Langkawi Travel Information
Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 Islands with only 4 Islands being inhabited which makes for a nature lovers delight. Whilst Langkawi is famous for is relaxed white sandy beaches, the jewels that make Langkawi special is it's unique and abundant wildlife and flora, the dramatic limestone cliff Islands, the mangrove forest and rain forest and the mountainous uninhabited terrain which covers two thirds of all the islands. Whilst the main Island is about the same size of Penang or Singapore, Langkawi residents total some 72,000 locals leaving a vast amount of space for nature.
With the Island surrounding the main Island of Langkawi, it is normally well protected from large swells and makes it an ideal destination for spending a day onboard Capricorn II for a relaxing day cruise, island hoping or taking your partner on a romantic Castaway Picnic on a deserted Island beach.
Langkawi activities are diverse and range from extreme activities such as Canopy Tours and Abseiling to the relaxing mangrove drip or spectacular Cable Car ride to the top of Mount Chin Chan.
Langkawi is not renowned as a shopping Mecca though there are many trinket shops, art, home wares and fashion. Langkawi is duty free port and hotel tariffs, alcohol and tobacco are duty free. Shopping is not extravagant though there is always enough to fine some good memorabilia to take home.
Please see our tours manual for more information on available activities.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Location
Langkawi is located on the western side of the northern peninsular of Malaysia. For this reason, it has a very different climate and rainfall patterns to Sabah, the Eastern States and even Kuala Lumpur. Langkawi is approximately 500km's from Kuala Lumpur and 800km's from Singapore and is actually located closer to the Sothern Thailand Islands than mainland Malaysia.
Use Google Earth to zoom down and check us out. Please note this is an older image of us.
Latitude 6°17'45.39"N Longitude 99°43'20.89"E
Getting here
Most international guests come through the hubs of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore or from Pulau Penang into Langkawi international airport. Flights are available from Kuala Lumpur by Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia and Firefly and from Singapore by Singapore Airlines (Silk Air), Air Asia and Tiger Airways and from Phuket by Happy Air. If you are coming via Penang, Firefly current offers daily flights. Ferries are available from Penang, Kuala Perlis and Satun in Thailand.
Climate
The seasons in Langkawi are opposite to the Eastern side of Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo, Singapore and Kuala Lumpuer. So when it is raining there, it is normally good weather on our side. In general Langkawi has a much dryer rainforest that it's East coast cousins. Even in wet season the average rainfall is less than other nearby destinations as we are located well away from the mainland's mountain ranges. Even during wet season it is seldom we see continuous rain for extended periods. During these wetter periods, it rarely rains for more than 2-3 hours at a time.
| Langkawi |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Average Max Temp C |
33 |
33 |
33 |
32 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
| Average Monthly Rainfall cm |
2.5 |
2.5 |
10 |
20 |
25 |
22 |
25 |
30 |
30 |
35 |
23 |
7.6 |
| Langkawi |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Average Max Temp F |
92 |
92 |
91 |
90 |
88 |
88 |
87 |
86 |
86 |
86 |
86 |
87 |
| Average Monthly Rainfall in |
1 |
1 |
4 |
8 |
10 |
9 |
10 |
12 |
12 |
14 |
9 |
3 |
Check out the weather in Langkawi:
http://www.weather‐forecast.com/locations/LangkawiINT/forecasts/latest
Language
The official Language in Malaysia is Bahasa Malayu however English is widely accepted and understood by those working in tourism and the younger generation.
Religion
The official religion is Islam, though there is proportion of Buddhists, Hindu's and Christians as well. Mosques, churches and temples can all be found in Langkawi. Most of the religious festivals are gazette public holidays and are celebrated regardless of race.
Business hours
Langkawi practices slightly different office hours from most of the states in Malaysia. Government offices are open From Saturday to Thursday at 8.15 am and close at 4.45 pm. They are closed on Friday and during public holidays. Banks are open for business at 9.30 am and close at 3.30 pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturday banking hours are from 9.30 am to 12.00 noon.
Money changers in Pantai Cenang and at the airport are open every day. However the private businesses and most of the shops in Kuah close on Friday and Saturday morning.
Currencies
The Malaysian currency is called Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and comes in notes from RM1 to 100 and cents from 1 to 50. Most currencies are accepted for exchange into Ringgit. Major credit cards are accepted at most major shopping complexes, restaurants and hotels. Tourists are reminded to have their passports ready when they wish to exchange traveler's cheques.
Emergency Facilities & Health Services
Langkawi is home to a modern hospital and there are numerous private doctors locally all of which are linked with pharmacies nearby. There is also an ambulance, fire brigade, local police and army and navy bases located on the island. Tsunami warning systems are installed and notification systems are in place.
Health & Insurance
We do recommend that you purchase travel insurance that is suitable to your needs and to ensure that you only used licensed tour operators during your stay in Langkawi so not to affect your insurance. While we complete fogging to reduce insects and there have been no reported cases of insect borne diseases we do recommend that you check out your local trip advisory and consulates for their latest recommendations.
Electricity
Voltage is 220 - 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.
Visas
Visitors to Malaysia must hold a valid passport or travel document with a minimum validity of six months beyond the intended visiting period. Most nationalities do not require visas for social or business visits. For further information, please refer www.imi.gov.my
Getting Around
Taxis are readily available and offer flat fee tarrifs The cars tend to be in quite good condition, mostly complete with air conditioning. Hire cars and motorbikes are available though we recommend you use operators with the correct licenses and insurances to protect yourself in any event. Please ensure you bring along your license in order to hire a car.
Dos and don'ts
It is important to know the local customs and practice in order not to offend anybody, however as tourism evolves there seems to be more acceptance of Western behaviors, though we recommend avoiding these behaviors particularly in rural areas.
Dress modestly, especially in rural area and when visiting places of worship and leave skimpy clothing for the beaches and when on board! Topless bathing is only considered acceptable for men and children.
Remember to remove your shoes when entering homes and places of worship. Shaking hands is acceptable but kissing the hand or the cheek should be avoided. Muslim women often prefer not to shake hands with member of opposite sex. Therefore a nod or smile will do. Necking and fondling in public should be avoided especially at the rural area. |
