langkawi review essay

10 Reasons You Need To Visit Langkawi

Langkawi is home to 99 islands, 30 kilometres off the east coast of Malaysia. This place was once a hidden gem kept from the world until it was granted tax-free status and promoted for tourism to people from across the globe. 

Langkawi is renowned amongst local and foreign tourists thanks to its unmatched natural landscape and the pearl white sand beaches along with a strategic geographical location.

Fun Fact: Langkawi is an amalgamation of the Malay vocabulary “helang” (eagle) and “kawi” (Sanskrit for the bird’s reddish-brown tone). Brahminy Kite eagles are essentially the main residents of Langkawi and are indeed emblematic of the island.

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Location and Climate

This mountainous region of the Peninsular Malaysia experiences very less monsoon and more sun all year round with temperatures ranging from 23 degree Celsius to 34 degree Celsius. Great for tropical enthusiasts, Langkawi boasts immaculate white sand, lush greenery, and rocky mountains that are easily accessible. Back in 2007, Langkawi was declared the best Geopark there is by UNESCO.

The monsoon season occurs during the months of April to October. June is also a monsoon season when rainfall is at its highest.

When and Why You Should Visit Langkawi

Due to its sublime natural scenery and landscapes, excellent aquamarine contours and strategic geographical location, Langkawi has since become one of the most visited tourist destinations worldwide. The best time to visit this place is from the month of November till March when monsoon season almost comes to an end, making it easier to travel. After March, the rainfall commences in June and the cycle continues. 

As an island, Langkawi is full of hidden treasures that are bound to make an epic holiday escape. With breathtaking waterfalls, landscapes and adventure packed activities, this premium getaway is full of exciting opportunities. Here, at Paradise 101, we’ve gathered together 10 of the best reasons you need to visit Langkawi. See below.

1. The Mouthwatering Cuisine

With an array of tantalising restaurants and cuisines to choose from, Langkawi is no stranger to all the weird and wonderful foods that Malaysia has to offer. From fresh crab, lobster and squid to barbecue fish and grilled marinated chicken, the locals of Langkawi pride themselves on their unique cuisine. With influences from Indian and Chinese to Malaysian and Thai, this island is a paradise for gastronomes.

2. It Has Some Of The Best Beaches In The World

With numerous beaches scattered around the island of Langkawi, you are spoilt for choice! Surrounded by crystal velvet blue sea and white sands, there is no shortage of places to submerge yourself in this tropical wonderland.

One of the most beautiful beaches you will find is Pantai Cenang, a popular choice amongst locals and tourists. However, the island is also full of more secluded spots such as Tanjung Rhu’s exclusive beach or Pantai Tengah. Whatever you choose, these breathtakingly beautiful beaches are the perfect solution for those looking for the ultimate tranquility. Take a look at our guide to the best beaches in Langkawi .

3. The Breathtakingly Beautiful Landscapes

Along with its beaches, Langkawi is also home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Malaysia. The natural attractions range from its luscious rainforests to its floral mangroves. Pulau Dayang Bunting is one of many spots where you can witness Langkawi’s natural splendours including mountainous landscapes and spectacular waterfalls. Langkawi’s Geo Park is also a must see thanks to its enchanting forests, caves, tunnels, waterfalls and wildlife.

4. The Wildlife

Langkawi is home to an abundance of extraordinary wildlife including 200 bird species and an assortment of monkeys. In their famous wildlife park, you will find over 150 different species of animals and birds from all over the world including South East Asia, Africa, South America, Australia, Russia and Malaysia. Some of these animals include racket-tailed drongos, mudskippers, monitor lizards, Dusky Leaf Monkey and fish eagles. Regardless of where you are on the island, you are bound to set your sights onto some of Malaysia’s best known wildlife.

5. Filled With An Array of Activities

When it comes to finding things to do in Langkawi , you will not be disappointed! The island has an extensive range of activities to choose from. Whether you;re looking for a day tips, a sightseeing tour or a relaxing spa, there is something for everyone! One of Langkawi’s most famous attractions is The Langkawi Cable Car. Situated at Oriental Village this exciting trip delivers a chance to witness an the views from Gunung Machinchang, which is also the location of the Langkawi Sky Bridge. Visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of the mountain peaks, bay islets, and waterfalls as they travel up to a total of 708 metres.

6. Island Hopping Opportunities

Langkawi is part of Malaysia’s best loved archipelago, made up of a total of 104 islands in the Andaman Sea. Because of this, the island is the perfect location for those wishing to embark on a spot of island hopping. With surrounding islands full of tropical rainforests and mesmerising clifftops, this is one day trip not to be missed.

Across the island, you will find plenty of organised island-hopping tours to choose from. However, we recommend checking out Tasik Dayang Bunting, which is home to Langkawi’s largest lake. Here, you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the islands whilst delightfully snorkelling around the bays of the Indian Ocean.

7. Adrenaline Pumping Watersports

If, like us, you’re a bit of an adrenaline junkie then not to worry! Langkawi is full of water sport activities and thrill seeking adventures. Whilst the island has the feeling of a remote, exotic paradise, it is also home to popular tourist practices such as jet skiing , banana boating , kayaking , canoeing and parasailing .

If exploring the underwater paradise is more your thing, then there are plenty of places to snorkel and dive instead. Here, you will be able to indulge in the sights of the spectacular Andaman coral and swim though the famous mystical caves.

8. Packed With Culture

Wherever you go in Langkawi, it’s hard to escape the rich Malaysian culture that is sewed into the islands cultural landscape. There are plenty of opportunities to experience a guided tour of the island where you will be able to explore traditional Malay houses and places of worship. As well as this, they also offer the chance to gain some local inside knowledge to the local plants and herbs on the island and their medical values.

Alternatively, many local restaurants offer entertainment nights where you will be able to enjoy the delights of Langkawi’s cuisine whilst watching upon some local dancers and entertainers. The 3D Museum of Art is also very popular amongst tourists and art lovers. Here, it allows you to capture a unique illusion of images that will almost certainly blow your mind.

