Island in Kedah, Malaysia
Langkawi
Duty-free island with beaches, mangrove tours, a cable car and cheap alcohol. Easy for relaxed trips and short stays; a scooter or car is needed, and it is thin on nightlife and coworking.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$930–1,420Comfortable, one person · RM3,800–5,800Details
- Value for money81/100Better value than 80% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Mar, 32°CDetails
- Internet179 MbpsFixed broadband, Malaysia medianDetails
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated but not trusted by most visitors; drink bottled or filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$10–29Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundGrabYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards in resorts and duty-free shops; cash or DuitNow QR for local food stalls, scooter rentals, taxis and small shops.Details
Where to stay in Langkawi
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Pantai Cenang | Main beach strip: restaurants, bars, shops, easy ferry access |
| Pantai Tengah | Quieter beach next to Cenang, mid-range stays |
| Kuah | Main town, jetty, duty-free shops and cheaper local food |
Apps that work in Langkawi
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Grab | Works but few drivers; fares close to taxis |
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Touch 'n Go: Card for trains, buses and tolls
- Taxis: Taxis use fixed zone fares from the airport and jetty; agree the price before leaving. Hotels can book drivers.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Malaysia.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards in resorts and duty-free shops; cash or DuitNow QR for local food stalls, scooter rentals, taxis and small shops.
- Currency: Ringgit (MYR). US$1 ≈ RM4.08 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Many bank ATMs add no local fee for foreign cards; your own bank's fees still apply. Decline currency conversion offers.
- Tipping: Not expected; many restaurants add a 10% service charge plus SST. Round up or leave small change for good service.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay widely accepted; DuitNow QR works with linked apps like Alipay+ and some Asian banking apps.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Submit the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within 3 days before arrival; Singaporeans are exempt. Fake MDAC sites charge fees.
- Passports need six months' validity; officers can ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds.
- Sabah and Sarawak run their own immigration control, so you are checked again flying in from the peninsula.
Emergency numbers
Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 994 · All emergencies 999
Plugs
Type G · 240 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs with large data plans; passport registration required. eSIMs are widely available. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Malaysia
Going to Langkawi solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Langkawi meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Langkawi International Airport (Malaysia Airports)
- Langkawi Development Authority (LADA)
- Grab Malaysia
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.