Making the most of Langkawi
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Many major cruise lines use Star Cruises jetty, around eight miles west of Kuah. With effectively no public transport, visitors must choose a taxi or hire a car, motorbike/scooter or bicycle. Pre-booked excursion buses collect guests directly at the dock. The jetty itself has no facilities.
When a vessel tenders, passengers land in the town centre. Star Cruises receives priority for use of the dock.
Avoid hiring a taxi beside the ship. Instead, walk to the pier's far end and bargain there, where many more taxis charge much less.
Take the printable map ashore.
A group of 99 islands lies off Kedah state, combining beautiful beaches, excellent infrastructure, wildlife-rich mangroves, extremely inexpensive duty-free shopping and compelling folklore. Langkawi's history is entwined with the tragic story of Mahsuri, a beautiful young woman whose tale involves love, jealousy and a curse placed on the island for seven generations. Although Langkawi has long passed that seventh generation, residents still connect the islands' present prosperity and blessings with the legend...
Places to see include Field of Burnt Rice, Hot Springs, Rubber plantations, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and Beach of Black Sand. Organised boat trips visit Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave). More active options include trekking through pristine rain forest covering most of Langkawi, touring mangroves by boat, diving or playing golf at some 5-star resorts. Langkawi's highly praised underwater world also has an underground passage through a giant aquarium.
Getting around
Sharing a taxi works well, particularly for a trip to the cable car.
Langkawi has a wonderful beach, where hiring a lounger costs about 10 Rinngit.
Food and shopping
Langkawi is free of both tax and duty.
Recommended shopping areas include:
- Explore Kuah Town centre.
- Visit Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall.
- Another option is Langkawi Parade Shopping centre.
- Browse Jetty Point Complex at Kuah Jetty.
- Skymall is located at Langkawi Airport.
- Zon Duty-free Shopping operates at Cenang Beach.
- Zon Duty-free Shopping also operates at Wildlife Park.
Money
Malaysia's currency is the ringgit.
ATMs are easy to find in cities, but obtain cash before travelling to smaller islands or the jungle. Cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and shops, although skimming may occur in less reputable establishments.
Tipping is not standard practice in Malaysia. Hotel porters and taxi drivers nevertheless appreciate a small amount for exemplary service. Upmarket restaurants, hotels and bars may show RM19++, indicating that 5% sales tax and a 10% service charge will be added.
Staying connected
Malay, or Bahasa Malaysia, is Malaysia's only official language. English is taught in schools and used widely in cities, although knowing a little Malay is useful in the countryside.
Most hotels provide broadband Internet, as do cafés offering customers free WiFi and some restaurants and other cafés. Both cable and wireless broadband are available, with hotspots at places such as Starbucks and McDonald's.
For any emergency, dial 999. From a mobile phone, use 999 or 112.
Opening Hours and
Large-city shops generally open from 10.30am to 9.30pm. In rural districts and smaller towns, trading begins and ends earlier.