Langkawi

Danny Filipenko

Langkawi

Different from other small and often undeveloped islands on our list, the island of Langkawi is large, civilized, and has no lack of hotels, spas, and restaurants. But it doesn’t make its beaches less pristine and attractive. Langkawi archipelago is a natural tropical paradise which many consider being unmatched elsewhere in South East Asia.

Big and developed island with plenty of sightseeing

Duty-free area of Malaysia

Open for visiting all year round

The nature of Langkawi makes it a truly outstanding place. You will be deeply impressed with its magnificent scenery and pristine landscapes of untouched wilderness. No other island in South East Asia has such a unique surface.

The Langkawi group, with its 104 islands and large sheltered Bass Harbour in the south, offers plenty of protected anchorages in all wind and sea conditions. The holding is good in mud and sand, and mostly free of coral and rocks. Anchorages are usually close to the shore, so long dinghy rides are not necessary.

Bass Harbour is home to The Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, which offers about 200 berths for the boats up to 60 meters. Choosing to stay there you will enjoy comfortable accommodation and dining, as well as substantial shopping area in the township 2 kilometers away by taxi. Next door to the Marina there are luxury The St. Regis and The Westin resorts, both on the seafront.

Leaving the Marina and cruising to the north-east get ready for a scenic mangrove and limestone tour through Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, a 100 square kilometre nature reserve and a collection of geo-sites full of amazing flora and fauna.

The northern beaches and bays of Langkawi are arguably the most beautiful. One of them is Tanjung Rhu Beach, host to the superb Tanjung Rhu and Four Seasons resorts. Further west there is Datay Bay which is embarked as the ultimate luxury destination in Malaysia. Two of Langkawi’s most exclusive resorts, The Datai and Andaman are located here. Langkawi is a duty-free island, and alcohol and chocolates are

Langkawi is a duty-free island, and alcohol and chocolates are almost half price here than in the rest of Malaysia. Airport prices are almost 2 times higher than those in the department stores around the island. Hotel tariffs and retail goods are exempt from government duty.

In the south-west of the island, there is a beautiful Telaga Harbour Marina offering a quiet and pleasant overnight stay, with a good choice of restaurants and The Danna 5-star resort. If you still have time then don’t miss visiting SkyCab Cable Car that will take you to the top of the majestic Mount Gunung Mat (708m). The views of the island and Thailand from there are the most breathtaking in Asia. And the walk across the suspension SkyBridge is something you will never forget!