In this blog post, we’ll explore a perfect Langkawi 7 day itinerary to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and pristine white sand beaches. Our Langkawi travel guide includes the top things to see and do in Langkawi. This includes the best places to stay (from eco-friendly places to cozy guesthouses and romantic luxury escapes), where to find delicious local food, and hidden spots you won’t want to miss.
Langkawi, a jewel in Malaysia’s Andaman Sea, offers a lovely blend of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and colorful marine life. Perfect for a nature-loving adventurer or a beach enthusiast, this island is an ideal destination for a 7-day itinerary packed with relaxation, exploration, and a touch of luxury – if that is what you are seeking.
Having traversed 195 countries and countless islands across the globe, we’ve been privileged to encounter a lot of natural beauty. From the turquoise waters of the Maldives to the secret beaches of Bali and the remoteness of the Marshall Islands, we’ve witnessed firsthand the diversity of our planet’s islands and, Langkawi, has found a special place in our hearts. Find out why!
So what makes Langkawi so special? Well, first of all this is a super clean island, with few crowds (if any), well sealed roads and almost no traffic or smog. Basically the opposite of Bali when it comes to the pollution, congestion and noise. So, what is not to like?!
This Langkawi travel guide will walk you through all the top things to see and do in Langkawi, including the most pristine beaches, nature spots, and island-hopping experiences, along with accommodation options for every budget to fill your Langkawi 7 day itinerary with lots of fun and adventure.
Map of our Langkawi Travel Guide
This map provides all the components of our Langkawi Travel Guide. It includes the top things to see and do in Langkawi, the best beaches in Langkawi and where to stay and eat here.
Langkawi Travel Guide – Things to Know
Before you start planning your Langkawi 7 day Itinerary, there are a few things you should know about the island. And these are very pleasant surprises!
- Best time to go to Langkawi is between December 15 – March 15 when the sun shines strongly and there is the least amount of precipitation. And according to locals, February is the most perfect month to visit Langkawi.
- Most passport holders do not need a tourist visa to come to Malaysia which makes it super easy to travel here. To check whether you need a tourist visa, check here.
- English is widely spoken on the island which makes it easy to communicate.
- Credit cards are widely accepted here. There were only a few places that did not accept our credit cards and we ended up with quite a bit of cash at the end of our trip.
- And if you do need some cash, ATMs are widely available throughout the island as well.
- The whole island of Langkawi is considered Duty Free. There are many shops selling luxury brands, jewelry, alcohol, chocolates and the like at very good prices. To give you an idea – Rob purchased a Plantation XO 20 year old rum for $44 USD (this is typically a 50% discount).
Transportation for your Langkawi 7 Day Itinerary
Getting around the island is very easy as the roads are clean, modern and well sealed. There are a variety of ways to get around:
- Grab and other ride share programs are available at a very low cost. We ended up tipping 50 – 100% of the cost of each ride as it just seemed to be so cheap!
- Renting a scooter is also a great way to go as the cost of scooters are around 30 – 50 MYR per day. We negotiated our 125 cc scooter down to 30 MYR per day or $6.60 USD. For 5 days the cost ended up being $33 USD for the scooter and the gas for 5 days of riding every day was $3 USD.
- In addition, there are car and bicycle rental agencies throughout the island.
Best Places to Stay on the Best Beaches in Langkawi
Langkawi has a variety of amazing neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. Since one of the top reasons to visit Langkawi is for its gorgeous beaches, we are only recommending neighborhoods which have the best beaches in Langkawi. In Malay a beach is called Pantai. Here are a few of the best:
Pantai Cenang
This is the most popular area, with a long, beautiful beach, tons of restaurants and shops, and a lively atmosphere. It’s great for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of the action. This is also one of the very few party areas on the island. Pantai Cenang is rated as the #1 of all the best beaches in Langkawi.
Best Places to Stay in Pantai Cenang:
Budget: Casa Idaman Motel or Home Sol Guesthouse – Both options offer comfortable, clean large rooms within walking distance to the beach. Starting at $15 USD per night.
Moderate: Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa – This 5 star resort balances luxury and affordability with stunning beachfront views and excellent amenities. Starting at $160 USD per night.
Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi – Set on a secluded beach, this hotel provides exceptional service, lavish rooms, and infinity pools. Although not in Pantai Cenang, this is the closest uber luxury hotel to this area. Starting at $375 USD per night.
