Insiders’ guide to Malaysia’s island paradise, Langkawi: from beach eats to stunning mountain views and vibrant night markets
The largely undeveloped tropical getaway is a rare find – here’s how to get the best out of a trip and soak up its relaxed vibe
Langkawi is Malaysia’s ultimate paradise getaway, a 320 sq km main island with sandy beaches, some of the world’s oldest rainforest and an eclectic mix of luxurious bolt-holes, backpacker inns and glamping locales.
What to do
While it is always tempting to just laze away the day on a palm-fringed beach, many visitors to Langkawi hike inland, to Seven Wells, the island’s most famous waterfall. But there is an easier alternative.
“Temurun Waterfall is less well-known but also beautiful and just a short, 400-metre jungle walk from a car park,” says Said. “Across the road is Pantai Pasir Tengkorak, whose beach resort is sadly abandoned for the moment, but follow the path to the idyllic sandy beach and you can find some of the clearest turquoise water for snorkelling.”