Langkawi itinerary: What to do in Langkawi for 3 days

Best things to do in Langkawi: itinerary for 3 days

Langkawi is an amazing archipelago with 99 islands in northern Malaysia. Stay on the main island to explore its natural beauty. In this 3-day itinerary for Langkawi, you’ll find all the best things to do in Langkawi, the best time to go to Langkawi, and our handpicked tips on where to stay and eat.

Langkawi is a diverse island, offering stunning white beaches, lush mangroves, waterfalls, wildlife spotting, and many outdoor adventures. ‘Lang’-Kawi’ actually means Red Eagle and you’ll see a lot of them.

Add delicious food, island vibes, and friendly people to that, and you understand why Langkawi must be included in your Malaysia itinerary.

Ready to find out our best tips for Langkawi? Let’s dive into what to do in Langkawi for 3 days!

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Day 1: Explore the nature of Langkawi

Rent a scooter and cruise around Langkawi

Whenever possible, we love to rent a scooter to explore. It allows us to really discover a place and gives us so much more freedom.

Langkawi is a fantastic and safe island to discover by motorbike with well-maintained roads. The distances aren’t far, in 30-45 minutes you get almost anywhere on the island.

TIP: If you are comfortable driving a scooter, don’t just take the big roads. Find the smaller paths on the map that will take you through the rice fields. Memories you’ll never forget!

You can stop wherever and whenever you want to take a picture or enjoy the beautiful scenery. You can drive through the countryside and take in the local life in a way that is impossible when exploring by car or public transport.

In the next chapters, we’ll go over many places that are great to discover by scooter. You can rent it for just one day or your entire Langkawi itinerary.

TIP: We rented our scooters from A One Super Dooper Scooters (and paid $8 for a day. They are located on the popular Pentai Cenang beach and have excellent service and good scooters. Moreover, they do not ask you to leave your passport but just take a copy of your driver’s license. Please note: always take photos or video of the scooter before you leave, so there are no discussions afterwards.

Relax on tropical Tanjung Rhu Beach

Drive north to Tanjung Rhu Beach, where you can enjoy the white sand and crystal blue water. Or if you want to be active, rent paddle boards or kayaks.

TIP: When you re driving north you will probably first see the ‘I love Langkawi’ sign and the public beach of Tanjung Rhu. Keep following the road. After you pass the Four Seasons hotel and the Tanjung Rhu Resort (the ultimate stay in this area with two private pools and a private beach) you reach this secluded beach with a restaurant and a bar, and some souvenir shops.

Tanjung Rhu Beach is one of the most tropical beaches in Langkawi, close to the mangroves where you can do a tour (see next chapter). It’s something you can not miss during your 3-day itinerary in Langkawi.

Because it’s on the other side of the island, away from all the hustle and bustle, this beach is a lot more quiet than Pantai Cenang.

Take at least a few hours to relax and enjoy the beach while drinking a fresh coconut in one of the bars.

TIP: Sandy Skulls Beach is another small tropical beach in the north of Langkawi. This beach is only reachable by scooter or taxi.

Go on a mangrove tour in Kilim Geoforest Park

The Langkawi Geoforest Park (a UNESCO global geopark) has extraordinary limestone karsts and dense mangrove jungles for those seeking geological wonders.

The Kimli Geoforest Park is not far from Mount Raya (Gunung Raya), the highest mountain on the island, providing an excellent opportunity for hikers.

But the park is most known for visiting the mangrove forests with a boat or kayak tour, one of the best things to do in Langkawi if you love nature and wildlife.

TIP: If you are looking to book a tour, you have to take into account that many tour companies do not respect nature. They feed the eagles (which is really bad for them) or use lots of plastics.

That’s why booked Dev’s Adventure Tours, a tour company that respects the environment and wildlife. They even offer water in glass bottles, to reduce single-use plastics.

You can choose a 4-hour kayak trip (usually in the morning) or a boat trip through the mangrove (in the morning or the evening).

We did the sunset mangrove boat tour and loved it! In the mangroves, we spotted the kingfisher, monkeys, red eagles, green viper, sea otter, and lizards.

After exploring the mangrove, they also take you to the Tanjung Rhu beach to enjoy the sunset. The last stop is dinner at a floating restaurant in the park. It was a delicious end to our trip in the most stunning scenery.

Day 2: Mountains and waterfall hunting

Langkawi Skycab – Cable Car – Sky Bridge

On the second day, we’ll have a look at Langkawi from above. The best place for that is visiting the Langkawi Skycab en Sky Bridge, a highlight you can not miss during your Langkawi itinerary.

TIP: Try to come to the Skycab in the morning, at opening time (9h30). And try to avoid weekends, it can get really busy. The Langkawi Cable Car is one of the most popular and famous attractions of Langkawi, after all.

To get to the sky bridge you take the Langkawi cable car, one of the steepest in the entire world! It takes you up to 650 meters above sea level. Quite the experience, I can guarantee you!

