Our perfect 5-day Langkawi itinerary: Things to do and places to eat

Langkawi. Even the name sounds magical, right?

I won’t pretend I’d been dreaming of Langkawi for years. I stumbled across a photo of the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, got major Indiana Jones vibes, and instantly decided: I need to go to Malaysia. But somewhere along the planning spiral, I came across Langkawi — and suddenly the caves weren’t the highlight of the trip anymore.

Langkawi turned out to be one of the loveliest beach destinations I’ve ever been to. And surprisingly, for such a small island, it’s packed with attractions. Whether you’re an active traveler or a lounge-by-the-sea type, you’ll find plenty of things to do.

I’m here to help you discover the best things to do in Langkawi — from walking across sky-high bridges, admiring waterfalls and hiking mountains to sunbathing and enjoying food. Here’s exactly how to spend 5 days in Langkawi, Malaysia, according to our experience.

Article contents

1. Things you need to know before visiting Langkawi
2. Day 1 — a famous beach, a non-touristy beach, and an aquarium
3. Day 2 — views from above, waterfall, night market
4. Day 3 — more waterfalls
5. Day 4 — a wildlife park, local crafts, and a gorgeous beach
6. Day 5 — the tallest mountain and the main city
7. Where to stay in Langkawi? Best beaches on the island
8. 4 tours you shouldn’t miss
9. Where to eat in Langkawi?
10. Getting to Langkawi
11. Best time to visit Langkawi

Things you need to know before visiting Langkawi in Malaysia

Our last trip to Langkawi was in December: We spent an entire week on the island. Minus two days recovering from a jellyfish encounter but more on that later. I stayed right by the popular beach Pantai Cenang and mostly used Grab — Southeast Asia’s Uber — and a rental scooter to get around. My favorite part of the stay was the friendly and relaxed vibe everywhere you go, the magnificent views from above — the most memorable being the Sky Bridge and Gunung Raya — and the prices (especially in the duty-free shops!).

Here are some tips to make your trip as smooth and pleasant as it was for me:

• Currency & cash

Local currency is MYR (Malaysian Ringgit). Most shops, hotels, and restaurants in Langkawi accept cards, but you’ll want cash for night markets, small eateries, and simply for your peace of mind. No worries, though — ATMs are easy to find around Pantai Cenang and Kuah Town.

• Transportation

The roads on Langkawi are good — wide, smooth, and nearly empty. It almost feels like you’re not even in Southeast Asia. Renting a car or scooter is easy and affordable — perfect if you want to try left-side driving.

Traffic in Malaysia is nothing compared to, say, Thailand. It’s ten times lighter. For short rides, Grab — local taxi service — is also super handy.

• Language

English is widely spoken in Langkawi, especially in touristy areas. In my experience, Malaysians speak English way better than Thais. And just like in Thailand (or pretty much anywhere in Southeast Asia), the locals are incredibly kind and always happy to help — even if they don’t understand a word you’re saying.

• Staying connected

SIM cards are cheap (from 10 to 25 myr / $2,5–$6) and easy to grab at the airport or even at 7-Eleven. I personally don’t usually bother with SIM cards (I like staying offline and being present), but my friend got one from Maxis and had great coverage all over the island — except for up in the mountains.

• Culture & dress code

Langkawi is part of Muslim-majority Malaysia. Swimwear’s totally fine at the beach, but if you’re heading into town or visiting markets, it’s respectful to throw on a T-shirt and some loose pants to cover up a little.

• Duty-Free paradise

Oh, and the best part. It’s something I didn’t know before coming, so it came as a pleasant surprise: Langkawi is a duty-free island. Yep, the entire island. That means no excise taxes — and if I’m not mistaken, even VAT is waived. Back in 1987, the Malaysian government made Langkawi duty-free to boost tourism, and it worked like a charm.

People from all over Malaysia (and even from nearby Thailand) flock here for crazy-cheap chocolate and booze. Imagine scoring a bottle of decent Scotch for 25 myr / $6!

