Located just off the northwest side of Peninsular Malaysia lays the tropical island of Langkawi. The main island is known as Pulau Langkawi, but there are nearly one hundred that make up this area of Malaysia. Steeped in legend and lore, Langkawi attracts visitors for its natural beauty, marine life, tourism infrastructure, and shopping {it is a duty-free island}.
Stay
There are many hotel and resort options on Langkawi, but Four Seasons is a truly special place. Tucked away on the north end of the island, the five-star resort is built into limestone cliffs and surrounded by verdant foliage and exceptional beaches along the Andaman Sea.
A small property with only 91 villas and pavilions, being a guest at Four Seasons, Langkawi gives the feeling of having oneβs own private piece of paradise. Whether staying in a pavilion or villa, the soaring ceilings and massive sliding windows bring the outdoors in, though some might argue that the Asian-style dΓ©cor is as beautiful as the surrounding nature.
A variety of motorized and non-motorized sports are available on the beach at the water sports pavilion. Kayaks, jet skis, SUP, and a host of other items are offered for those not content to simply lounge in the sun. If you need a break from the beach, there are two pools are on property. The quiet adult pool is stunning and includes eight walled private cabanas available on a first-come-first-served basis. The cabanas also include service call buttons for the utmost in guest service. As inviting as the adult pool is, the Geo Spa is the most tranquil place in the resort. An open-air pavilion style complex, this might just be the most beautiful spa Iβve ever seen.
Eat & Drink
Instead of suggesting great restaurants and bars per usual in my 48 Hours inβ¦ series, Iβm offering up some tasty treats not to miss when visiting Langkawi {and Malaysia in general}. With a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, and Thai, the food offerings are quite diverse and delicious.
Fruit
The warm climate and plentiful rainfall allow for fresh and seasonable produce throughout the year. Typical Southeast Asian fruits such as mangoes, lychee, coconut, guava, and the super-stinky durian are popular. Bags containing pre-sliced pineapple, mangoes, honeydew, and cantaloupe are often sold in markets, stands located in popular tourist areas, and on the side of the road. Do not pass on the brown power that often accompanies the fruit. Itβs an unusual, yet delicious, mix of sweet and spicy flavors that surprisingly goes well with the fruit. Make sure to get your fill of juices, too.
Cendol
Cendol is a dessert made from shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, green jelly noodles. Red beans and durian, the king of Southeast Asian fruit, can be added for the more adventurous eaters. It might sound an odd combination, but give it a shot. Itβs refreshingly sweet.
Satay
I agree with Cameron Diazβs character in Thereβs Something about MaryβI don’t think there are enough meats on sticks. At least I thought that until I visited Malaysia. Satay is akin to the Turkish shish kebab and oh-so delicious. Just season the skewer of meat with turmeric and grill. Normally served with a side of peanut sauce, satay is a staple in Malaysian cuisine.
Noodles
Adapted from the Chinese, Malaysians have created many dishes using the basic noodle. An Indian-Muslim dish, mee goreng mamak contains beef, chicken, or shrimp mixed with yellow noodles, chili, eggs, soy sauce, and vegetables. Similarly, is mee rebus. Also with yellow noodles, mee rebus is spiced with ginger and lemongrass and soaked in a potato-curry sauce. Char kuey teow is of Chinese descent and made with flat rice noodles fried in pork lard, shrimp, clams, soy sauce, bean sprouts, and Chinese chives.
Rice
Rice is common in Asian food, and thus a staple in Malaysian fare. Nasi lemak often serves as a base for many dishes. Essentially it is rice cooked in coconut milk wrapped in a banana leaf and is traditionally served at breakfast. Malaysians eat it with a spicy sauce called sambal, vegetables, hard-boiled egg, curried meats like chicken or lamb, as well as seafood. Originally from Penang, Nasi Kandar is a favorite rice dish that comes with sides of beef, fried chicken, squid, or shrimp, vegetables, or fish then flooded with curry sauces.
Seafood
Considering Langkawi is an island, a trip would be incomplete without sampling the areaβs bounty. Fried, grilled, sautΓ©ed, or steamed, seafood can be found on menus in Malaysia, no matter the origins of the dishes. Similar to meatballs, fish balls are a popular snack and street food. Theyβre usually on skewers and covered in sweet and spicy sauce.
Experience
Thereβs plenty to do in Langkawi, but perhaps the most popular activity is doing nothing at all. Thatβs all well and good, but visitors will find that Langkawiβs lush and mountainous vistas, idyllic beaches, geoparks, wildlife, and water activities tempt even the most sedentary traveler to get out of their lounge chair.
Island Hopping
Thereβs no better way to explore Langkawi and its surrounding islands than from the water. Most island-hopping trips last about four hours and are reasonably priced. So, charter a boat and take off for these three islands.