There is an intermediate station where you can get off to enjoy the view. After a second trip in the cable car, you reach the top. Here are several platforms and you can access the Langkawi Sky Bridge.

The Sky Bridge hangs between two mountains and gives you the best views over the sea, islands, and jungle. However, you will need to pay extra to cross the bridge.

TIP: Just so you know, if there is a lot of wind or when it’s really bad weather, they close the bridge (and sometimes even the cable car) for a few hours.

Try to book your ticket for the Sky Cab in advance so you don’t need to wait in line at the ticket counter.

Seven Wells Waterfall

Langkawi boasts several spectacular waterfalls. One of the most famous ones is the Seven Wells Waterfall, also called the Telaga Tujuh. Its name derives from the seven connecting natural pools fed by seven individual waterfalls.

TIP: During the rainy season (September to December), there will be a lot of water. During the dry season it’s still nice, but don’t expect a lot of water.

You can hike to the waterfall from the Oriental village (or the top, see the next paragraph). But be well prepared when you start doing this hike. Along the way, you can spot monkeys and if you’re lucky, even some hornbills.

Read this article about the hike to the Seven Wells Waterfall for all the information. Or book a tour with a local guide to get the best experience.

By the waterfall, there are some small stalls selling drinks and snacks. Follow the steps leading you to the different levels of the waterfall.

TIP: If you have the time and are an experienced hiker, you can hike up from the top of the waterfall to the Manchinchang Peak. It’s a challenging but very beautiful hike through the jungle. Use maps.me to find the path and wear socks against leeches.

If you are not up for a hike, you can also see the Seven Wells Waterfall from the Sky Cab.

Seven Wells Waterfall Langkawi Walk Nature

Night markets in Langkawi

After admiring the views and hiking through the jungle, you can end the day at one of Langkawi’s night markets. Night markets are a great way to try out typical Malaysian food at very affordable prices. Watching the locals prepare everything is equally as fun!

Every evening, there is a different night market somewhere else on the island.

Two of the most famous night markets are the Kuah Night Market and the Padang Matsirat Night Market. These markets sell a variety of items, from local handicrafts and souvenirs to clothing and accessories. Also, you can find delicious street food and local delicacies.

The Kuah Night Market is held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It is a perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture, as it is frequented by the local community as well. Don’t forget to try the Kedah’s special dishes and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

The Padang Matsirat Night Market operates on Sundays, where you can find many items at bargain prices. Make sure to practice your bargaining skills to get the best deals on your purchases.

TIP: The Temoyong Night Market is near Pantai Cenang Beach on Thursday evenings. Combine the night market with a sunset on the beach!

Day 3: More Langkawi beaches, Islands and adventures

Relax and watch the sunset on Pantai Cenang

Langkawi is home to stunning beaches, making beach hopping an essential activity on your 3-day itinerary. Pantai Cenang is one of the most popular beaches on the island and is probably where you will stay during your Langkawi trip.

This white-sand beach is one of the busiest beaches in Langkawi. It has a lively atmosphere with numerous attractions such as water sports, beach bars, and restaurants.

If you stay near the beach, come and watch the sunset in the evening. One of our favorite places here is the Kalut Beach Bar. They have comfortable bean bags, great drinks, and fire shows when it’s dark.

The only downside on the beach is the big cars that are moving the jetskis in and out of the water.

Enjoy some quiet beach time on Pantai Tengah

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Pantai Cenang, head to the neighboring beach Pantai Tengah.

It is located to the south and is more relaxed. Here you find just a handful of bars and hotels and fewer boats or jetskis in the water.

At the beginning of the beach, you can find the Hidden Langkawi bar and restaurant. This place is probably the best spot to watch the sunset and have dinner on Pantai Tengah beach. Be here in time for the sunset, because it can get busy.

If you are up for a hike towards the end of the beach, then another lovely spot is Ngopi Pantai Coffee Bar.

Go island hopping

As mentioned before, the main island Langkawi is part of a big archipelago containing 99 islands. Going on a boat to do some island hopping is therefore also one of the best things to do during your 3-day Langkawi itinerary.

There are many different types of boat trips to choose from. You can do a sunset cruise, an island tour combined with the mangroves, a jetski tour between the islands, …

Bonus tip: visit the WOOFF animal shelter

If you are wondering what to do in Langkawi for 3 days, this might not be the first thing to pop up. But if you want to do something unique and meaningful during your stay, we highly recommend visiting the WOOFF animal shelter in Kuah.

The founder, Jeff, takes care of stray dogs and cats that have been injured. And unfortunately, this is something Malaysia struggles with a lot.

You can volunteer for a few hours, days, or even longer. Being dependent on gifts, you can also donate something to the shelter (even dog or cat food) and even adopt a fur friend.

The best time to go to Langkawi

To make the most of your 3-day Langkawi itinerary, it’s crucial to consider the best time to visit Langkawi.

