Things to do in  Langkawi

Malaysia’s favorite vacation island, Langkawi is known for beaches, jungle, waterfalls, island-hopping, and duty-free shopping. Beaches include bustling Cenang Beach, Tanjung Rhu, with white sand and limestone cliffs, and Datai Bay Beach, which is reserved for the resorts that occupy it. Mt. Machinchang is a popular rain-forest destination.

Langkawi island is in Malaysia. The main island of the Langkawi archipelago, a cluster of 100-or-so isles and islets, it sits in the Straits of Malacca in peninsular Malaysia’s far north. However, Langkawi is so close to the Thai border that Koh Tarutao, just 6 miles (10 kilometers) further north, is in Thailand.

The Langkawi Cable Car and Langkawi Sky Bridge offer dramatic rain-forest views. Watersports include Jet Ski, kayaking, snorkeling, banana boats, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding. Jungle options run from all-terrain vehicle (ATV) adventures through to waterfall hikes and mangrove cruises. Island-hopping around the archipelago is also popular.

No: Langkawi is not much more expensive than Kuala Lumpur or Penang. You can spend big bucks on super-luxe resorts or a few dollars on a hostel, although limited public transport adds costs. Alcohol is cheaper than elsewhere in Malaysia but tours and tourist attractions are generally priced higher.

Langkawi’s main attractions are natural and take time to explore, while the beaches invite lounging: it’s better to take a week and enjoy the pace of island life than race through a packed schedule. Besides the cable car, Sky Bridge, and beaches, popular attractions include off-shore islands and the Seven Wells Waterfall.

Yes. It is rare for travelers to experience violent crime in Malaysia and Langkawi is no exception. Macaques can be aggressive and seize both food and valuables: do not feed wildlife and keep room doors and baggage tightly closed. As elsewhere in Malaysia, LGBTQ travelers should avoid public displays of affection.