the observation tower with a view of the surrounding area 
And drink a cup or two of strong, delicious tea (tea is included in the price of the ticket to the tower) 
View from the observation tower 
Mount Gunung Raya along with the sky bridge left the best impressions of Langkawi :) If you came to the island for a short time and are deciding what to see in Langkawi, then These sights are a must see in my opinion.
5. Langkawi Waterfalls
There are several waterfalls in Langkawi:
- Seven Wells Waterfall
- Temurun Waterfall
- Durian Waterfall
Of course, all waterfalls are best visited during the wet season or immediately after it. All Langkawi waterfalls are free to visit.
We visited only one waterfall on the island - Seven Wells Falls, which is located in the western part next to Oriental Village Park. If you are not afraid of 638 steps, then I advise you to walk through the jungle to the top of the waterfall :) More details here:
Lower Seven Wells Waterfall 
Inside Seven Wells Waterfall Park 6. Hot springs (Air Hangat Village). The cost of visiting the complex is 5 MYR + you can additionally take a private bath with hot mineral water, a jacuzzi, or get a massage.
7. Langkawi Wildlife Park is a former bird park that now houses not only birds, but also other small animals. You can feed them with pre-purchased food! The cost of visiting is 39 MYR for adults and 22 MYR for children.
8. Crocodile farm - for those who want to see crocodiles at a very close distance. There are shows and feedings of crocodiles several times a day. The cost of visiting is 25 MYR for adults and 18 MYR for children.
9. Oceanarium (Underwater World Langkawi). Large aquarium near Chenang Beach. Cost of admission is 46 MYR for adults and 36 MYR for children.
10. Mosques, temples
Mosque in Langkawi 
Hindu temple 11. Eagle Square in Kuah and Langkawi Legends Park
The symbol of the island, the eagle, is displayed on the square near the port of Kuah. Nearby is the large Legends of Langkawi Park, which contains sculptures telling the history of the island and its legends.
Eagle Square in Langkawi 
Embankment near the eagle 
The main attractions of Langkawi are marked on
Excursions in Langkawi
Any travel agency will offer you excursions to neighboring islands and the island itself.
Popular excursions in Langkawi:
- Mangrove tour around the islands of the Langkawi archipelago with a visit to the cave (Mangrove River Safari tour) ~ from 90 MYR per person.
- Excursion to the southern islands with a visit to Lake Pregnant Maiden lasting 3-4 hours (Island Hopping). Cost from 25 MYR per person.
- Fishing – from 450 MYR per boat.
- Mangrove kayaking tour lasting 5-6 hours. Cost ~ 220 MYR per person.
Prices for excursions in Langkawi Shops, cafes, food in Langkawi
The shops
Langkawi is a duty free zone, there are duty free shops all over the island where you can buy alcohol, candy, perfumes, etc. and so on. Prices for the same goods vary from store to store.
Peculiarities:
- When purchasing any product (even a bottle of water) they always ask passport.
- Restrictions per month for the purchase of alcohol and cigarettes for one passport are as follows: 72 cans of beer, 5 liters of other alcohol, 30 packs of cigarettes. Yes, and they don’t sell alcohol to Muslims :)
- Payment by card is only possible for purchases over 50 MYR.
Duty Free shops in Kuah Port 
Huge Duty Free store on Chenang Beach 
Purchase conditions and restrictions on the amount of alcohol in Duty Free 
Hoegaarden is less than a dollar a bottle! After the wild prices for beer in Thailand, this is simply paradise :) Of course, in addition to Duty Free stores in Langkawi, there are also large stores with clothes, souvenirs, etc. and so on. (Cenang Mall, Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall) and others. But, in my opinion, there is no normal shopping in Langkawi, the things in the stores, and the stores themselves, made a depressing impression... You have to go to Kuala Lumpur for shopping!
Cafes, restaurants, food in Langkawi
In addition to Malaysian cuisine and fast food, Langkawi offers cuisines from around the world: there are Mexican, Italian, and German restaurants. There are a lot of cafes with Arabic cuisine. In a word - there are no problems with food in Langkawi!
