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Boutique hotels in Langkawi

Langkawi Overview

Malaysia

Coastline
Fantasy island idyll
Coast life
Sunny, sleepy castaway-chic

Peaceful, proto-tropical Langkawi retains a wonderfully laid-back, those-in-the-know atmosphere. A popular escape for discerning couples looking to explore the island’s gorgeous natural attractions – or simply to spend some quiet, cuddly time together at a top-end resort – Langkawi is one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets.

Hordes of beach-grazers descend upon Southern Thailand’s islands, often making them feel a tad overcrowded. Not so at this not-far-away archipelago of 99 Andaman Sea islands off Malaysia’s northwestern shoreline. Leaving most of the others to nature’s whims, tourism is centred on the main island, Pulau Langkawi. Active travellers love it here: there’s trekking, diving, golf, sailing, cooking classes… and that’s just for starters. The only thing visitors won’t want to do is leave.

Literally Langkawi

Southeast Asia’s fruits are among the world’s most delicious, colourful, and, to Western eyes, odd. Visit the eco-tourism hub, Langkawi Agrotechnology Park in Lubuk Semilang Recreational Park (+60 (0)4953 2550) to find out more about colourful local produce – and, more importantly, sample a selection.

Local knowledge

Taxis
Taxis are cheap in Langkawi. In the more developed areas of the island, such as Pantai Cenang or Pantai Tengah, you can easily flag one down outside of your hotel. Otherwise, ask the concierge or a member of staff to call one for you.

Tipping culture
Not the norm; most establishments add a 10 per cent service charge to your bill.

Siesta and Fiesta
Most shops open at 10.30am or 11am and close between 6pm and 7pm. Restaurants and cafés are open in the evenings from about 6pm onwards. Many are open in the afternoon for lunch or mid-afternoon snacks; ask your concierge to call ahead if you’re planning an afternoon visit.

Packing tips
Clothes that scream, ‘I’m in a ridiculously relaxed, sun-drenched state’. Beach and resort wear – light cottons and linens – would be most appropriate. Mosquito repellent is an essential for those who don’t want to become an insect buffet. Trekkers should don dank-jungle attire.

Recommended reads
Malay is a surprisingly easy language to pick up, made more so with a copy of Malay for Everyone: Mastering Malay Through English by Othman Sulaiman. Take stock with A Short History of Malaysia: Linking East and West by Virginia Matheson Hooker. White Is the Color of Death by JN Catanach is good ol' escapist beach reading: a mystery entangling an American professor with Chinese bandits and British soldiers.

Cuisine
Blending rice, spice, noodles and seafood, traditional Malay food is available in abundance on Langkawi, but there’s also plenty of tourist-friendly fare for the less adventurous palate. The most popular dining areas are Kuah Town, Pantai Kok, Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah. The latter two brim with every kind of restaurant imaginable – from upmarket, trendy eateries to backpacker cafés. Local Indian and Malay foods can be found in Kuah and Padang Matsirat.

Currency
The Malaysian ringgit (RM) – the exchange rate is roughly RM7 to £1; RM3 to $1.

Time zone
GMT +8 hours

Dialling codes
Malaysia: +60; Langkawi: 4 (04 when dialling within Malaysia).

Do go/don't go
Luckily, Langkawi enjoys good, consistent weather all year round. It tends to be moistened a little during the August and September rainy seasons, but showers are usually short and sharp, providing just enough downtime for a quick nap.