• Danger: Jellyfish

Yes, they’re a thing here — and sometimes they appear more often than you’d like. They tend to show up when the sea is calm, usually during the day. When it rains or gets windy, they disappear.

Jellyfish are not pleasant creatures: I learned this the hard way. I had a close encounter with one of the little monsters — it pumped me full of enough muscle-paralyzing venom that I could barely get out of bed for two days. Even lifting a water bottle made my hands shake.

PSA if you get stung: Rinse the sting with seawater and pour vinegar or lemon/lime juice on it to neutralize the venom. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen. Hospitals in Malaysia aren’t crazy expensive (my visit cost around $80), but it’s better to be covered by travel insurance.

Now that we’ve got the most important stuff cleared out, let’s move on to the good part — your actual 5 days in Langkawi itinerary! This guide has everything you need to know before visiting the island, from hidden gems to iconic sights.

Day 1 in Langkawi

What to expect: Underwater World Langkawi, Pantai Cenang Beach, Pantai Kok Beach

Your island adventure is bound to start with you landing in Langkawi International Airport: It is refreshingly small and easy to navigate — especially if you’re flying in from Kuala Lumpur’s mega hub of an airport, where I got lost more times than I’d like to admit. From landing to hopping into your Grab, expect less than 30 minutes.

First thing first, hit Langkawi’s most popular beach — 📍 Pantai Cenang. It’s lively and full of energy: Parasailing, jet skis zipping by, loud music in the air, cafes, beach bars, souvenir shops. Grab a yuzu iced tea or a cup of good coffee at Smiling Buffalo Cafe and stroll the promenade. The entire beach setting feels straight out of a vacation postcard!

If you want something quieter, take a 15-minute drive to the 📍 Pantai Kok Beach (located close to Langkawi Sky Bridge, a star of our second day Langkawi itinerary). Bring a picnic as there’s nothing around here to pop into for food.

If you’re trying to escape the heat or just want something different from lying on the beach, head to 📍 Underwater World Langkawi at the end of the Pantai Cenang Beach. You won’t miss the prominent structure of one of Southeast Asia’s largest marine and freshwater aquariums. Check the animal feeding schedule in advance — the feedings are a particularly fun time for a visit. You can choose between otters, penguins, and seals. Personally, I’d go for the penguins. I can never resist penguins!

• Entry to Underwater World Langkawi costs 62 myr ($14,6) for an adult and 50 MYR ($11,8) for a child, and it’s a perfect way to cool off while checking out animals you don’t get to see every day. Also, it happens to be one of the best things to do in Langkawi with kids.

Grab your tickets here >>

Wrap up your first day with dinner at 📍 Yellow Beach Cafe. The place offers local and Western food, there’s often live music playing, and it has a gorgeous sea view to top it all off. A bottle of wine, a burger, shrimp, and fries cost me 120 myr ($28) for the whole spread. Not too bad for a sunset meal by the beach!

Day 2 in Langkawi

What to ecpect: Langkawi SkyCab, Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, Night Market

Start your day with the 📍 Langkawi SkyCab — one of the steepest cable car lines in the world and the thing Langkawi is most famous for. The views here are breathtaking. You will admire the lush rainforest, the cerulean sea, and the distant mainland of Thailand if the weather permits.

A taxi (or your scooter) will drop you off at Oriental Village, the park entrance. You’ll pass souvenir shops, cafes, and even a duty-free store before you reach the cable car. Don’t miss the charming lake with Chinese-style bridges, koi fish, and flowers — it’s a great photo spot.

• Langkawi SkyCab fares range widely, since there are options for a standard, private, glass bottom, and a 360 gondola to choose from. Plus, the packages may include other attractions. On average, expect to pay anywhere from 80 myr ($19) for an adult and 65 myr ($15,4) for a kid.

Pro tip: Buy your SkyCab tickets online to skip the notoriously long lines. I went on a Sunday and stood in line for almost an hour in the blazing sun. If you can, go early in the morning to avoid the heat or later in the afternoon to catch the sunset. Just know you’ll be sharing it with a horde of sunset chasers.

