The Curse of Mahsuri

Mahsuri was unjustly accused of adultery and the legend holds that Mahsuri's innocence became apparent at her execution as white blood flowed out of her chest after she was stabbed with a kris. In her dying breath she laid a curse on the island that it would hence forth not prosper for seven generations. Whether rooted in legend or fact, it has only been recently that Langkawi started to prosper again.

Getting to Langkawi and around

There are daily flights from and to Kuala Lumpur (about 1 hour flight time). From there you can fly to any destination in the world.

You can go straight from Langkawi by ferry to Thailand via "Satun". In Satun you can move on by taxi or bus to "Hat Yai". Here you can take buses or trains to almost any known place in Thailand. It is also very cheap to stay over night in a hotel in Hat Yai and worth to explore the city for 1 or two days. Many souvenirs are a lot cheaper here then in the tourist places.

There is a daily ferry from Langkawi to Penang (Georgetown).

In the moment there is no public transport in Langkawi. You can only move by Taxi (the most expensive ones in Asia), by Car or Motorcycle (attention left hand traffic) by Bicycle or by foot.

Airlines Ferry Schedules - Coming soon

Accommodation

In Europe you can have very cheap offers on Langkawi holidays. Hotels in the 3 and more star categories will hardly give you a better rate on the island. For the long term visitor, and you might become one of them, it will be better to book a cheap ticket and after arrival look for Chalets which will be available for a reasonable rate. Normally they are not hard to find.

Some locals also like to rent out houses for a two, three or more month period. Usually they don't cost more than an amount of $US 250 per month.

In the worst case you will find somebody who will give you a private room for one night.

If you want to be sure and book or make reservations in advance, don't hesitate to write us. We might be able to help you.

Hotels in Langkawi

Trips, Tours & Sightseeing

There is a lot you can do on the island and beyond. Beyond is our favorite playground, the sea and the small islands around Langkawi.

Places to See

Restaurants

You don't have to take your meals every day in your hotel. The quality of the restaurants increased the last two years a lot. In the meantime there is food for every taste and purse available.

Selection of Langkawi's Restaurants

Money

It's not a problem to change foreign money in Langkawi. The Banks and Money Changers except all western currencies and most travelers checks. There is a problem with TC's from New Zealand. Even if they will be accepted the rate is miserable.

Shopping

You have to stay minimum 72 hours on Langkawi to be allowed to bring out 1 liter of spirits and 1 carton of cigarettes. Short term visitors should keep their ticket to be able to proof the duration of their visit !

Night Market:
Don't miss out the Night Market on Langkawi. It didn't change much the last years and it will give you the real Asian flair, that you might miss in the modern Malaysian Society. The hawker stalls sell very nice Malaysian dishes for small money. Enjoy

Hospitals

Langkawi has a very modern hospital in "Kuah" Emergency Number here and an old one in "Padang Matsirat". If you can make it always go to the hospital in Kuah. Even the hospital is modern, there is not enough qualified staff. It is very good possible, that the doctor or the x-ray specialist has to be called at home and it can take an hour or more until they turn up. Medication can also be short and blood is almost impossible to get.

Think about it while you drive your motorcycle or car on Langkawi.
You are in holiday and time is not very important in Asia. GO SLOW !

Langkawi Medical

Entertainment

There is almost no entertainment on Langkawi. A real party lion will be bored. But it does not mean that you can not be out until 6 am.
It happens.

Bars, Clubs & Discos

Telefon und Internet

You will find many public phone booths in Pantai Cenang and Kuah. But I guess you carry your cell phone anyway 8-)).

Important Phone Numbers & Internet