Is Langkawi, Malaysia Worth Visiting for a Relaxing Beach Holiday?

If it’s Penang, it’s definitely worth a visit, though I wouldn’t recommend flying there solo. The sea here is fairly average compared to other Southeast Asian destinations, and the activities are somewhat limited. The phrase “a rich person’s hell, a poor person’s paradise” perfectly captures the essence; it’s incredibly budget-friendly!

My itinerary 👇
Day 1: Relax by the beach in Langkawi, explore Kuah Town, enjoy a Sunset Cruise, and visit the Kuah Night Market.
Day 2: Island hopping in Langkawi, watch the sunset at a bar, and catch a fire show performance.
Day 3: Discover the Langkawi Mangrove.

Langkawi is surprisingly uncrowded, which can be quite refreshing. Most restaurants open around 11 am, and the service can be rather slow (Chinese restaurants, however, are known for their prompt service).

📍Sunset Cruise
There are two types of boats to choose from: Premium (like Eagle Magic with 250 horsepower and air conditioning) and Standard (like Ocean Magic with 210 horsepower). If your budget allows, opt for the Eagle Magic; it’s not only photogenic but also offers better facilities. I chose Ocean Magic because it was discounted to about 250 RM, but the facilities were not as impressive as those on Eagle Magic.

The upside is that it’s less crowded, so you can relax on the sofa from the moment you board until you disembark, enjoying some reading, resting, and daydreaming.

Boarding starts at 3:30 pm, and the cruise lasts from 4 to 8 pm, totaling 4 hours. In the afternoon, there are water activities in one area. As the sun sets, the boat moves to a designated spot where many boats gather to watch the sunset, followed by dancing on the deck. The music and atmosphere seemed to be influenced by the mix of nationalities on board, with many Malaysians present, and while the music was unfamiliar, the vibe was lively and enjoyable.

The pier is located in Kuah Town, and after the cruise, you can head to the Kuah Night Market. Nearby, the Eagle Square is a great spot for a photo opportunity.

📍Island Hopping
Booked through AB Motel for 30 RM, this experience is all about enjoying the sea breeze, which is well worth it. It’s best to sit at the front of the boat for an unobstructed view and a more comfortable ride. There are two departure times: 9 am and 2 pm, each lasting 4 hours, including pick-up and drop-off.

The tour includes stops at Pregnant Maiden Island, Eagle Island, and Wet Rice Island. You don’t disembark at Eagle Island, but you get to spend about an hour at the other two islands. There’s a 20 RM entrance fee for Pregnant Maiden Island. While the water quality around the islands is average, soaking and swimming at Pregnant Maiden Island is quite enjoyable, and the high-angle views make for great photos!

The monkeys here are surprisingly docile. Boarding and disembarking are near the jetty close to Pantai Cenang.

📍Half-day Mangrove Tour
Also booked through AB, this tour costs 50 RM, or 70 RM including pick-up and drop-off. Given the remote location, it’s highly recommended to include the transportation. Meals are not necessary. Departure is at 9:45 am, and the tour lasts 3 hours.

Overall, the experience is fairly standard, with brief stops at each location. The guide provides fascinating insights into the local wildlife, including eagles and a variety of monkey species. One of the highlights is cruising through the mangroves, where you can spot playful monkeys swinging from tree to tree as you glide by.

During our visit, the bats were still snoozing in their cave hideouts, but for just 1 RM, you can rent a flashlight to catch a glimpse. Adding to the charm, local children eagerly share their knowledge about the diverse fish, presenting them with such enthusiasm it feels like they’re introducing members of their own family.

📍Hidden
Many bars in the area feature mesmerizing fire shows, typically starting after sunset. I visited Hidden, and the seaside sunset was absolutely breathtaking. To ensure you get a good seat, it’s best to arrive about an hour before the sun goes down, as the place tends to fill up quickly.