The SkyCab includes three viewpoints. Be sure to get off at the first stop to enjoy the lower observation deck — you can’t go back once you skip it!

At the summit, step onto the SkyBridge, a curved suspension bridge set 660 meters above sea level. Simply walking on the bridge is a thrill and an adrenaline rush: It sways and bounces slightly due to wind and the weight of the people on it. Honestly, the SkyBridge is the must-see of Langkawi. It’s like the island’s version of the Petronas Towers. You haven’t truly been to Langkawi unless you’ve stood here, marveling at the views of the sea, jungle, tiny islands in the distance, clouds drifting overhead — and you, right in the middle of it all.

After your sky-high adventure, go to 📍 Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, also known as the Seven Wells Waterfall (it’s the one you saw while on the cable car). The lower falls are super accessible and great for photos, but if you’re up for it, climb the 638 steps to the natural pools at the top. Be sure to bring your swimsuit and a towel. It’s a perfect spot for a refreshing dip with epic jungle views. And you’ll even see the SkyBridge from up here!

In the evening, head to a 📍 night market for dinner. It moves to different neighborhoods each day, so check where it’s happening on your particular night. The market opens around 7 p.m. and runs until vendors sell out, usually by 10 p.m. Each market has its own local vibe, with people selling whatever they’ve cooked up that day. Expect everything from freshly caught fish to freshly squeezed juices, crispy pancakes, and more.

You’ll even find souvenirs, clothes, and kids’ toys here. But don’t expect a touristy show — this is where the locals do their real shopping for food, clothes, and dinner. That’s why the prices are super low. Haggling doesn’t really work here but the prices already are affordable.

Day 3 in Langkawi

What to expect: Durian Perangin Waterfall, Temurun Waterfall, Massage at Alun-Alun Spa

If you stay at Pantai Cenang, grab an early breakfast at 📍 MARII Café. The menu here leans European without being overpriced.

With your belly full, head to 📍 Durian Perangin Waterfall. It’s smaller and less dramatic than Temurun (we’re saving the best for last). The visit here is more about the setting. A stone staircase leads you through lush nature to the top. You can take a dip in the lagoon, wander along shady trails, and cross a little hanging bridge. The entrance costs just 2 myr ($0,5).

Next, make your way to 📍 Temurun Waterfall, the tallest on the island. It’s a stunner! The crashing water, the cliffs, the jungle — it’s straight out of a movie. But heads-up: The climb is long, and in the dry season, the mighty falls shrink down to a trickle. So time your visit after a rain if you can.

After your adventure in the wild, unwind with a massage at 📍 Alun-Alun Spa. That’s my favorite place at Pantai Cenang, but it requires a reservation made at least 2 hours in advance. Surrounded by tropical gardens, it feels like Balinese oasis. If you don’t have any preference, go for traditional Malaysian massage (from 120 myr / $28).

Day 4 in Langkawi

What to expect: Langkawi Wildlife Park, Langkawi Craft Complex, Tanjung Rhu

If you’re up for one more adventure, trade the beach for 📍 Langkawi Wildlife Park. Here, parrots fly freely and land right on your arms or even your head! There’s even a tiny mouse deer, and a white peacock that struts around the paths like it owns the place.

What instantly wins you over is how friendly and sociable the animals are. The peacocks, parrots, and flamingos aren’t shy at all. They’ll come right up to you and take food from your hands. At the entrance to the animal section, you can buy a small feed pack for 9 myr ($2).

• Langkawi Wildlife Park entry cost is pretty justified, given the varied experiences and exciting animal encounters you can have here: 45 myr ($10,6) for adults and 30 myr ($7,1) for children. Book your visit via Klook to score great deals!

In the afternoon, swing by the 📍 Langkawi Craft Complex for some unique souvenirs. This isn’t your average tourist shop — it’s packed with gorgeous batik fabrics, handmade jewelry, wooden carvings, and natural soaps. It covers a large, beautifully designed area.

