Langkawi

Everything You Need to Know About Langkawi

Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast. Surrounded by turquoise sea, the interior of the main island is a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. If you’re intent on carting off duty-free alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate, then this is the place to be. Still, nature lovers will find the island just as agreeable as the shoreline is fringed by powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees.

The island is especially recognised for its excellent diving opportunities and this tropical gem hides a treasure trove of other exciting holiday opportunities. From the expansive Underwater World Langkawi along Pantai Cenang to the soaring Cable Car in Pantai Kok, Langkawi is an electrifying locale that keeps visitors coming back for more.

Langkawi Weather

The weather in Langkawi is consistently hot and humid all-year-round, with occasional rainfall and cloudy skies, but thankfully it’s never too drastic. Located on the north-western coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the Malaccan Straits, this enduringly popular island is shielded from major winds and storms by the mainland on one side and Sumatra on the other. As Langkawi is situated near the equator, the town enjoys a tropical nature with the Andaman Sea remaining relatively calm all year long, and due to its consistent climate, locals and travellers can visit this tropical island at anytime of the year.

Best Time to Visit Langkawi

Between the months of November and April, Langkawi weather is a good balance of sunshine and light rainfall, making it the best time to head there for holiday. Temperatures are fairly consistent during the day, ranging from 30°C to 35°C while at night, between 28°C and 29°C. That being said, visitors can expect sunshine lasting till the afternoon and overcast skies toward the evenings. The weather in Langkawi also has a rather high humidity level, so locals and tourists are often seen relaxing on the Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah during more sweltering afternoons. The island is also well-frequented at this time of the year for excellent diving opportunities and water-based adventures such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boating.

Rainy Season in Langkawi

Due to its tropical landscape, Langkawi weather experiences of heavy rainfall due to monsoon winds between the months of September and October. While showers are sometimes accompanied by violent thunderstorms, the weather in Langkawi is not usually adversely affected. Therefore, the sea surrounding Langkawi is relatively calm compared to destinations on the east coast. During the rainy season, visitors still flock to the island to enjoy a wide range of activities such as shopping for duty-free goods or enjoying pampering massages at the island’s numerous spa centres.

Travel Tips

Currency

Ringgit is the official currency, but some resorts and establishments do accept other notes or offer foreign exchange (check with them for the service). The current exchange rate is around RM3.70 to USD 1.00 – but, consult banks for the latest exchange rates prior to your trip. Kuah town and the airport is where you will find most of the banks and money-changers. Banks open daily from 09:30 to 15:30. On Thursdays, they are open from 09:30 to 12:00 and are closed on Saturdays.

Holidays

Langkawi follows the Kedah state holidays. Weekends fall on Thursdays and Fridays but most businesses will continue operating normal business hours on Thursdays too. The official start of the week is on Saturday.

Immigration

Citizens of North Korea, Cuba, Vietnam and China need visas to enter Malaysia. Other foreigners may enter Malaysia without a visa for a visit not exceeding one month. Please consult your nearest Malaysian Embassy or consular office to confirm this arrangement, as regulations may change over time.

 

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