Langkawi is a laid-back gem off Malaysia’s northwest coast, made up of nearly 100 islands and known for its lush rainforests, dramatic limestone cliffs, and warm turquoise waters. While most visitors come here for beach-hopping, waterfall walks, and sunset cocktails, there’s more to Langkawi than just pretty views. It’s got a slower pace that makes it ideal for switching off. Think scooter rides through rice fields, ferry trips between islands, and the odd monkey stealing your snacks if you’re not paying attention.
What really sets Langkawi apart is that it’s duty free. That means alcohol, chocolate, and even luxury items come at a fraction of the usual price. In fact, beer here is often cheaper than a bottle of water. It’s a go-to destination for anyone after a cheap break with tropical vibes, where your budget stretches further and sundowners come without the guilt. Whether you’re stocking up at one of the many duty-free shops or sipping a cold can on the beach, Langkawi offers serious value for money.
Let’s be honest, Langkawi isn’t exactly topping the charts when it comes to scuba diving. We visited in February 2025, knowing full well that visibility tends to be limited due to the island’s limestone seabed and fine sand. Most of the time you’re looking at 2 to 4 metres of visibility, although dive sites further out, especially around the small islets to the northwest, can sometimes offer crystal-clear conditions of up to 30 metres during the drier months.
Still, we were there, and we dive wherever we go, so we gave it a try with a single afternoon dive. It just so happened to fall on a full moon, so the currents were stronger than usual and the visibility even trickier. No seahorses spotted – which Langkawi is known for – but we did use a buddy line for the first time, which turned out to be a great skill to practise. It’s something we’ve since used on other dives, as it allows us to search for small sea creatures without drifting apart. That’s the thing – every dive is a chance to learn something new. And even in murky waters, Langkawi delivered on that.
We’ll definitely be giving Langkawi another go, just in a different season. With better visibility expected between April and June, that’s now firmly on the list. It might not be Malaysia’s top diving destination, but there are things to find if you’re up for the adventure. The low vis adds a bit of mystery and excitement – and that’s part of the fun.
Getting to Langkawi was surprisingly easy. We booked a short internal flight from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), which took just over an hour. With only hand luggage in tow, the flights were cheap as chips – perfect if you’re keeping costs down. Once we landed, we simply booked a Grab from the airport to our accommodation. No fuss, no drama.
We booked into Bamboo Cottage, and to be honest, it’s now our go-to spot whenever we’re in Langkawi. Tucked away in a peaceful, green corner of the island, it’s ideal for those who want to reconnect with nature without being too far from the action. The atmosphere is laid-back and rustic, with a few nice extras that really made our stay. There’s a 20-metre eco saltwater pool, an honesty fridge stocked with cold drinks and breakfast bits, and even an outdoor kitchen if you fancy cooking up your own meals. At the time we visited, it was around £30 a night – incredible value for what you get.
Our room was one of the bedrooms in the main building, but they also have a larger family villa if you need more space. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the beach and a cracking little breakfast spot called Seb’s Café, which also serves great coffee, smoothies and light lunches. For dinner, we highly recommend Bobi’s Restaurant – good mix of local and international dishes, and a nice cold beer to round off the day.
If you fancy heading out for a relaxed evening, check out Rainbow Langkawi. It’s just a short Grab ride from the accommodation and has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with cheap drinks and tasty food. The bar staff and regulars are lovely, and it’s the kind of place where you can have a good chat without shouting over loud music. A great spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
We booked our dive with Langkawi Scuba, a small but professional dive school based right on the sands of Cenang Beach. They might be compact in size, but their setup is spot on – great quality gear, a chilled and knowledgeable team, and a relaxed vibe that makes you feel welcome from the minute you arrive.
They’re the only PADI 5 Star Dive Resort on the island and have been running since 2014, so you know you’re in good hands. Everything’s well organised, the briefings are clear without going overboard, and the whole experience is refreshingly low-stress. You literally board the boat from the beach just in front of the shop, and off you go – no long transfers, no hanging around.
Being right on the beachfront means you’re in the water quickly and can be back in time to catch the sunset. Just next door is Ah Chong Beach Bar Café, the perfect spot to wind down after a dive with a cold beer and front-row views of the sea. If you’re staying in Pantai Cenang, it’s a short stroll. If not, Grab taxis are cheap and easy. All in all, Langkawi Scuba offers a friendly, no-fuss way to dive in and make the most of the island.
We didn’t take any underwater photos on this dive – visibility wasn’t on our side that day, and we were focused more on the experience than the camera. That said, we’re planning to head back at a better time of year and will definitely update this page with new photos when we do. All in all, Langkawi Scuba offers a friendly, no-fuss way to dive in and make the most of the island.
Langkawi isn’t just about cheap beer and beach time – there’s loads more to explore if you fancy getting out and about. One of the must-do experiences is a trip up to the Langkawi Sky Bridge. You take a cable car up to the top of Mount Mat Cincang, and let’s just say… if you’ve got a thing about heights, brace yourself. The views are incredible, but the ride itself makes your legs go a bit wobbly – in a good way! On a clear day, you can see all across the island and out to sea. Once you’re up there, the curved suspension bridge gives you a surreal feeling of walking in the sky. Definitely worth doing.
The wildlife in Langkawi is something special too. We spotted hornbills feeding their young on our morning walk to breakfast – not something you see every day. Keep an eye out for Brahminy Kites soaring overhead, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of dusky leaf monkeys with their bright orange babies clinging on as they leap through the trees. If you’re into nature or photography, you’ll love it.
We’d definitely recommend booking a few tours while you’re here. The mangrove tour in particular was a highlight for us. As a keen photographer, I found it brilliant – calm waters, dramatic limestone formations, and plenty of wildlife to capture. We booked ours through langkawitrip.com, which made the whole thing really easy. You can book online, prices are fair, and their communication was spot on from start to finish.