There’s also a small museum where you can learn more about local culture, including the history of traditional clothing and crafts. One of the highlights is the glassblowing workshop — watching a master create figures from molten glass right before your eyes is an amazing experience. The best news is that the entry to Langkawi Craft Complex is absolutely free.

Squeeze in one final beach stop at 📍 Tanjung Rhu in the northern part of the island. This beach is a real hidden gem (with 4,000 reviews on Google Maps but still!). No crowds, no noise, just white sand and turquoise water. It’s far removed from the tourist zones, so pack snacks and drinks because civilization is not exactly nearby.

For your evening feast, head to 📍 Fat Cupid, a garden restaurant that serves both local recipes and European dishes. Highly recommend their laksa soup (28 myr / $6,6), and their cocktails are surprisingly solid.

Day 5 in Langkawi

What to expect: Gunung Raya, Legenda Park (Kuah City), Eagle Square

If you want to end your trip on a high note — literally — get up early and head to 📍 Gunung Raya, the tallest mountain on Langkawi, standing proudly at 881 meters. It’s a bit overlooked if you’re looking at the general “everything you need to know before visiting Langkawi” lists, and thus untouched by mass tourism. Tour companies don’t bring groups here, so it’s super quiet.

There are a few ways to reach the summit:

• Going up here by taxi will cost around 100 myr / $23,6 round-trip; the driver will take you all the way to the summit and back to your hotel (or, in our case, to Kuah City).
• If you’re feeling athletic, hike up the staircase that winds through gorgeous tropical forest. It’s a serious workout, though — only attempt it if you’re into trekking and not afraid to sweat.
• My personal pick is by a rental scooter. It’s a 10 km ride up a winding, well-paved road. But only go on a dry day. Most bikes on the island have bald tires, and wet roads turn the ride into an ice rink. Also, choose a newer, more powerful bike. Old ones struggle with the steep incline, especially with two people on board. And final advice, fill up before you go. There’s no gas station on the mountain.

Gunung Raya entrance is completely free.

After your mountain adventure, head straight to 📍 Kuah, Langkawi’s one and only real town. Everything else on the island feels more like small villages blending into each other, but Kuah is where the locals live, work, and shop. Don’t expect major tourist attractions here — it’s more about catching a glimpse of everyday island life. Still, there are a few spots worth exploring.

Sitting right by the waterfront, 📍 Legenda Park is a huge landscaped park dotted with statues, fountains, lakes, and sculptures inspired by Malaysian myths and legends. As you wander through the park’s winding paths, keep an eye out for giant monitor lizards lazily strolling by: They roam freely here.

Make a quick stop at 📍 Dataran Lang — also known as Eagle Square. Fun fact: “Langkawi” comes from the Malay words for “marble eagle” (which then transforms into reddish-brown eagle, or just red eagle). Located near the ferry terminal, this is one of Langkawi’s most iconic landmarks. It’s perfect for photos, watching boats drift by, and enjoying a leisurely walk.

This concludes my list of things to do in Langkawi in 5 days. If you didn’t hoard enough chocolate, alcohol and cosmetics on the island this is your final call. Don’t forget to fill your bags with your catch before you head to the airport to catch your flight from Langkawi to Kuala Lumpur.

Where to stay in Langkawi? Best beaches on the island

Your hotel choice pool will differ greatly depending on which Langkawi beach you choose to live closest to. But how do you pick “THE ONE”?

Here are some things you must know about Langkawi beaches:

• There aren’t as many beaches on the island as you might think: I found somewhere around ten that are suitable for beach going
• Most of the beaches on Langkawi are great for families with children due to shallow and smooth water entry without unexpected drops in sea floor or other crazy obstacles
• All of the beaches here are incredibly beautiful, which is not surprising — the island is widely known as a true paradise based on its looks alone!
• One major downfall of some of the Langkawi’s beaches is sludgy and muddy sea floor. Cenang and Tengah, two of the main players, are okay (due to their favorable location), but Tanjung Rhu’s not that lucky: Because of the mangrove forest proximity and the river that flows through the northern part of the island, the water at the beach is often muddled

From my personal experience, these are the top beaches on the island:

🔹 Pantai Cenang Beach

When I was choosing where to stay in Langkawi, I chose Cenang with almost zero hesitation. Langkawi’s most famous beach, Pantai Cenang, is where the action’s at: Palm trees, white sand, buzzing nightlife, and loads of affordable hotels — though many are pretty basic. If you don’t mind simple digs and want easy access to bars, restaurants, and shops, this is your spot. Plus, you can swim here even during low tide, and there’s plenty to do for both kids and adults.