Fruits are sold along the roads; prices are slightly higher than in Thailand, but not significantly.
In Langkawi there are McDonald's, KFC, Italian, Mexican, etc. and so on. restaurants 
Our delicious dinner in an Arabic cafe 
Fruit stalls along the road Some prices for food in Langkawi at the cafe on Cenang Beach:
Small cement plant in the north of the island 
View from the mountain to the island and surrounding area 
View from the mountain to the island 
View of the island and sea from the observation deck near the sky bridge 
Low tide at Cenang Beach 
Malaysians' favorite pastime is parachuting over the sea. 
Landscapes of the north of the island 
The boat is being transported :) 
Just some area 
Gorgeous sunset on Cenang Beach
Have a nice holiday in Langkawi! 🙂
Langkawi island on the map
The map shows the beaches and attractions of Langkawi
Langkawi is rightfully considered not only the largest island in the archipelago of the same name, but also the most popular resort in Malaysia. Thousands of people come here every year on vacation from all over the world. What makes the island so popular is, first of all, its beautiful beaches with white sand, clear seas and amazingly beautiful untouched nature. It must be said that the sand on local beaches contains very useful minerals, and in large quantities, as a result of which it is recognized as very useful. It has already been repeatedly noted that after sunbathing on local beaches, pain decreases (or even disappears) with osteochondrosis, rheumatism and bronchitis. The cleanest air and thermal springs of the island bring no less health benefits.
It must be said that the Malaysian government mainly positions holidays on the island of Langkawi as a place where mainly wealthy travelers can settle. However, this is not quite true. Of course, on the island there is a certain number of luxury hotels with beautiful beaches, which are generally impossible for the average tourist to get to. But still, a much larger part of the beaches, including the most popular - Pantai Chenang and Pantai Tengah, are very affordable in cost. In addition, these are the most lively places on the island. In general, the island of Langkawi can be called the ideal place for both a secluded holiday and a fun pastime. 
Langkawi is located in the equatorial climate zone, so the weather here is always sunny and hot. The average air temperature on the island is +26...+30°С, and the water temperature is up to +29°С. The most favorable time for a holiday in Langkawi is considered to be the months from November to April, that is, the dry season, when there is practically no rainfall. We can say that, in principle, the island has wonderful weather throughout the year, so, in fact, you can go there at any time. Naturally, in Langkawi, as in this entire region, there is a rainy season - from May to September, but the weather during this period is very, very unpredictable. Many days in a row may pass without precipitation, and if showers do occur, they are very short and very warm. 
Langkawi Island is actually part of an archipelago consisting of 104 islands that are scattered across the Andaman Sea along the northwestern part of mainland Malaysia. Langkawi is located in the Strait of Malacca, near the border with Thailand. Langkawi is surrounded by many small islands, creating a very picturesque and beautiful seascape around it.
The nature of the island of Langkawi is truly unique, since, despite the fact that the actual age of the island is determined to be 5 million years, it has been preserved completely in its original form. Since 2007, the World Organization UNESCO has declared the island of Langkawi a natural geopark. Here you can find the rarest species of plants and animals, beaches with healing sand, caves with stalagmites, centuries-old trees and completely wild natural landscapes. The island is mainly inhabited by monkeys, hornbills, mouse deer, eagles and very colorful butterflies. But the real symbol of the island is an eagle with a very rare chocolate-brown color. 
The attractions of the island are mainly considered to be its unique natural sites - parks, mountains, hot springs, waterfalls and the like. However, the island also has several museums and historically significant buildings.
In the main city of Kuah Island there is a very remarkable Eagle Square, decorated with artificial ponds with bridges and the figure of a red-brown eagle. Not far from the square is the Legends Park. Its exhibits tell in detail about the myths and legends of the archipelago. In the same city you can see the golden domes of the most popular and largest mosque on the island - the Al Khan Mosque. You should also definitely visit the only Hindu temple on the entire island - Hindu Temple. 
