Malaysia - many-sided and motley - differs from other countries of Southeast Asia with a unique combination of ancient culture, exoticism and a fairly high level of development. Being the second after Singapore, this state is the most economically advanced and cleanest in the region. It is here that you can see the tallest building in the world - Petronas Towers, as well as the largest Asian mosque, the third longest bridge on the planet, etc.
Malaysia is so amazing and fabulous that, judging by the reviews of tourists, it bewitches literally at first sight, immediately striking with its unusual color - a combination of the most ancient and the most modern. In this country, the bright sun shines all year round, various festivals and holidays are constantly noisy here.
Tourist Malaysia
Langkawi, Borneo, Penang - these resorts have long been popular with avid travelers. Tourist Malaysia is pure coastal waters, evergreen forests, unique flora and fauna, many attractions and wonderful cuisine.
So far, this direction is relatively poorly developed in Russia. However, according to tour operators, the number of people who seek to get to the beaches that Malaysia is so famous for is increasing every year. Langkawi, Layang-Layang Penang, Sipadan, Borneo - they are considered a real Mecca for diving enthusiasts. At the same time, this country has a fairly high level of security, excellent service, excellent roads and many English-speaking locals. Today, a country that offers many opportunities for good beach holiday, Malaysia seems to be a place for ecological and ethno-tourism.
Langkawi
Not far from the Thai border, washed by the Andaman Sea, there is an archipelago of magnificent beauty. Of its many islands, only four are inhabited. The most popular of them and territorially large compared to Pulau Tuba, Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Sing - the picturesque pieces of land that make up this largest archipelago of the state (Malaysia) - Langkawi is considered a place that is called a real paradise for travelers. This direction is chosen mainly by those who prefer a quiet and comfortable stay.
There are a lot of reasons for tourists to come to Langkawi. The very first of them is that it offers holidays for every taste: both budget travelers and sybarites spoiled by luxury prefer to fly here.
Langkawi Island is equally suitable for families with small children, and backpackers, and students, and newlyweds, and demanding elderly people who buy tours here from all over the world, including from Europe.
Historical digression
The earliest mention of the archipelago is found in nautical charts dating back to the fifteenth century. The island of Langkawi, located at the crossroads of trade routes, attracted both sailors and merchants from many distant lands.
At that time, the main goods exported from the archipelago were rice and pepper. Langkawi prices were ridiculous. It was for rice in 1621 that Augustin de Beaulieu, a French general who served under Louis XIV, sailed to the island.
After the construction of port Penang, Malacca and Benkulen, which also sold spices with might and main, Langkawi's popularity among merchants gradually began to decline. And so it continued until, at the end of the last century, the Malaysian government again paid attention to this paradise. It was then that it became clear that this island is the best suited for its transformation into an equipped beach resort.
general information
Langkawi, located in the Andaman Sea, is part of the Malaysian state of Kedah. The island is located in the northwest of the country, on the very border with Thailand. The mainland is twenty-five kilometers away from Langkawi. Compared to many countries in Southeast Asia, the cleanest beaches in the region are located here. There are no crowds of idle tourists on the island, but here you can meet travelers who have come from almost every corner of the planet. Wide white sand beaches and warm calm sea - Langkawi welcomes holidaymakers all year round. It is believed that the high season on the island begins in November and ends in April. However, in fact, a beach holiday here is possible all year round. In addition, there is something to see here. To Langkawi great amount attractions and just very beautiful places must-sees.
Climate
The time from December to June is considered best season to arrive in Langkawi (Malaysia). The weather during this period is mild, there is little rain, and the thermometer very rarely rises above thirty-one degrees. But in April or May it is a little hotter - up to +35 ° C. The largest amount of precipitation on the island falls in autumn - in September and October. However, there is one big “but”: from the end of December, the jellyfish season begins here. Langkawi, more precisely, the sea around it, at this time is literally teeming with these creatures, so swimming becomes problematic on some beaches. The invasion of jellyfish ends somewhere in mid-February.
Many tourists, including Russians, come for fishing or diving in Langkawi. The sea during this period is filled with flocks of barracudas and snappers, garudas and jac-fish. Giant lobsters “walk” along the bottom, you can admire colorful sea anemones and even see huge sea turtles.
The climate of Langkawi is tropical. There are only two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. The first begins in mid-November and ends in the last days of May, and the second lasts from June to the end of October.
How to get there
You can come to the island both by air and by water. Langkawi International Airport is located here, but it does not accept flights from Russia yet. In addition, you can fly to the largest island of the archipelago from the capital of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, as well as from Penang, Singapore and Thailand. In the high season, two more destinations open - Hong Kong and China. From Kuala Lumpur, you can also get here by train, and then by ferry.
There are no city buses in Langkawi, you will not see songteos or tuk-tuks here. Of the transport, only taxis are presented (necessarily with air conditioning).
To easily move around the island, many tourists rent a motorbike or car. There are rental shops on every Langkawi beach. Reviews of tourists indicate that you can rent transport for ten to twelve dollars per day.