9. The Night Markets

Langkawi Night Market is the perfect place for those wishing to include themselves in the islands most traditional practices. Here, you will be able to taste some of the most authentic and affordable food on the island including malay sweets and street dishes. The atmosphere of these markets is unlike anything else on the island accompanied with local music and drinks, the sizzling smells and aromas of the market is truly unmissable. Local vendors also offer it as a chance to sell arts and craft, textiles and trinkets, perfect for souvenirs!

10. It’s The Ultimate Tropical Paradise

Finally, it must be said that Langkawi is one of the most beautifully, breathtaking islands in Malaysia, if not the world. With something for everyone, this magnificent island is the perfect holiday or travelling destination for both families, couples and budding adventurists. Enriched in some of the finest culture, food and landscapes, this is one paradise not to miss.

If you want to know more about Langkawi, visit our blog or contact us today to find out how we can help create the holiday of your dreams.

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written by Stuart Forster

updated 19.03.2024

Looking to unwind on a tropical island somewhere in Southeast Asia? Then you may want to head to the island of Langkawi : Malaysia’s ultimate escape from the country’s frenetic cities. From trekking into the rainforest to wildlife-watching – all between spells of relaxing on a wide, sandy beach – here are a few reasons why you should escape to Langkawi.

1. Because cocktails flow freely down by the sea

2. because it’s teeming with weird and wonderful wildlife, 3. because you can trek in an ancient rainforest, 4. because the sea waters are warm and ripe for swimming, 5. because you can ride a cable car in tropical temperatures, 6. because there’s great accommodation for all, 7. because there are miles of silver sand for the beach bums…, planning your trip to malaysia, tailor-made travel itineraries for malaysia, created by local experts.

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Hidden UNESCO Sites of Malaysia

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While beach resorts abound, there are still a few brilliant beach shack bars left on Langkawi’s shores, many of which are on the sands of Pantai Cenang.

Kalut Cafe And Bar is a great casual place to relax. Here you can enjoy the sunset from beanbags directly on the beach. As the evening progresses, this is a great place to go dancing. If you're lucky, you may catch the bar's reoccurring live fire show. 

Board a boat at Kilim Jetty to tour the waterways of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. You’ll have a good chance of spotting pythons between the twisted roots of mangroves and bonnet macaques feeding.

Keep your mouth closed when you pause to view the awesome sight of bat colonies hanging in caves within limestone formed 550 million years ago – who knows what might drop from above!

The island also provides habitat for more than 200 bird species. In the island’s foliage you’re likely to spot oriental pied hornbills, easily identifiable thanks to their bulbous beaks. Females have blue eyes and the males’ are red.

You’ll need well-attuned ears to identify the call of greater racket-tailed drongos, which have a quiff-like crest and distinctive twin tail feathers. Impressively, the drongos are able to mimic as many as 26 calls by other birds and animals, including the whooping and shrieking of monkeys.

Malaysia is teeming with great wildife © Barbara Bednarz/Shutterstock

Pack your boots and hike, to the sounds of squealing cicadas and chirping birds, in dense rainforest on the slopes of Gunung Raya and Gunung Machincang, Langkawi’s highest mountains. Companies like Dev’s Adventure Tours and Junglewalla offer guided tours providing insights into nature and wildlife.

Alternatively, follow marked trails at your own pace. Locals rate the trail to the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls, whose seven pools are associated with legends featuring fairies.

If you’re a water baby, then you’ll love Langkawi. Ocean temperatures fluctuate between 28–30°C (82–86°F), making swimming in the sea inviting and pleasant. Be warned though: jellyfish can be a problem. The creatures, known locally as obor obor , lay their eggs by the shore on evenings. Several resorts protect guests with anti-jellyfish nets. Wearing a rashie or T-shirt helps minimise your exposure to stings.

For more about the weather, see our guide to when to go to Malaysia . 

Cable car through Langkawi Island © Smarta/Shutterstock

Cable cars are usually associated with winter holidays but riding the Langkawi Skycab lifts you above the dense canopy of the virgin rainforest decking Gunung Machincang. The peak of the steep-sided mountain stands 708m above sea level, where viewing platforms prove popular spots for enjoying panoramas of the island. On clear days you can see the coastline of southern Thailand beyond the glimmering Andaman Sea.

If you have a head for heights, ascend to the Top Station in one of the glass-bottomed gondolas, peering over the ancient jungle’s treetops on the way. The 15-minute ride carries you 2.2 kilometres.

At the top you can cross the 125-metre long Sky Bridge. The world’s longest free span, curved bridge dangles above a chasm from a single metal pylon. Blend in by snapping selfies on the vantage point that doubles as one of Langkawi’s best-known landmarks.

Whether you’re strapped for cash or want to splash out, there’s somewhere for you on the island of Langkawi.

Many of the beachfront resorts are aimed at the higher end of the market – many making a perfect romantic getaway for couples in love. If stepping down from a chalet onto a white-sand beach to spend a morning dozing in a gently swaying hammock sounds up your street, splurge on the Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort and Spa at Pantai Cenang.

For those who looking for five-star accommodations, Casa del Mar Langkawi features rooms with beach views, an outdoor swimming pool and free bikes to discover the island with.

Beach chairs, Tanjung Rhu Beach © Alan Tan Photography/Shutterstock

If you want to roll out your towel and while away time on Langkawi’s sandy beaches, head to popular Pantai Cenang, on the south-west coast, or for ultimate relaxation, head north to the quieter Tanjung Rhu.

If lying on the sand taxes your patience try a jet ski tour or sunset boat cruise in waters around the island. They don’t cost the earth and are a great way to see Langkawi’s pretty shoreline.

Ready for your trip but daunted by the hours of research it takes to create the perfect itinerary? We're here to help. Our tailor made trip service takes care of all of the planning and booking so you can focus on holiday. Our trips are created by local travel experts and are completely customisable to your personal preferences. Not to mention, when you land in Malaysia, you'll have supoort 24/7. 

Or if you prefer to plan your own trip, don't miss our Rough Guide to Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei — with plenty of travel tips and insights. 

Stuart is an award-winning travel writer whose work has been published in magazines such as National Geographic Traveller, Wanderlust plus Food and Travel. From the north-east of England, he has lived in Germany, India and Portugal. He travels frequently to Canada and the Netherlands. Follow him @goeatdo on Twitter & Instagram .

