Langkawi

Langkawi is an archipelago of islands, the largest of which is Pulau Langkawi. The beaches on this island are often described as the most beautiful in Malaysia. Langkawi Island is also known for its aquatic life and peaceful isolation, and is a great place to relax and unwind in a stunning natural setting.

To reach Langkawi’s beaches it’s easiest to rent a car or motorbike at the ferry terminal at the southern settlement of Kuah. The beaches are located along the western and northern coast of the island, and it can be an expensive taxi ride to reach them.

Take your choice of beautiful tropical beaches. There’s the more developed Pantai Cenang, where you’ll find restaurants, pubs and beer gardens, or the more isolated Pantai Kok which is surrounded by forests and mountains. Datai Beach offers both nature and comfort, with luxury resorts and spas surrounded by ancient forest leading down to a white-sand beach. Rent a paddle boat, or a snorkel and explore the clear blue waters.

You can also join a dive tour with one of Langkawi’s several dive companies. See underwater coral gardens home to lobsters, barracudas and black-tip reef sharks. Pulau Payar Marine Park is a favorite among divers and is about an hour away from Langkawi Island. If you’re looking for a more solitary activity, rent a sailing boat to discover isolated beaches you’ll quite likely have all to yourself.

Langkawi is also known for being duty free, so there’s plenty of shopping to be done at Kuah, the main settlement. You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants where you can try traditional Malay, Indian, Thai and Chinese cuisine, and an array of local seafood. Malaysians are very enthusiastic and passionate about food, and here as elsewhere in Malaysia, the diverse ethnicities provide an exciting food culture.