Lake of the Pregnant Maiden is located in the Tasik Dayang Bunting Geoforest Park, a short boat ride from the main island of Langkawi. This freshwater lake is located up a whole bunch of steps and past a number of monkeys. Found in the middle of the island, the lake was formed thousands of years ago when a giant limestone cave collapsed.
As with much of Langkawi, there is a legend that surrounds this lake. A fairy princess buried her baby in the water and then blessed it so that any maiden who swam in the water would soon after conceive. Now itβs a popular spot swimmers and sunbathers alike. Anywhere people go with food, monkeys are soon to follow. Be careful with these animals and donβt smile at them. Monkeys reveal their teeth to show aggression and could see this as a threat.
Two other popular islands include Pulau Singa Besar {Island of the Big Lion}, which is best known for the eagle feeding activity, and Pulau Beras Basah {Island of Wet Rice}, which is a popular spot due to its perfect white beaches and clear blue water.
Kilim River Tour
Hop on a boat and explore the Kilim Nature Park. Snake your way along rocky limestone cliffs and through green mangrove forests until ending up in the Andaman Sea.
Stops include a wide-open area of the river where brahminy kites, white-bellied fish eagles, and sea eagles frequent. As boat operators throw food into the water, the birds gracefully swoop down and grab the food. Itβs a wonderful sight to behold.
After the eagle feeding, the boat goes through The Hole in the Wall, named for its narrow passage through the soaring limestone cliffs. This area provides a safe place for fish and mooring yachts. The Whole in the Wall Restaurant and Fish Farm is tucked away in the mangroves and offers visitors an up close and personal experience with marine life. Visitors step onto the docks and can pet stingrays, hold giant shellfish, and see sharks. The restaurant also offers the freshest of seafood, which can be chosen by diners at the neighboring farm.
From there, the boat speeds through the winding river to Gua Buaya, otherwise known as Crocodile Cave. Apply named for the reptile that frequents the area and the fact that the caveβs silhouette is shaped like a crocodile, the Kilim River flows through the cave. Only accessed by small boat at low tide, Crocodile Cave is made of limestone and filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and a small colony of bats.
Gua Kelawar {Bat Cave} is also found on the Kilim River and only accessible by boat. A wooden walkway leads visitors directly to the Bat Cave, which has a distinguishable scent. Armed with a provided flashlight, visitors encounter a massive population of Malaysian fruit bats on the limestone ceiling.Β Right near the exit of the cave is an extraordinary collection of stalactites and stalagmites that have taken millions of years to form.
The path proceeds through the mangroves and limestone walls. A fern-like plant called a cycad is seen growing from the limestone and is believed to have existed over 200 million years ago. Itβs advisable to leave food on the boat, as monkeys roam the shoreline and neighboring trees in search of treats. They can be quite forceful when it comes to getting what they desire.
Langkawi Cable Car
I loathe heights, but I might hate tourist traps even more. However, the Langkawi Cable Car is a great way to get a birdβs eye view of the island and surrounding area. The base station is located in a shopping area known as Oriental Village. From here, gondolas whisk visitors up while providing panoramic views of the surrounding forest, sea, and wildlife. Upon arrival to the middle station, visitors are 650 meters above sea level. Viewing platforms showcase Langkawi as well as the surrounding islands.
A few steps from the middle station lead visitors to the top station. This is the pinnacle of Gunung Machincang, some 708 meters above sea level, which is so high that southern Thailand can be seen. For those who visit in the evening, thereβs a spot marked as the best place to view the sunset.
Langkawi is a nature loverβs dream. Between the fawn and fauna, majestic mountains, sparkling sea, picturesque beaches, and array of wildlife, this Malaysian island shouldnβt be missed. Given its stellar tourism infrastructure, Langkawi is also easy to navigate. Whether wanting to bask in the Southeast Asian sun or explore all the activities available, youβll be left wanting more than just 48-hours in Langkawi.
I was a guest of Tourism Malaysia. In no way was I swayed to write a positive review based on ample amount of delicious food, the perfect combination of heat and humidity, or all the friendly people who spoke English to me. As always, opinions are mine.
Note: There are affiliate links in this post, meaning I make a small commission if you make a purchase through my links. It costs you nothing more, but helps keep me stocked in French wine {and a roof over my head}.
@mrsoaroundworld
February 17, 2014Looks lovely and fun! The food is really making me hungry!
Leah Walker
February 18, 2014I love simple food with great and unusual flavors, so Malaysian fit the bill.
Rachel
February 17, 2014I’m sold! Now I’m just sitting here thinking about all of the photo opportunities there, especially the nature ones.
Leah Walker
February 18, 2014Tons of great photo opportunities exist in Langkawi. I personally love the monkeys. π
Mary Anne
February 18, 2014So it really is in the water.. I knew it!
Leah Walker
February 18, 2014Some areas are more clear than others, but it beats the hell out of the Gulf of Mexico any time.