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Home » Southeast Asia » Malaysia » Langkawi

13 BEST Places to Visit in Langkawi (2024)

Langkawi is a group of islands in the Andaman Sea. Part of Malaysia, more than 90 islands make up the beautiful archipelago. Only two of the islands are inhabited: Langkawi Island and Tuba Island. Langkawi Island is also the biggest island in the group and a major tourist destination. Blessed with stunning beaches and lush rainforests, the island also boasts myriad things to see and do. There’s something for all ages and interests and it’s almost impossible to have a dull moment when visiting Langkawi Island.

Langkawi is attracting more and more visitors each and every year. Previously overshadowed by its Thai island neighbours, business is currently booming in Langkawi. This can be a deterrent for travellers looking for a quieter island getaway and who don’t want to spend their vacation surrounded by hordes of other tourists.

Don’t be put off by Langkawi’s soaring popularity! There are still quieter spots to be found around the island and several hidden gems that will help you to feel as though you’ve discovered somewhere new and exciting.

We’ve compiled the ultimate list of the best places to visit in Langkawi, with a terrific mixture of popular sites and offbeat treasures and with something for all interests. Planning your vacation couldn’t get much easier!

It’s tough not to get excited when you realise the extent of the best places to visit in Langkawi!

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Langkawi:

These are the best places to visit in langkawi, faq on the best places to visit in langkawi, other top places to visit in langkawi.

Kuah is the modern heart of Langkawi, the biggest town on the island and, as a result, home to many shopping and dining options.

• Snap a selfie with the statue of the sea-eagle (Langkawi’s emblem) at Dataran Lang – ‘Eagle Square.’
• Explore the night market on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Pusat Bandar Kuah.
• Go to Langkawi Legend Park and learn about the island’s local myths and folktales.

Before you scrolll any further, you’re going to need to know which neighbourhoods have the best accomodation for your trip. Be sure to check out where to stay in Langkawi and get the full low-down on the BEST areas in this dazzing city. Now let’s dive right into the good stuff … the best places to visit in Langkawi!

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#1 – Al Hana Mosque – A great place to see in Langkawi if you love architecture

• Biggest mosque in Langkawi
• Traditional Moorish features
• Beautiful building and interiors
• Religious ambience

Why it’s awesome: Located in Kuah and close to the waterfront, Al Hana Mosque is the biggest Islamic place of worship in Langkawi. It was built in the late 1950s. Open around the clock, the mosque features typical Moorish designs. The pale building is topped with golden domes and there are Uzbek designs blended with Malay styles. The insides are eye-catching too. It is an active place of worship, though visitors are welcome outside of prayer times.

What to do there: Be sure to dress appropriately to visit the mosque. Women especially should ensure that they adhere to the dress codes, with garments that cover to the wrists and ankles. Admire the striking building from the outside and walk through the courtyard before slipping off your shoes to look inside the main prayer hall. You’ll see inscriptions from the Quran on the walls. Also, don’t miss the beautifully carved wooden pulpit from where the Imam delivers his sermons. Liston out for the melodic call to prayer, issued five times per day.

#2 – Underwater World Langkawi – Certainly one of the most exotic places to see in Langkawi!

• Home to many water creatures
• Family-friendly attraction
• See creatures being fed
• Large walk-through aviary

Why it’s awesome: The large Underwater World Langkawi covers around six acres (2.4 hectares) of land and is one of the best family-friendly hotspots in Langkawi. One of the biggest aquariums in Malaysia, it is home to 200-plus fascinating aquatic species. There are three different main sections to explore: Temperate, Tropical Rainforest, and Sub-Antarctic. Each offers a different experience for visitors along with the chance to learn more about creatures from the ocean deep and freshwater species. It is also possible to watch different animals being fed.

What to do there: Pass through the 15-metre-long (49-foot-long) glass tunnel and watch in awe as creatures like groupers, stingrays, turtles, and more swim all around you. Gaze at moray eels and lionfish, both known for their abilities to be able to cause harm to people. See species that inhabit coral reefs, including clownfish and wrasse, come face to face with penguins and fur seals, and watch fearsome sharks in the sunken ship-themed hexagonal tank.

Step outside to admire the large koi in the foliage-surrounded pond, see curious creatures like Chinese water dragons, African fat tailed geckos, and leopard geckos in the River Ecosystem section, and switch water-dwelling creatures for colourful avian species in the Tropical Rainforest’s walk-through aviary.

#3 – Mahsuri Tomb and Museum – One of Langkawi’s coolest historical sites!

• Fascinating local legends relating to an island curse
• Interesting museum
• Serene tomb
• Lovely gardens

Why it’s awesome: Among the most fascinating attractions in Langkawi, Mahsuri Tomb and Museum is a must-visit for travellers in Malaysia enamoured with the culture. This place is steeped in legends and lore, and most locals believe the tales to be true and to have connections with the island’s history. Stories tell of Mahsuri, a stunning woman born on Langkawi to Thai immigrant parents. Her beauty attracted many suitors and she eventually married a warrior. Her husband was sent to fight the Siamese in the early 1800s, leaving Mahsuri alone. She invited a travelling storyteller to stay in her home having been spellbound by his tales.

Rumours quickly started that she was having an affair and she was found guilty of adultery in a trial. Her punishment? To be tied to a pole and stabbed to death. After several failed attempts, Mahsuri was eventually killed, and it is said that her blood was white, thus proving her innocence. Before death took her, however, Mahsuri issued a curse on the island; the curse was to last for seven generations.

Interestingly, Langkawi Island only really started to come into its own after seven generations had passed. The complex has a simple tomb in honour of Mahsuri and there’s an interesting museum with many cultural displays and objects.

What to do there: Wonder about the sad fate of the beautiful Mahsuri, pay your respects at her tomb, and ponder the curse that was said to have plagued Langkawi for many years in the past. The gardens are a pleasant spot to sit and relax for a while in nature. Enter the traditional wooden Malay home and see how locals lived in times gone by. There are various household objects from yesteryear within the charming house on stilts.

