Langkawi tourist and travel guide
The Malaysian paradise island of Pulau Langkawi features an incredible amount to see and do. There are world class sporting facilities including sailing marinas and golf courses plus superb opportunities for watersports and tax free shopping. Langkawi’s beaches are a major draw for tourists and, apart from relaxing on the soft white sand, there are numerous boat trips through the karst seascape to uninhabited islands.
Langkawi is home to some of Malaysia’s most luxurious accommodation and resort prices here can be very reasonable in the low season. Some hotels occupy their own private islands whilst others make do with just a private stretch of sand. But those staying in smaller guesthouses will feel none-the-poorer for making do with Langkawi’s picturesque public beaches.
 | Attractions & activitiesMost people come to Pulau Langkawi simply to relax on the soft white sand but there are plenty of cultural sights to visit plus fun things to do as well including sailing, diving and golf...more |  | Hotels & resortsPuala Langkawi is home to some of Asia's finest hotels where hospitality has been take to new levels of decadence. Think private villas, soft white sand and luxurious spas...more |
 | Restaurants & barsLangkawi cuisine is based a great deal around the ocean with seafood featuring prominently on local menus. But Western tastes are catered for with imported steak, pizza and sushi...more |  | TransportationGetting to Pulau Langkawi is easy with its own international airport plus direct ferries to the mainland, Penang and Thailand. Taxis or rented vehicles help navigate the island...more |
Brief guide to Langkawi orientation and hospitality
There is much to do on Langkawi even away from the ocean and many tourists choose to rent a car or motorbike for exploring inland areas. The limestone mountains are well worth visiting and a variety of attractions including a crocodile farm, hot springs and waterfalls are also within easy reach.
Pantai Cenang is a straight two kilometre stretch of soft white sand and features a smattering of luxury resorts plus some humble budget accommodation. This Langkawi beach is just around the next bay from Pantai Tengah and perfect for watersports with numerous vendors plying the shore with jet skis or parasails for rent
Langkawi’s boom started with the island’s designation as a duty free zone and so shopping remains a top pastime here. There are gleaming shopping malls both in the main town area of Kuah – including a huge offering packed with international brands attached to the jetty complex – and at the beach areas as well. Great value souvenirs include handmade crystal, batik, local anchovies and bizarre herbal remedies.
Anyone coming to Langkawi will probably expect the regional cuisine to focus on the ocean, and seafood lovers will certainly not be disappointed. Fresh lobster, king prawns, squid and crab and all mainstays of local fare, with steamed snapper and seabass all reasonably priced. But the foreign invasion to Langkawi has brought talented expat chefs in their droves with Arabian, French, Italian and Japanese restaurants on the island receiving worldwide acclaim.
Langkawi’s duty free status also means it is the cheapest place in Malaysia for alcohol, and Southeast Asia’s partying backpackers have therefore make the island an obligatory stop en route from Singapore north towards hedonistic Thailand. It is not all weed-filled bongs and dreadlocked hippies, however, and Langkawi has a everything from chic lounge bars by the yachting marinas to welcoming expat pubs and beach shacks.
Tourists on Langkawi will be able to find a huge amount to occupy them with numerous tours and excursions including sailing trips, fishing expeditions and golfing packages. These can be arranged through your hotel or any of the island’s travel agencies. These are simple to arrange with lunch, refreshments plus hotel pick-up included at no extra charge.
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