The dry season runs from December to April, which is also the high season, so expect more tourists and higher prices.

The rainy season in Langkawi typically lasts from May to November. During this time, you can have heavy rainfall, particularly during the peak of the monsoon in September and October. On the other hand, prices are lower and there are fewer visitors.

Where to stay in Langkawi

Langkawi offers a variety of accommodations to suit every traveler’s needs. In Kuah, the island’s main town, you can find budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses.

But we advise you to stay closer to the beach, near Pantai Cenang or Pantai Tengah Rhu. Here are some of our favorite places to stay near these beaches:

For a budget stay, we can highly recommend Gecko Guesthouse. It is where we stayed for 4 days. The Guesthouse is located on a small street close to Pantai Cenang. Ask for the chief, he knows a lot about Langkawi and is very helpful with planning anything for your trip.

Another great budget option is the Bed Attitude Hostel Cenang, one of the most popular hostels in Langkawi.

If you are searching for an excellent value accommodation near the beach, look no further than the Langkawi Chantique. Conveniently situated just a short stroll from the beach, this budget-friendly hotel offers lovely rooms with all essential amenities.

Situated directly on the beach, the more luxurious Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa offers beautiful accommodations with stunning ocean views. The property pampers guests with world-class amenities like spacious rooms, swimming pools, a spa, and restaurants. And it is a great place for families as well!

Pelangi Beach Resort Langkawi Where To Stay

Best places to eat in Langkawi

Kalut Bar: located on Pantai Cenang, this is one of the best places to watch the sunset. Grab your bean bag before the sun goes down. Happy Hour is from 5 pm to 6 pm. The only downside is that they have some traffic around sunset just before the bar with 4WD who are getting the jetskis back on land. When it’s dark, you can enjoy a fire show.

Amani Cafe: our favorite local spot around Pantai Cenang in Langkawi. Perfect for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The owners are super friendly, the food is delicious and very affordable.

Yasmin Syrian Restaurant: come here if you fancy some delicious Middle-Eastern food.

Red Tomato: a great place for pasta, eggs, and breakfast. This restaurant is located between Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah and offers a good choice of both Western and Asian meals. We tried the spaghetti and the Mexican eggs which were great.

Pegaga Langkawi Vegan Experience: this is the place to be for delicious plant-based food in a great setting combined with stunning views.

Hidden Langkawi: a great place to spot the sunset on Pantai Tengah. You mainly come here for the view and a cocktail, but they also offer Western dishes such as pasta or burgers.

Scarborough Fish & Chips: on the way to Tanjung Rhu beach. This is one of the best restaurants in Langkawi and famous for… yes, Fish & Chips!

How to get to Langkawi

Most people who come to Langkawi come from Kuala Lumpur or are following the popular route Penang (Georgetown) – Langkawi. And you can even continue to Koh Lipe (Thailand), as we did.

Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi / Penang to Langkawi

By plane: Langkawi is easily reachable by plane. Langkawi International Airport is the primary gateway for travelers to the island. The airport is close to Pantai Cenang. You can fly from Kuala Lumpur, fly from Penang, or other destinations. There are daily flights at very affordable prices.

Overland: there are 2 places where you can take a ferry from mainland Malaysia to Langkawi. One is from Kuala Perlis, up north, if you come from Thailand (1h). The other one is from Kuala Kedah (1h30).

From Penang: take the ferry from Georgetown to Butterworth. There you can take a train (quicker) or bus to Alor Setar. Next, you take a grab to the ferry in Kuala Kedah.

TIP: The ferry between Penang and Langkawi is not sailing anymore since 2020 (although some websites still say it does). You need to take a bus or go by train.

From Kuala Lumpur: take the bus to Alor Setar (6,5h) and from there a taxi to the ferry in Kuala Kedah.

When taking the ferry you will arrive in Kuah, the main city in Langkawi. From Kuah, it is about 35 minutes to Pantai Chenang. We took a Grab taxi which was about $5.

TIP: Try to book your ferry in advance as our boat at 4 pm was fully booked and we had to wait until 7 pm to get on the ferry. We couldn’t manage to book on the website because we don’t have a Malaysian ID number, so maybe try a local office.

Koh Lipe to Langkawi – Langkawi to Koh Lipe

A popular destination before or after Langkawi is the tropical island of Koh Lipe. This is one of the most southern islands of Thailand.

You can take a ferry (2h) between the two islands. You will have to go through the immigration office in Langkawi and Koh Lipe. But when you book the ferry (we went with Bundhaya), they will help you go through the immigration process. No worries…

How to get around Langkawi

As mentioned before, you can easily rent a scooter to explore the island, just like we did.

Another popular option is using Grab, the major ride-hailing service available in Langkawi. For example, a ride from Pantai Cenang to the Sky Cable costs you around $5. Grab is available everywhere in Langkawi.