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I visited Langkawi in the last phase of my week-long trip to Malaysia. The island is so mesmerising that I was regretting visit this place so late. I wish I could visit this place at the beginning of the trip so that I could have spent some more days in Langkawi. I recommend keeping at least 2-3 days for Langkawi. Watch this video and read the “Langkawi: Travel Guide” so that you can enjoy the trip to the fullest.
How to reach Langkawi
There are three ways to reach Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur . The cheapest way is travelling in a bus and fastest is to take a flight. You can also catch a train from Kuala Lumpur to reach Langkawi. Although as Langkawi is an island, not connected with a land route, you will have to get down either at Kedah or Kuala Perlis to catch a ferry to Langkawi. The good thing is that you can book Bus, Train and Ferries online.
Click here to do online booking of bus, train & ferries in Malaysia
Kuala lumpur to Langkawi fare
How to reach Langkawi by bus
The entire journey from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi will take a maximum of 8 hours. This includes roughly 5 hours journey in a bus to Kedah or Kuala Perlis and then a 1.5-hour ferry to Langkawi.
Bus fare from Kuala Lumpur to Kedah = 45 Ringgit (approx.)
Ferry ticket from Kedah to Langkawi = 23 Ringgit
Tip: The Tourist officer in Langkawi advised to take the bus to Kuala Perlis instead of Kedah. The Perlis bus will drop you at the ferry terminal whereas in Kedah you possibly have to catch a taxi to reach the ferry terminal. Also, the ferry fare from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi is higher than Kuala Perlis to Langkawi.
How to reach Langkawi by train
There are direct and fast train services from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar in Kedah. The train will roughly take 5 hours. Online booking for the trains between Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kedah can be done here.
ferry map langkawi
How to reach Langkawi by flight
The airport of Langkawi operates many flights to Kuala Lumpur & Penang in Malaysia. There is also a direct flight from Singapore and China to Langkawi. Air Asia, Malindo and Malaysia Airlines have flights to Langkawi. Besides them, Tiger air, Silk Air (Singapore) and Firefly (ultra-budget carrier) also operate to and from Langkawi.
Langkawi Ferry
I took a ferry from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi and while coming back I took a ferry to Kuala Perlis. Both the ferries were Air-conditioned. The fare is same for foreigners and the locals. I bought the ticket at the ferry terminal just 10 minutes before its departure in Kuala Kedah. You can book the ferry online by clicking here. As mentioned above the ferry fare between Langkawi and Kuala Kedah is 23 Ringgits and Kuala Perlis to Langkawi is 18 Ringgits. (as on Feb 2018)
Langkawi Ferry Terminal/Jetty
langkawi jetty
For me, the first impression of Langkawi’s Ferry Terminal was very good. It looked like an arrival terminal of an airport. You can get all the facilities at Langkawi ferry terminal. For eg, getting a mobile sim, money exchangers, ATMs, lounge, food courts, a bakery, duty-free shop, tourist information centre, free maps, etc. Watch the video to see how does the terminal looks from inside. This jetty also has international operations. Direct ferries are available from Thailand to Langkawi.
Local transport in Langkawi
There is no public transportation in Langkawi. You either have to book a taxi to reach your place or hire a cab for the whole trip. When I asked the lady at the information desk about Uber or Grab taxis in Langkawi, she replied Uber has started operating but she was not sure about Grab taxis on Langkawi island.
Hire a scooter/bike
I recommend hiring a two-wheeler to explore Langkawi. A scooter or motorcycle is available for 30-50 Ringgits in Langkawi. There are many business establishments who offer bikes on rent. It is always advisable to have an International driving permit (IDP) or licence if you want to drive outside your home country. Same applies in Langkawi and other parts of Malaysia. Though in most of the cases, tourists are not asked to produce their International driving licence to hire a scooter/motorbike. But you can land in a problem if the local traffic police catch you without the IDP
Petrol rate in Langkawi
Being an Indian where petrol is sold at the rate of 75 Rs per litre, I found the petrol rate in Langkawi, Malaysia is ridiculously cheap. The tourist information officer shared that the cost of petrol in Malaysia is around 2 to 2.5 Ringgits which is equivalent to 30 Indian Rupees. So hiring a motorcycle will not only give you the freedom to explore Langkawi on your own but its also cheaper than other available ways of transportation.
Interesting information about Langkawi
- Explore Langkawi on Bicycle. Rental for a day = 10-30 Ringgits
- Best place to stay in Langkawi is Cenang beach area (Watch the video for details)
- Minimum days needed to explore Langkawi properly – 2 days.
- Bollywood movies like ‘Don’ and ‘Naam Shabana’ have been shot in Langkawi.
- Bollywood actor Shahrukh Khan is quite popular in Langkawi, actually all over Malaysia :)