Hotels
The island has a wide range of hotels to choose from. Here you can find a hotel for every taste. Some people buy tours to Langkawi with accommodation in luxurious world-class hotels, and there are those who prefer to stay in budget boarding houses or hostels. Many hotel complexes have a huge territory. Most often they are stylized as traditional Malaysian kampung villages. On request, you can choose to stay both in cozy wooden rooms of low-rise buildings and in a bungalow-chalet.
In total, about thirty hotels have been built on the island of Langkawi. Of these, seventeen were awarded the five-star category. One of the resort's most popular holiday destinations is Pantai Cenang Beach, located in the southwest. There is a large hotel complex "Pelangi Beach" with cottages standing on the very seashore.
Prices for accommodation and tours
Some believe that a vacation on the island of Langkawi can be quite expensive. But it is not so. Of course, prices in Malaysia, and especially on the island, are not very low when compared with the general level in Southeast Asia. For example, in neighboring Thailand, the cost of goods and services is thirty to fifty percent lower. But on the other hand, the standard of living in Malaysia is significantly higher.
It is also necessary to take into account the fact that the cost estimate is highly dependent on the consumer needs of an individual tourist. Some like active shopping, because here you can buy electronics and branded goods at relatively low prices, others travel only by taxi, and others regularly attend excursions. Of course, all this, of course, increases the planned vacation budget in Langkawi many times over.
Experienced tourists are advised to proceed from the amount of 50-60 dollars per person, subject to accommodation in a hostel. For example, bread on the island costs three, coffee - seven, lunch in fast food - ten, dinner in a restaurant - sixty - one hundred ringgit per person. The exchange rate of the Malaysian currency against the ruble is 1/13.4.
A room in a four-star hotel will cost from one hundred ringgit per person: accommodation in a double room with the concept of food - "continental breakfast".
If you look carefully, of course, you can find cheaper options. For example, you can find quite comfortable rooms in three- or four-star hotels for eighty ringgit. And very low prices in hostels, where you can pay from 30-40 MYR for one day.
Tours to Langkawi in the high season will cost Russians from ninety-two thousand rubles for two without meals with a flight from Moscow. The rest of the time, tickets are significantly cheaper. Tours can be bought almost two times lower - for fifty or more thousand rubles for two under the same living conditions.
beach holiday
The island is famous for its magnificent coastline covered with soft white sand. Here is the cleanest sea in the region. The best beaches of Langkawi are located on its south coast. Many popular hotels are also located here. Along the southwestern tip of the largest island in the archipelago are Langkawi's most beloved beaches. Here stretches a two-kilometer noisy Cenang, which, as the locals joke, never sleeps. Its continuation is the kilometer-long Tengah beach: it is more calm and romantic. Another secluded bathing area - Kok - is located in the west of Langkawi.
The most picturesque beach of the island is the northern Tanjong Rhu. Here, stunningly beautiful cliffs on the shore alternate with strips of pure white sand and mangroves. The highlight of Langkawi is Pasir Hitam Beach with its white and black sand grains of volcanic origin.
Attractions
Holidays in Langkawi are not only swimming and sunbathing on the wonderful coast of the island. Many tourists prefer to combine their stay here with visiting local attractions, which abound in the archipelago. Excursions to Langkawi are very diverse. Here you can buy a sightseeing tour of the island at a cost of eighty dollars per person. The tour covers all the famous sights of Langkawi. Tourists can see all the beauty of this picturesque island, rising above it by cable car. Visitors to the island are recommended to visit the aquarium, one of the best in the world.
Tours to the Pantai Pasir Hitam beach, covered with black volcanic sand, to the crocodile and snake farms, as well as to the Telaga Tujuh waterfall, whose name is translated from Malaysian as "Seven Wells", are very popular. This miracle is located in the northwest of the island of Langkawi. The spectacle of a waterfall falling from a height of ninety-one meters, the streams of which form a stunningly beautiful seven lakes, will not leave anyone indifferent.
On Langkawi, you can also see mythical figures, ancient inscriptions on the walls of the Gua Chrita cave, flocks of bats in the Gua Kelavar grotto, hidden in the depths of the mangroves, which can only be reached by boat, swim in hot springs and much more.
Not far from the border with Thailand, in Malaysia, washed by the Andaman Sea, is the Langkawi archipelago. Of the numerous islands of the magnificent archipelago, only Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Tuba, Pulau Singa, and the largest of them, Langkawi, are inhabited.
Langkawi Island (Malaysia) is a real paradise for travelers who prefer comfortable and relaxing holiday. The best time to visit here is from November to July. From July to October, the rainy season begins in these parts.
Description of the island
Today, Malaysia has become very attractive for many tourists. Langkawi, reviews of which are always enthusiastic, amazes guests with its beauty. The archipelago consists of 104 islands located in the Andaman Sea. Most of them are uninhabited.
The largest of them, the island of Langkawi which you can see in our article, has a well-developed infrastructure. Its name can be translated as "island of the red eagle". This is not at all accidental - rare birds actually live here. These are eagles with red-brick wings.
Langkawi Island (Malaysia) is located near the border with Thailand. Its area is 478 sq. km. The population is 65 thousand people. The capital of the island is Kuaha.
natural conditions
It's warm and sunny country- Malaysia. Langkawi is no exception. The average air temperature is about 25 °C (annual). The island of Langkawi, which today is often placed in the brochures of travel agencies, is distinguished by its rich flora and fauna.
