Relax in Langkawi: A Guide to Beaches, Nature & Hidden Gems
Langkawi is more than just a beach destination – it’s an island where lush nature, calm waters, and local charm come together. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan a relaxing escape: quiet beaches, waterfalls, scenic spots, and a few hidden gems that made us fall in love with the island.
HOW MANY DAYS | 3 to 7
BEST TIME TO VISIT | December to March
WHERE TO STAY | Halcyon Days
TOP THINGS TO SEE | Tanjung Rhu Beach, Sky Bridge, UNESCO Geoforest
HOW TO GET AROUND | Scooter, Rental car, Grab
Langkawi isn’t just about stunning beaches and island hopping. After spending more than four weeks here, we discovered a creative, cultural side to the island that not everybody gets to know. From painting batik and making pottery to enjoying authentic food with a view, Langkawi surprised us with its slow charm and vibrant local life. If you're planning more than just a quick beach stop, here’s our guide to the most soulful experiences, fun activities, and restaurants you shouldn’t miss.
HOW MANY DAYS FOR LANGKAWI?
If you're coming to Langkawi as part of a bigger Malaysia trip, we think that 3 to 4 days is perfect. It gives you enough time to relax on the beach, enjoy some activities, and really take in the peaceful vibe of the island. Honestly, it’s also one of those places where you might want to stay longer just to slow down a bit more and that’s totally worth it too.
WHERE TO STAY ON LANGKAWI?
Langkawi has a wide range of places to stay, from simple guesthouses to boutique-style gems. Most options are around Pantai Cenang, which we also recommend as the best base. It’s close to the beach, full of restaurants and cafés, and well-connected to the rest of the island.
BUDGET | We stayed at Halcyon Days and absolutely loved it. The rooms are spacious and air-conditioned, breakfast changes daily with local dishes, and there’s a big and beautiful garden with views over rice paddies. Super calm, cozy and a perfect spot if you want to explore the island on your own.
COMFORT | The Bayou Hotel Langkawi is a modern, minimalist style hotel with an outdoor pool, fitness center, and everything you need to relax and reset. Ideal if you're looking for an exceptional stay.
ESCAPE | If you want to treat yourself, Temple Tree Resort is a great choice. It’s a beautiful boutique stay made up of restored colonial-style houses, each full of charm and character. The rooms are spacious. stunning and a beautiful pool. We loved their on-site restaurant breakfast Malaysian/Western buffet.
HOW TO GET TO LANGKAWI?
The fastest and easiest way to reach Langkawi is by flying into Langkawi Airport (LGK). Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur or Penang take about one hour and are ideal for most travelers exploring Malaysia. While there are ferries to the mainland, the journey involves extra steps and can feel like more effort than it's actually worth. If you're coming from Thailand, seasonal ferries or speedboats from Koh Lipe get you to Langkawi in about 1.5 hours.
AIR | Search for affordable air fares with kiwi.com here
FERRY | Book your ferry ticket through Klook here.
HOW TO GET AROUND LANGKAWI?
If you want to explore Langkawi, it’s easier if you have your own vehicle. Scooters are easy to rent from local shops and are great for short distances and beach hopping. For more comfort, exploring longer distances across the island or if you're traveling as a couple or group, renting a car is a great idea. Just book it in advance through platforms like Klook and pick it up directly at the airport.
If you're planning to mostly chill near your stay and just go out for meals or the occasional activity, Grab works well across the island. And to stay connected on the go without hunting for a SIM card, we highly recommend using an eSIM from Saily. It’s fast, affordable, and you can activate it in just a few clicks before you even land.
SCOOTER | RM40 | €8 | US$9 per day
BEST TIME TO VISIT LANGKAWI
The best time to visit Langkawi is from November to April, when the weather is mostly sunny and dry. Perfect for beaches, waterfalls, and boat trips. The driest months are December to March, offering the most reliable weather for outdoor adventures. We visited in July, during the rainy season, and while the island was beautifully green, the weather was unpredictable. Some days were perfect, others rainy and cloudy.
Be ready for all kinds of weather and check out what we packed for Malaysia in our complete packing guide.
NATURE & ADVENTURE IN LANGKAWI
We noticed that in Langkawi it’s much easier, faster, and often cheaper to book activities through Klook or GetYourGuide. You can secure your spot in advance, which helps a lot during busy times. Many attractions also offer lower prices online, especially for Malaysians, so booking ahead can save you money and stress.