Interesting places to visit include the house-museum and tomb of Princess Mahsuri, the Langkawi craft complex, the Underwater World aquarium and the Museum of Culture. The most interesting excursion sites are rightfully considered to be Temurun waterfalls, the black beach of Pantai Pasir Hitam, snake and crocodile farms, as well as the “Rice Farm” with the Rice Museum.
Very noteworthy is the tourist complex called “Oriental Village”, where you can get to know the daily life of ordinary Malaysians and buy a wide variety of souvenirs. Here you can also try various exotic dishes, watch performances of folk performers or theater performances. 
The most interesting and popular sites on the island of Langkawi include: observation decks located on Mount Mat Chinchang; caves of Gua Kelavar and Gua Chrita; cable car along with a suspension bridge - Skybridge and hot springs located in the village of Air Hangat.
For tourists on the island of Langkawi there is a wide selection of hotels for literally every taste, from budget guesthouses to luxury resort complexes of the highest world class. Many island hotels are stylized as traditional Malaysian kampung villages. There you can completely settle down either in cozy rooms or in a bungalow-chalet.
Today we will tell you about our holiday on the island of Langkawi in Malaysia, what interesting places there are and what to do, where are the best beaches.
What is Pulau Langkawi
Langkawi is not one island, but an archipelago of hundreds of islands in Malaysia. Four of them are inhabited, the rest are too small.
Langkawi Island is the largest of them (its area is 363 km²), and it was on it that we vacationed.
The main symbol of Langkawi is the tawny eagle because that is the meaning of the word "Langkawi". "Pulau" means island.
Population: 97,000 people (according to Wikipedia).
Highest point: Mount Gunung Raya (880 m).
The capital of Langkawi is the city of Kuah. This is also the port where ferries arrive.
The name "Kuah" comes from the Malay word which means broth. According to legend, the city arose at the site where two giants Mat Raya and Mat Cincang spilled a cup of broth during a fight among themselves. Now the two highest mountains on the island are named after them. There is nothing to see in the city itself, and there is no beach; people mainly come here to shop and eat seafood.
Currency: Malaysian ringgit. 1 USD ~ 4 MYR. There are plenty of exchangers, but the exchange rate in Langkawi is bad, it is better to bring ringgits from the mainland or withdraw from ATMs.
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? In the Strait of Malacca in northwest 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 all the interesting places and 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 the water, which is why the sea is always cloudy, but then we understood.
It is very calm and green here, there are a bunch 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, countless spas, a bunch of shops with quality souvenirs, good beach dresses , swimsuits (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 in , where even the local phone could barely connect.
Locals say that the water was cloudy due to the rainy season (since we came in October), and that in winter the water is very clean, clear, although in January the jellyfish come and it gets so hot that people pass out in the streets. In October, the temperature was comfortable, and the rain 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 travel around all the interesting places in one day.
There seem to be a lot of attractions in Langkawi, but not all of them interested us, because we had already seen similar ones. Anyone who has not been to Asia can probably drive around for a week to look. So we got more sleep, ate more fruit and seafood, processed photos, wrote blog posts, and planned the next part of our trip around the world.
We went on 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, some of which are already territory.
Height difference: 680 meters.
Ticket price: RM30-RM55, skip the line RM90-RM105. The worst queues are 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 arrive in the morning, buy a ticket for a certain time, and come back 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 people swim directly in the waterfall or in the river that flows from it. Be careful of monkeys who may steal your food and drinks.
From the top station of the lift you can go to Langkawi Sky Bridge(Langkawi Sky Bridge), stretched between two mountains. Ticket price is 5 ringgit for adults and 3 ringgit for children (they are sold at the ticket 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 from it you can see almost the entire island.
We also went on the popular Island Hopping Tour, that is island hopping(3.5 hours for 35 ringit). First they take you through very beautiful islands.