The local population, in addition to the tourism business, is engaged in animal husbandry and crop production. A variety of fruits and vegetables, grain crops are grown here, livestock is bred. The most convenient way to get around the island is by car, rented, in one of the many points.
What attracts tourists to the island?
Malaysia (Langkawi, in particular) is famous for its luxurious beaches, comfortable hotels, perfectly clear emerald water, rich underwater world, mysterious caves covered in many legends. One of them tells about the beautiful princess Mahsuri, who was unjustly accused of adultery by her enemies and sentenced to death. We will tell you more about it below.
Another legend tells that on one of the nearest islands there is a lake of a pregnant maiden. According to legend, a barren woman who bathed in it will certainly soon become a mother. And today, thousands of women suffering from this disease come to the "magic" lake.
The island began to prosper after the post of prime minister was taken by Mahathir Muhamed. The island of Langkawi became a free trade zone (1987) and began to gradually turn into a center of international tourism.
Relaxation
Every year, the island of Langkawi (Malaysia) becomes more and more popular with tourists from all over the world. Rest here can be very diverse - from beach to sightseeing. Here you can swim with a mask and snorkel, dive to the depths with scuba gear, ride a jet ski on the waves, fly behind a boat on a parachute.
Wildlife lovers will be interested in hiking in the jungle or exploring the amazing world and caves. Local SPA centers are also popular, which restore the harmony of body and soul.
Sailing enthusiasts will not be bored either. They know Malaysia well. Langkawi is famous for the luxurious Royal Yacht Club, which regularly holds sailing regattas.
Beaches
The main beaches of the island are located in its northern and western parts. The more democratic ones are south of the airport are Cenang and Tangan. On the border of these beaches is the Underwater World aquarium, as well as a duty-free shop.
Very popular hotels have been built on Cenang Beach: Holiday Villa, Frangipane, Meritus Pelangi. Langkawi (Malaysia) has beaches for every taste. For example, those who want to spend time in a deserted place can recommend a secluded and calm KOK beach. It is located northwest of the airport. There are several luxury hotels here.
Many tourists believe that the best beach on the island is located in Danai Bay. It belongs to the best Andaman and Datai hotels. Another picturesque beach is located in the northeast of the island - this is Tanuung. At low tide, tourists can see here how the spit opens, linking Langkawi with the neighboring island.
Hotels
Malaysia is famous for its many fine hotels. Langkawi Island offers hotels for every taste. We will present you some of them.
Tanjung Langkawi
This luxury hotel is one of the most romantic on the island. Newlyweds and families with small children love to stay here. In total, it offers 136 rooms.
The hotel is located in the north of the island, has its own beach, which is famous for its white sand, clear sea and magnificent sunset. It offers guests a bar, 4 restaurants, two swimming pools (outdoor), one of which is filled with sea water, a children's club.
The hotel rooms have a panoramic view and are decorated in oriental style. Soft and delicate Thai silk and Indian fabrics are used here, as well as amazing tropical flowers.
The Anjungan
This is a small resort located on the most popular Pangkor beach. It is a 2-3-storey building. The rooms have a balcony (or veranda), as well as access to the courtyard or pool. The hotel is suitable for families with children, its rooms can accommodate up to five people.
It has a small pool, a five minute walk to a public beach and fifteen minutes to a secluded beach. (Malaysia), according to tourists, are distinguished by a well-groomed territory, a harmonious combination of price and quality.
Numerous cafes and bars are located nearby. If you sail on a boat for only five minutes, you will find yourself on a picturesque island where you can go snorkeling. Internet is paid, there is a safe at the reception.
Pangkor Laut Resort
This is a great complex, which consists of several villas on stilts. It is located on the island of Pangkor Laut (private). The hotel is distinguished by the highest level of services offered and the highest level of service that can impress the most fastidious guests.
The luxurious beach belonging to the complex is washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Here you can fully enjoy privacy. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated, with a beautiful view of the sea and the jungle, which is home to monitor lizards, monkeys, tropical birds.
Malaysia, Langkawi: attractions
Tourists who have visited this wonderful island note that, in addition to a magnificent beach holiday, they devoted a lot of time to studying local memorable places.
In order for the guests of the island to fully appreciate its beauty, a Sky Bridge was built at an altitude of seven hundred meters between the Gunung Mountains. Langkawi (Malaysia) can be proud of this building. He rushes to heaven, and from here a stunning view opens up.
This magnificent building was built in 2004, and it became available for visits in 2005. Today it is recognized as the highest (single-support) bridge on our planet. Astonishingly, it actually rests on a single heavy-duty metal support. Its weight is distributed over eight cables that are attached to the support. It hangs over the abyss and in windy weather its swaying is especially felt.
This amazing place is the island of Langkawi (Malaysia). The bridge at first glance seems not very reliable, however, its safety was in the first place in the design. Experts say that it is completely safe. It has a carefully thought out evacuation system (for emergencies).
