Laced with limestone mountains, lush with interior jungle, Pulau Langkawi is slowly transforming from duty-free haven to jet-set destination - though let's emphasise the gradual nature of this transition. This 99-island archipelago resort is becoming more popular with tourists but hasn't been saturated, which means it is a lovely place to mix work and play, meetings and trips to the jungle and outlying islands. Get your natural beauty outside your resort and your global comforts, polished gifts, and travel essentials within (especially at Datai and Four Seasons) and make sure your driver is a savvy local lad.
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01
Essentials
| 01 |
Adjust your internal clock - things move at an island pace no matter how many stars your hotel has. |
| 02 |
Apa kaba? for how are you/how goes it? |
| 03 |
Terima Kasih for thank you - and you are on your way. |
| 04 |
Snorkeling can be just as good as diving - pack your trunks. |
| 05 |
Nature is prodigious on-island, so bring a good hat, repellent, and something to hike in. |
| 06 |
Four Seasons naturalist Aidi Abdullah is a living encyclopedia and Maugham-era throwback. |
| 07 |
Jungle curry? Do not miss the Andaman restaurant set on a raised platform amidst an ancient rainforest. |
| 08 |
Spa culture is rich, exotic, and among the best in the world - put aside a day for pampering at an outdoor pavilion at The Four Seasons. |
| 09 |
Go local, if only once, by visiting one of the daily, dusk-time pasar malam (outdoor bazaars and food markets). They move with the day, so ask your concierge. |
| 10 |
The local tea is milky, sweet, aromatic and addictive - make teh tarik your temporary latte replacement. |
02
Hotels
Independent and easy
Bon Ton Resort
Pantai Cenang
+ 60 4 955 1688
bontonresort.com
One dependable chain
Four Seasons Langkawi
Jalan Tanjung Rhu
+ 60 4 950 8888
fourseasons.com/langkawi
One premium
The Datai
Jalan Teluk Datai
+ 60 4 959 2500
langkawi-resorts.com/datailk
03
Dining
Fast breakfast
Taste
Westin Langkawi,
Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar
+ 60 4 960 8888
starwoodhotels.com/westin
Leisurely breakfast
The Serai
Four Seasons Langkawi
Jalan Tanjung Rhu
+ 60 4 959 2888
fourseasons.com/langkawi
Mid-morning coffee
The Loaf
Perdana Quay, Telaga Harbour Park
Pantai Kok
+ 60 4 959 4866
theloaflangkawi.com
Lunch with friends
Saffron
Tanjung Rhu Resort
+ 60 4 959 1033
tanjungrhu.com.my
Leisurely lunch
Senari
Rebak Island Resort
+ 60 4 966 5566
tajhotels.com
Lunch on your own
The Lighthouse
Pantai Cenang
+ 60 4 955 2586
Sunset cocktail
Breeze
Westin Langkawi
Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar
+ 60 4 960 8888
starwoodhotels.com/westin
Dinner on your own
Nam
Bon Ton Resort
Pantai Cenang
+ 60 4 955 1688
bontonresort.com
Alfresco dinner
Sun Sutra
Jalan Teluk Baru
+ 06 4 953 1800
Dinner for two
Ikan Ikan
Four Seasons Langkawi
Tanjung Rhu
+ 60 4 959 2888
Big dinner with friends
The Gulai House
The Andaman
Jalan Teluk Datai
+ 60 4 959 1088
Late drinks
Rhu Bar
Four Seasons Langkawi
Jalan Tanjung Rhu
+ 60 4 959 2888
04
Reading
Four Seasons Newsstand
Tanjung Rhu
+ 60 4 959 2888
05
Basics
Joe's Pharmacy
111 Main Road Mukim Kuah, Langkawi
06
Shopping
Something you can't get anywhere else
Custom crystal housewares by Langkawi Crystaal
2 Jalan Pandak Mayah
+ 60 4 966 9688
Lost luggage - where to buy shirts, socks and underwear
Langkawi Fair Mall
Persiaran Putra
+ 60 4 969 8100
Something for the kids
Malay knick-knacks at Langkawi Craft Complex
Teluk Yu, Mukim Bohor
+ 60 4 959 1913
Something for someone you love
Boutique
The Datai
+ 60 4 959 2500
07
Two hour tour
Sunset charter yacht for an outer island boat trip in the 99-isle archipelago.
01 |
Tanjung Rhu Beach |
02 |
708m peak of Gunung Mat Cinang |
03 |
Spa at the Four Seasons
Tanjung Rhu
+ 60 4 959 2888 |
08
Limousine/car
Best organised through your hotel.
09
Transport
Rent a bike
Bon Ton Resort
Pantai Cenang
+ 60 4 944 6787
10
Fitness
Good gym
Westin Langkawi
Jalan Pantai Dato Syed Omar
Kedah
+ 60 4 960 8888
Good running route
Tanjung Rhu Beach
Alternative diversion
Nature walk and bird-spotting with naturalist Aidi Abdullah from Four Seasons
Tanjung Rhu
+ 60 4 959 2888