Langkawi, one of a hundred?
Langkawi is actually an archipelago of around a 100 islands, located in the Andaman Sea, on Malaysia’s west coast. The focal point is the main and largest island, promoted as the country’s ideal holiday destination (especially among the locals), with its white sand beaches and turquoise sea.
Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
Ferry fun
I got to Langkawi on a ferry from Penang, which was supposed to take less than 3 hours, and in reality took 4 and a half. My favorite part was when more less mid way an alarm went off, so loud that it was impossible not to hear or ignore (or so I thought at least), but apparently I was the only person on the ferry breaking out in cold sweat and having visions of imminent drowning, because all the other passengers around me (almost exclusively locals) continued staring calmly at their tablet screens.
Pantai Cenang
Relieved to set foot on dry land again in Kuah, Langkawi’s main town, I took a taxi to Pantai Cenang, which is probably the most popular and developed beach on the island, with the most accommodation options as well.
Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
The beach didn’t seem overcrowded while I was there. In fact, in the morning it was practically empty, and the light at that time of day combined with the colours of the water and the sand made for some unbelievably serene and quite otherworldly surroundings. Later on during the day you could see small groups of Muslims strolling along the beach, with the women covered literally from head to toe, and their male companions somewhat less conservatively dressed (surprise, surprise). My bikini did attract a few awkward looks from this type of groups, but even though I tend to be respectful of the cultures and environments I’m in, I don’t think a bikini on a foreigner in a popular beach location such as Langkawi should be a surprise for the locals.
As everywhere in Malaysia, you could also see a lot of Malaysian Indians, with the ladies wrapped up in colourful saris, and Malaysian Chinese, who are completely westernized in the way they dress. Western tourists seemed to be in the minority.
Sunset hunting
In the late afternoon the beach filled up unexpectedly, and everyone seemed to have their cameras ready for the sunset. And the sunset didn’t disappoint.
Langkawi sunset
Langkawi sunset
Langkawi evening
Pantai Cenang evening
Other attractions?
Other than the beach, there is not that much else Langkawi has to offer. The food was rather disappointing (especially for Malaysia), although I’m sure you can find nice restaurants if you’re determined to do your research (and pay a bit of a premium, it is a holiday resort after all). For all of you alcohol lovers out there, you should know that Langawi is a duty free zone, which means that alcohol is not extortionately expensive here (as opposed to the rest of Malaysia).
The Langkawi cable car, which is one of the things the island is known for and something I was really excited about, was under renovation during my stay, which I only found out while there. Next time, maybe?