Then they unload on the large island of Dayang Bunting, in the middle of which there is a large fresh lake surrounded by mountains. It is called the Lake of the Pregnant Virgin (Tasik Dayang Bunting) - it is believed that its shape is similar to a pregnant woman, and the waters of the lake can heal infertility.
On the way from the pier to the lake (10 minutes) a terrible debauchery occurs (macaques mate right on the path in front of the amazed public). And then they scratch each other’s bellies and look for fleas.
Or they think about the meaning of life.
Or they treat themselves to drinks taken from tourists.
You can swim on the lake, but do not swim further than 5 meters from the pontoon.
The locals only dive with a soldier and a bomb, we showed them how to do it :)
You can also follow the path to the side, there is an observation deck, but from it you can only see a tiny beach that you cannot go down to.
Then they are taken again through the beautiful islands to the feeding area of the eagles, which fly very close (eagles are not uncommon in Malaysia, we saw them in 4-5 places).
The last stop is a rather stupid beach called Pulau Beras Basah, like for snorkeling, but the water was muddy, shallow, it’s easy to cut yourself on the bottom when swimming, it’s all in dead corals, there’s no toilet, and they sell drinks and all sorts of unhealthy food like chips and instant drinks 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 ambivalent.
There was also an unpleasant moment. We were in the same boat with a seemingly decent-looking Hindu family, but the Hindu woman simply brazenly threw her empty water bottle into the sea, as if that was the right thing to do, and then threw the lid: (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, to. The weather during takeoff was clear, visibility was good :)
What else to do in Langkawi
1. Go to Langkawi Water Kingdom water park.
2. Visit the Underwater World Langkawi aquarium.
3. Look at 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 photo with the eagle statue in Kuah - the symbol of Langkawi.
5. Overeat on 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 to 18.
8. Enjoy bright tropical sunsets.
The best beaches on the island
Remember that Malaysia is a Muslim country. Of course, you can swim in a regular swimsuit on the beaches of Langkawi, but too revealing bikinis, thongs, toplessness 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 many people in 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.
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 (Burau 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) is a private beach that is only accessible to guests of the three 5-star hotels located in this bay.
9. Batu Hampar Beach - there are a minimum of tourists on this beach, because everyone thinks that it belongs to a huge 5* hotel, but in fact it is a free public beach.
Photos of beaches No. 1-9: langkawi-insight.com
10. 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 Dirty Sand Beach, because here the sand is not like in Iceland or black all over the beach, but only a couple of top centimeters. And nearby there is a factory smoking.
Sharks in Langkawi
There are only reef sharks on the island, which themselves will never be the first to attack a person.
Underwater world of Langkawi: snorkeling and diving
Diving here is incredibly expensive because people are taken to neighboring islands. For example, two 20-minute dives cost almost $100.
In Langkawi itself, you can only snorkel normally on the private Datai beach, and on the island of Pulau Chebang, where at low tide you can walk from Tanjung Rhu beach, otherwise you need to go to neighboring islands.
For snorkeling in Malaysia, it is generally better to go to - there is simply an incredible diversity of the underwater world: corals, living creatures, and all this right near the shore.
We went snorkeling as part of a tour of the islands near Langkawi, and we didn’t notice the local reef at all - faded corals and very few fish.
They write that in Pulau Payar Marine Park you can swim with reef sharks. If anyone has been 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 won’t see anything. And even in the dry season, you need to check the weather forecast a couple of days before snorkeling to avoid waves.
How to get to Langkawi on your own
There is no bridge connecting the island to mainland Malaysia. You need to get there by plane or ferry.
Our trip from Penang to Langkawi turned out to be interesting.
We were planning to travel from Penang to ferry(3 hours, 66.5 ringit), but then we learned from fellow travelers that there was a cheap plane (40 minutes, 55 ringit + bus 2.70), so we flew by plane faster and cheaper than by ferry.
This is Asian reality :)
Airport in Langkawi
The island has an international airport - Langkawi International Airport (IATA code: LGK). Flights fly here from most cities in Malaysia and 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 search 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.
