Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in Langkawi.
Restaurants
Nam Restaurant
Hands-down the most popular – and perhaps the best – restaurant on the island. Its delicious East-meets-West dishes have won fans from all over the world. Booking is essential if you want one of the coveted tables looking out across the groves.
Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi
(+60 (0)4955 6787)
Gulai House
This wonderful, rustic restaurant may be housed in one of the island’s largest resorts, but it still manages to seem like a refreshingly intimate eatery. The food is Malay, albeit slightly dressed up. And it’s the bee’s knees. Be sure to share – it's the Malay way.
Datai Bay, 07000 Langkawi
(+60 (0)4959 1088)
Wan Thai
A simple yet satisfying restaurant for Thai-influenced Malay dishes; extremely casual and popular with foreign visitors.
No 80-82, Langkawi Mall, Dundong, Kuah, Langkawi
(+60 (0)4967 1214)
Mare Blu
This delightful restaurant and brags brilliant views of the harbour-front. Dine at one of the outdoor, waterfront tables; order a cold beer or peruse the restaurant’s excellent wine list, and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine.
Perdana Quay, Telaga Harbour Park, 07000 Langkawi
(+60 (0)4959 3830)
Cafés
Sun Café
Trendy and laid-back, this café is a great place to spend some quality time away from the sun and enjoy a few simple snacks. Be sure to check out the (in)famous bathrooms.
Sun Mall, Pantai Tengah, 07000 Langkawi
(+60 (0)4955 8300)
The Loaf
Owned by Malaysia’s former Prime Minister, this little bakery and bistro in Telaga Harbour serves up delightful breads (60 varieties), snacks and light meals. The baker was trained in Japan. Call ahead – the opening hours can be a mite erratic.
Lot C9, Perdana Quay, Telaga Harbour Park, Pantai Kok, 07000 Langkawi
(+60 (0)4959 4866)
Bars and clubs
SunBa
Probably the most popular nightspot in the region: hip, retro and open until 3am.
Sun Mall, Pantai Tengah, 07000 Langkawi
(+60 (0)4953 3180)
Chin Chin
A chilled-out lounge bar annexed to Nam restaurant, this is just the ticket for those looking for a quiet place to indulge in a few cheeky cocktails. It's set in an antique shop house and decked out with Malay antiques. Oh, and the sunset view's pretty amazing, too…
Bon Ton Restaurant, Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi Malaysia
(+60 (0)4955 3643)