In addition, at the highest level there are strong handrails made of a special type of steel, thick wire mesh and wooden flooring. The bridge is 125 meters long and 1.8 meters wide. Along its edges are triangular platforms. They play the role of observation platforms where you can stand and admire the magnificent views of the Andaman Sea, Langkawi and neighboring islands. Thanks to its curved shape, you can appreciate landscapes from different angles.
cable car
Today, Malaysia has become very popular. Lankawi is an island that is famous for its cable car. It originates in the Oriental Village. A modern cabin lifts tourists to the top of Mount Mat Chinchang. From this point, the whole island is at a glance.
In clear weather, you can see the Thai shores to the north, and the skyline of Indonesia to the west. The cable car is included in all tourist routes. It is located at an altitude of 708 meters. The air temperature at the top is about five degrees lower than at its foot.
Oceanarium
"Underwater World Langkawi" is the largest oceanarium in Asia, which is famous for the fact that it has more than 5 thousand marine inhabitants living in a hundred tanks. The uniqueness of the structure lies in the fact that it is a 15-meter tunnel, which is filled with 800 thousand liters of sea water. Here you can admire the diversity of the underwater world.
Predatory sharks swim very close to the visitors. They are separated from the marine life by 38 mm of high-strength sheet glass. It is considered very rare in the world.
Mausoleum of Mahsuri
This building is located very close to the capital of the island - the city of Kuah (12 km). A sad, but slightly embellished legend is associated with him. The legend says that the sandy white shores of the island of Langkawi are nothing but the bright blood of an innocently ruined extraordinary beauty - Princess Mahsuri, who was accused of cheating on her husband and killed.
In vain she tried to explain that her enemies had slandered her - the judges were implacable. The executioner, who pierced the beauty with a dagger, like all the inhabitants of the island, saw that the blood of a young woman was white. This spoke of her purity and therefore confirmed that an unjustified murder had been committed. Dying, the princess said that various troubles await the island in the future - black buffaloes will give birth to white cows, the sand will turn black (this is the sand that covers Pasir Hitam beach), and Langvari Island will completely disappear.
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Thais repeatedly tried to wipe out the island of Langkawi, and the man responsible for the death of the unfortunate princess died unexpectedly. At the site of the murder of an innocent victim, the Mausoleum of Makhsuri was built from snow-white, like her soul, marble. Today, tourists come here from all over the world to pay tribute to innocence and purity.
The tomb of Mahsuri is now a place of worship, at the entrance to the mausoleum, you must take off your shoes. In the garden, you will be shown an ancient well, which, according to legend, was dug by the princess herself. Even in the dry months it does not dry out. Locals claim that if you wash yourself with water from it, happiness will never leave you.
Telaga Tujukh
This is the name of seven magnificent lakes, which are located one above the other on the gentle slope of the mountain. Ice water flows from lake to lake. An ancient legend says that beautiful fairies descended from the top of the mountain here to wash their luxurious hair and bathe in crystal clear water. Nearby is the Durian Perangin waterfall. Nature divided it into seven streams. The height of this giant is ninety meters. At its foot, at the bottom, there is a so-called bath - a natural recess, which was chosen by tourists for swimming. You can approach it along a narrow path cut through the jungle.
Along the way, it is likely that you will meet dozens of curious monkeys. If you are not careful, they will definitely try to steal something from you. Children will be happy to slide into the water on the slopes of the lower "wells".
City of Kuah
This small town is the capital of the island of Langkawi. It is located in the southeast of the island. Its population is about 24 thousand people. Until recently it was a small village.
The name of the city is translated as "gravy" or "sauce". It owes this strange name to two legendary giants who, having competed in strength, overturned a vessel with spicy curry sauce exactly on the spot where the city stands today. In any case, this version of the origin of the name is contained in an old legend told by local residents.
This quiet tiny town, after it was declared a free trade zone, gradually began to turn into an international tourist centre with magnificent hotels, parks, squares and shopping centers. In Kuah, there are many supermarkets and fairly large stores of world famous brands, small shops that sell products made by craftsmen, restaurants and cafes offering Asian, Eastern and European cuisine.
In Kuah is the fashionable resort of Langkawi Island. Connoisseurs of scuba diving can get from the capital every day on a small boat to the island of Pulau Payar, where you can admire the magnificent coral reefs.
Eagle Square
This is one of the most frequently visited attractions in Langkawi. On a high pedestal there is a sculpture of an eagle, which is preparing to take off. Its height is 12 meters. From the square where it is installed, a delightful view of the bay and the city of Kuah opens.
There are also small fountains, spacious terraces and openwork bridges - this is a great place for memorable photos. The figure of a reddish-brown eagle is the symbol of the island of Langkawi. The name of the island comes from two words: eagle (helang) and reddish brown (kawi).
bird park
Talking about interesting places of this marvelous island, it is impossible not to say about the Bird Park. It has collected more than two and a half thousand representatives of a wide variety of birds - owls and eagles, canaries, hornbills, flamingos, toucans. Some of the inhabitants of the park can only be found in Asia.
In addition to birds, other animals also feel quite comfortable here - for example, an amazing animal that looks like a cat and a bear at the same time. It is called binturonga. In addition, in this park there is an opportunity to take a fascinating walk along a 15-meter aviary with an artificially created waterfall. This is a great place to stay with kids.
