INDEX
1. ISLAND AND BEACHES
4. MAP OF MALAYSIA
6. LANGKAWI, KEDAH
10. PENANG
14. PANGKOR, PERAK
16. PORT DICKSON, NEGERI SEMBILAN
18. ISLANDS OF JOHOR
22. TIOMAN, PAHANG
24. CHERATING, PAHANG
26. ISLANDS OF TERENGGANU
30. SABAH
34. SARAWAK

Islands and Beaches – Langkawi

Facebook Youtube Instagram

Langkawi, KEDAH Langkawi, KEDAH

World-renowned Langkawi beckons with sun-kissed beaches, clear blue skies and the marvels of nature.

Langkawi is the largest of a multitude of islands that lie off the coast of Kedah state, in the far northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. The island comprises a archipelago of 99 islands. Langkawi is a versatile holiday destination with world-class infrastructure and facilities – a modern international airport, excellent roads, state-of-the-art marinas, a wide range of accommodation options from budget hotels to award-winning luxurious resorts, superb golf courses and a host of recreational activities.

Visitors arriving by sea will disembark at the jetty in the main town of Kuah. Located southeast of the island, the town houses many hotels and shopping centres. A large prominent statue of an eagle, situated at the popular Eagle Square, is visible from afar when approaching the island. According to local folklore, Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or helang (lang).

Langkawi’s idyllic beaches are perfect settings for a fun-filled vacation. Tanjung Rhu Beach, 22 km north of Kuah, is fringed by casuarinas from where the beach gets its name. A perfect place for a picnic, this wide sandy beach offers unmatched pristine tranquility. The sunset here at dusk, in a blaze of orange and red, is a truly spectacular sight.

On the western coastline of Langkawi lie the beaches of Datai, Kok, Burau Bay and Tengah. Enjoy a round of golf at the 18-hole course at Datai Bay and tee off against Langkawi’s scenic backdrop. Those who wish to spend their day at Burau Bay can enjoy horseback riding while visitors to Tengah Beach can hire a boat and go island hopping. Kok Beach is the location of Telaga Harbour Park, a marina-cum-resort with ample facilities.

Cenang Beach is approximately 7km from Langkawi International Airport and is the most developed of the beach areas housing several luxury-class hotels and dozens of budget chalets and restaurants. There are plenty of water sports available on this popular beach providing fun and excitement for all.

First-class accommodation in modern hotels or comfortable chalets is available around the island. Restaurants serve a variety of local and international fare with live music and energetic ambience.

Go snorkelling and diving in the Payar Island Marine Park, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi. Segantang Island, Kaca Island and Lembu Island are other islands that make up the Marine Park. For those shy of the sea, hop into a glass-bottomed boat and watch the underwater world unfurl below. Speedboats takes about 30 minutes and catamarans takes one hour.

Langkawi offers a back-to-nature experience for all. From waterfalls to mysterious caves, visitors will discover that Langkawi is more than a beach lovers’ paradise.

There is a host of themed attractions in Langkawi providing excitement for young and old travellers alike. Come and discover the variety of aquatic life at the Underwater World Langkawi. One of the largest public aquariums in the country, it features stingrays, sharks, moray eels and green turtles together with exotic fishes and sea plants.

There are also interesting handicraft centres and souvenir shops located around the island offering items such as batik outfits and silverware. Some handicraft centres have batik workshops for visitors to try their hand at batik-painting. Those who wish to be pampered with a relaxing massage amidst the lush backdrop of the rainforest can head to the numerous spas on the island. 

With an attractive range of duty-free goods to choose from in Langkawi, shopping here is a real treat. From pewter and perfumes to handbags and gadgets, the attractive prices make shopping irresistible!

GETTING THERE

By Road

Visitors travelling by road will have to drive to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis, the main jumping-off points by ferry to Langkawi. Regular, air-conditioned buses are available from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Perlis. Visitors to Kuala Kedah can disembark in Alor Setar and proceed to Kuala Kedah Jetty by bus or taxi. The journey to Kuala Kedah takes about six hours while Kuala Perlis is another hour away.