See the large dioramas that tell Mahsuri’s mournful tale, view a variety of farming implements, everyday household items, and weapons, listen to traditional music, and, depending on the time of your visit, watch cultural displays. You can pick up gifts in the souvenir shop and grab refreshments in the café.

#4 – Telaga Tujah Waterfall – A beautiful and scenic place to check out in Langkawi

• Gorgeous natural attraction
• Opportunities to swim and bathe
• Splendid scenery
• Surrounded by wildlife

Why it’s awesome: Also often referred to as Seven Wells, Telaga Tujah Waterfall is one of the most famous places in Langkawi for breath-taking natural splendour. There’s no charge to enjoy the spectacular cascades. The water falls some 91 metres (299 feet) in total, tumbling over the rocks and creating seven natural shimmering pools. Wildlife surrounds the falls, adding to the scenic appeal. Trees tower around the waterfall and creatures such as birds (including the majestic hornbill), squirrels, small reptiles, butterflies, monkeys and mosquitos call the area home (which is why you should read up on how to keep mosquito e s at bay while traveling ).

What to do there: Take a short walk from the parking area to reach the bottom of the falls and the lower pool. You can take a dip in the refreshingly cool water to cool down in the heat of the day and admire the natural beauty. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active and want even more impressive views, head to the top of the falls. The walk takes around one hour and includes more than 630 steps. The effort, though, is well worth it! Spot diverse flora and fauna, soak up the vistas and have fun on the smooth rocks that create natural water slides.

#5 – Mount Mat Cincang – One of the nicer places in Langkawi to sightsee!

• Second-tallest mountain in Langkawi
• Amazing views
• Challenging trek
• Nature-spotting opportunities

Why it’s awesome: Mount Mat Cincang stands 709 metres (2,326 feet) above sea level and is the second-tallest peak on Langkawi Island. The views from the top of the towering mountain are unbeatable, stretching far into the distance and encompassing jungles, the sea, islands, and towns. A scenic (but challenging) hiking trail leads to the summit and takes two to three hours to complete the trek.

What to do there: Bring your best hiking footwear and clothing and fill up your water bottles before setting out to hike to the top of Mount Mat Cincang. The trail starts near Telaga Tujah Waterfall, and it’s easy to combine the two natural attractions in the same day. Scramble over rocky cliffs and use the guide ropes to haul yourself up the steep slopes. Be prepared for a fairly strenuous hike—if you don’t feel physically fit, don’t attempt the hike! You’ll see lots of wildlife around you as you climb. Upon reaching the peak give yourself a round of applause and lap up the spectacular views.

#6 – Dataran Lang – A perfect place to visit in Langkawi if you are on a budget!

• Free to enjoy
• Brilliant photo opportunities
• Major symbol of Langkawi
• Gorgeous architecture

Why it’s awesome: Located close to the ferry port, Dataran Lang is one of the major points of interest in Langkawi. Also known as Eagle Square, for obvious reasons, a gigantic 12-metre-tall (39-foot-tall) eagle stands at the heart of the square. With its wings powerfully spread and its gaze fixed on the sea, the large bird is one of the most iconic landmarks in Langkawi. Mini fountains, small bridges, waterways, terraces, and flowers surround the statue and the nearby architecture is elegant. There are also lovely ocean views.

What to do there: Snap lots of pictures of yourself and your friends/family in front of the impressive eagle and in front of the sea. Watch boats coming and going and the gaggle of people arriving at and departing from the Malaysian island. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the square, admiring the lovely architectural designs. You’ll find a selection of places to sit and enjoy a tasty meal if you’re feeling peckish and there’s an assortment of shops where you can browse (and buy!) a variety of goods.

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#7 – Tengkorak Beach – A nice non-touristy place to visit in Langkawi

• Relaxed ambience
• Interesting legends
• Sandy beach
• Local vibes

Why it’s awesome: Tengkorak Beach is a scenic, secluded, sandy beach with lovely views, a tranquil vibe … and a rather morbid tale! The beach’s name means “Sandy Skulls Beach”, supposedly because, in times gone by, a shipwreck caused many skulls to wash up on the sandy shores! Don’t let that put you off visiting, though—there are certainly no skulls there today! A popular hangout spot with locals, few foreign tourists stumble across the pretty beach. There are good facilities close to hand, including restrooms, shower blocks, and food vendors.

What to do there: Dedicate a day on your Langkawi itinerary for just hitting the beach! Spread out your towel to soak up some sun on the soft white sands, paddle in the sea, toss a Frisbee, build sand sculptures, and have fun at the seaside. Overhanging trees provide plenty of shade and there are small beachside shelters along with picnic tables where you can chill. This is a top place to perhaps spend an afternoon with that special someone or take the kids somewhere frequented by local families. Speaking of local families, why not spend your holiday in one of Langkawi’s best homesta ys for a truly local-filled experience.

#8 – Langkawi Sky Bridge and Cable Car – One of the most amazing places in Langkawi!

• Incredible vistas
• Thrills and excitement
• Popular activity in Langkawi
• Great for photography

Why it’s awesome: Langkawi Sky Bridge and Cable Car is a Langkawi must do. Not only an exciting experience, but visitors will have some of the most incredible views of anywhere else on the island. The Cable Car carries people up through several viewing platforms before reaching the Sky Bridge. High above Mount Mat Cinchang, the walkway is 124 metres (410 feet) long. It’s a great place for soaking up the vistas and taking plenty of awesome photographs.

What to do there: Climb into a cabin on the Cable Car and be wowed as your views increase the higher you climb. Look out for the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls flowing through the trees in the distance as birds circle all around. Be dazzled by the glorious views of the verdant islands and islets that speckle the deep blues of the sea.

Pause to take photos at the lower viewing point before continuing skywards. You can then either ride in the SkyGlide to reach the walkway or take a short hike of around ten to fifteen minutes up a steep mountain track. Try not to feel dizzy as you walk along the Sky Bridge and lap up the gorgeous views and spot wildlife in the trees below.

#9 – Langkawi Thean Hou Temple – One of the most religious places to see in Langkawi

• Colourful temple
• Learn more about Chinese mythology
• Serene atmosphere
• No admission fee

Why it’s awesome: One of the newest religious landmarks in Langkawi, Thean Hou Temple was constructed in the year 2017. The striking temple, although new, displays beautiful traditional designs and was built to honour the Chinese goddess of Mazu—a common deity worshipped by sea-faring folk, fishermen, and people who live close to the coast.