Crocodile Adventure Land
many interesting places Malaysia is famous. Langkawi, reviews of which are simply enthusiastic, invites its guests to visit this amazing attraction. It was created for tourists on one of the world's largest crocodile farms. It contains more than 1000 predators. If you have already been to a crocodile farm, for example, in Thailand, then you will not be very surprised. If you have never visited such menageries, then we are sure that the impressions received here will last you for a long time.
Twice a day, trainers show a fascinating crocodile show for visitors. Here you can also buy products from stuffed animals of these reptiles. And as a gift you will be given a real crocodile tooth.
rice museum
The unique museum was created in order to attract and interest tourists with eco-tourism. In addition to the rice itself of various varieties, the exhibits of the unusual museum are countless illustrations and photographs, mechanisms and tools that allow growing this crop. The museum together with occupies an area of 5.5 hectares.
Langkawi Island (Malaysia): reviews of tourists
Most people who were lucky enough to visit this amazing island express undisguised delight from the trip. Magnificent nature, exotic plants and animals, hospitable locals and the highest level of service exceed the wildest expectations of even seasoned travelers.
The island of Langkawi (Malaysia) is perfect for families with children. Reviews of tourists confirm that children here can not only splash around in the warm sea, but also get acquainted with exotic plants and animals.
As the island has many hotels and resorts, it is increasingly considered the most important resort island in Malaysia.
Those who came by land road (not flying from Kuala Lumpur), delivered by ferries leaving from Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah. Ferries run daily from Penang, several times a day they go to Satun in Southern Thailand. There are regular flights to Langkawi from Singapore.
The island of Langkawi has been declared a duty-free zone since 1987. Those arriving by ferry go directly to the duty-free complex in Kuah, while those arriving by air land at the international airport, located 18 km northwest of the city. There are several good Chinese, Thai, Indian and Malay restaurants and shops in Kuah, where a wide variety of goods are sold duty-free. A sculpture of a giant eagle rises above the city square of Cua (Langkawi means "red eagle" in Malay).
It is possible to get around the entire 80 km of Langkawi's roads by renting a car, but many find motorbikes and scooters a more pleasant and cheaper alternative, as they allow access to the most remote corners of the island. South of Cua are Pulau Tuba and Pulau Dayang Bunting, a geoforest reserve with some of the rarest marbles in Dayang Bunting. This area and two other forests of the island form a geopark in which rocks, plants and animals are under state protection. You can swim in the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Tasik Dayang Bunting)- the largest freshwater lake in Langkawi. According to legend, the princess of Kedah drank water from this lake, which made her pregnant. Be very careful as there are quite aggressive monkeys in the area begging for food.
Most resorts and budget hotels are located around Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah on the southwestern tip of the island, close to the international airport. It also has the best public beaches. Elsewhere on the island, beautiful beaches at Burau Bay, Datai Bay and Tanjung Rhu remain for the exclusive use of hotel guests.
Langkawi Underwater World at Pantai Cenang is said to be the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, with over 5,000 marine and freshwater species. Close to Rice Garden Museum (Muzium Laman Padi) where you can learn how rice is planted and harvested. On the way to the airport is the Bon Thon Temple of the Tree, a collection of old houses from across the state. For a long time they were abandoned and destroyed. Each house was transported here in parts, reassembled and reconstructed, resulting in luxurious housing. Also not far from the airport is the village of handicraftsmen and artisans Pisang, where you can see the work of batik masters.
Now head northwest to the Cambrian Geoforest Park at Machinchang to visit the Langkawi Geopark Visitor Center at East Village Shopping Complex. Here you will learn about the geological differences between the three geoforest parks. Drive to see the panorama of Langkawi from the top of Gunung Machinchang - a 708 m high hill - and cross the Sky Bridge (single-support bridge 125 m long), which seems to defy the law of attraction. Try to get here at sunset to enjoy the magnificent views of the Andaman Sea and Thailand from the observation decks.
On the north coast of Langkawi, on Jalan Teluk Yu Street, there is a center where handicrafts are presented - the Kraf Langkawi complex. But an even more important reason to stay here is the Museum of Customs and Weddings, which showcases the traditions of various ethnic groups in Malaysia.
Cruise ships depart from Kilim Pier to tour the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park in northeast Langkawi. But it is more convenient to view these majestic limestone hills and mangrove forests by kayaking through narrow channels filled with brackish water. In addition to wildlife - soaring brahmin kites, mischievous macaques and lethargic, slow snakes - you can also visit Gua Kelavar - a small cave inhabited by fruit bats. Nearby, on Jalan-Air-Khangat street, Dr. Ghani Hussein lives, welcoming visitors (including two former Malaysian prime ministers) with his Herbwalk tours, talking about the medicinal properties of some of the plants in his collection, which includes more than 600 species.
South of Langkawi is the Pulau Payar Marine Park, where underwater visibility rarely exceeds 3m, but there is an incredible variety of animal and plant species, including baby blacknose reef sharks and colorful soft coral flowers blooming on the wreckage in deep water.
Langkawi Geopark
The age of Lingkawi geological formations is more than 550 million years. In addition to three geoforest parks - Machinchang, Kilim and Dayang Bunting - there are also four geological monuments and 10 protected geological sites with islets, waterfalls, lakes, ancient fossils, peaks, caves and beaches. The age of fossilized ancient sea creatures varies from 550 to 250 million years, they are perfectly preserved in granite and limestone rocks, they are easiest to see in Kilim.
