Langkawi, an archipelago off Malaysia’s northwest coast, is known for its beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. Popular tourist spots like Pantai Cenang and the Langkawi Sky Bridge usually draw large crowds. However, there are many hidden gems away from the busy areas. In this Langkawi travel guide, we’ll highlight the best off-the-beaten-path activities, recommend delicious local food spots, and suggest convenient places to stay for your Langkawi adventure.
Table of Contents
Attractions
Food Recommendations
Accommodation
Transportation
Attractions
1. Explore Langkawis’s Mangrove Forest by Kayak
One of the best ways to experience Langkawi’s natural beauty away from the crowds is by kayaking through the mangrove forests. Located in the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, these dense mangrove forests are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including monkeys, eagles, and even otters.
Kayaking with a local guide lets you explore narrow waterways and get close to nature in ways larger boats cannot. A recommended agency for this is Langkawi Mangrove Kayaking by Jack. They are known for knowledgeable guides and well-maintained equipment. Jack and his team provide a personalized experience. You’ll learn about the unique ecosystem and wildlife while enjoying a peaceful paddle through the mangroves. It’s a tranquil adventure, perfect for appreciating the natural sounds and sights away from tourist crowds.
2. Hike to Telaga Tujuh Waterfall
Telaga Tujuh Waterfall, also known as the Seven Wells Waterfall, is a hidden gem nestled in the Mat Cincang Mountain range. Named after its seven natural pools, this waterfall is one of Langkawi’s most beautiful and less crowded spots. This Langkawi travel guide wouldn’t be complete without Telaga Tujuh Waterfall. A hike through lush rainforest trails leads you to the waterfall, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the pools. The climb to the top of the waterfall involves about 600 steps, but the breathtaking views and serene environment make it worth the effort. It’s an ideal spot for nature lovers and those looking for a quiet escape.
3. Visit Durian Perangin Waterfall
Durian Perangin Waterfall is another hidden gem on Langkawi Island that offers a serene escape into nature. Located on the northern side of the island, this multi-tiered waterfall is surrounded by dense rainforest, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat. The hike to the waterfall is relatively easy, with well-marked paths and several picnic spots along the way.
Once you reach the waterfall, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool pools or simply relax and enjoy the sounds of cascading water. The falls are less crowded compared to other waterfalls on the island, allowing you to enjoy a more tranquil experience. Durian Perangin Waterfall is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a quiet and scenic spot away from the usual tourist attractions.
4. Experience the Sunset at Pantai Kok and Tengah Beach
For those looking to enjoy a stunning sunset away from the crowds, this Langkawi travel guide covers 2 beaches: Both Pantai Kok and Tengah Beach offer fantastic options.
- Pantai Kok is a beautiful beach located on the northwest coast of Langkawi, far away from the busier Pantai Cenang. It provides a tranquil setting to watch a spectacular sunset without the usual crowd. The beach is backed by a forested hillside and is often frequented by locals. It is a perfect spot to relax, take a leisurely stroll, or enjoy a quiet evening by the sea. With its calm atmosphere, Pantai Kok is ideal for those who want to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Langkawi.
- Tengah Beach, located just south of the more crowded Pantai Cenang, is another hidden gem where you can enjoy a peaceful sunset. At the southern end of Tengah Beach, there are picturesque rocks that you can climb to get an elevated view of the sunset over the horizon. This spot is perfect for photographers or anyone looking to capture the perfect sunset shot. For easy access, you can park behind RIYAZ Lavanya Langkawi, close to Cenang Pro Watersports, and take a short sandy path to the beach. The quiet and serene environment of Tengah Beach, coupled with its stunning views, makes it a great alternative to more crowded sunset spots on the island.
5. Watch the Sunrise at the Rice Fields of Langkawi
One of the most serene experiences in Langkawi is watching the sunrise over the lush green rice fields. The best spots to witness this breathtaking view are on the road to Sawah Padi Villa, where the expansive fields stretch out against the backdrop of misty mountains.
A second excellent location to enjoy the sunrise is further north, near the coordinates (6.3636153, 99.7158395), where you can find a small local stall selling chakoi with sweet pandan sauce. This is a perfect spot to enjoy breakfast right after watching the sunrise. The crispy, warm chakoi paired with the sweet pandan sauce offers a delightful start to the day. You can find more details about this must-try breakfast in our Best Places to Grab Food in Langkawi section. The area in front of the restaurant is surrounded by beautiful rice paddy fields, providing a picturesque setting for a peaceful morning.
Arriving early in the morning allows you to witness the first light of the day illuminating the expansive fields, creating a stunning view with the mist rising from the paddies. As the sun rises, you can hear the soothing sounds of nature waking up — birds chirping and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. This experience is perfect for photographers and nature lovers who appreciate the quiet beauty of Langkawi’s countryside. It’s a refreshing way to start your day and a perfect escape from the more crowded spots on the island.
6. Relax at Sandy Skulls Beach
Sandy Skulls Beach is a secluded, picturesque spot located on Langkawi’s coastline. This hidden gem is perfect for those seeking a tranquil beach experience away from the tourist crowds. As you make your way to the beach, keep an eye out for the rare hornbills that often inhabit the surrounding area. With their striking appearance and distinctive and loud calls you won’t miss them if they are close to you.