- - incredibly flexible search, and there is a guarantee of a connection, even if you are flying 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 air tickets to new users, but they can only be received by email. If anyone needs it, I can send you an invitation.
Get 20€ on kiwi.com ➜Calendar of low prices for air tickets:
Schedule Kuala Lumpur - Langkawi:
Schedule 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, you can also take a ferry from George Town in Penang to Kuah Jetty in Langkawi.
See schedules and ticket prices at. There are also reviews from 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 planning to ride a bike in Langkawi, please note that regular policies do not cover motorcycle and moped riding in Malaysia or any other country! Need a separate sports insurance. The best option is to buy an insurance policy from for active days - this is international insurance, issued online, even if you are already traveling, and covers motorcycle riding. The same insurance covers parasailing.
Excursions in Langkawi
I only found a tour of the island of Langkawi with a Russian guide for exorbitant money ($198 per person).
If you know English at least at some conversational level, a tour of the island will be much cheaper, and there will be a good selection of options on, and GetYourGuides:
Parasailing in Langkawi
A popular local pastime is parasailing, which involves flying on a parachute tied to a boat with a rope.
We tried it too - we liked it :) For the first time, they don’t let you in on your own; there is an instructor hanging from behind who controls the parachute.
Marina flew first.
Before landing, we flew low over the bushes, I thought that we were about to land in them, 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
At Pantai Tengah Beach, parasailing costs RM120. If you go up to the boys who are skating in the morning before 11, ask them about the price, they will answer about 120 ringgit, then you need to tell them that our friend skated 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 give 60 ringit to the taxi driver instead of giving you a discount. This is the taxi driver mafia. And so with any excursions - the taxi driver who brought the clients charges up to half the cost of the excursion.
Hotels in Langkawi: where to stay
If you want to stay near the beach and closer to all the infrastructure (restaurants, cafes, excursions, duty-free and souvenir shops), 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 privacy 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 - it is a large city and port.
During the high season, you need to book hotels and inns as early as possible, especially on weekends because this is when many local Malays and Singaporeans come here. During the low season there is more choice and lower prices.
🛌 All hotels in Langkawi:
Also, don’t forget about the 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 of monkeys! They will crawl through even a small gap and professionally steal everything tasty that you lost sight of literally for a second.
For example, our bungalows were full of macaques. The photo shows the veranda where we spent a lot of time. The mop stands ready to fight off the impudent monkeys. In Malaysia, we developed some kind of macacoparanoia, any food was taken outside only under supervision, the door to the room was opened only under supervision, food was securely hidden in a backpack during walks.
On the day of check-in, we were lucky to see local monkeys (I think they were bespectacled langurs). They didn't come again, but the macaques were in abundance, and we almost lost our chocolate cake.
When is the best time to go to Langkawi: seasons, climate and weather by month
Peak seasons regardless of the weather: between Catholic Christmas and New Year, on Ramadan, on 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 during this time you need to book hotels as early as possible, especially in Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah.
Transition season: from April to August. At this time, short periods of rain 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 muddy but warm. Not hot. There are few people, the prices are reasonable, it’s green and cozy.
average temperature air and sea water 27-29°C.
About jellyfish season in Langkawi they write everything in reports and blogs. Sometimes they are dangerous, sometimes they are safe, and in which months they appear - the information is the most contradictory. Some sites 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 specific 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 signs warning about jellyfish. If you are stung by a jellyfish, these signs advise you to contact the lifeguards on the beach, and NOT to wash the sting site with fresh water! Jellyfish stings found in Langkawi are washed with vinegar.
Visa
Since the island of 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 for current information.
Our review of holidays in Langkawi
We liked it on the island of Langkawi. It is cozy and beautiful, there is something to see, delicious food, and if you come in the right season, there are relatively few tourists. This is a good place to spend a few days of vacation, including with children. But Langkawi is not suitable for a long stay; it will be a bit boring here.
Langkawi or Penang? These 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 larger and more crowded, Langkawi is cozier and calmer. The number of attractions is approximately the same.
