Insiders’ guide to Malaysia’s island paradise, Langkawi: from beach eats to stunning mountain views and vibrant night markets
The largely undeveloped tropical getaway is a rare find – here’s how to get the best out of a trip and soak up its relaxed vibe
What to do
While it is always tempting to just laze away the day on a palm-fringed beach, many visitors to Langkawi hike inland, to Seven Wells, the island’s most famous waterfall. But there is an easier alternative.
“Temurun Waterfall is less well-known but also beautiful and just a short, 400-metre jungle walk from a car park,” says Said. “Across the road is Pantai Pasir Tengkorak, whose beach resort is sadly abandoned for the moment, but follow the path to the idyllic sandy beach and you can find some of the clearest turquoise water for snorkelling.”
“It is the same for the [SkyCab] cable car up to the mountaintop SkyBridge walk. Many visitors knock it off their bucket list as ‘too touristy’, but once you are up on the summit, the views are a knockout. Just check the weather first, as it’s pointless going up if it will be covered in cloud.”
McMurtrie notes that her guests are increasingly interested in the new watersports on offer, “and the latest to check out is H2Ocean by Pantai Tanjung Rhu, where you can rent not just canoes and paddle boards, but water bicycles and cycle catamarans to explore the hidden coves along the coast of the [Unesco Global] GeoPark.”
She also suggests visiting Langkawi’s capital, Kuah: “Spend half a day there and discover the best Chinese restaurants on the island, especially the traditional Weng Fung. Enjoy cocktails and an incredible selection of whiskies at Cellar Bank, then relax with a sundowner at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, which looks exclusive but anyone can go in.”
Where else to eat and drink