Where to stay near Pantai Cenang:

• For budget travelers, the Langkawi Village Guest House (from $30 per night) offers nice, but modest rooms equipped with essentials like a fridge and air conditioning. The owner, Nanda (whom I consider a friend since my visit), is incredibly helpful, ready to assist with tour bookings and scooter rentals at reasonable prices.
• Among other affordable hotel options in Langkawi is the Best Star Resort (from $45 per night) — a 3-star hotel right on the beach. Don’t expect luxury, but the location makes up for it: It’s set mere steps away from the sand, close to restaurants, shops, and the Underwater World Langkawi aquarium.
• If you’re into something on the fancier side, check out 5* Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi (from $200 per night). This resort has everything you need for a perfect beachside stay: A huge pool, tons of loungers, bars and restaurants right by the sea. It’s quiet, cozy, and peaceful. The staff at the front desk are incredibly welcoming and respectful — everything about the place is made for relaxation.

🔹 Pantai Tengah Beach

Just south of Cenang, Pantai Tengah offers a quieter vibe with all the perks of being close to the main strip. Clean white sand, fewer crowds, and deep enough water for swimming make it a solid pick.

Where to stay near Pantai Tengah:

• 4* Frangipani Langkawi Resort (from $150 per night) is an eco-friendly resort with spacious rooms, outdoor showers, and a lush garden setting. The grounds here are breathtaking and full of flowers and frangipani trees.
• Another option is 3* The Bayou Hotel Langkawi (from $100 per night), known for its aesthetic rooms, good pool, and weekend concerts by the poolside. It’s a 10-minute walk to the beach, making it a peaceful retreat.

🔹 Tanjung Rhu Beach

Located on the northeast coast, it is often hailed as Langkawi’s most beautiful beach. With its stunning views of nearby islands, it’s a serene escape from the crowds. What really sets it apart? There’s virtually no tourist infrastructure here, which means no crowds. It’s a cozy place, with no jet skis or noisy motorbikes disturbing the calm.

Where to stay near Tanjung Rhu:

• Want privacy and pampering? Tanjung Rhu Resort (from $200 per night) is a five-star dream at a fair price. The resort is tucked away from the rest of the island, so even when it’s fully booked, it still feels quiet. While the hotel isn’t brand-new, the rooms feel fresh and well-maintained. There are two pools, one adults-only with a nearby bar, and the grounds are incredibly green with lots of shade. It’s a bit remote, so renting a car or scooter is advisable for exploring the rest of the island.

🔹 Pasir Tengkorak Beach (also known as Sandy Skulls Beach)

A lesser-known gem in the northern part of the island that’s popular with locals. Families often gather here to swim, grill food, and hang out. In my personal opinion, this is the best beach out of the bunch: There are no scary jellyfish, cafes with noisy patrons, or rows and rows of sunbeds here. The water is sludge-free and the shade from lush trees offers great respite from the relentless Malaysian sun. You can even witness monkeys hanging out here! There are no hotels around, though.

🔹 Pantai Kok Beach

Pantai Kok Beach is nestled in a beautiful bay, close Langkawi Cable Car and Telaga Tujuh Waterfall.

After descending from the SkyCab, it’s a pleasant walk to this quiet beach. There aren’t many hotels nearby, so the beach is wonderfully deserted. It’s not exactly the best place for swimming, but for a peaceful stroll with gorgeous views, it’s perfect.

Where to stay near Pantai Kok:

• Right on the beach, you’ll find the excellent 5-star hotel, The Danna Langkawi (from $350 per night). With its colonial architecture, spacious rooms with quirky designs and sea or mountain views, large pool, and exceptional service, it’s an ideal spot for those seeking luxury in a peaceful setting.

