Langkawi holidays

Take a break from the main island on your holiday to Langkawi to explore some of the archipelago’s many islands. Uninhabited Dayang Bunting is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Kuah Jetty, offering scenic trails and memorable swimming in its Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. Or visit Pulau Payar’s marine park, known for its colourful corals and great diving experiences.

White-sand beaches, tropical mangroves, magnificent caves, sublime waterfalls and ethereal coral reefs — Langkawi is a patchwork of natural wonders. Take a boat to Kilim Geopark to explore its mangrove forests and lagoons. Or trek or drive to Gunung Raya, Langkawi’s tallest mountain. Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed a slice of paradise.

No holiday to Langkawi is complete without exploring the night markets. On different nights of the week, Langkawi’s night markets sell everything from delicious street food to souvenirs and clothes. Try ‘nasi komok’ (chicken and rice) at the Ayer Hangat Friday Night Market. Or sample ‘apam balik’ (peanut pancakes) at the Padang Matsirat Sunday Night Market.

The capital of Langkawi Island has a lot to offer. Shop duty-free at the Langkawi Mall, or visit the gold-domed Al-Hana Mosque. Visiting on a Wednesday? Head to the Kuah Town Night Market for street food. You won’t find a beach here, but the Kuah Jetty serves as the archipelago’s gateway for island-hopping.

Good for: Culture, night markets, island hopping

When you’re looking for where to stay in Langkawi, Pantai Cenang is a great choice. A popular spot with tourists, its long white-sand beach is lined with shops, restaurants and bars. Pantai Cenang is where you can shop duty-free at the Cenang Mall, enjoy some of the island’s best water sports and party at its beach clubs.

Good for: Nightlife, restaurants, beach

Pantai Tengah is one of the best neighbourhoods to stay in Langkawi for a quieter alternative to neighbouring Pantai Cenang. Spend your days on the area’s serene beach, and treat yourself to a massage at the Yuan Spa. If you’re aiming for a cheap holiday to Langkawi, you’ll find more affordable hotel options here too.

Good for: Affordable hotels, spas, beach

If your holiday involves children, you’ll find plenty of things to do with family in Langkawi. Ride the SkyCab cable car and cross the Langkawi SkyBridge with its panoramic island vistas. Or hit the rides at the Splash Out water park for a day of non-stop fun. Need a day of chilling out? Pasir Tengkorak Beach has shallow waters, ideal for small children.

Shopping in Langkawi offers big appeal, partly for its duty-free options. Shop for popular brands and duty-free items at Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall. Or pick up beautiful pieces of ‘batik’ (Indonesian dyed fabric) from the Atma Alam Batik Art Village. For more local souvenirs, head to one of the island’s markets like the Temoyong Night Market in Pantai Cenang.

When you need a break from the beach, visit one of the museums in Langkawi. Learn about rice farming at the Rice Garden Museum and admire the art and artefacts at the Galeria Perdana. For even more heritage, head to the Craft Cultural Complex. Or uncover the story of a local legend at Mahsuri’s Tomb at Kota Mahsuri.

You won’t find mega-clubs on the island, but Langkawi keeps the good times rolling after dark with beach bars, cocktail lounges and live music joints. Pantai Cenang is the main area for nightlife in Langkawi — visit watering holes and cafes in this area. Or sip cocktails while enjoying unbeatable sea views at one of Langkawi’s beachside bars.

The beaches in Langkawi are the island’s biggest draw, promising powdery white sands hugging the Andaman Sea. Cenang Beach is the longest and most famous, but you’ll also find quieter spots like Pasir Tengkorak Beach and ‘Teluk Yu’ (Shark Bay). For a different beach experience, enjoy a stroll along Pantai Pasir Hitam, the only black sand beach on the island.

An authentic trip to Langkawi calls for ‘char kway teow’ (stir-fried rice noodles) and ‘lok ching’ (barbecued meat) from Cenang Beach’s Food Truck Centre. Or feast on Indian, Malay and Chinese dishes with views of Gunung Raya mountain at Pia’s the Padi. With plenty of night markets and beach club restaurants to try too, the restaurants in Langkawi keep you coming back for more.