Ride the Langkawi Cable Car & Sky Bridge
The Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge are a must-do for first-time visitors. The steep ride takes you up to one of the highest points on the island, with incredible views over the rainforest, waterfalls, and the turquoise sea on clear days. At the top, you can walk across the Sky Bridge, suspended high above the jungle. It is a slightly nerve-wracking but unforgettable experience. Go early in the day for better visibility and fewer crowds, and check the weather forecast, as the cable car doesn’t operate in strong wind or rain.
There are different types of ticket combos available. The most affordable one includes the 3D Art Museum, a quirky spot with fun optical illusions that look incredible in photos. However, if you're short on time, it’s not essential.
The base station is located in the Oriental Village, a small but charming area that feels a bit like a theme park, with shops, restaurants, and small attractions. It’s a good place to grab a snack or cool off after your visit.
BOOK | Cable Car admission tickets on GetYourGuide
BUDGET TIP | Buy the Sky Bridge ticket separately. Buy it at the cable car‘s top station, if you’re not getting the combo ticket.
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FIND HOTELS | Booking.com
RENT A CAR | Klook
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Tour the Island by Jetski
Ever done island hopping on a jet ski? In Langkawi, that’s exactly what you can do. Along Cenang Beach, you’ll find several operators offering more than just quick rides. Here, you can choose between different tour lengths (from 2 to 5 hours) depending on how much of the surrounding islands you want to explore. Unfortunately, Ingrid couldn’t join at the time, so I went alone, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. It was my first time riding a jet ski, and doing it in this landscape made it even more special. I chose the 4-hour tour, which took us past mangroves around Pulau Tuba, through turquoise waters, and alongside towering limestone cliffs. If you're into adventure, speed, and nature, this is a must-do! With the link below you can book with the best rated operator on Langkawi including incredible drone footage.
Explore the Mangroves of Langkawi by Boat or Kayak
One of the most popular things to do in Langkawi is exploring the mangroves in the Kilim Geoforest Park. You’ll ride through the mangrove rivers and out into the open Andaman Sea, surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs and green jungle. It’s a beautiful and unique landscape that feels very different from the beach areas.
Most tours stop at a few highlights along the way. You’ll visit a bat cave filled with sleeping bats, float through Crocodile Cave if the tide is low, and spot wildlife like monkeys and eagles. The final stop is at a floating fish farm with a restaurant. Some tours include a basic lunch, but you can decide on site. This farm also keeps manta rays and a shark in tanks, which we found touristy and not ethical. Sadly, this stop is part of most group tours, but this is just the last stop.
You can choose between a shared boat, which is the cheapest option and usually carries around 15 people, or a private boat for more space, better photo opportunities, and a flexible route.
If you want a more active and quiet experience, kayaking is a great option. With a guide, you can paddle into smaller mangrove channels that boats can’t reach. It feels more peaceful, and you’ll get a closer look at the nature around you.
BOOK | Mangrove Tour with Lunch & Pick-up through GetYourGuide
TIP | Start your tour at Tanjung Rhu Jetty for a longer ride and more sightseeing
Hike to the Seven Wells Waterfall
This is one of the most famous waterfalls in Langkawi and it is right next to the cable car station. The hike to the lower part of the waterfall takes about ten minutes on an easy path. The waterfall there is wide and beautiful, and you can sit by the water or cool off in the shallow pool. But if you have time and energy, we really recommend climbing the stairs to the top.
It takes about 20 minutes to reach the upper pools. You’ll definitely be rewarded with a peaceful spot and amazing views of the jungle, the hills, and even the sea. At the top, there are several natural pools where you can relax, swim, and enjoy the fresh air. The rocks are also a great place to sit and have a small picnic, so don’t forget to bring some snacks and water.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can keep hiking up the mountain, but we heard the views are not really better from up there.
TIP | Grab an ice bear cold coffee at at the cute CoffeeNuts Cafe near the entrance
ENTRANCE FEE | RM10 | €2 | US$2
WHERE | Google Maps
Wander Through the Dream Forest
If you want to experience something different in Langkawi at night, the Dream Forest is worth checking out. It’s a one-hour walk through the rainforest, brought to life with soft lights, gentle music and colourful projections. Along the way, local legends are told through sound and visuals that make the forest feel like it's telling Langkawi legends.
