Langkawi is an archipelago of about a hundred islands off the coast of Kedah in north-west Malaysia, at the southern end of the Andaman Sea. The main island is roughly the size of Phuket’s southern half, largely covered in forest, and has been a duty-free zone since the 1980s. Its landscapes are recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
For Andaman island hoppers it matters for one reason above all: a seasonal ferry links it with Koh Lipe, making it the natural way in or out of the southern Thai islands, with an international airport of its own.
Top things to do: Langkawi (Malaysia)
SkyCab and Sky Bridge
A steep cable car climbs Gunung Mat Cincang to about 700 metres, where a curved pedestrian bridge hangs above the rainforest. Go early; cloud and queues both build during the day, and it closes in high wind.
Kilim Geoforest Park
Boat trips wind through mangrove channels beneath limestone cliffs on the north-east coast, with sea eagles, kites, macaques and bat caves along the way.
Pantai Cenang
The island’s main beach strip: a long, wide beach with water sports, restaurants and duty-free shops. Pantai Tengah, next door, is quieter.
Island hopping
Short boat trips visit Pulau Dayang Bunting, with its freshwater “Lake of the Pregnant Maiden”, and Pulau Beras Basah for a swim.
How to get to Langkawi (Malaysia)
- By air: Langkawi International Airport (LGK) has flights from Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore, among others.
- By ferry within Malaysia: boats run from Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah to Kuah.
- To Koh Lipe: seasonal ferries, typically from around October or November to May, with departures from Telaga Harbour or Kuah. Check the current timetable and carry your passport.
Insider tips
- Malaysia is one hour ahead of Thailand. Allow for that when connecting boats and flights.
- Langkawi’s seasons are milder than Phuket’s, but boat trips are still best from about November to April.
- Ride-hailing apps work well and are cheaper than airport taxis; there is little public transport.
Best tours & tickets for Langkawi (Malaysia)
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Langkawi (Malaysia):
Shared boat tour from €16 Langkawi: Mangrove River Cruise Sharing 3 Hours
A short boat trip through the mangrove-lined limestone of Langkawi’s north-east coast, part of the island’s UNESCO Global Geopark. More than 800 reviews at 4.6.
- Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
- Eagles, monkeys and Crocodile Cave
- Shared boat keeps the cost low