Langkawi island in Malaysia- one of the islands of the archipelago of the same name, the most popular holiday destination in Malaysia for our tourists. We rested in Langkawi for several days, or rather, we stopped on the way from Ko Lipe to the Perhentian Islands 🙂 Therefore, I will tell you about the island of Langkawi from the point of view of a tourist, not a centenarian.
general information
Langkawi Island is located in the northwest of Malaysia near Thailand in the Strait of Malacca in the Andaman Sea, is part of a group of 99 islands of the Langkawi archipelago, of which only four islands are inhabited. The length of the island from north to south is about 25 km, and from east to west - about 30 km (in a straight line 🙂), but in general there is a “ring road” around the island about 75 km long (strange, the road is around 60 km, and the island of Langkawi seems much bigger than Koh Samui...)
Langkawi island. View from the plane 🙂 
Langkawi island of the eponymous archipelago of 99 islands
The symbol of the island is an eagle, a statue of which is installed in the capital of Langkawi, the city of Kuah. According to one version, the name "Langkawi" in translation means "brown-red eagle", these eagles actually live on the island.
The eagle is the symbol of the island of Langkawi. The island of Langkawi is covered with lush tropical vegetation, surprises with its empty roads and sometimes completely deserted areas, and on the other hand pleases with a developed infrastructure for tourists. There are many wild monkeys on the island who are not afraid to go out to people 🙂 For example, we saw a flock of monkeys that brazenly rummaged in a trash can right in the parking lot near a large shopping center in Kuah ... And it was also on Langkawi that we first saw black monkeys in wildlife with white muzzles. They are so funny!
Completely empty roads in the center of the island 
Monkeys who are not at all afraid to go out to people 
There are a lot of monkeys in Langkawi, here they feel at home. Well, that's how our cats and dogs walk around the yards, monkeys also go to Langkawi 🙂 
Black monkeys with white muzzles are an unusual phenomenon for us 🙂 Seasons and weather in Langkawi
As in other regions of Asia, two seasons can be distinguished in Langkawi:
- High or dry season from November - December to June
- Rainy season from June to October
Most precipitation occurs in September and October. In fact, the climate has changed so much in recent years that it is difficult to predict what the weather will be like in Langkawi.
In summer and early autumn, there can be strong storms in the sea, during this period even the water communication between Langkawi and Koh Lipe is canceled. But in winter, there are jellyfish in the sea on Langkawi ...
How to get there
The island of Langkawi has an airport where planes from cities and China arrive, as well as two ports where ferries and boats arrive from the mainland, Malaysia, and in high season from. Therefore, you can get to Langkawi directly by plane or by ferry / boat.
To get to Langkawi from Russia / Ukraine, you first need to fly to Kuala Lumpur, and then get to the island by plane or bus + ferry. Or you can buy a complex plane ticket directly to the island (most likely it will be more expensive!). Another option to get to Langkawi from Russia is through Thailand: fly to Bangkok, and then to Langkawi.
Detailed article how to get to Langkawi:
Transport in Langkawi
There is no public transport in Langkawi, so you can travel by:
- Taxi
- bike
- car
From Langkawi Airport can be reached by a pre-booked transfer.
Taxi Langkawi
Taxis in Langkawi mostly travel at a fixed rate. Below in the photo are the prices for a taxi in Langkawi:
Taxi fares from the Oriental Village to different parts of the island 
Taxi prices from Cenang Beach to attractions and other places on the island Bike rental in Langkawi
Unlike Thailand, in Malaysia, not everything is so simple with renting a bike:
- Firstly, in Malaysia, when renting a bike from us always asked to show driver's license(it’s good that we have those that operate in many Asian countries and also international Russian law)
- Secondly, the bikes themselves in Malaysia, including on Langkawi, are some old and unusual models for us. In general, we got a small uncomfortable bike on the mechanics ...
- Bikes in Langkawi are not rented at every turn, and you still have to look hard!
We saw the rental of bikes at the pier in Kuah, we took it ourselves on Chenang beach. Prices for renting a bike in Langkawi are 25 - 50 MYR per day.
We arrived in Langkawi on holidays and had a hard time finding a free bike for rent on Chenang Beach. We rented for RM45 per day, but on normal days you can find cheaper! Car rental in Langkawi
Most tourists prefer to rent a car in Langkawi rather than a bike. Many Europeans drive small cars. The price of renting a car in Langkawi may not be much higher than renting a bike.
Car arena in Langkawi
Langkawi Hotels
Choosing a hotel in Langkawi depends on your preferences, and most importantly, your budget. The island has luxurious five-star hotels with their beaches in closed bays, and there are cheap hotels (here they are often called not guesthouses, as in Thailand, but motels), which are located in a field in the middle of the road and you can’t get out of them without transport ...
When choosing a hotel in Langkawi, carefully study its location. Look not only on the maps of the booking-agoda, but also on google maps. I almost chose this hotel, but it turned out to be almost in an open field! 🙂 
Hotel on the track in the field 🙂 Finding the best Langkawi hotels in terms of price-quality-location is not so easy!
We lived in two hotels on the island of Langkawi:
- Geo Park Hotel - in the park next to the cable car. Review .