Langkawi or Bali? Bali is much bigger, there are more people and traffic, but also more beaches and attractions. When it comes to 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 to go to a large tropical island with good beaches, then in addition to Langkawi, either Indonesia or Thailand will suit you.
Langkawi Island is the administrative region of Malaysia and the country's most important tourist destination. The island is one of the most beautiful corners of the world with a rich underwater world, amazing landscapes and developed infrastructure.
General information
Langkawi is part of the Malay state of Kedah. The name of the island is translated from colloquial Malay as red-brown eagle. The population of Langkawi is over 64 thousand inhabitants. The capital and largest city of the island is 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 faced the death penalty. Dying, Mahsuri cursed the island, saying that Langkawi would remain desolate for seven generations.
The island indeed remained desolate for a long time. 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 island was awarded the title “Langkawi, the Pearl of Kedah” by the Sultan of Kedah Abdul Halim.
Weather in Langkawi
The island is located in a tropical climate zone. The average annual temperature is 25 °C. The dry season on the island lasts from December to February, the rainy season from March to November. The wettest month is August. 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 site of the famous International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA). You can get anywhere on 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 west of Kuah.
You can get around the island by taxi (approximate cost per hour is 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 of the 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. The island's elite resorts are located here. Area attractions include the Crocodile Farm and the Ibrahim Hussain 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. Langkawi's longest beach is located here. Several resort complexes popular among newlyweds have been built in the area.
- Pantai Cenang is home to budget and mid-range hotels. The area is famous for its developed white sand beach, turquoise waters and magnificent coconut palms.
- Padang Matsirat is a resort area famous for the magnificent Langkawi Lagoon Hotel.
- Tanjung Ru. It has some of the best coastline on the island. The area is completely isolated from other parts of the island by limestone cliffs and picturesque jungle.
- 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 islets 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, wild rivers, a 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 the tourist spots. To visit them you need to hire a taxi or rent a car.
Natural attractions of Langkawi
- Waterfall "Seven Wells"- a sight of indescribable beauty. Seven waterfalls flow down from the mountains, forming the same number of small pools flowing into one single one, which falls down from a height of 30 meters.
- Wildlife Park- home to more than 150 species of exotic birds of Southeast Asia. Some birds can be fed, photographed and held. The park has excellent 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. Guests can enjoy traditional massages and healing baths.
- mangrove jungle, stretching along the coast of Langkawi and covering 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 on boats to watch these proud birds feed 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 swims in the lake, she will become pregnant within a year.
- Pulau Payar Marine Park, which consists of many islets spread around Langkawi. The park is the best place for snorkeling and diving.
- Crocodile farm, where over 1000 crocodiles are kept. There is a reptile show twice a day. Here you can buy stuffed crocodiles and products made from crocodile skin.
- Temurun waterfall is the most beautiful on the island. The best time to visit the waterfall is the rainy season, as during 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 island caves with stalactites and stalagmites. Each cave has a unique name and a mysterious legend. The most famous caves in Langkawi are the Gua Langsir Death Spirit Cave, home to more than 1,000 bats, and the Gua Chrita Cave with ancient inscriptions and mythical figures.
- The fruit farm is a huge plantation located in the center of the island. There are many fruit plants grown here that you can taste. On the territory of the farm, educational and interesting excursions are held, during which they talk about the fruit trees growing here.
Beaches of Langkawi
The most popular beaches in Langkawi:
- Pasir Hitam black sand beach is an amazing place. The color of the sand is explained by the proximity of the source, which gradually erodes the rocks.
- Cenang and Tengah 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.
- Pantai Kok and Burau Bay beaches, located in the west of Langkawi. The beaches are famous for their fine white sand and excellent conditions for water sports. There are many souvenir shops and fish restaurants here.
- 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 strip of it is available for swimming.
Sights of Langkawi
There are practically no historical and architectural attractions in 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 above the jungle. The middle platform is built at an altitude 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 there is a statue of an eagle, red-brown in color, after which the island was named.