Best Places to Eat in Pantai Cenang
- Indiana Vegan Cafe & Yoga – This very reasonably priced vegan cafe is just a delight to visit. Set in a garden, the quality of each ingredient was healthy and high end. The juices and smoothies were divine as were the mushroom burgers and tempeh bacon sandwiches. The coffee was fantastic as was the carrot cake and berry cake desert. In addition, the owner has a variety of cats and kittens that sleep in various areas of the cafe. The cafe also offers surfing lessons.
- Tapaz Langkawi – If you are looking for fantastic seafood with a view, then head to Tapaz Langkawi for the sunset. The paella and freshly made bread are very popular as are the daily catches.
- Red Tomato – Laid-back option for light American & European eats, including vegan & gluten-free items with affordable prices,
Pantai Tengah
Pantai Tengah, located just south of the busier Pantai Cenang, offers a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. Its beach has soft white sand and calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming and enjoying water sports. It is considered one of the best beaches in Langkawi. The area is known for its mid-range resorts, offering comfortable accommodations and a tranquil escape from the crowds.
Best Places to Stay in Pantai Tengah
Budget: CassaKaseh Guest House – This guest house offers a variety of guest room sizes all offering air conditioning, high speed internet and smart TVs. This accommodation is 1.2 km and a 17 minute walk from Pantai Tengah beach. Starting at $16 USD per night.
Moderate at a Budget Price: The Bayou Hotel Langkawi – This 3 star hotel is located 650 meters from Tengah Beach. It is clean with large rooms and a refreshing pool along with other amenities. Starting at $38 USD per night this hotel feels more like a moderate one at a budget price.
Luxury at a Moderate Price: The Riyaz Lavanya Langkawi– Set on the beach, this 5 star hotel offers great views and lots of amenities. The price is more of a moderate price starting at $120 USD per night.
Luxury Romance and Seclusion: Ambong Ambong – This secluded 5 star resort offers 9 private villas each with it’s own pool overlooking the sea. There is also a vegan/vegetarian restaurant on site that is divine. Starting at $575 USD per night.
Best Places to Eat in Pantai Tengah
- Pegaga Langkawi Vegan Experience – This healthy restaurant is famous for it’s delicious multiple course menu or you can order a la carte. The place is set in the forest with a view of the ocean – the ambience is fantastic here, as is the food.
- Fat Cupid – This cafe is located down a narrow side street, situated around a swimming pool of a hotel. It has a blend of Malay food, seafood and other western staples. The chef is well known for creating great dishes. There are a few vegetarian and vegan options as well.
- Rockafellers Kitchen & Bar – If you miss some good ole cold beer and western food – this is the place to go. Cold drafts and drinks with lots of western food options abound.
Tanjung Rhu
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Tanjung Rhu is the place to be. It has secluded beaches (one of the best beaches in Langkawi), luxurious resorts, and stunning scenery. This is the area where the Mangrove Tours begin. Keep in mind, there are very few stores in this area and you will need a scooter or some form of transportation to get around.
Best Places to Stay in Tanjung Rhu
Budget: Motel Tanjung Puteri – This is a budget 2 star hotel with basic but comfortable rooms located right on the beach. All rooms have free wifi and air conditioning and some have kitchenettes. There is also a restaurant at the hotel. Starting at $16 USD per night.
Moderate: Tanjung Rhu Resort – This moderately priced 5 star hotel offers tons of luxury at a very moderate price (starting at $189 USD/ night). Offering spacious rooms and multiple pools, this resort provides an indulgent experience for beach lovers.
Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Langkawi – This luxurious resort provides private beach access, incredible facilities, and excellent service. And you never know – perhaps the next White Lotus will be filmed in this location. Starting at $591 USD per night.
Best Places to Eat in Tanjung Rhu
- Langkawi Sushi – This delicious small sushi restaurant is a must. It is run by a Japanese couple and the food is authentic, clean and delightful.
- Scarborough Fish & Chips- Tanjung Rhu – Located right on the beach this restaurant has stunning views and good pub fare food.
Pantai Kok
This area offers a mix of beaches, rainforest, and upscale resorts. It’s a good choice for those who want to be close to nature but still have access to modern amenities. Pantai Kok is also one of the best beaches in Langkawi.
Best Places to Stay in Pantai Kok
Budget: Idaman Guest House – starting at $32 per night. This is a budget friendly option as close to Pantai Kok as you can get.
Budget Plus: Api Api Eco-Resort – starting at $74 USD per night. Each chalet has a private patio and bathroom,TV, free wifi and air conditioning.
Moderate: Berjaya Langkawi Resort This sprawling resort has multiple pools, activities, and a private beach. Starting at $198 USD per night, most of the accommodations are over the water bungalows.
Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi This 5 star luxury resort is set in a rainforest. It has private villas, and world-class amenities. Starting at $375 per night.
Best Places to Eat in Pantai Kok
- OMG Beach Bar & Restaurant – A romantic Mediterranean inspired restaurant with fancy cocktails that is a short boat ride to Paradise 101 private island. You can also spend the day on the island’s private white sandy beach.
- Hai Yan – For a special treat, head over to this restaurant, perched on stilts that stand above giant rocks rising from the sea. This modern Chinese restaurant is in the Ritz-Carlton and has fantastic sunsets.
Sandy Skulls Beach
Secluded white sandy beach with crystal clear water (considered one of the best beaches in Langkawi – and one that very few visit or even know about). A great stop on the way to the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls. However, beware of the monkeys here, as they are quite cheeky and expert food thieves.
Best Places to Stay near Sandy Skulls Beach
Budget: Padimas Villa @Datai Valley – Unfortunately there are no amenities near Sandy Skulls Beach (except for the Detai Langkawi located at the end of the road) – therefore the place is so quiet and secluded. However one of the nicest budget hotels is close by. Padimas Villa is situated between 2 mountains in the green fields and has a few private units each with a private bathroom and air conditioning. Breakfast is included in the $60 USD per night price. There is also a small shared pool.
Luxury: The Detai Langkawi is an uber luxury resort set on a private beach in Detai Bay. The resort has 121 rooms, suites and villas set in the rainforest with some having views of the sea. This hotel also has an 18 hole golf course located 5 minutes away by car. Starting at $580 USD per night.
Best Places to Eat near Sandy Skulls Beach
- The Fat Frog – Ok, there aren’t any restaurants anywhere near Sandy Skulls Beach (except for the ones in The Detai), however the Fat Frog is a place that we kept on coming back to over and over again. Honestly, I considered putting this restaurant in the top attractions list. The Fat Frog is set on a 9 hole golf course that is currently closed. However the view of the lush valley from this charming restaurant is fantastic as is the Mediterranean inspired food. Most of the menu is either vegan or vegetarian with many gluten free options. They have a wood fire pizza oven for delicious pizzas (although there is no vegan cheese).
Perfect Langkawi 7 day Itinerary
Our overall Langkawi travel guide is meant to supplement this Langkawi 7 day itinerary – you can mix and match different places to stay, restaurants to eat in and the top things to see and do in Langkawi. It is just meant as a guide given everything that we really enjoyed on the island.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Pantai Cenang Beach
Morning: Settle In and Check Out Pantai Cenang
Start your Langkawi adventure in Pantai Cenang, one of the most lively areas on the island. Here you will find the most famous beach scene of Langkawi with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Lunch: Enjoy a casual lunch at the Red Tomato or if you feel like some Malay fusion head to The Fat Cupid.
Afternoon: Beach Time at Pantai Tengah
Spend your first afternoon soaking up the sun on Pantai Tengah Beach, which is full of energy and has plenty of beach bars for a quick snack or a sunset cocktail.
Dinner at Tapaz Langkawi if you are feeling like great seafood and a sunset view or at Pegaga Langkawi Vegan Experience if you are wanting some healthy good food in an amazing rainforest setting.
Day 2: Island Hopping in Langkawi
This area is home to over 99 islands, and no trip would be complete without a day spent island hopping in Langkawi. You can book a half-day or full-day tour directly from Pantai Cenang. The tours cover several beautiful islands and you can do it on a jet ski or shared boat or a private boat. Don’t be shy to barter as prices can vary.
PRO TIP: Bring your own lunch, snacks and drinks as your favorites may not be available and depending on the tour you may not be provided with much.
We were quoted $110 USD for both of us on 1 jet ski for a 4 hour tour. A private boat can cost approximately $85 USD for 4 hours.
If you want to compare quotes from the beach with the premier local tour company, What’s App Fadhil at +60 14 229 5769
Dinner: At the end of the day, enjoy dinner at The Fat Frog.
Top Island Hopping Stops
1. Pulau Dayang Bunting (Pregnant Maiden Lake)– This island has a unique freshwater lake surrounded by dense jungle.
2. Pulau Beras Basah – Known for its clear waters and white sandy beach, this island is an ideal spot for swimming.
3. Pulau Singa Besar – A popular island stop where you can view eagles swooping down to catch fish, providing excellent photo opportunities.
