Langkawi Island Travel Tips

Langkawi Island is the largest tourist destination on the West Coast of the Peninsular Malaysia. This island is located on the North West of the country close to the Thai border.

Langkawi Island is part of an archipelago consisting of 99 islands covered with dense jungle and surrounded by turquoise sea. These islands are very popular for relaxing holidays on the beach and to discover the scenic paddy fields in the countryside. They also attract many shoppers since is it a duty free area. Gastronomy is very famous and you will enjoy all comfort hotels for a fair price.

Langkawi Island is not exactly a diving or snorkelling destination but the islands located a bit more south, Pulau Payar, offer good diving opportunities on a day trip. It is a perfect location for family holidays as there is also plenty of activities for non divers.

In this page you will find practical information to plan a scuba diving trip to Langkawi Island:

Where to stay?

I usually use this website to book in advance my hotels in Langkawi Island as they usually have the lowest rates I find. I like it because it's free to cancel and change the dates.

Activities and excursions in Langkawi Island

Langkawi Island is a good destination for tourists and there are many activities to do for non-divers:

• Shopping as the island is duty free zone
• Snorkelling around Pulau Payar
• Discovering the beautiful rice paddy fields, hot springs and lakes.
• Trekking the jungle covered hills
• Play golf
• Explore the superb mangroves on a day tour
• Horse riding or sailing around the Island
• Visit the aquarium, take the cable car, or just relax on the beach.

You will find travel agencies everywhere who can arrange all kinds of excursions for you.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dylwalters/509076089/

Best time to visit Langkawi Island

See the Scuba Diving Langkawi page for information about the dry and rainy seasons as well as temperatures.

Health and Safety

If you are planning an upcoming dive trip or travelling to Langkawi Island, it is a really good idea to invest in travel insurance for scuba diving, because you never know what could happen and when you might need it (because accidents do happen!). I recommend this diving insurance as they offer worldwide coverage and focus on providing scuba divers a quality insurance and medical assistance service.

Where is Langkawi Island located in the world?

Langkawi is located on the North East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia not far from Thailand. Have a look to the map below.

Langkawi Map

How to get to Langkawi Island?

Do I need a visa for Langkawi Island?

You can reach Langkawi Island very easily:

• By Air: Flying directly to Langkawi Island is the fastest and most convenient way. It is also quite reasonable in price. There is an international airport on Langkawi Island. You can fly there directly from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang, Hat Yai, and Phuket in Thailand. Companies are the excellent Malaysian Airlines, the low cost Air Asia and Silk Air if you are flying from Singapore.

• By Ferry: You can also reach Langkawi Island via ferry. You have to catch a boat from the harbours of Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis, Penang or Satun in Thailand. The price varies from RM18 to RM 60 for a one way ticket depending on the company and where you get on board. The journey takes from 45 min to 2 hours depending on where you start from.

To go to these ferry terminals you will firstly need to take a bus or train.

• By Bus: You have several levels of comfort buses leaving several times a day from Kuala Lumpur. The journey to Kedah takes about 6 hours from the Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur. The price is about RM 25 for one way depending on the comfort you choose.

• By Rail: The train can be a very typical way to travel and is usually very cheap. There are several classes with or without AC and for all kind of budget. Trains leave from Kuala Lumpur Sentral Train station every day. The price ranges RM 18 for a basic seat to RM 100 for a private cabin. The journey takes about 10 hours. For further information about schedules and rates, visit: http://www.ktmb.com.my.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/amrufm/2440168083/

Getting Around

Langkawi is relatively big but getting around is not really an issue.

• By Taxi: The main “public” transportation system. You will find them everywhere. There is no meter and you will have to fix the price before the ride. A good way to discover the island is to charter a taxi for several hours. The cost would be about RM15 an hour.

• By Bus: Better to avoid buses as they only stop in a few places and you could wait for a long time before getting one.

• By car: You can easily rent a car in your hotel or in any travel agency. It is better to rent a car with a driver. Prices are very reasonable. Price ranges from RM 50 (8 euros, $11 USD) to RM 100 a day depending on the car.

• By Motorbikes / scooter: If you are not too scared, renting a motorbike is the best way to discover Langkawi island and to enjoy the very scenic landscapes. Most of the roads are in very good shape so no problem. You can rent motorbikes in many travel agencies or directly in your hotel. Price is about RM 30 (6 euros, 8 US $) a day.

• By Bicycle: For the most active. It costs about 12 RM a day.

Although driving around Langkawi Island is quite safe, always remember to wear your safety belt or helmet. You also need a proper driving licence.

Langkawi Island Photos

Scuba diving

You will find all information about sea life, best time to visit, top dive spots, etc. in our review: Langkawi Island Diving