Langkawi is the main island of the archipelago of the same name, consisting of about 99 islands, and is one of the best-known tourist destinations in Malaysia.
In this article we see what they are the main areas to stay in Langkawi.
Although the island is not very large, it still offers several options, to be chosen according to your preferences, the type of holiday you are looking for, the budget available and the number of days of stay.
The main areas to sleep in Langkawi
Pantai Cenang
Pantai Cenang is the main tourist center of the island of Langkawi; it is formed by a street that runs along the sea and where clubs, restaurants, shopping centers and duty-free shops follow one another.
Pantai Cenang Beach is a long stretch of white sand fringed with palm trees. The beach is very nice, but the sea is not among the best on the island. Furthermore, being a rather tourist resort, there are a little too many water activities, such as jet skis and banana boats, which make the beach less characteristic.
We were staying right in Pantai Cenang, and I must say that overall I found it an excellent solution, especially for the strategic position. We hired a scooter and during the day we visited some of the most beautiful beaches, easily reachable from Cenang.
In the evening, however, we did not need to take any means, since in the area there is a wide choice of restaurants where to dine and it is pleasant to walk on the main street between shops and clubs.
We stayed at the Favehotel Cenang Beach Langkawi, a very good value hotel with clean and spacious rooms and a nice swimming pool. The location is also good 15 minutes walk from the center of Pantai Cenang. If I have to find fault, the breakfast did not offer a wide choice. But in general we had a great time.
Pantai Cenang is approximately 10 minutes by taxi from the airport, 25 minutes from Kuah Pier and 20 minutes from Telaga Pier.
If you are looking for a lively area, with a decent evening life and in a strategic position, Pantai Cenang is the best choice to stay in Langkawi.
Central Coast
Pantai Tengah is located south of Cenang, but is practically attached to the latter. In fact, you can move between the two areas easily on foot.
Pantai Tengah is a quieter and more residential area than busy Cenang, with several resorts directly on the beach. There is also a good choice of restaurants, in some ways better than Cenang.
The beach has a calmer and more relaxing atmosphere and is perfect for those looking to bask in the sun.
If you are looking for a quiet area but a stone's throw from the busiest street, Pantai Tengah is the one for you. Also here you can find some structures with the best value for money.
Tanjung rhu
If, on the other hand, you are not interested in the evening life at all and looking for an oasis of peace away from it all, Tanjung Rhu is the best place to stay in Langkawi.
Tanjung Rhu is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island; from a landscape point of view it is certainly the best.
There are only a few resorts here, including Tanjung Rhu Resort and Four Seasons Langkawi.
Choosing to stay directly on the beach of Tanjung Rhu is the best solution for those looking for peace, tranquility and nature.
Datai Bay
If in addition to tranquility and relaxation you just can't do without luxury, the Langkawi area is perfect for your needs Datai Bay.
A bay immersed in the lush jungle, where the most exclusive resorts of the island are located.
On the one hand, the luxury of the resorts, with spa centers, gourmet restaurants, golf courses; on the other hand, unspoiled nature, clear waters and the possibility of close encounters with monkeys, monitor lizards and eagles.
Keep in mind that as a location you are a bit isolated and far from everything, so if you have to move or want to get around the island you will have to rely on taxis or your resort.
Pantai kok
Pantai Kok is a peaceful bay located on the west coast of Langkawi surrounded by forest and close to some of the island's main attractions: the famous Sky Bridge and Seven Waterfall.
Pantai Kok is the ideal solution for a relaxing holiday.
However, consider that the area does not offer much, you are far from the main inhabited centers and the beach and the sea are not among the best on the island. In fact, most of the structures have a swimming pool. If you want to travel, you need to rent a scooter.
Also check out the location of the resort, some are particularly isolated.
Kuah
Kuah is the largest city in Langkawi, home to one of the two ports on the island. Here you can find low cost hostels and accommodations, more suitable for backpackers. There are several restaurants, shops and the typical Saturday night market.
Staying in Kuah can be the right choice if you are passing through and need to take the ferry from this port to reach the wonderful Koh Lipe.
Kuah, being a port city, is not the ideal choice for those looking for a tropical oasis to spend their holidays and in general for those who want to visit Langkawi.
Conclusions
We have seen in detail which are the main areas to stay in Langkawi. In summary we can say:
Pantai Cenang: main tourist center with a wide choice of restaurants and clubs and a decent beach;
Central Coast: attached to Cenang (within walking distance) but quieter;
Tanjung Rhu: one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, ideal for a relaxing stay.
Datai Bay: holiday dedicated to relaxation, luxury and nature;
Kok Beach: quiet area near some of the island's attractions;
Broth: Langkawi's main gateway, ideal for a short stay before leaving or for low-cost travelers.
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