- Best Start Resort - Cenang Beach
If the first hotel, although a little shabby, is quite cheap by Malaysian standards, and I can safely recommend it for a stop for a few days on the island (but you need a car to drive around the area!), The second hotel left some not very pleasant memories and I can't recommend it. Although many tourists like it, the rating of this hotel on Booking is quite good - 7.1.
Our room at the Geo Park Hotel 
Our room at Best Start Resort 
The Best Start Resort Hotel was built with the letter "P" and the windows of many rooms overlook the hotel's courtyard 5 star hotels in Langkawi
Sights of Langkawi, what to see on the island
1. Sky Bridge
In our opinion, Sky Bridge is one of the best sights in Langkawi, a must-see place on the island. The Langkawi Sky Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world, located on top of a mountain, which offers a breathtaking view of Langkawi and neighboring islands.
The cost of visiting the bridge: 5 MYR for adults and 3 MYR for children.
Visiting time: from 9:30 to 18:30 It is best to come either in the morning or by sunset.
Sky Bridge on Langkawi 
It's scary to walk on a bridge that is not clear how it is fixed at a great height 🙂 Sky Bridge 2. Cableway (Sky Cab)
The Langkawi Sky Cab cable car lifts up the mountain and to the sky bridge to a height of more than 700 m above sea level. It makes one stop along the way, where you can go to the observation deck.
Cable car fare: 55 MYR for adults and 40 MYR for children.
Opening hours: from 9:30 to 19:00.
Cable car Langkawi 
This is the beauty that opens from the cable car cabin 3. Oriental Village
Oriental Village is a tourist village with shops, cafes and entertainment. It is here that the lower station of the cable car is located, which lifts high into the mountains and to the sky bridge.
Oriental Village Park A detailed article about the main attractions of Langkawi Oriental Village, cable car and sky bridge:
4. Mount Gunung Raya
Mount Gunung Raya is located almost in the center of Langkawi, it is the highest point of the island, its height is 880 m. A good road leads to the top of the mountain, and there is a national park with trekking routes around it. At the very top there is a telecommunications station, the D’Coconut Hill Resort Langkawi hotel (which was in some kind of abandoned state when we arrived) and an observation tower, to the very top of which you can take an elevator.
At the top of the tower there is an observation terrace with chairs and tables, where you can have a cup of tea and enjoy the views of the island.
Cost: climbing the observation tower 10 MYR per person.
We go to the highest point of the island - Mount Gunung Raya 
At the top of the mountain, an observation tower and a hotel 
On the observation tower you can relax with a view of the surroundings 
And drink a cup or two of strong delicious tea (tea is included in the ticket price for the tower) 
View from the observation tower 
Mount Gunung Raya, along with the sky bridge, left the best impressions of Langkawi 🙂 If you came to the island for a short time and decide what to see in Langkawi, then these sights are must see in my opinion.
5. Langkawi waterfalls
There are several waterfalls in Langkawi:
- Waterfall Seven wells (Seven Wells Waterfall)
- Temurun Waterfall
- Durian Waterfall
Of course, all waterfalls are best visited during the wet season or immediately after it. All waterfalls in Langkawi are free to visit.
We visited only one waterfall on the island - the Seven Wells waterfall, which is located in the western part next to the Oriental Village park. If you are not afraid of 638 steps, then I advise you to take a walk through the jungle to the top of the waterfall 🙂 Details here:
Lower Seven Wells Waterfall 
Inside Seven Wells Waterfall Park 6. Hot springs (Air Hangat Village). The cost of visiting the complex is 5 MYR + in addition, you can take an individual bath with hot mineral water, a jacuzzi, and have a massage.
7. Wildlife Park (Langkawi Wildlife Park) - a former bird park, which now houses not only birds, but also other small animals. They can be fed with pre-purchased food! Admission is 39 MYR for adults and 22 MYR for children.
8. Crocodile farm - for those who want to see crocodiles at a very close distance. Shows and crocodile feedings are held several times a day. Admission is MYR 25 for adults and MYR 18 for children.
9. Oceanarium (Underwater World Langkawi). Large aquarium near Chenang beach. Admission is MYR 46 for adults and MYR 36 for children.
10. Mosques, temples
Mosque in Langkawi 
Hindu temple 11. Eagle Square in Kuah City and Langkawi Legends Park
The symbol of the island, the eagle, flaunts on the square near the port of Kuah. Nearby is a large park "Legends of Langkawi", which contains sculptures telling about the history of the island and its legends.
Square with an eagle in Langkawi 
Embankment near the eagle 
The main attractions of Langkawi are marked on
Excursions to Langkawi
In any travel agency you will be offered excursions to neighboring islands and the island itself.
Popular excursions to Langkawi:
- Mangrove tour of the islands of the Langkawi archipelago with a visit to the cave (Mangrove River Safari tour) ~ from 90 MYR per person.
- Excursion to the southern islands with a visit to the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden lasting 3-4 hours (Island Hopping). Cost from MYR 25 per person.
- Fishing - from 450 MYR per boat.
- Mangrove kayak tour lasting 5-6 hours. Cost ~ 220 MYR per person.