Day 3: Nature Exploration in the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Tanjung Rhu Beach
Morning: Mangrove Safari
Embark on a mangrove tour in the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, a UNESCO-protected site. You’ll cruise along the mangrove-lined rivers, witnessing limestone formations, sea stacks, and a variety of wildlife, including eagles, otters, and monkeys. Explore the Bat Cave and skip the fish farm – just our opinion.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the many food stalls at the beach or head over to Langkawi Sushi for some of the best fresh sushi on the island.
Afternoon: Hang out at the Tanjung Rhu Beach on the northern tip of Langkawi – next door to the Mangrove Tours. It is known for its tranquility, powdery sand, and crystal-clear waters. This is the perfect spot to unwind.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Langkawi Sushi and stop by Scarborough Fish & Chips for a drink and a great view of the sunset.
Evening: Sunset and Stargazing; enjoy the sunset at Tanjung Rhu Beach, which offers one of the best views on the island, thanks to its open and unobstructed vistas. After the sun goes down, lay on the sand for some peaceful stargazing.
Day 4: Northern Beach Exploration and Temurun Waterfalls
Morning: Explore the secluded beaches of the north starting with Sandy Skulls Beach (make sure to bring a picnic lunch as there aren’t any restaurants near this beach).
Afternoon: Cool off at the Temurun Waterfalls and enjoy the climb and swim there. Hike up to the upper pools if you’re feeling adventurous, or relax by the lower falls for a refreshing dip.
Sunset: Head over to the Datai Langkawi Resort to enjoy the sunset with a cocktail.
Dinner: Either splurge and have dinner at the Datai Langkawi Resort at the Gulai House or head back closer to your hotel for dinner at one of the recommended restaurants there.
Day 5: Sky Bridge by Cable Car Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and Pantai Kok Beach
Morning: Langkawi Sky Bridge and Cable Car
Take a thrilling ride on the Langkawi Cable Car up to Mount Mat Cincang. At the top, the Langkawi Sky Bridge provides spectacular panoramic views over the forest canopy and the Andaman Sea.
Afternoon: Stop by at the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls. Known as the “Seven Wells Waterfall,” Telaga Tujuh is an incredible sight. Complete the afternoon by cooling off at the Pantai Kok beach. Grab a to go lunch along the way to enjoy at the waterfalls but beware of the monkeys.
Dinner: Enjoy sunset and dinner at the OMG Beach Bar and Restaurant. The restaurant has a private beach called Paradise 101 – you may wish to split your time between Pantai Kok and the private beach.
Day 6: Exploring Kuah Town and Option to visit WOOFF Sanctuary
Morning: Eagle Square and Al-Hana Mosque
Start your day in Kuah Town by visiting Eagle Square (Dataran Lang), a famous Langkawi landmark with a large eagle statue overlooking the harbor. Continue with a visit to Al-Hana Mosque to see it’s interesting architecture.
Lunch: Enjoy a healthy lunch at Nian Cafe in Kuah. This is a lovely plant based restaurant with great fresh smoothies, drinks, vegan sushi, vegan sashimi and plant based Malaysian favorites.
Afternoon: Go Shopping at one of the many shops in Kuah or stop by Wooff Sanctuary and spend some time with the wonderful animals (dogs and some cats) that are available for adoption. They sure do enjoy having some visitors.
If you still have some time, stop by the Wat Koh Wanararm Buddhist Temple and marvel at the incredible Buddha carving on the mountain side.
Dinner: If you still have not been to the Fat Frog, we highly recommend having a meal there at least once. Otherwise pick one of the highly rated restaurants listed in our recommendations.
Day 7: Gunung Raya Hike or Relax at one of the Beaches
On your final day, consider hiking the Gunung Raya hike or just enjoying one of your favorite beaches on the island.
Wrap up your Langkawi 7 day itinerary with a farewell dinner by the beach or you can board one of the many options of Langkawi Andaman Sea Sunset Dinner Cruises. There are a number available on the beach or through Viator. You can pick a private cruise or a group one depending on your budget.
If you want to compare quotes from the beach with the premier local tour company, What’s App Fadhil at +60 14 229 5769 as they offer shared and private sunset/dinner cruises at competitive prices.
Top Things to See and Do in Langkawi
There are so many top things to see and do in Langkawi! We were actually torn between all the choices from the island hopping in Langkawi to the pristine white sandy beaches to the hiking!
Best Beaches in Langkawi
1. Pantai Cenang – Popular, and filled with activities and amenities.
2. Pantai Tengah – Just south of Pantai Cenang, this is a quieter stretch of the white sandy beach popular with families and those who enjoy the calm water.