The beach itself features soft golden sand and clear, calm waters, making it an ideal place to relax, swim, or simply enjoy the natural beauty of Langkawi. The peaceful environment and the occasional sighting of local wildlife make Sandy Skulls Beach a fantastic destination for a quiet escape.
7. Explore Langkawi’s Wave Breaker Bridge
CAUTION VERY DANGEROUS!
Only attempt at your own risk!
For an adventurous detour, check out the Wave Breaker Bridge, a unique and somewhat eerie spot located in the sea in front of Langkawi Airport. This burned bridge is a relic of a past construction project and has become an intriguing site for explorers and photographers. Its charred remains stand out against the sea, creating a striking visual contrast. It is very difficult to walk as many of the logs are burnt or missing.
While visiting the Wave Breaker Bridge involves navigating the water and is not for the faint-hearted, it offers a chance to explore a lesser-known aspect of Langkawi. Even tho it is very dangerous I think it deserves a place in the Langkawi travel guide.
Food Recommendations
1. Pantai Cenang Night Market
Unlike many night markets in Langkawi, the Pantai Cenang Night Market is open every night, offering a vibrant and lively atmosphere for food lovers. It’s a fantastic spot to try a variety of local dishes. We highly recommend trying the Nasi Goreng Daging Merah (fried rice with beef in a red sauce) and Nasi Goreng Ayam Kunyit (fried rice with chicken in a yellow curry sauce). Look for the stall towards the back of the market, where locals line up to enjoy these flavorful dishes. The market’s bustling energy and diverse food options make it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Langkawi’s local cuisine.
2. Bella Restaurant
Bella Restaurant is a hidden gem in Langkawi that offers incredibly delicious food at very affordable prices. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and extensive menu featuring a variety of Malay and Western dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty local meal or a simple, tasty Western dish, Bella Restaurant delivers on quality and taste without breaking the bank. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to enjoy a satisfying meal in Langkawi. If you don’t do anything else from this Langkawi travel guide, at least come here! You won’t regret it.
3. Ayer Hangat Night Market
Ayer Hangat Night Market, open on Fridays, is a less crowded alternative to the more famous night markets in Langkawi. Here, you can find an array of local delicacies like satay, laksa, and nasi lemak, all at affordable prices. The market is popular among locals, providing an authentic experience of Langkawi’s street food culture. It’s a great place to try traditional Malay dishes in a more relaxed and less touristy environment. The food is fresh, flavorful, and cooked right in front of you, making it a fantastic spot to explore local flavors.
4. Cakoi with Sweet Pandan Sauce
For an authentic local breakfast treat, head to a small stall located at coordinates (6.3636153, 99.7158395), just left of “Mawi Char Koey Teow Langkawi” on the right side of the bridge. Here, you can enjoy freshly made cakoi (a type of deep-fried dough) served with a unique sweet pandan sauce. This delicious snack is popular among locals, and it’s best to arrive early — around 7 AM — as they tend to sell out quickly. The crispy, warm cakoi paired with the sweet, aromatic pandan sauce is a must-try experience that provides a glimpse into the everyday flavors loved by the people of Langkawi.
5. Ali Bistro
Despite its less-than-stellar rating on Google, Ali Bistro surprised us with one of the most delicious butter chicken dishes we have ever tasted! The garlic naan and plain naan were also really good. This unassuming restaurant might not look like much from the outside, and the online reviews may scare off some visitors, but if you’re willing to give it a try, you could be in for a delightful surprise. The butter chicken is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, which is why Ali Bistro made it into this Langkawi travel guide.
Where to Stay in Langkawi
For those looking to stay in a convenient and lively area, we highly recommend finding accommodation close to Pantai Cenang. This popular beach area is not only a hub for dining and shopping but also offers easy access to many of Langkawi’s attractions. Staying near Pantai Cenang allows you to enjoy both the vibrant nightlife and the serene beach atmosphere.
We enjoyed our stay at Arch Dormitorio Cenang, a cozy and affordable hostel near Pantai Cenang beach. It’s a great choice for budget travelers seeking comfort, with friendly staff and a social atmosphere. The hostel offers various amenities, including clean dorm rooms, private rooms, and common areas to relax and meet other travelers. Whether you want to explore the island or relax by the beach, staying near Pantai Cenang is a perfect base for your Langkawi adventure.
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How to Get Around Langkawi
The best way to explore Langkawi is by renting a motorbike. It’s an affordable option and offers great flexibility to visit all the attractions at your own pace. With a motorbike, you can easily navigate through the island’s scenic routes, stopping wherever you like to enjoy the views or explore hidden spots.
However, if you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike, another option is to use Grab, a popular ride-hailing service in Malaysia. We used Grab to travel from the ferry terminal in Kuah to Pantai Cenang. It was reliable and cost-effective for getting around. Grab is especially useful for short trips or when traveling in a group. It provides a hassle-free alternative to public transportation.
This Langkawi travel guide covers hidden attractions, food recommendations, accommodation options, and tips on getting around, providing all the information you need for a memorable trip. Whether you’re seeking adventure, local flavors, or a relaxing getaway, Langkawi has something for everyone!
Gallery of Langkawi
