LANKAWI LOVING

Malaysia’s beautiful islands are unspoilt and just a hop, skip, jump away from Australia

WORDS BY EMILY HUMPHREY

Seven Wells Waterfall

Popular with local and international tourists alike, Langkawi is the island paradise you’ve been dreaming of: postcard-perfect beaches, warm turquoise waters, lush rainforest and secluded coves.

Known fondly as the Jewel of Kedah, there are 99 islands in the archipelago, all centered on the main (eponymous) island. Off the northwest coast of Malaysia in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi is easily reached from the mainland.

GETTING THERE

From Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, it’s a one-hour flight into Langkawi. There is also the bus or train—quite long journeys, about seven or eight hours—or take a ferry from Penang, just under three hours. The buzzing city of Kuala Lumpur makes for the ideal stopover and shopping break on the way, but Langkawi does have duty-free status which makes for great shopping (oh, and inexpensive alcohol).

While you’re on the island, public transport is lacking, which means the best way to get around is by renting a car, using a taxi or scooter, or embarking on a guided tour.

Pulau Payar Marine Park

WHEN TO GO

It’s blissful year round and consistently warm. Langkawi’s sub-tropical climate means that temperatures usually hover between 23 and 32 degrees celsius. Rainy season—technically April to October—only brings a couple of hours of rain each day, usually in the afternoon. September is the wettest month. The best time to visit is generally from December to April, with the least amount of rainfall.

Long Tail Macaque Monkey at Klim Karst Geoforest Park

WHERE TO STAY

The beach town of Pantai Cenang in the south is the most popular tourist hotspot (just 20 minutes from the airport), with plenty of restaurants and nightlife. It’s the place to be for a sunset cocktail at one of the many beach bars. Here you’ll find plenty of accommodation options for all budgets and styles, from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels and posh resorts.

Pantai Tengah is a bit more chilled; a quieter beach but still close to the action (a five-minute taxi ride or 15-20 minute walk to Cenang). Tanjung Rhu in the north is peaceful, perfect for families or couples seeking a quieter beach holiday. On the western coastline, Bureau Bay is a pristine stretch of white sand beach, flanked by luxury resorts.

The upscale area of Pantai Kok is known for its dense forest, luxury resorts and the Sky Bridge cable car. The port town of Kuah Town, the main urban centre which also serves as a harbour for ferries to the mainland, is popular for shopping.

Cenang beach

THINGS TO DO

Get a bird’s eye view at Panorama Langkawi. The Sky Cab here is a mustdo, a cable car that glides through lush green forest 650 metres away from land. Be sure to book ahead, as it tends to sell out at busy times. Feeling a bit more game? Take a walk along the Sky Bridge, one of the highest suspended bridges in the world. The views are simply phenomenal. At 125 metres long, this curved bridge hangs between two mountains, at a staggering height of 660 metres above sea level.

Atma Alam Batik Art Village is a fascinating place to learn about the traditional art of batik and the process of producing these intricate pieces. There is a workshop, showroom and art gallery.

Underwater World is Malaysia’s biggest aquarium with tropical rainforest, temperate and sub-Antarctic zones. Spot some of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating marine life. Walk through a 15-metre-long tunnel to see enormous sea creatures like sharks and sea turtles, and feed animals like rockhopper penguins and fur seals.

At Langkawi Wildlife Park, a oneway fully-covered walkway meanders through the park for up-close interaction with over 150 species of animals. Twitchers will be in heaven here, as it’s home to over 2,500 exotic birds.

Greater Flamingo at Underwater World

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Langkawi isn’t overly developed, and there are plenty of natural wonders to inspire. On the east side of the island, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is a 100sq-km collection of geo-sites, from mangrove forests to incredible caves and fossils that are millions of years old.

Best explored by boat, head out to cruise these emerald waters through the mangrove forests and admire towering limestone rock formations. Look out for spectacular marine life—perhaps an otter or a dolphin. Take a tour to see an eagle feeding session, go through a bat cave and see an area inhabited by swimming monkeys.

Snorkelling at Pulau Payar Marine Park

At Seven Wells Waterfall, on the northwestern tip of the island, hike the short uphill trek to the waterfalls and take a dip in one of the seven individual pools.

Sky Bridge

FOOD AND DRINK

Malaysia has a well-earned reputation for fabulous food, and Langkawi won’t let you down, with an abundance of fresh seafood and produce.

Must-try Malay dishes include ikan bakar (grilled fish), pajeri nenas (pineapple curry) and nasi lemak. Don’t forget about sambal, the spicy chilli sauce. And, of course, satay—or sate—can be found everywhere, from markets to local restaurants and upscale eateries at luxury resorts. There are night markets that move around the island, at a different spot every day of the week.

Night market noodles

Although a Muslim majority country, locals and visitors alike do not have difficulties accessing alcohol, but international brands tend to be pricey. It’s not a thirst quencher as such (stick to fresh juices, coconut water and local beer at meal times), but cendol is a true local must-try. Usually served in a small bowl, it’s a delicious combination of ice, green rice flour jelly, coconut milk and palm sugar syrup.

Grilled fish

UNDER THE SEA

A boat trip to one of the smaller islands reveals stunning conditions for snorkelling in calm, sunlit waters. Many of the islands around Langkawi have lots of shallow coral; charter a boat or join a tour to look for rich marine life.

Pulau Payar Marine Park is just 30km south of the main island (get there by catamaran or speedboat, about a 45-minute journey). Four uninhabited islands—Payar, Segantang, Kaca and Lembu—make up this marine park sanctuary, the nation’s oldest. It’s home to amazing snorkelling, swimming and diving experiences. Swim through shipwrecks, get up close to exotic marine life including moray eels and you can even feed and swim with baby sharks.

Black Tip Shark at Pulau Payar Marine Park

MAIN IMAGE: Cenang Beach

PHOTO CREDIT: Seven Wells Waterfall/@unexploredfootsteps