Side note: If you fall in love with the island and decide to spend your winters here (or just a month or so, to catch up on all that Vitamin D), you must know that long-term rentals aren’t as dreamy as your average hotel room in Langkawi. It’s almost impossible to find a place with its own kitchen — in most places, you have to share the cooking space with others (prices for such kinds of digs start at $20 per day; that is $600 a month!). For the opportunity to prepare your meals in private, prepare to pay double, if not triple that. You also must know that a lot of rooms for rent in Langkawi are windowless (but they cost the same as the ones that have a little bit of natural light). Plus, don’t expect a washer and a dryer as an amenity — you will have to peruse the many laundromats that line the narrow streets. Some things to consider in this otherwise perfect paradise!

4 tours you shouldn’t miss while in Langkawi

Even though we want to claim that the things to do in Langkawi in 5 days are purely beach- and leisure-centric, this is simply not the case! This paradise has plenty of experiences for you to choose from.

If you prefer organized excursions to self-paced island exploration, you might want to consider booking these Langkawi tours:

• Mangrove Tour — a must-try

This tour takes you deep into Langkawi’s lush mangroves (coastal forests of salt-tolerant trees with twisted roots dipping into the water) that are surrounded by towering limestone cliffs on all sides. Along the way, you might spot monkeys lounging in the trees, exotic birds, iguanas, and even snakes.

The mangrove tour is an absolute must-try in Langkawi (and Malaysia in general, as many travelers make the trek to the island just to witness the forests’ beauty) and one of its most famous boat trips. You’ll see it advertised everywhere, and the price can vary quite a bit depending on the operator and whether you’re on a private ($75–$100 per person, depending on the number of people in your party) or group boat (about $15 per person).

During the tour, you’ll have the chance to feed majestic sea eagles — the symbol of Langkawi — that like to haunt mangrove forests, and cruise through open waters. There’s also a stop at a fish farm where you can feed stingrays (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds, and not at all dangerous!) and try some genuinely delicious fresh seafood.

The tour guides don’t go heavy on the info (the setting speaks for itself), but you’ll still learn a bit about the ecosystem as you go. Most tours last between 3 and 7 hours depending on the route.

Mangrove tours in Langkawi usually set off from the pier in the northern part of the island. Just know that coming here and booking the activity in person from the boat owners is a terrible idea: They will rip you off selling a VIP two-person tour for the price of a completely booked 10-seater boat. I advise you book the tour online to get a fair deal:

Book the Mangrove tour >>

• Island-Hopping Adventure

Another Langkawi classic, and for good reason. Most tours start at 9 a.m. and return around 1 p.m. — though “island time” is real here, so don’t expect strict schedules.

First stop: Pregnant Maiden Island, named for its hill silhouette of a reclining pregnant woman. Local legend says the water boosts fertility — so, you know… swim cautiously.

Next: Eagle Feeding (yep, again), where you’ll see more of these majestic birds up close.

And finally, a gorgeous sandy beach with crystal-clear water. Sure, there’ll be other tourists and the hum of boat engines, but it’s still pretty close to paradise.

As with other Langkawi tours, there are many options of island-hopping excursions to choose from. On average, expect to pay anywhere from $10 per person.

Book the Langkawi island-hopping speedboat tour >>

• Snorkeling at Payar Island

If it weren’t for the steep price — starting at $79 per person ($67 for kids) — and the crowds that don’t seem deterred by it, this might just be the best tour in Langkawi. You can book your adventure (transfer, lunch and equipment included) here.

It’s a full-day trip to the uninhabited islands close to Langkawi, and the views alone are jaw-dropping — like stepping into a postcard. I went with a friend, and while the snorkeling was decent (not the best I’ve seen, but solid), the shallow waters were full of colorful fish, and coral started almost right at the shoreline.

We even swam with small sharks — they were harmless, but the experience was still thrilling. There were a few bigger ones too, but we weren’t quite brave enough to get that close. Time honestly flew by.