Mazu is often known as the Dragon’s Daughter and she’s an important deity in Chinese Taoist beliefs. Langkawi Thean Hou Temple is one of the biggest temples dedicated to Mazu in Southeast Asia. The large complex has a spiritual vibe and there are plenty of attractive features to admire. There is no charge to enter the temple.

What to do there: Gaze upon the ornate main building with its impressive dragon and phoenix statues, visible from some distance as you approach the site. Explore the large and colourful temple complex, complete with eye-catching statues, decorative pillars, bright paintings that depict mythological scenes and a variety of deities, and flower-filled courtyards.

Learn more about ancient Chinese beliefs as you survey the scenes. Feel the serenity at the three main shrines to Mazu, Guanyin (the Goddess of Mercy), and Lady Shui Wei (the Goddess of the Waterfront). See people preying and leaving offerings, inhale the sweet aroma of incense, and sample traditional Hainanese chicken and rice from one of the vendors.

#10 – Ayer Hangat Market – A must-see for foodies!

• Wide selection of street food stalls
• Many tasty dishes to try
• Foodie adventures
• Lively atmosphere

Why it’s awesome: The bustling Ayer Hangat Market (one of the most popular markets in Langkawi ) is among the best places to eat in Langkawi for a delicious and authentic culinary experience. It sets up each Friday from late afternoon until nighttime. Street food stalls line the street, the sights, sounds, and smells tempting the hungry.

What to do there: Take your time and walk along the market to see the wide arrange of goodies on offer—don’t just dive right in as there are sure to be many things that you wish to sample! The market is also a great place for photography and immersing yourself in local life.

Treat your stomach and sample a range of tasty Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and Thai treats. Popular dishes include satay, nasi lemak, grilled fish, pad Thai, nasi kerabu, chilli and black pepper crab, calamari, and roti canai. Grab a bag of fresh fruit to finish and wash everything down with a fruit juice, iced coffee, or cold tea. As always, staying safe while traveling Malaysia involves being smart with street food choices as spending hours on a toilet is probably not part of your plan. If in doubt, don’t eat it!

#11 – Anna and The King Gallery – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Langkawi!

• Off the beaten track
• Former movie filming site
• Atmospheric ruins
• Links to Thailand

Why it’s awesome: Located at Pantai Kok, next to Perdana Quay, the Anna and The King Gallery is an old filming set. Parts of the controversial movie Anna and The King were shot here. The movie tells a story, said to be partly true, of a young girl who served with the Thai royal family. The movie (along with the book it was based on) is banned in neighbouring Thailand because of the way that it depicts the Thai King.

The set once had beautiful palaces, homes, and other structures, and was a tourist attraction after filming had finished. Today, however, the buildings now sat in ruins, a sad reminder of the ravages of the passing of time.

What to do there: Although there isn’t really all that much to see today at the former filming set, it’s still an interesting place for fans of urban explorations and of places that are different to the norm. Quiet and uncrowded, the ocean-front crumbling ruins are evocative and haunting. Take pictures of the once-elegant buildings from the outside.

#12 – Art in Paradise 3D Museum – Easily one of the most fun places to check out in Langkawi

• Fun and funky
• Striking 3D art
• Great photographs

Why it’s awesome: A Langkawi must-see for fans of art, the Art in Paradise 3D Museum is also one of the best Langkawi vacation ideas for families and groups of fun-loving friends. It’s definitely a fantastic place to get loads of cool pictures to look back on later and remember your holiday. One of the largest 3D art museums on the planet, there are many wonderful scenes to immerse yourself in for the perfect shot. The paintings are created so that, from certain angles, the scenes pop and look life like. There are more than 200 cool paintings to have fun with.

What to do there: This is definitely something to pack a good-quality travel camera for as you’ll be making your way around the museum, stopping to pose in the various settings. This definitely isn’t a place to feel shy! There are nine different zones, including landscapes, castles, classics, safari, fantasy, aquatic, and optical illusions. You can also throw yourself right into Ancient Egypt and Malaysia from the past and present.

You’re sure to be even more impressed when you consider the fact that each large and striking painting was hand painted! Look as though you’re about to be eaten by a massive shark, pose next to wild elephants, balance precariously on a crumbling bridge, become a puppet on a string, sit inside a bottle, ride a flying carpet, and have heaps of fun!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

#13 – Wat Koh Wanararm – A nice quiet place to see in Langkawi

• Tranquil air
• Thai Buddhist temple
• Gorgeous grounds
• Active place of worship

Why it’s awesome: Wat Koh Wanararm is one of the many charming religious places to visit when you explore Langkawi. Tucked away, the lesser-visited Buddhist temple is colourful and enchanting. It is built in a typical Thai style and was constructed on the wishes of a revered monk. An active place of worship, people come here to pray, seek blessings, and make merit.

What to do there: Admire the large Tibetan pagodas in front of the temple, painted in white and gold tone, and stroll through the outer courtyards, filled with flowers and statues. Inside, feast your eyes on the large golden statue of the Lord Buddha and the detailed mural of a sacred Bodhi tree. You can also learn more about religious ideologies at the onsite schools; it’s especially interesting to learn about the differences between Chinese, Thai, and Himalayan practices of Buddhism.

Get insured for your trip to Langkawi!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Langkawi

Where should I visit in Langkawi?

Langkawi is all about hitting the beach! Head to the secluded and off the beaten track Tengkorak Beach for a more local experience.

What are some unique things to do in langkawi?

The Mahsuri Tomb and Museum tells the story of Mahsuri and her untimely and grusome death with beautful buildings and temples!

What are the best places to visit in Langkawi at night?

Hit up the Ayer Hangat Market to take in the lively stalls and the tasty local food. It’s also pretty local too.

What are the best places to visit in Langkawi with family?

The family will love a day at Underwater World Langkawi where you can get up close to some of Malaysia’s most exotic and beautiful marine life.

