Discover Why Travelers Prefer Qingdao and Dalian Over Langkawi Today
Who on earth gave me the idea to bring only one set of swimwear to Langkawi!!! The beaches were absolutely pristine and stunning!! (Sure, they might not rival Semporna or Bali, but for ocean lovers, it’s an incredible value for money!) When I was planning, I almost scrapped the idea of visiting Langkawi, but with the traditional Chinese travel mindset of “since we’re already here,” I decided to book the trip.
And guess what? For those who enjoy a leisurely pace, don’t chase check-ins, and truly savor relaxation, Langkawi is a hidden gem with plenty to explore and perfect for a low-key getaway!
🚶 **Transportation:** From Penang to Langkawi by boat… It’s a long journey, so make sure to buy your tickets well in advance! I saw on Xiaohongshu that people were getting tickets for 70-80 or even over 100 from Penang to Langkawi, which made me hesitate about whether to splurge on a 200+ ticket. In the end, with the prices skyrocketing, I had no choice but to take the ferry!
(Trying to save money ended up costing more and wasting a lot of time and energy 🥹🥹🥹) With the crowds and luggage, we opted for a Grab directly from Penang to the Jetty port. I had hoped to catch the sunset on the ferry, but the windows were too foggy, and I missed out 😅
🏠 **Accommodation:** Don’t just think about staying at Pantai Cenang when you visit Langkawi. It’s super crowded and noisy, better suited for those who love the hustle and bustle… Instead, the nearby Central Beach offers much more cost-effective, tranquil, and seaside accommodations! You can enjoy a private beach for the sunset, and in the morning, you can find starfish, crabs, and beautiful shells scattered along the shore!
If you’re an early riser, you’ll also spot many adorable monkeys roaming the streets and hotel grounds!
🌴 **Activities:** After spending the first few days exploring Kuala Lumpur and Penang, all I wanted in Langkawi was to lie down and soak in the sea views, so I didn’t plan any check-in activities. After comparing island hopping, sunset cruises, and mangrove tours, I chose the mangrove tour! It offers a unique blend of natural wildlife and sea experiences!
I skipped the sunset cruise because I didn’t want to overload on sea activities; I just wanted to lie back, relax, and watch the sea and the sunset in peace!
There were eight of us, so we decided to charter a boat for the mangrove tour. Initially, as we entered the mangroves, the scenery reminded me of the picturesque mountains and waters of Guilin. However, I, being accustomed to such landscapes, felt a tinge of disappointment. But little did I know, my expectations were about to be wonderfully shattered!
We navigated through two towering mountains and suddenly found ourselves transitioning from the serene river into the vast, open sea. It was an exhilarating experience! We sailed across the expansive ocean, basking in the breathtaking openness and clarity of the water. Instead of exploring the bat cave, we opted for an hour of snorkeling.
Although the snorkeling area was a bit crowded and teeming with sea urchins 🥹, we still had an incredible time. As our boat passed by a stunning, pristine white beach, I made a mental note to return and spend some quality relaxation time there next time!
Booking tips: When booking tour activities, don’t feel pressured to go with the popular travel agencies recommended on Xiaohongshu. Take the time to compare several options, as they are often quite similar, and you can even negotiate the prices!