Prices for excursions to Langkawi Shops, cafes, food in Langkawi
The shops
Langkawi - Duty Free zone, Duty Free shops operate throughout the island, where you can buy alcohol, sweets, perfumes, etc. etc. Prices for the same goods in different stores are different.
Peculiarities:
- When buying any product (even bottles of water), they always require the passport.
- Restrictions per month for the purchase of alcohol and cigarettes for one passport are as follows: 72 cans of beer, 5 liters of other alcohol, 30 packs of cigarettes. Yes, and they don’t sell alcohol to Muslims 🙂
- Payment by card is possible only for purchases over 50 MYR.
Duty free shops in the port of Kuah 
Huge duty free shop on Cenang beach 
Terms of purchase and restrictions on the amount of alcohol in Duty Free 
Hoegarden is less than a dollar a bottle! After the wild prices for beer in Thailand, this is just heaven 🙂 Of course, in addition to duty free shops in Langkawi, there are also large shops with clothes, souvenirs, etc. etc. (Cenang Mall, Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall) and others. But, in my opinion, there is no normal shopping in Langkawi, the things in the shops, and the shops themselves, made a depressing impression ... You have to go to Kuala Lumpur for shopping!
Cafes, restaurants, food in Langkawi
In Langkawi, in addition to Malaysian cuisine and fast food, cuisines from around the world are represented: there are Mexican, Italian, German restaurants. A lot of cafes with Arabic cuisine. In a word - there are no problems with food in Langkawi!
Fruits are sold along the roads, prices are slightly higher than in Thailand, but not significantly.
Langkawi has McDonald's, KFC, Italian, Mexican, etc. etc. restaurants 
Our delicious dinner at the Arabic cafe 
Fruit stalls along the road Some food prices in Langkawi at a cafe on Chenang Beach:
Small cement plant in the north of the island 
View from the mountain to the island and surroundings 
View from the mountain to the island 
View of the island and the sea observation deck near sky bridge 
Strong low tide on Chenang beach 
Malaysians' favorite pastime is skydiving over the sea. 
Landscapes of the north of the island 
The boat is being transported 🙂 
Just some area 
Gorgeous sunset at Chenang Beach
Have a nice holiday in Langkawi! 🙂
Langkawi island on the map
The map shows the beaches and attractions of Langkawi
concept season in langkawi very relative. Firstly, having lived here for about 4 years, I can conclude that it doesn’t happen year after year, and secondly, each tourist has his own concept of “season”.
On the Langkawi there is no off season when hotels close, cafes and restaurants work at half capacity, as for example in Perhentians. On the Langkawi there are tourists all year round, only their racial composition during the year (Europe travels in winter, China in spring, Arab countries in summer, India in autumn, and so on).
On the Langkawi there are 2 main seasons: the first is dry, when the winds blow from the east, and the Malacca peninsula protects our island from the winds, rains and waves they bring; the second is the monsoon season, the winds blow from the west, bringing precipitation, winds, waves to the island.
Now let's take a closer look at each of them.
1. Dry season in Langkawi - from December to mid-April.
There is basically no rain. Rare spots occur at night, but they are so insignificant that the earth does not have time to get enough moisture. Hence the specific colors of vegetation during this period - the grass seems to be scorched, the trees stand half-naked (massively drop their leaves), palm trees are yellow, withered.
- Minuses: you will not be able to visit the waterfalls, as they simply do not exist during this period, you will not see how the rice fields grow and bear fruit, all the fruits will be imported and not the first freshness, the lack of wind creates the feeling that it is very stuffy, the constant scorching sun - to be in the daytime the sun is impossible, you can easily get burned. It is almost impossible to walk during the day - only a car with air conditioning. There are crowds of people around, especially in December (holidays for the locals) and for the new year. Hotels often make a peak markup.
- Pros: the sea is calm without waves, the weather is always good, clear and without rain, if you come for just a few days with a maximum program for a chocolate tan, then this is your season. You can go on the cable car with the confidence that the visibility will be excellent, and other excursions will not be disrupted by weather conditions.
2. Monsoon season in Langkawi - from July to October.
It rains quite often, almost every day. But not around the clock, most often 1-2 hours, but sometimes it happens all day, but there are only a few such rainy days a year. And the probability that you will arrive on these days is minimal. In June-July, rain often falls in the second half of the day, but in the morning the weather is almost always good, in September-October the rains gradually shift to the evening.
- Minuses- it rains. Sometimes they can put active sunbathing on swimming, especially if you are only here for a few days. Sometimes excursions have to be postponed or postponed, waiting for the rain, that is, you won’t get a well-planned vacation, in any case, your activity will depend on the weather. At least once during your vacation you will definitely get wet. It is problematic to move on foot (leaving the hotel the sun is shining, after half an hour you get wet under a tropical downpour).
- pros-The sun is not so bright, the clouds, the refreshing wind - all this creates the feeling that it is not so hot. Harder to get burned. During the day you can walk along the street. An abundance of fruits. Less people - no queues for sightseeing, more individual approach in everything from the restaurant to excursions. Hotels often arrange promotions and discounts on accommodation.
The remaining months - May, June, November - are the months of the transitional season. The weather during these months is very changeable. During the day, the sun may change to rain several times. The weather at this time is unpredictable and defies any logic.
