Langkawi Beach Guide

With its 99 islands strung like beads across the Andaman sea, Langkawi is a tropical treasure-trove for any beach-lover. Several years ago, in an attempt to stimulate tourism, the Malaysian government made Langkawi a duty-free zone, and travelers have flocked there ever since to get their hands on cut-rate alcohol and tobacco. Since alcohol is taxed so heavily on the mainland, inexpensive drinks are an attraction for international and domestic travelers alike. But a trip to Langkawi isn’t about drinking and smoking – the real magic of the islands lie in the astonishing beauty of their protected beaches.

The biggest island, Pulau Langkawi, contains all the main shops, hostels and resorts, along with an international airport. This makes it very easy to access from Kuala Lumpur – just hop on a budget flight with Air Asia. But if you have time to kill, take the picturesque boat trip from Georgetown. Boats also run from Satun in southern Thailand. The main town in Langkawi is Kuah, which is often flooded with shoppers and tourists and can feel a little commercial. Cenang Beach is the most popular (and most crowded) beach on the island, but can still feel tranquil on a good day. Budget hostels and upmarket hotels stretch out towards the sand in equal measure, so Cenang Beach is the perfect place to rest up for a few days as you find your feet and organize day trips to the smaller islands, or longer stays in the more remote bays.

Langkawi Beach Activities

Like most island destinations in Malaysia, Langkawi’s beaches are notable for their excellent scuba diving. Tropical fish and colorful coral abound in the warm waters around the islands, and many of the larger resorts offer their own diving lessons. The place to go for all nature-lovers is Pulau Payar Marine Park, a protected reserve of beautiful coral reef, which is perfect for diving or snorkeling. Langkawi’s natural beauty is its real selling-point, so make sure you arrange a day-long boat trip around the islands to check out the breath-taking landscape.

Sailing is a growing interest amongst Langkawi’s visitors. The beach authorities have recently completed the construction of a new marina at Telaga Harbour Park, so yachts are more readily available for hire. Although rental is pricey, there’s nothing like sailing slowly from island to island as you explore the archipelago and find hidden, secret beaches. And since Langkawi’s warm waters are so sheltered and calm, it’s a great place for novices to learn the ropes.