As the year winds down, my brother and I decided to hit pause on our busy routines and recharge with a quick trip to Langkawi.
Known as the Jewel of Kedah, Langkawi promised a mix of relaxation and adventure, making it the perfect destination to wrap up the year.
Although it was the monsoon season, which meant some activities like skydiving were off the table, we were undeterred.
We managed to snag affordable tickets for RM320 by booking through AirAsia (notoriously known for its cheap flight tickets), and booked a cozy inn just three minutes from the lively Pantai Cenang via Booking.com.
To get around, we arranged a rental car through LangkawiBook for RM320, covering our 4 days 3 nights stay at Langkawi.
Here’s a look at how our island adventure unfolded!
Day 1: Exploring Langkawi’s Highlights with a Touch of Adventure
Morning Arrival & Car Rental
We arrived at Langkawi International Airport bright and early, though slightly delayed, at 8:30 AM.
After a quick and seamless process, we picked up our rental car—an Axia Advanced Variant—right from the airport at 9:00 AM. Renting a car was incredibly convenient and gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace.
Pro tip: Always take a video of the car’s condition during pickup as a precaution.
Langkawi SkyCab Cable Car Experience
Our first stop was the Langkawi SkyCab Cable Car, one of Langkawi’s most iconic attractions. Tickets cost RM164 for two people (Malaysian citizens).
Although the SkyGlide was under maintenance, we didn’t mind the hike to and from the SkyBridge.
The effort was worth it for the stunning views!
Highlights of the Langkawi SkyCab Experience:
- Ride one of the steepest cable car slopes in the world—a thrilling journey spanning 2.2 km.
- Ascend 708 meters above sea level to witness breathtaking views of Langkawi’s archipelago and even southern Thailand.
- Visit attractions like the Eagle’s Nest SkyWalk, SkyBridge, 3D Art Langkawi, and the SkyDome.
- Foodies will enjoy the SkyBistro, where you can grab a hot drink while soaking in the panoramic vistas.
Tips for a Better Experience:
- Arrive early to avoid long queues during peak seasons.
- Bring essentials like an umbrella, sunscreen, and extra cash for additional attractions.
📌 Book your Langkawi SkyCab tickets online to save time and secure your spot!
Underwater World Langkawi
After a delicious lunch near Pantai Cenang, we visited Underwater World Langkawi, a family-friendly destination perfect for marine life enthusiasts.
Tickets were RM50 for Malaysians and RM62 for non-Malaysians per person, and you can often find discounts online.
Why Visit Underwater World Langkawi?
- Explore one of Southeast Asia’s largest aquariums, featuring over 4,000 aquatic species.
- Walk through the 15-meter-long tunnel to see sharks, groupers, and stingrays gliding above you.
- Don’t miss the adorable penguins at the Penguinarium and the daily feeding sessions for penguins, seals, and other animals.
- Learn about marine ecosystems in sections like the Tropical Rainforest, Temperate, and Sub-Antarctic exhibits.
Visitor Tips:
- Plan to spend 2–3 hours here to fully explore the exhibits and attend feeding sessions.
- Flash photography is restricted in some areas—follow the staff’s guidelines for the animals’ well-being.
🐠 Get your Underwater World Langkawi tickets now and dive into an oceanic adventure!
Evening Vibes at Kalut Cafe N Bar
We checked into our cozy inn by 3:00 PM, settled in, and then headed to Kalut Cafe N Bar at Pantai Cenang for dinner. Despite the rain keeping us indoors, the ambiance was incredible!
What We Loved at Kalut Cafe:
- Live fire shows starting at 9:30 PM added a unique touch to the evening.
- The food (fried chicken wings, cheeseburgers, and chicken burgers) was decent, but the vibes stole the show.
- Friendly cats roamed around, adding to the charm.
Pro Tip: Opt for the beanbags on the beach for a relaxing experience if the weather permits.
Day 2: A Scenic Langkawi Mangrove Adventure
Our second day in Langkawi began with an early start as we drove 40 minutes from Pantai Cenang to the Tanjung Rhu Jetty. Here’s a tip: make sure to arrive early to secure parking and have enough time to check in for your tour.
Tanjung Rhu Mangrove Tour Highlights
We booked the Basic Mangrove Tour through Klook for RM114 for two people, which didn’t include meals but offered an incredible experience.
- Departure Options: Choose between 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM, but ensure you arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. We went for the morning slot, which worked perfectly for our schedule.
- Duration: The tour lasted around 4 hours, filled with nature, adventure, and stunning views.
- Guide: Look out for your guide holding a Klook sign at the jetty to join your group.
What We Experienced on the Guided Tour
- Bat Cave (Entrance fee not included): A short stop to explore the limestone cave filled with roosting bats—both fascinating and a little eerie!
- Crocodile Cave: This natural cave is accessible only during low tide and offers amazing photo opportunities.
- Andaman Sea Tour: The open water views were breathtaking, a refreshing contrast to the lush mangroves.
- Mangrove Forest Tour: Cruising through the mangroves was peaceful yet exciting, with wildlife all around.
- Eagle Watching: A personal highlight! Watching majestic eagles swoop down to feed was unforgettable.
- Monkey Area Visit: Monkeys were playful and curious—just make sure to keep your belongings safe.
- Views of Kilim Geopark & Gorilla Mountain: The geopark is a UNESCO-listed site with stunning limestone formations. Gorilla Mountain’s silhouette resembled its namesake, making it a fun sight!
