Langkawi

Langkawi is the jewel of Malaysia's islands, a lush tropical archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea off the northwest coast, fringed with white-sand beaches and cloaked in ancient rainforest and mangroves. A relaxed, duty-free holiday island, it is famed for its beaches, island-hopping and mangrove tours, and above all for the SkyCab cable car that soars up a mountain to the dramatic, curving Langkawi Sky Bridge, suspended high among the forested peaks.

History

The name Langkawi is thought to have existed by the early 15th century, though 16th-century maps also marked the island as Langa, Langka, Lansura and Langapura (Wikipedia, Langkawi).

What you'll find

• The beaches - the white-sand beaches like Pantai Cenang.
• The SkyCab and Sky Bridge - the cable car and dramatic curved sky bridge.
• The mangroves - the geopark boat tours through the mangroves.
• Island-hopping - the boat trips around the archipelago.

When to go

November to April, the dry season, for the sunniest weather and calmest seas; the wet season from May brings rain and rougher waters, though it is quieter and greener. Being duty-free, it is also a spot for cheap shopping and drinks.

Good to know

It is a relaxed holiday island rather than a party or luxury hotspot, developed in parts around the main beach but with quieter corners. The famous Sky Bridge and cable car are very popular and can queue, and cloud can spoil the views. The sea is warm but the beaches, while nice, are not the most spectacular in the region. It is easygoing and good value.

Nearby

The Thai islands to the north and the mainland of Kedah and Penang are within reach.

Key facts