Take to the trees and have a thrilling time at the Skytrex Tree Top Adventure. As well as being a cool activity you will likely also spot wildlife in the surrounding trees. Although a busy tourist site, it’s well worth paying a visit to the Oriental Village to learn more about local culture. The Field of Burnt Rice is one of the more unique places to visit in Langkawi, and the stunning Kilim Geopark is a Langkawi must do for those interested in nature and beautiful natural landscapes.

Ayer Hitam Village is an ideal spot for escaping the crowds and glimpsing the local way of life, and Lagenda Park offers fascinating insights into local mythology and folklore. There are several great family-friendly attractions in Langkawi where you can spend a fun few hours with the kids. These include Langkawi Wildlife Park and Bird Paradise and the quirky Upsidow Langkawi.

There are many attractive beaches where you can relax and enjoy water sports, with hotspots including Pantai Tengah, Datai Bay, Tanjung Rhu, Pantai Kok, Black Sand Beach, Tengkorak Beach, and Pantai Cenang. The area around Pantai Cenang is also one of the best places in Langkawi for a lively night scene. Island-hopping boat trips are also a popular activity in Langkawi.

Whatever you’re looking for in the perfect vacation stay in Malaysia , Langkawi offers it all! Make your way around the best places to visit in Langkawi, create many magical memories, and have a wonderful time exploring one of Malaysia’s hottest islands.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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Dive Into Malaysia

Perfect Langkawi Itinerary Revealed! 2 – 5 Days In Langkawi 2024

Heading to Malaysia and looking for the perfect itinerary Langkawi? Perfect! We can help in this Langkawi itinerary blog.

Langkawi, a paradise archipelago in the Andaman Sea off Malaysia’s west coast, is renowned for its mystical legends and world-class beaches.  Made up of 99 islands, the largest is also known as Langkawi and is filled with picturesque jungle-clad hills that stretch down to an endless shoreline of beaches. 

Powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees, surrounded by turquoise sea – rich in marine life and a mecca for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts – all combine to make Langkawi our top exotic Malaysian getaway destination.

On land, enjoy natural landscapes – such as at Gunung Raya, the highest peak – expansive parks and iconic structures such as the Langkawi Sky Bridge and Langkawi Cable Car.  Visit unique attractions such as Underwater World Langkawi and Langkawi Wildlife Park. 

Families are kept busy with these and a plethora of other attractions, while couples adore the pristine beaches, and all age groups enjoy the wide range of water sports and have fun at the outstanding five-star resorts.  

With year round consistently hot weather, excellent dining and exciting nightlife – hippie bars to sophisticated lounges – and duty-free shopping malls, it’s no surprise we rate Langkawi high on the list of places to visit in Malaysia!

Below, you will find the ultimate itinerary to Langkawi! We walk you through options whether you want a Langkawi city tour itinerary, a 3d2n Langkawi itinerary, an itinerary Langkawi 4d3n or are lucky enough to have five glorious days in Langkawi.

You can simply stop following our Langkawi tour itinerary if your trip finishes in less than 5 days when you hit the number of days you have or pick the days that sound best from the Langkawi itinerary 5d4n below.

If you have longer in Langkawi, lucky you! You can take this Langkawi trip itinerary slower with more time to relax by the beach or pool or look for other things to do from our full list here.

Finally, we also recommend some top places to stay depending on your budget and a map of everything included in this Langkawi travel itinerary. 

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Perfect Langkawi Itinerary

Remember, this is a full Langkawi 5 days 4 nights itinerary. If you have less days, simply pick the days that most appeal.

This is suitable for a Langkawi honeymoon itinerary or a Langkawi itinerary for family – just take out activities if you want to make it easier or if they don’t seem suitable for your kids.

Day 1: Beach And Relaxation

Today, you arrive in Langkawi. The start of this itinerary is all about enjoying where you are!

• Arrive in Langkawi. On arrival, you can take a taxi or book a transfer here to your hotel.
• Spend the afternoon enjoying where you are – take it easy at your resort or head to the beach.
• In the early evening, head to Pantai Cenang, the main beach on Langkawi, for sunset drinks and dinner. Yellow Cafe or The Cliff Restaurant and Bar are a good place for sundowners.
• Hang around to watch the fire dancers on the beach.
• If you want to party tonight, you are in the right area.

Pantai Cenang

The busiest (and one of the prettiest!) beach on Langkawi Island, Pantai Cenang has a diverse mix of cafes and restaurants, alongside souvenir shops and duty-free outlets. 

This picturesque two kilometre beach strip is fringed with coconut trees and offers awesome ocean views, It is just ten minutes from Langkawi International Airport.  Ever so popular with families, there are many kid-friendly attractions such as the Underwater World Langkawi and the Rice Garden Museum.

White sands and clear waters mean Pantai Cenang beach is terrific for sunbathing and swimming.  Grab a book, rent a beach chair, umbrella and position yourself right on the beach! 

After a relaxing morning, get your adrenaline flowing with a wide range of water sports, including jet-skiing ( options here ) and parasailing .  End your afternoon with beach volleyball or soccer and enjoy fabulous sunsets.

Accommodation varies from high-end resorts to budget hotels, mostly with views of the Andaman Sea.  The area teems with locals, tourists, expats and backpackers, making the nightlife scene the liveliest on the Island. 

Beachfront funky bars and classy lounges offer inexpensive alcohol and snacks, and you’re sure to catch a live band, DJ or cultural performance somewhere along the strip!

Day 2: Langkawi Up High And Down Low: Langkawi Itinerary 2 Days

Day 2 of this Langkawi 2 days itinerary is all about seeing the best of Langkawi quickly! So if you only have time for Langkawi itinerary 2D1N, you can still leave feeling like you saw Langkawi.  

• It’s time to see as much of Langkawi as possible. Head to the Langkawi SkyBridge by taking the Langkawi SkyCab to the top ( get your discounted tickets here ). Enjoy the amazing views.
• Now you’ve seen Langkawi from above, see it at sea level – go on an island hopping tour for the afternoon ( book it online here ).
• Tonight, head to one of Langkawi’s night markets. They change location each night. See the schedule here.