Eastern village(Oriental Village) - shopping village-attraction. There is a huge number of duty-free shops and souvenir shops here. Traditional music plays on the street, artists paint portraits, theater 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 rice fields. There is a museum nearby that contains ancient items telling about the Mahsuri family.
Al Khan Mosque is the largest and most popular mosque on the island. The structure is decorated with beautiful golden domes and is surrounded by palm trees.
Craft complex, where you can see Malaysian artisans at work. The complex also features a huge souvenir market, where you can purchase a variety of locally produced products.
Langkawi Museums
Perdana Gallery with interesting exhibits representing souvenirs and gifts from all over the world, presented to Prime Minister Mohatir Mohamad.
Rice Museum and Rice Fields. Among the museum's exhibits 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 Malaysian artist Ibrahim Hussein created a unique museum with the goal of preserving contemporary art and showing how this art can harmoniously coexist with pristine nature.
Langkawi Holidays
The island annually hosts vibrant international and national fairs and shows. Popular international events on the island include:
- International maritime and aerospace exhibition showcasing the latest products in shipbuilding and aviation technology. During the exhibition, exciting shows are held.
- The Tour de Langkawi is the region's most important cycling competition.
- International Auto Show and Langkawi International Regatta.
Entertainment Langkawi
Langkawi Legends Theme Park, located in Kuah. The park contains many statues telling 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 housing more than 4,000 marine animals. The oceanarium houses a 3D cinema hall where they show documentaries dedicated to the amazing flora and fauna of the World Ocean.
While in Langkawi, you should also visit the islands located 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 beaches,
- Great Tiger Island (Singa Besar), home to rare flora and fauna.
Popular bars in Langkawi:
- Chime Bar, located on the premises of the Sheraton Hotel. The bar is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, lively dancing, live music performances 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
Langkawi's traditional cuisine has been influenced by Malay, Thai, Indian and Chinese cooking. Local dishes of the island are distinguished by a large amount of pepper and spices. Langkawi is also home to many restaurants serving modern European cuisine, most of which are concentrated in Kuah.
Best restaurants in Langkawi:
Restaurant "Underwater World" is a unique restaurant located on the territory of the aquarium. 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 species of flora and fauna.
- Restaurant Privilege (Kuah) is the most popular and expensive restaurant on the island. 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 original recipes. The restaurant is famous for its high-quality service.
As darkness falls, street stalls serving local cuisine open in Kuah and Cenang Beach. Popular dishes are:
- Laksa kedah - noodles with curry sauce.
- Sate - small skewers of chicken, beef or lamb. They are served with chilli and peanut sauce, rice pudding, onion and cucumber.
- Sop-ekor is a traditional soup with a variety of herbs.
Langkawi Hotels
There are 30 hotels in Langkawi, 17 of which are five-star. The best hotels on the island are:
- Four Seasons is a luxury hotel complex built in the Tanjung Rhu area. The complex's comfortable villas are built right on the beach, allowing hotel guests to admire breathtaking sunsets and enjoy the soothing sound of the surf. The villas were built in traditional Malay style. On the territory of each of them there is a small outdoor swimming pool.
- Casa del Mar is the best hotel on the island, located in the Pantai Cenang area. This is a magnificent five-star hotel, each room of which is exquisitely decorated with expensive furniture. The hotel has a cigar room where guests can enjoy 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 grand five-star hotel built in British colonial style. The hotel is surrounded by magnificent gardens. On its territory there is a three-level swimming pool and a spacious secluded courtyard with fragrant flowers.
Shopping in Langkawi
In 1987, Langkawi was recognized as a duty-free zone. This event contributed to the rapid development of the island. In numerous duty-free shops you can buy literally everything. However, to do this, island guests must stay in Langkawi for at least 72 hours.
The main shopping center in Langkawi is the capital of the island - Kuah. Large shopping complexes have been built on the popular beaches of Chenang and Tenga. The main souvenir shops are concentrated in the Eastern Village and at the Craft 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 a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
