Langkawi Hotels

Nestled in the Andaman Sea, 30km off the coast of mainland Malaysia, Langkawi is both a single island and an archipelago of – depending who you talk to – either 99 or 104 such islands (counting becomes a little tricky when duty free drinking is involved).

Langkawi (the island) is a heady mix of the old and the new. Boasting untamed jungle at its centre (you can get a taste of it at Langkawi Wildlife Park and Snake Sanctuary), the island has developed into a tourist Mecca without relinquishing its hold on the traditional. An adventure on Langkawi could either take in traditional handicrafts at the Handicrafts Cultural Centre, lazing around on Tanjung Rhu Beach, or buying oversized bottles of pump-action vodka at bargain basement prices.

It could see yourself dangling precariously in a cable car 708m above sea level (not advised if you have recently partaken of the aforementioned vodka), or it could see your credit card getting a hammering in Kuah’s shopping complexes. In Langkawi, you set the pace, no matter whether you want to immerse yourself in history, sunshine or 80% proof alcohol.

LANGKAWI’S TOP 10

LANGKAWI LOCAL

Pantai Cenang

Langkawi’s answer to the Vegas Strip, what Pantai Cenang may lack in bright lights and casinos it certainly makes up for in spirit. By day, the pristine white beach is dotted with barely-moving sun-worshippers and frolicking children; by night, crowds of backpackers and Asian tourists alike merge in a throng of eating, drinking and shopping excitement. Make the most of a tropical breeze with an ice-cold drink at the Beach Garden Resort Beer Garden or stimulate your tastebuds with some spicy local fare at the Champor Champor Restaurant and Bar.

If, during your stay in Pantai Cenang, you grow weary of blissful relaxation… slap yourself. But if the nine-to-fiver in you still rears its ugly head, there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. Laman Padi is a nearby rice field where you can take an eco-tour to discover how the lifeblood of Malaysia’s farming industry is grown and produced. Underwater World is also worth a visit, even though non-Malays have to pay more.

Kuah Town

Name your poison… then buy it duty-free in Kuah, a town that’s alive with the buzz of consumerism. It’s not as beautiful as Pantai Cenang (Kuah’s waters are often as murky as the authenticity of the ‘genuine’ DVDs being peddled in its street markets), but it boasts brilliant shopping, bars and restaurants in and around Dataran Lang, the central square topped by a majestic eagle sculpture. (Why? Because Langkawi means ‘reddish-brown eagle’ in ancient Malay.)

For something a little different, check out Al Hana Mosque or trek to the top of Gunung Raya, Langkawi’s highest peak. Beware, though, as a curse is said to have been laid on the hill by the giant Mat Raya.

Datai Bay

For high-end luxury and seclusion, Datai Bay is the bee’s knees, the cat’s whiskers and the dog’s… something. Go celebrity-spotting (aka stalking) on the white sand, take in a round of at the über-elite Datai Golf Club, or gaze on tropical rainforest while having all the stress massaged out of you at the Mandara Spa. If you don’t mind parting with your cash, the Gulai @ Andaman should not be missed. An open-air rainforest restaurant accessible via a traditional ‘Titi’ bridge, the Gulai serves Indian/Malay cuisine and has a garlic naan and chicken tandoori so decadent you’ll want to cry tears of spicy joy.

LANGKAWI EATS

From traditional Malaysian delights to an Indo-Malay-German ménage à trois of flavour, Langkawi is the place to open your mind and undo the button on your jeans.

Langkawi Events

February is a busy month for events, hosting the Royal Langkawi International Regatta for yacht-lovers; Le Tour de Langkawi, the richest cycling race in Asia; and the wonderfully messy Squid Scooping Challenge.

In February/March, Langkawi’s Chinese community celebrates Kedah Chap Goh Mai, where pretty young maidens throw oranges into the sea.

In April, the Langkawi Water Festival features 30 water sports and beach games. Participate to win top prizes or just turn up and watch to win lucky-draw prizes.

In July, the Department of Agriculture organises the Rambutan Trail. Sounds dull, until you realise rambutan is the local fruit that has to be tasted to be believed.

31 August is Merdeka Day (Malaysia’s Independence Day). Celebrations start the night before and continue on and on and on…

In November, Langkawi hosts the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition, followed by the Langkawi Arts and Crafts Festival in December.

WHEN TO GO

Located on the northern hemisphere side of the equator (but only just), Langkawi enjoys a tropical climate where ‘seasons’ don’t really apply. Temperatures are consistently around
30-35°C (86-95°F) during the day, only dropping to around 28°C (82°F) at night.

· Like the rest of Malaysia, Langkawi’s climate is split between Wet (roughly April to October) and Dry (roughly November to March) seasons;

· Rainfall is heaviest around August/September, when Langkawi experiences monsoonal rains. The islands are much quieter at this time.

· Humidity is around 80%, so be prepared to sweat and leave the hair-straightener at home. (If you tend towards the frizz it’s likely your hair will form a Jimi Hendrix-style afro the moment you set foot on the island. Embrace it.)

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Langkawi is accessible by air from Kuala Lumpar and boat from Kuala Kedah, Kuala Perlis and Penang. You can also get there by ferry from Satun in Thailand.

Once on the island, you can choose between renting a car (keep your driver’s licence with you at all times and be aware that the roads vary from ‘good’ to ‘clutch-the-steering-wheel-and-pray’) or 150cc scooter (avoid sleeping buffaloes while on the bike and unlicensed, uninsured touts while renting it, and remember that wearing a helmet is compulsory). In rural areas, the locals’ attitudes to road rules are casual at best, so slow down. Alternatively, take a taxi but agree on a fare in advance to avoid being scammed.

WHAT TO MISS

On Langkawi, this really depends on what you’re looking for in a holiday.

· For maximum relaxation, bypass Kuah Town and head to a pristine beach like Pantai Cenang. The shopping is exciting in town, but you can experience similar markets throughout mainland Malaysia.

· For an authentic taste of local culture and life on Langkawi, avoid the exclusive resorts. They’re beautiful, but you’ll leave without much of a cultural insight.

· For a molestation-free holiday, give Tengorak Beach a miss. Gangs of local monkeys (seriously!) have a habit of attacking humans for food. They’ll scatter if you pretend to pick up a stone to throw at them, though. Cowards!

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