Langkawi SkyBridge

Enjoy an amazing walk around this spectacular 125-metre curved pedestrian cable-stayed bridge – the longest free-span and curved bridge in the world!  Built at the top of the Machinchang mountain, some 660 metres above sea level, and suspended approximately 100 metres above virgin jungle, if you’re scared of heights, this is one to miss!

To reach the SkyBridge, first take a ride on the Langkawi Cable Car/SkyCab to the top station.  It takes around 15 minutes from the Oriental Village at Teluk Burau through three stations to the top. On the way, you get a wonderful aerial view of the surrounding forest, the Telaga Tujuh (Sevens Wells) waterfall, as well as out across the sea. 

At the top, jump in the Sky Glide inclined lift taking you in two minutes directly to the bridge.  Alternatively, walk 10-20 minutes along a steep mountain track to the Sky Bridge.

The SkyBridge’s curved design maximises your viewing experience as your perspective constantly shifts!  

Get discounted SkyBridge and SkyCab tickets here.

Address: Jalan Telaga Tujuh

Langkawi Island Hopping Tour

Probably the most popular activity in Langkawi, island-hopping takes you out around the archipelago, exploring some stunning islets.  Trips usually last for 4-5 hours and, weather permitting, can be enjoyed all year round.

Local tour companies offer pick up services from most hotels at 9 am.  You’ll be dropped at a Jetty, ready to catch your boat.  Choose to join a group tour or private tour. They are very affordable.

There are a handful of nearby popular island-hopping stops including Pulau Dayang Bunting (from afar said to resemble the silhouette of a reclined pregnant lady).  Langkawi’s second largest uninhabited island, it’s easily reached in a 15-minute boat ride.  Take a short hike, via a concrete stairway through dense forest, to a lovely freshwater lake where you can swim, kayak and more.

Also popular is Pulau Beras Basah, for its beautiful beach, great scenery and lush forests, suitable for jungle-treks or an adventurous overnight camp!

Third on our list of recommended stops is Pulau Singa Besar, a wildlife sanctuary home to eagles, monkeys, hornbills, monitor lizards and more!  

Book your discounted Island Hopping tour here.

You can read our full guide to Langkawi Island Hopping experiences here .

Night Markets

There’s a night market in Langkawi on every night of the week.

From around 5:30pm, they start popping up, continuing late into the night or until the vendors sell out.  Each day of the week, a different and designated location opens for a market with makeshift stalls. They sell all kinds of local items ranging from food and snacks, fresh produce, clothes, souvenirs and trinkets, watches, sunglasses… and more!   

Tourists and locals visit for the food alone with tempting Malay dishes and great smells filling the air.  Soak in the friendly atmosphere, sample delicious street-snacks and haggle for bargains.

For those following the Langkawi 2d1n itinerary, you may need to fly out this evening and miss out the wonderful Night Markets… or better still, consider extending your trip for our wonderful itinerary Langkawi 3d2n!

Day 3: Langkawi Nature & Wildlife Delights: Langkawi Itinerary 3 Days

It’s time to get out and about.  This 3 days Langkawi itinerary takes you to some of the best attractions on the island.

• Today, hire a car or driver.  Book your car rental here.
• Start with a visit to the Langkawi Wildlife Park for hand feeding monkeys. 
• Next up, travel 20 minutes to the Kilim Geoforest Park to spot glorious birds of prey and enjoy a boat ride through the mangroves – book your discounted tickets here .
• Now, it’s a super quick drive or walk to Tanjung Rhu Beach for lunch and a swim.
• Refreshed, head off for a quick stop at Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi – book your discounted tickets here.
• If you have any time left, end your afternoon at Seven Wells Waterfall for a lovely trek and swim

Langkawi Wildlife Park

A five acres animal sanctuary, located in the Kilim area – only 15 minutes drive from Kuah Town – this Park has a tropical rainforest ambience.  Discover over 150 different species of animals and birds, from all corners of the globe. 

Focusing on easy to maintain species – no big cats here – the Park has some funny creatures and you’ll enjoy close interaction with daily feeding sessions offered for many of the animals and birds. H ave you ever hand-fed an ostrich?  

From the entrance, macaws, flamingos, crocodiles and colourful peacocks lead you through to the highlight – the walk-in aviary.  Love birds buzz over your head or sometimes perch on your shoulder!  The bird of prey section has vultures from South Africa and white bellied sea eagles from Kilim Geopark. 

You’ll want to arrive here right on opening to have time to get to your mangrove tour.  

Address: Lot 1485, Kampung Belanga Pecah, Jalan Ayer Hangat

Kilim Karst UNESCO Geoforest Park Langkawi

Spanning almost 100 square kilometres, this park is famous for its mangrove swamps, pristine beaches and vertical karstic hills that jut out towards the Andaman Sea.  There’s wildlife galore here, from otters and monitor lizards, to macaques and tree crabs in the thick mangroves.  

Take a leisurely riverboat cruise along Kilim River, around the coast on the Andaman Sea and more with an experienced nature guide, in search of wildlife, visit a floating fish farm and keep an eye out for colourful birdlife such as kingfishers, and majestic birds of prey including kite eagles. Visit caves and more.

We loved this tour as it’s an easy way to see some beautiful parts of Langkawi which are worth exploring.

A standout attraction on your Langkawi 3 days 2 nights itinerary.

Book your discounted tickets here.

Address: Kampung Kilim, Mukim

Tanjung Rhu Beach

Surrounded by evergreen forest, this remote nook in the island of Langkawi is a beautiful bay.  

Emerge from the rainforest jungle to find a milky-white sand beach and calm crystal-clear waters, making it a lovely place for a refreshing swim before setting off for more island exploration.  Note that there are no changing facilities at this beach.

Rustic, cheap, restaurants offer Malaysian and Thai dishes – ideal for a quick lunch. There are also souvenir stalls and water sports. And, across the bay in good weather, spot the mountains of Thailand.

The best place to go is right next to the Tanjung Rhu Resort near the Tanjung Rhu Jetty. It’s not that popular, but so great.

Crocodile Adventureland Langkawi

A lovely farm, nestled in lush greenery with mountains at the backdrop, here you’ll find one of the largest collections of Malaysian saltwater crocodiles. 

Different species, different sizes, with over 1000 crocodiles and alligators bred here.  Try to catch the daily talk show, where there’s a chance to have your photo with a 13ft crocodile…  I f you dare!