You’ll pass glowing giant trees, walk through quiet misty sections, and stop at small spots where each tale unfolds. The whole experience feels calm, a little magical, and immersive. It’s great for families, but also perfect for couples or solo travellers who want to see the jungle in colors. We were a bit worried the experience might be just for kids, but we ended up really enjoying it.
The trail was built with care for the environment and no trees were cut down in the process.
OPEN | 7 p.m. - 12 a.m.
ENTRANCE FEE | RM80 | €16 | US$18
TIP | Bring mosquito repellent
BOOK | Dream Forest Admission Ticket
Visit Durian Perangin Waterfall
This waterfall is a bit of a hidden gem and mostly visited by locals who come to barbecue along the lower part of the river. If you’re up for a short climb to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a quiet jungle setting and a natural pool that’s perfect for cooling off. Most days, especially in the early morning, you might even have it all to yourself. Compared to the more famous Seven Wells, Durian Perangin feels more wild and tucked away, even though it’s not as tall. The final stretch of the trail gets steep and a little slippery, but there’s a rope to help you along. That small challenge makes the refreshing swim at the top even more worth it.
ENTRANCE FEE | RM2 | €0.4 | US$0.5
WHERE | Google Maps
LANGKAWI BEACHES RANKED
1. Pantai Pasai Tengkorak (Sandy Skulls Beach)
Sandy Skulls Beach was our favorite in Langkawi. This peaceful bay is framed by limestone rocks on both sides, with calm water and soft sand that’s perfect for swimming. Trees line the shore, offering plenty of natural shade.
Even though it’s not a hidden beach, it feels quiet and uncrowded. There are no boats, jet skis, or loud activities. Expect just a calm, relaxing vibe. Facilities are basic but clean, with toilets and showers available. There are no shops or food stalls, so make sure to bring snacks and water. Just watch out for monkeys, as they’re known to sneak around looking for food and are willing to steal anything they find attractive.
If you're feeling curious, look for a small path on the right side near the water. It leads to a tiny hidden beach, but there's only space to sit when the tide is low.
WHERE | Google Maps
TIP | The Crab Farm Restaurant serves delicious seafood at great prices!
2. Tanjung Rhu Beach
Tanjung Rhu Beach is often called the most beautiful beach in Langkawi and it’s easy to see why. The soft white sand stretches out far, and the clear turquoise water is calm and great for swimming. The beach is lined with tall casuarina trees, which give you some natural shade. This beach is perfect for those who don’t want to rent a sun lounger.
It’s usually quiet and peaceful here, especially on weekdays. On weekends, you might see some families camping or having a barbecue there.
There are no public toilets or showers, so it’s best to keep it in mind. However, you’ll find a small restaurant nearby and a couple of simple shops where you can buy snacks or drinks.
WHERE | Google Maps
3. Pantai Cenang
Pantai Cenang is the busiest and most popular beach in Langkawi. It stretches for about 2 kilometers and offers soft, white sand and shallow turquoise water. It’s a lively place, perfect if you’re looking for action. From jet skiing and parasailing to banana boats, there are plenty of water sports available.
The beach is lined with hotels, cafés, and bars and there’s a tourist street just behind it with lots of restaurants and duty free shops. It’s also one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset, especially if you stay for a beachside dinner or one of the fire shows at Kalut Cafe & Bar.
WHERE | Google Maps
4. Pantai Tengah
Pantai Tengah is just around the corner from Cenang, but it’s much quieter and feels more relaxed. The beach has soft golden sand and is mostly lined with resorts, so it’s a great spot if you’re looking for a peaceful place to swim or sunbathe. The waves can be a bit stronger here, and on some days even good enough for surfing. There’s no natural shade, so bring sun protectoin if you plan to stay a while.
A good place to hang out is at Cenang Hills Beach Bar, where you can get drinks, food, and rent sun loungers with a view. Fewer people come to Pantai Tengah, which makes it perfect if you want to escape the crowds without going too far.
WHERE | Google Maps
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LOCAL & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Learn About Rice Farming at Laman Padi
At first glance, Laman Padi looked a bit abandoned to us, but it turned out to be one of our favorite cultural experiences in Langkawi. We are glad we did not leave and gave it a try. We decided to take the guided tour with coconut grating and planting rice.