Scott - Quirky Travel Guy
February 18, 2014Wow, I love the natural beauty of that place. And the monkeys!
Leah Walker
February 18, 2014I was OBSESSED with the monkeys. Seriously, I have at least 100 photos of them.
Craig Zabransky
February 18, 2014couldn’t agree more… Four Seasons is a special place on Langkawi.
stay luxurious, Craig
Leah Walker
February 18, 2014Did you go to the spahhhhh? It’s ahhhhhhmazing.
Audrey
February 19, 2014Mmm, how I love cendol! I’m currently in Malaysia and that is my dessert of choice almost daily! π
Leah Walker
February 23, 2014It’s pretty good. The palm sugar makes it for me, I’d say.
Gerard ~ GQ trippin
February 19, 2014I would love zipline down that cable car line.
Leah Walker
February 23, 2014Of course you would, Gerard. But then again, you’re kind of crazy.
Lance | Trips By Lance
February 19, 2014My favorite thing about travel is food. This food looks quite tasty, so I’m sold just on that fact. I’m not sure I’d be up for that cable ride. I’m OK with heights, but this might be a bit too much for me.
Leah Walker
February 23, 2014The key for me was to just look up and never down.
Traveling Ted
February 19, 2014I saw many pictures of Langkawi on buses in Kuala Lumpur. Made me wish I made this part of my itinerary, but another time will do. That is great they have a designation #sunsetsunday spot. Thanks for posting about fruit. I love a place I can indulge my secret fetish.
Leah Walker
February 23, 2014I would imagine that fruit is just one of your secret fetishes. The other, of course, blinged-out fanny packs.
the lazy travelers
February 20, 2014ok so like, how easy would it be to nab a little monkey and bring him home as a pet/confidante? …asking for a friend.
Leah Walker
February 23, 2014I don’t think it would be wrong at all. {says the person with two right now}
Liv
February 20, 2014Langkawi looks gorgeous. I enjoyed your photos. The look on that monkey’s face is priceless!
Leah Walker
February 23, 2014I have some great photos of monkeys. Check out my “Malaysia in Gold” article for lots more cute monkeys.
Fiona
February 23, 2014Paradise found! As usual your photography completely does it justice too!
Leah Walker
February 23, 2014Thanks, Fiona! It was a great trip.
Erin at The World Wanderer
February 25, 2014Ever since my trip to Vietnam, I’ve been dreaming about Malaysia. They had “Malaysia, Truly Asia” commercials on non-stop, and I was sold. These photos make me want to book that trip even sooner!
Leah Walker
March 17, 2014Yes, that song is also burned into my memory. Well done on the part of the tourism board.
El Boqueron Viajero Travel Blog
February 26, 2014What a wonderful place! During a few minutes you made me travel to a paradise!! I would love to go there and enjoy this place as well! Cheers! (Pedro)
El Boquerom Viajero Travel Blog
February 26, 2014Hi Leah! What a wonderful place! During a few minutes you made me travel to this paradise. I would love to visit Malasya π cheers! (Pedro)
Leah Walker
March 17, 2014Langkawi is a place for nature lovers for sure. I hope you do get to visit.
Lola DiMarco
March 5, 2014Monkeys and alligators and eagles, oh my! Looks gorgeous.. and delicious!
Leah Walker
March 17, 2014It was both indeed!
Sand In My Suitcase
March 12, 2014Doing nothing at all at the Four Seasons sounds good :-). But then so does that river tour through the Bat Cave…
Leah Walker
March 17, 2014Why not have both?
Miriam of Adventurous Miriam
September 6, 2014It looks gorgeous, Leah, and that food….! I would love to go back to Malaysia for this.
Kaspars Misins
November 19, 2014I want to go back to Langkawi π Spent there almost three months this spring/summer. There we have wrote about our experience http://wearefromlatvia.com/tag/langkawi/.
Jenn
November 28, 2014We unfortunately missed Malaysia while traveling Southeast Asia due to time constraints but we will be going back for sure. Your trip looks amazing! The food looks incredible and we also loved the coconuts that seem to be on over on every street corner in Asia!
Fantastic post, thanks for sharing. Super inspiring π
Jenn π
Paz
December 4, 2014Leah,
Wow, this post brings back incredible memories of Lagnkawi. I thought our photos were solid but yours put ours to shame π http://lucidpractice.com/backpacking-tips-travel-langkawi-malaysia/
I agree that perhaps the best activity on Langkawi is “doing nothing” or put another way soaking in each moment & deeply enjoying being on one of the most beautiful, laid back, pristine beaches in the world.
Cheers & keep up the great work π
Positive Energy,
Paz
Anna
January 29, 2016Looks amazing there… I am going to the Philippines in March and can’t wait to do some island hopping myself π
Anne
October 15, 2016I love the scenes of nature in this post. Langkawi definitely looks like a good place for me to visit