By Air

Malaysia Airlines provides direct air services from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Langkawi. Alternatively, visitors can fly via AirAsia, Malindo Air and Firefly. AirAsia operates from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2) in Sepang while Firefly operates from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang. Malindo Air operates from both Sepang and Subang, while AirAsia operates flights to Langkawi from Singapore.

By Rail

The KTM rail service provides fast and comfortable electronic trains from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar in Kedah. Upon disembarking in Alor Setar, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Kuala Kedah for the ferry to Langkawi. In addition to the electronic train, the regular train service also connects visitors from Kuala Lumpur to Arau in Perlis. From Arau, taxis and buses are available to Kuala Perlis, another jumping-off point to Langkawi.

By Sea

Express ferries provide daily services to Langkawi from both Kuala Kedah and Kuala Perlis. The journey takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and 45 minutes respectively. From Penang to Langkawi, the ferry takes 2 hours 30 minutes. The island is also a stopover for Star Cruises, one of the largest luxury cruise lines in the world.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Tourism Malaysia

Tourist Information Centres:

Langkawi International Airport
Tel: 604 955 7155

Langkawi Jetty Point
Tel: 604 966 0494

Kuah
Tel: 604 966 7789

Copyright © Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board

Tourist Map of Malaysia

There is so much to do and so many places to see in Malaysia. To make sure that you don’t miss anything, use this handy map to navigate your way across the country and find great places to visit.

Perlis

Perlis is the northern gateway to Malaysia. Despite its small size, Perlis has an abundance of attractions that make it a great destination.

Kedah

Kedah is Malaysia’s largest paddy producing state. Delve into history in Lembah Bujang, the site of an ancient civilisation or relax in Langkawi, a world-famous resort island.

Penang

The site of a UNESCO World Heritage City, Penang is a holiday paradise with fabulous beach resorts and eclectic cultures. It is also the undisputable haven for foodies.

Perak

A tin-rich state in its heyday, Perak beckons with a range of sights and experiences. The state’s top attractions include Pangkor, an island getaway and Pangkor Laut, an internationally-acclaimed private island.

Kelantan

Hailed as the Cradle of Malay culture, Kelantan is a destination teeming with age-old arts, crafts and pastimes.

TERENGGANU

Beautiful islands, culture and nature give Terengganu its magical appeal. Dive, snorkel, sunbathe at the islands or journey to its hinterland to experience the best of nature.

Pahang

The largest state in the peninsula beckons nature-enthusiasts with exciting eco-adventures. From Taman Negara, the oldest national park in the country, to the idyllic Tioman Island, Pahang is simply mesmerising.

Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s dynamic capital city is bustling with attractions and activities. Explore the city by day and night.

Selangor

Selangor is home to the country’s main airport KLIA, and the main gateway by sea, Port Klang. It is also the country’s most developed state with a long list of shopping malls and themed attractions.

Putrajaya

Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, is a well-planned township with impressive buildings, verdant parks, scenic lakes and beautiful bridges.

Sabah

From the majestic height of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak, to the stunning depths of the world-famous Sipadan Island, Sabah is a magnificent nature destination.

Sarawak

Sarawak, the largest state in Malaysia, has a vast wilderness that contains numerous national parks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mulu National Park.

Labuan

Located off the northwestern coast of Borneo, this island thrills visitors with its wreck diving sites, historical relics and duty-free shopping.

Melaka

The birth place of the nation, Melaka is a treasure trove of history and heritage. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage City for vestiges of the past.

Negeri Sembilan

Known for its fascinating Minangkabau culture and a unique social system, Negeri Sembilan is the place to learn age-old customs and traditions.

Johor

Visit Malaysia’s southern gateway, for a family vacation at the theme parks or escape to its islands for an unforgettable holiday.

Birdwatching Paradise

Enjoy birdwatching at 55 Important Bird Areas (IBA) throughout the country, tucked away at various habitats such as islands, coasts or lush lowland and montane rainforests.

Cool Highland Resorts

Love the cool highlands? Find refreshing destinations to unwind in Malaysia. From French-themed settings, energetic amusement parks to forest-clad hills, there is something for everyone.

Fun and Fantasy

Find the fun and thrill that you are looking for in Malaysia. Meet your favourite characters, plunge down the world’s longest water slide or enjoy the rides and games!

Facebook Instagram Youtube