Pick-up for the snorkeling tour in Langkawi is usually at 9 a.m., and you’ll be back around 5 p.m.

• Sunset Dinner Cruise

One of the most romantic experiences in Langkawi is a sunset dinner cruise. A boat drifting through turquoise waters as the sun dips below the horizon, islands glowing gold in the distance, — pure bliss, no less.

The crew is super friendly, the included dinner is simple but delicious, and the vibe on board is incredibly chill. It’s a group tour, so you’ll be sharing the experience with fellow travelers from all over the world — and somehow, that only adds to the magic.

Some cruises also offer a saltwater jacuzzi net — basically a big net thrown over the side of the yacht where you can float alongside the boat while it sails.

The most basic option of a sunset tour starts at $25 per person and gradually increases with each added bonus (transfer, dinner, water activities, etc.).

Book the sunset dinner cruise >>

Where to eat in Langkawi? My picks

My experience of the Langkawi dishes is that sugar and oil are in everything here. Frying is the default, and steaming comes second. Don’t expect much in the way of vegetables — rice, meat, and fish take center stage. If you say “no spicy” or “no chili,” you might get a toned-down version that won’t bring tears to your eyes. But it will still be spicy… just warning you!

Some of the best local treats are roti canai — the king of local cuisine. Roti canai is a flatbread or pancake, fried in a generous amount of oil. There are lots of eateries that serve only this dish. There are simple versions of roti canai and thus the cheapest (2 myr / under 50 cents). There are more complex options with fillings: Egg, cheese, bananas, chocolate. Savory versions always come with a sauce — curry (spicy) or bean (less spicy) — your choice!

Nasi lemak is a tender and juicy rice cooked in coconut milk. First time trying this, I was a bit skeptical, but now this is my favorite Malaysian treat, I’ve even thought of making it at home to bring back the happy memories. This rice is usually accompanied by chicken or lamb, or anchovies, or eggs, or peanuts, or all at once, wrapped in banana leaves, folded into a triangle, and sold at street food stalls — one of the many options of Malaysian fast food.

Milk tea is the main local drink; it comes with condensed milk. It’s easily recognizable by its characteristic orange color. Local coffee is prepared similarly — with a third of the glass being condensed milk. The drink turns out to be cloyingly sweet and could easily pass more for a dessert than coffee.

Where to eat all of the above? Here’re my top picks (apart from the ones already mentioned):

• Kak Yah Nasi Campur (close to Pantai Cenang) — the largest and most famous among local eateries. Nasi means rice, campur means mixing. In such eateries, there are usually large containers with plain white rice and many open trays with various additions. Here you’ll find fish, shrimp, meat, crabs, anchovies, chicken, nuts, salads, white sauce, red sauce, cucumbers, cabbage, — a selection for every taste and stomach strength.
• Wonderland Food Store (Kuah) — the best place to dive into the seafood and try everything at once. Tiger prawns, seabass, squid, mollusks, and generally any sea creatures that can be cooked and eaten are on the menu here. You can come to the store every day, and each time there will be new tastes. Locals love this restaurant no less than tourists.
• Chicken Rice Shop — you’ll find this famous chain all over Malaysia, as it’s kind of like local fast food, but with way more flavor and character. Their Honey Barbecue Chicken and Three-Layer Tea became one of my favorite combos, and the chain is one of my go-to places to eat in Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur. Service is fast, the prices are budget-friendly, and most locations are right in the middle of town (just like the one in Langkawi).

Price-wise, eating out in Langkawi is pretty affordable: A dinner for two will cost you on average 40 myr ($10) — this includes two main dishes and two drinks.

Side note: If you think that getting groceries from the familiar 7-Eleven will save you a significant sum of expenses, that’s where you’re wrong. I thought the same before actually entering the sliding doors of this otherwise affordable store — and then I saw overpriced items and dire lack of options. Of course, you could still rely on 7-Eleven in Langkawi for snack foods, drinks, and instant ramen. But other than that, it’s better to eat out on the island — both for your taste buds and wallet.

