Langkawi Island, also known as the Jewel of Kedah is situated 18 miles off the northwest coast of Malaysia. It is part of the archipelago of over a hundred islands. It’s the largest island of the group and has many tourist attractions to draw in the crowds from nearby Penang and the mainland, one being the duty free shopping.
Langkawi Eagle at Eagle square
We caught a ferry to Langkawi Island from Penang and arrived at Kuah Jetty, where we were once more reunited with our packs. We made our way to the Eagle monument at Dataran Helang at Eagle Square which is a 3 minute stroll with backpacks and dam hot over the foot bridge. As legend has it, Langkawi’s name may well originate from the Malay word for eagle being “helang” and kawi which is a local red stone. No idea’s but answers on a postcard are welcome.
Welcome to Langkawi Kuah Jetty
Scooting past all the taxi touts on leaving Kuah Jetty’s terminal we headed for a wander around the eagle monument. We trekked along the road and came across the Lagenda park, which I imagine is missed by all but mad Englishmen out in the midday sun, as we were the only souls in the vicinity. We got these couple of photos and awaited a dodgy taxi driver. This took all of 5 minutes and sure enough a guy in a car stopped, fees negotiated and agreed. We headed for our accommodation at Pantai Cenang beach about 30 minutes away which costs around a £5 (or 30 MR).
Legenda park Kuah Jetty Langkawi Island
We were staying at Pantai Cenang, which apart from the beach and duty free outlets, is also home to underwater world. It’s also within easy reach of our main destination for our main draw of the sky bridge. The main street has the normal offering of food outlets and cheap clothes stores.
Pantai Cenang beach sign Langkawi Island
There are also a vast array of restaurants and eateries that you can sample. The one’s on the main street and reasonably priced and plenty of bars with very cheap drinks.
Pantai Cenang beach Langkawi
Things to do on Langkawi Island
At the beach there are plenty of restaurants and beach bars and the normal selection of water-sports. There are also boat trips and diving centre’s offering their services. It has a very relaxed vibe so not a partying destination by any means, but the beers cheap and cold so that’s a bonus.
Duty free shopping is in abundance and many Malaysians head here for bargains galore. From Alcohol to cigarettes, perfumes to clothing, this place has it all at cheap prices. The shopping complexes are all air-conditioned, so always nice to pop in for a quick browse and a cool down.
Langkawi sky-bridge and cable car
Sky Bridge and cable car Burau Bay Kedah
The suspended bridge was completed in 2004 and is built on top of the Machinchang mountain. It’s accessible from the Top Station, and is suspended from a single pylon that’s 82m high. The cable car takes visitors up 708m above sea level to Langkawi’s second highest peak for great views of the surrounding islands.
Sky bridge Langkawi
As well as the bridge and cable car there are other attractions based at the site. These include the sky-glide and trail, cinemotion and 3D art. There’s also a restaurant, Cable Car Station and Oriental Village.
Onward Travel
Tour operators and travel agents for onward travels are in abundance in Pantai Cenang. It’s best to shop around as prices vary especially for the onward boat journeys to the Mainland and Thailand. Be sure to check out this post on the Langkawi to Satun Ferry to Thailand for onward travel.
Direct flights to Penang start from as little as £9 and take 30 minutes. If visiting then check out this post on Georgetown’s street art. We usually book flights through Skyscanner for cheap flights through Air Asia.
Remember to travel safe and ensure you have appropriate insurance whilst on you travels. We use world nomads on all our excursions when overseas, you can get a quote from them using the link below.
Happy Travels on your Global Gallivants