- Fish Farm Stop: The tour ended at a floating fish farm, where you can see various marine species up close. There’s also an option to enjoy a fresh seafood lunch here.
🛶 Book your Tanjung Rhu Mangrove Tour now and experience Langkawi’s natural wonders!
Day 3: Wildlife Encounters and Delicious Eats in Langkawi
Today was a mix of close animal interactions and satisfying meals. We started the day with a visit to the Langkawi Wildlife Park, located just 36 minutes away from Pantai Cenang.
Langkawi Wildlife Park Experience
Ticket Price: RM85.55 for 2 people
Opening Hours:
- Monday–Sunday: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM (last admission: 5:30 PM)
- During Ramadan: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Show Schedule:
- Pelican Feeding: 10:00 AM, 4:00 PM
- Snake Fear Factor: 11:00 AM, 4:40 PM
- Otter Feeding: 11:40 AM, 4:40 PM
Add-ons: Animal feed for RM9 per pack (totally worth it!) or a private guide for RM30.
Highlights of the Wildlife Park
The park is teeming with well-treated, healthy animals that are interactive and affectionate.
- Petting Zoo: We loved interacting with raccoons, rabbits, and hamsters. A cheeky baby raccoon, Kaka, even nipped my brother and tried to eat his sticker—hilarious and harmless fun!
- Hold a Snake: For the brave-hearted, you can hold a snake as part of the interactive sessions.
- Birds Galore: From colorful peacocks to ducks and swans, the aviary is vibrant and diverse.
- Langkawi Eagle: Seeing Langkawi’s native eagle, with its striking black-and-white feathers, was a unique highlight.
- Duckling Feeding: We paid RM9 for an animal feed pack and had a delightful time feeding the ducklings.
We spent almost 2 hours exploring the park and enjoying its various attractions.
Lunch at Islandish Family Seafood Restaurant
After the park, we headed back to Pantai Cenang for lunch at Islandish Family Seafood Restaurant.
Cost: RM56.55 for 2 plates of rice, fuyong egg, deep-fried squid, and tom yum soup.
Verdict: The seafood was fresh, flavorful, and so good that we decided to come back the next day!
Day 4: A Relaxed Farewell to Langkawi
For our last day in Langkawi, we opted for a laid-back schedule—perfect for unwinding before heading home.
Morning: Brunch at Smiling Buffalo Cafe
Located conveniently close to the airport, Smiling Buffalo Cafe offered the ideal start to the day.
- What We Ordered:
- Smoked Salmon with Matcha Latte (creamy and delicious!).
- Big Breakfast with Double Shot Espresso (a bold choice for my brother!).
The portions were generous, making it more of a brunch than a breakfast. The cozy ambiance and satisfying food made this a highlight meal.
Midday: Shopping Spree at The Zon Duty Free Zone
No trip to Langkawi is complete without some duty-free shopping!
- What We Bought:
- Chocolates and cheap liquor (Langkawi’s duty-free perks!).
- Tip: Airlines allow 1 person to carry 1L of alcohol, so pack wisely.
It was a bit of a challenge fitting all the goodies into our bags, but the effort was worth it. Thankfully, our rental car served as a storage solution after checking out of the inn.
Afternoon: Back to Pantai Cenang
We made one last stop at Pantai Cenang, although the rain kept us from enjoying the beach fully.
For lunch, we returned to our favorite restaurant, Islandish Family Seafood Restaurant, to savor one last meal before leaving Langkawi.
- What We Ordered:
- Same dishes as the day before: rice, fuyong egg, and deep-fried squid.
- Tried their steamed fish instead of tomyam soup (a bit pricier, but we still preferred the tomyam!).
📍If you visit Langkawi, Islandish is a must-try—their seafood is fresh and flavorful!
Evening: Heading Home
After lunch, we returned the rental car to the airport’s designated parking spot and prepared to head home. The journey back was smooth, and we left with happy memories of Langkawi.
Breakdown of Expenses in Langkawi
Here’s a detailed breakdown of our total costs for a 4-day trip to Langkawi for two people. These expenses include flights, accommodation, activities, food, and essentials:
1. Flights: RM320
- Round-trip tickets for two.
2. Car Rental: RM320
- Convenient and flexible for exploring Langkawi.
3. Stay: RM246
- Cozy and affordable accommodation for 3 nights.
4. Activities: RM472.55
- Enjoyed stunning natural attractions and interactive wildlife experiences with:
5. Alcohol: RM163
- Duty-free liquor purchased at The Zon Duty-Free Zone.
6. Essentials: RM29.90
- Items like sunscreen, snacks, and other small necessities.
7. Food: RM667.50 (total of all meals)
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at local restaurants, with standout meals at Islandish Family Seafood Restaurant and Smiling Buffalo Cafe.
Grand Total: RM2,219.95 for 2 people
For a trip packed with experiences, delicious food, and unique purchases, we found this to be a budget-friendly yet enjoyable getaway!
Conclusion
Our 4-day trip to Langkawi was an incredible blend of adventure, relaxation, and culinary delights.
From exploring the serene mangroves and interacting with wildlife to indulging in delicious local food and snagging duty-free deals, every moment was well worth the experience.
Renting a car gave us the freedom to explore the island at our own pace, while our carefully planned itinerary ensured we maximized both our time and budget.
Langkawi proved to be the perfect destination for a short getaway, offering a mix of nature, culture, and fun.
If you’re planning your own trip, don’t forget to check out Klook for deals on activities and car rentals to make your adventure even smoother.