Getting to Langkawi

Now that I’ve hopefully intrigued you with our 5-day Langkawi itinerary, it’s time to ask the practical questions. First is, obviously, how does one get to Langkawi? Langkawi is an island, so there’s no road or rail access from the mainland — you either fly here or take a ferry.

The most popular way to come to Langkawi is by plane. Fly directly to Langkawi International Airport (LGK) from major cities like Kuala Lumpur (40 min), Penang (40 min), and Singapore (60 min). Flights are frequent, sometimes several per hour, and often surprisingly cheap ($15–$25 from Kuala Lumpur and $11–$18 from Penang). Check Trip.com for better rates!

If you’re coming from mainland Malaysia, ferries are another solid option. You can catch one from Kuala Kedah (1 hr 45 min) or Kuala Perlis (1 hr 15 min), and even from Penang (2 hrs 45 min). The boats are modern, air-conditioned, and pretty comfortable — but keep in mind that they sometimes get canceled in bad weather.

From Thailand, you can get to Langkawi via ferry from Satun or the nearby island of Koh Lipe. The Koh Lipe ferry runs twice a day between October and May, departing and arriving at Telaga Harbour. It takes about two hours and offers a scenic (and breezy!) ride. Up-to-date schedules and ticket prices are available at the 12Go website — a service that is essentially an e-ticketing platform centered around Asian countries.

How to get around Langkawi?

There’s no real public transportation system on Langkawi, so your options for getting around are pretty limited:

• Rent a car
• Rent a scooter
• Rely on taxis

Thankfully, renting a car or motorbike/scooter in Langkawi is easy and affordable: The cheapest options start at 100 myr / $23,6 a day for renting a car and at 30 myr / $7 a day for renting a motorbike. As is the case in many places, the longer your rental period is, the cheaper your vehicle will become: If you plan on zooming around Langkawi roads for 20 days straight, your scooter will cost you mere 20 myr / $5 a day and not a penny more.

For renting a car, book in advance through EconomyBookings and take advantages of the website’s deals. For renting a scooter at a better price though, you have to be even more proactive with your intentions: A lot of hotels offer rental services for cheap or at no extra charge at all, but you have to ask first. I actually did rent a scooter directly through my hotel one time and got an amazing deal!

The rental conditions are laid-back, deposits are low, and gas is pretty cheap (2 myr / 50 cents per liter). Seriously, you’ll spend more on snacks than fuel. Traffic on Langkawi is light, and the roads are in good condition.

As for traffic rules in Langkawi, there’s nothing super crazy going on: Just remember to have your helmet on at all times when you’re driving, as it is required by law and strictly enforced by local police force (every legit rental company will provide the helmet).

Speaking of police: You are bound to run into local officers in the more touristy areas, near Cenang or Kuah. Here, they will expect you to have the right license (a valid motorcycle license from your home country, as well as IDP — International Driver’s Permit) and have a helmet on. Some more thorough policemen can even ask you to demonstrate your driving skills. No helmet or wrong license equals a fine.

Don’t worry though: The local police force is not some boogeyman that is all-seeing and omnipresent — I spent three days riding all over the island and never had a run-in with the police. So, if you avoid the more tourist-centric areas, chances are you won’t get stopped. Still, it’s a good idea to wear a helmet, for your own safety.

Best time to visit Langkawi

The island has two distinct seasons: wet and dry.

The best time to visit Langkawi is November to April. These are the high-season months, with plenty of sunshine and perfect weather for beach-hopping, island tours, and outdoor adventures.

Wet season in Langkawi is from May to October. Expect short but heavy tropical showers. It’s not a bad time to visit the island, though. It’s not just the rain that’s falling — prices are too! From hotels and car rentals to groceries, everything gets a little cheaper.

My last trip to Langkawi fell on early December and I lucked out with perfect weather every single day. Just don’t forget the sunscreen and keep a water bottle handy — you’ll need both.

So there you have it — the best things to do in Langkawi, all in one guide. Save this ultimate Langkawi itinerary, pack your stuff, and go make your exciting island memories!