The visit started with a short explanation in the small museum, then we walked through a herb garden where we learned about the traditional uses and benefits of each plant. After that, we got hands-on: stepping into the muddy rice field to plant rice ourselves! It was something we never thought we’d get the chance to try, and it felt both fun and meaningful.
As a bonus, the guides also showed us how to open and cut a fresh coconut, which we then got to drink and eat on the spot! It was so good! The whole experience was made even better by the friendly and passionate staff who took the time to explain everything.
It’s a great way to understand local farming traditions, and we’d really recommend doing the tour if you visit.
WHERE | Google Maps
PRICE | RM20 | €4 | US$ 4.50 guided tour
Get Creative in a Traditional Batik Class
Batik is a beautiful local art form where patterns are drawn on fabric using hot wax and then painted with vibrant colors. In Langkawi, you can try this tradition yourself and create a unique souvenir to take home.
We joined a session at the Batik Art Village, where we picked a pre-drawn design on fabric and filled it in with color using small brushes. It was easy to follow, relaxing, and surprisingly satisfying to see our own finished piece. You’ll get to keep your artwork, so it’s also a fun and personal memory of your time in Langkawi.
Another place we loved was Mawart, a creative café with a relaxed vibe where local artists hang out. You can sip coffee, try homemade cakes, and join in on activities like Batik painting or bracelet making. Whether you’re into crafts or just curious to explore Langkawi’s creative side, this is a great spot to slow down and enjoy a cultural afternoon.
WHERE | Google Maps
PRICE | RM 35 | €7 | US$ 8
Try Your Hand at Pottery With Local Artisans
Looking for a hands-on activity that connects you with local craft? At Ilham Ceramic Studio in Kuah, you can join a pottery class and create your own cup, bowl, and small plate using the hand-building technique. The experience is guided step by step by incredibly kind and patient instructors, making it easy even if it’s your first time working with clay.
The class lasts around two hours and is both relaxing and creative. It does take about two weeks for your pieces to be fired and glazed, and unfortunately, the studio doesn’t offer international shipping. But even if you can’t stay long enough to pick them up, you’ll still leave with a lovely handmade cup as a gift.
WHERE | Google Maps
PRICE | RM 110 | €22 | US$24
BOOK | Call or message +60 135994022 at least 2 days in advance
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
We spent four weeks on Langkawi and ate out almost daily, trying all kinds of restaurants across the island. The food scene here is surprisingly diverse, offering everything from Middle Eastern and Indian to Western and local Malay dishes.
Click on the names to open our favorite restaurants directly in Google Maps.
Pizza Hills
Hands down the best pizza we've had on our entire world trip. Inspired by the Omakase concept, they only serve pizza, but it’s anything but ordinary. The staff will ask about your food preferences and any ingredients you don’t or can’t eat, then surprise you with something tailored to your taste. We had a truffle burrata pizza, a pesto bresaola, and even a lemon curd dessert pizza. It's a bit of a detour, but absolutely worth it. Just make sure to book in advance, especially on weekends or during high season.
Pohon Beringin at Kunang Kunang
This turned into our favorite place for Malaysian food in Langkawi. We kept coming back for lunch, especially because of their special lunch menus where you can try a bit of everything. The setting is stunning. It’s part of a heritage villa hotel with traditional wooden houses, a floating pool, lake views, and beautiful local decor. The food is packed with flavor. If you’re open to trying , this is the perfect spot.
Nasi Dagang Pak Malau
This spot offers traditional local dishes. You can expect beef, chicken, or fish curry served with rice. There's also a dessert bar where you can sample traditional Malaysian sweets. Perfect for a laid-back breakfast or lunch. The view over the rice fields is lovely, and there’s sometimes live traditional music on weekends.
The Fat Frog
A very stylish garden café that serves creative vegetarian food, think Arancini, Rendang, and mushroom burger. We loved this restaurant.The dishes are delicious, the garden setting is beautiful, and the modern plating makes everything feel extra special. There’s also a small pickleball court if you feel like being active before or after eating. Just keep in mind to book the court in advance, it is very popular.
Haroo Korean
Authentic Korean flavors and homemade kimchi. You can trust this one. We’ve been to South Korea, and this restaurant truly nails traditional homemade Korean food. Don’t expect street food style. It’s all about comforting classics. We kept coming back for our favorite dishes. It is a great option, especially if you're craving something different after days of beachside eats.
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