3. Tanjung Rhu – Quiet and pristine, perfect for relaxation.
4. Sandy Skulls Beach/Pasir Tengkorak – Serene and lesser-known, a true hidden gem.
5. Pantai Kok – Great for scenic views and sunset moments.
6. Datai Bay Beach – Secluded white sandy beach.
Top Attractions
1. Kilim Karst Geoforest Park – UNESCO site with mangroves and limestone formations. The Mangrove tour takes you around this park.
2. Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls – Beautiful seven-level waterfalls with pools to swim in. There is a newly imposed RM 10 fee for foreigners to enter (locals pay half). Delicious coconut smoothies are sold at the bottom, prior to walking up the 200 steps.
3. Temurun Waterfalls – These are the tallest waterfalls on Langkawi, with water cascading down 200 meters into clear pools where you can swim. It’s a bit far from other attractions, so bring a picnic (but watch out for monkeys!). The falls are free to enter and are only a 5 minute walk from the parking area to the lower pool. The steps to get to the higher pool can be slippery and uneven.
4. Langkawi Sky Bridge – Cable cars take you to the first viewpoint and then on to the actual Sky Bridge. Both levels have good views of numerous waterfalls and the island overall.
PRO TIP: The Eagle’s Nest in our opinion was not worth the price. A combo ticket for the cable car and Sky Bridge was the best and much cheaper option.
5. Gunung Raya Hike – Gunung Raya is the tallest mountain in Langkawi and has a great hike which is about 7.9 kilometers (almost 5 miles) long, and takes about 4.5 hours to go up and down. The trail starts near the Gunung Raya Resort and is well-marked. It’s a popular hike with amazing views from the top.
6. Gunung Raya Sunset – Many locals drive up to the top of Gunung Raya to view the sunset, as on a clear day it offers one of the best sunset views on the island.
7. Wat Koh Wanararm (Lucky Buddhist Temple) – Wat Koh Wanararm is a beautiful Buddhist temple hidden away near Kuah Town. It’s famous for its large statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, carved into the mountainside. The temple grounds are peaceful and include gardens, a koi pond, and statues of Buddha.
8. WOOFF Animal Sanctuary – WOOFF is a really special place in Langkawi. It’s the only animal shelter on the island where they take care of injured and abandoned dogs and cats. This is a no kill shelter and they work hard to find everyone new homes or provide a safe place to live.
When we visited, Jeffery and the team were looking after over 150 dogs! Everyone was really happy to see us and we spent quite a bit of time petting and playing with the residents of this kind shelter.
WOOFF solely relies on volunteers and donations as the government does not provide any funds for the sanctuary. It’s definitely one of our favorite places on the island, and we wish we had more time to visit again and help out. In case you are interested, here is where you can find out more about WOOFF and how to either donate, sponsor, adopt or even volunteer there.
9. MARDI Agrotechnology Park – This is a 35 hectare fruit and vegetable plantation offering 30 minute tram tours to showcase the various varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs grown on the island.
10. Skytrex Adventure Langkawi – At Skytrex Adventure in Langkawi, you can climb through the rainforest canopy on rope ladders, bridges, and zip lines! There are three different courses, from easy to challenging, so everyone can have fun. It’s a cool way to experience the rainforest from above.
11. Morac Adventure Park – Want to feel like a race car driver? Morac Adventure Park has the longest go-kart track in Malaysia, with super fast karts and a high-tech timing system. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours, whether you’re a beginner or a pro.
Our Perspective: There are many “attractions” on Langkawi that we chose not to support. For instance, the Langkawi Wildlife Park, the Underwater World Langkawi and the Crocodile Adventureland are all touted as family-friendly attractions with interactive experiences. However, in our opinion, these are still zoos that we do not wish to visit.
Top Island Hopping in Langkawi
1. Pulau Dayang Bunting – The famed Pregnant Maiden Lake for swimming and scenic views.
2. Pulau Beras Basah – Known for its pristine beaches and clear water.
3. Pulau Singa Besar – Best for eagle-watching and enjoying untouched nature.
Wrap Up – Langkawi 7 Day Itinerary
This island is a paradise filled with pristine beaches, verdant landscapes, and hidden adventures. With this Langkawi 7 day itinerary, you’ll have the chance to experience all the top things to see and do in Langkawi.
By using our Langkawi Travel Guide you can mix and match your accommodations, restaurants and top things to see and do in Langkawi in whatever order and length of time you prefer. Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly stays or high-end luxury, this island caters to all, making it the ideal getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and beach enthusiasts alike.
Have you been to this stunning island? What did you think? Where you as pleasantly surprised by Langkawi as we were? We would love to hear from you in the comments below.