Address: Mukim Air Hangat, Jalan Datai, Kampung Kubang Badak

Seven Wells Waterfall

Known locally as Telaga Tujuh, Seven Wells Waterfall has – unsurprisingly –  seven natural falls at different levels, formed by water flowing down from the second highest mountain of Langkawi, Mount Machinchang.  

The most picturesque and dramatic waterfall on the island with a 91 metres drop, you’ll need to endure a short hike from the car park.  It is quite steep, but it doesn’t take more than 10 minutes. Along the way, look out for macaque monkeys, giant squirrels and great hornbills. 

At this stop, you can easily enjoy the falls. There are toilets and some sheltered pagodas.

If you’re heading to the top – a 1 hour walk – you’ll find some natural pools great for cooling off and a lovely way to end your visit following our Langkawi 3d2n itinerary blog!

Address: Mukim, Jalan Telaga Tujuh

Day 4: What Langkawi Does Best!: Langkawi Itinerary 4 Days

Making the most of today, experience nature, ecotourism, spectacular marine life and duty free shopping! 

• It’s an early start on your Langkawi 4 days 3 nights itinerary – before breakfast is ideal – with a taxi to the peak of Gunung Raya for an exhilarating rainforest downhill trek – book your discounted tickets here .
• Self-drive or take a taxi to explore Malaysia’s largest aquarium, Underwater World Langkawi – book your discounted tickets here .
• Walk next door to the Zon Shopping Paradise, Langkawi, for duty-free shopping and lunch.
• Next, visit the peaceful Rice Garden Museum (Laman Padi).
• End your activities on this 4 days itinerary in Langkawi with an iconic Sunset Cruise, with bbq and drinks – book your discounted tickets here .
• Back on dry land, check out some of the beachfront bars and lounges for cool tunes and sea breezes.

Gunung Raya

Gunung Raya Forest Reserve spans over 5,000 hectares spread across Gunung Raya mountain, the highest peak in Langkawi.  Take a taxi in the early morning to the top of the peak and walk back down a stairway of 4000+ steps to the village.  

You’ll pass through dense rainforest, home to many wildlife and birds.  Sheltered by a canopy of old, gigantic trees, listen out for monkeys, and keep an eye out for birds of prey and hornbills.  Spot smaller creatures such as colourful butterflies, caterpillars and enjoy the non-stop bird tweets.   

A great way to start your day!

Underwater World Langkawi

Underwater World Langkawi is spread across almost six acres and is Malaysia’s largest aquarium.  The aquarium is home to more than 200 different species of marine and freshwater fish, including harbour seals, sharks, giant rays and the largest freshwater fish in the world- the gigantic Amazonian arapaima!

Check-out everyone’s favourite section, the Sub-Antarctic with the “penguin-arium” full of cute rockhopper and black-footed penguins.  Make sure you walk through the stunning underwater tunnel tank as sharks and manta rays swim all around you.

Try to aim for one of the feeding times. This is a great, well presented aquarium.

Address:   Jalan Pantai Chenang

The Zon Shopping Paradise Langkawi

Pantai Cenang’s duty-free shopping mall is a massive complex next to Underwater World.  Shop to your heart’s content for jewellery, souvenirs, watches, leather goods, perfume, branded sunglasses and more!  An impressive collection of beers, whiskies, wines and spirits can also be purchased at significantly discounted rates.

Numerous cafes, restaurants and bakeries make this an easy place to grab lunch.

Address: Pantai Cenang

Rice Garden Museum 

This little gallery makes for an interesting visit, with its collection of artefacts, photos, charts and tools on the history of rice cultivation in Langkawi.

Divided into the Heritage Gallery, Paddy Gallery, Herb Garden and Garden of Variety, you’ll learn about rice planting and then can admire views from a deck, overlooking a multi-tiered rooftop rice garden. Give it a go yourself at the Herb Garden by trying your hand at rice farming.

Address: Jalan Pantai Cenang

Langkawi Sunset Cruise

Departing mid-afternoon, available from many tour operators, your trip takes you sailing on the Andaman Sea.  Kick back and relax onboard a yacht or catamaran, usually enjoying a four hour sail with BBQ dinner and unlimited drinks.  Hotel pick-up and drop offs can be negotiated into the deal.  

For those following our Langkawi itinerary 4d3n blog, you will need to fly out this evening.  Try to book a late flight to enjoy the Sunset Cruise before ending this itinerary trip to Langkawi.

Day 5: Finish On A High, Relax And Enjoy Part II: Langkawi Itinerary 5 Days

Today, let’s start with finishing your time in Langkawi on a high! Then, take the foot off the pedal and relax, enjoying some pampering treats and the best beaches of Langkawi.  

• Start your day at Skytrex Adventure Langkawi zipping through the rainforest and climbing over obstacles. You can find discounted tickets here OR have the ultimate view from a helicopter ride here.
• Feeling refreshed, head to Pantai Tengah beach for a lazy beachside lunch and afternoon sunbathing, catching the gorgeous sunset.
• End your day with a treatment at Alun-Alun Spa – book your treatments online here.

Skytrex Adventure

Skytrex Adventure Langkawi is the place to go for thrill seekers as you can zipline and conquer obstacles with 35 obstacles to pass at great heights.

Take your pick of how thrilling you want to go with beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The advanced is extreme.

Whatever adventure you decide to take, at this park, you’ll get to enjoy the tropical rainforest which is home to over 220 species of birds and also have the opportunity to spot other wildlife.

Approximately 30 minutes drive from Pantai Cenang, it’s lots of fun. 

Book discounted tickets here.

Address: Jalan Teluk Yu, Kampung Kok

If you’d rather something higher without having to climb, consider a helicopter ride here.

Pantai Tengah

Around the southern road bend of Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah is really just a continuation of the same beach.  Together, this is the longest stretch of beach in Langkawi and scattered with chalets and a few of the larger resorts.

Kick back and relax, enjoying the cool island breeze.  Take a swim or snorkel in the calm waters or try your hand at several water sports.

For lunch, there’s a handful of dining options including authentic Malaysian, Chinese and western cuisine.  

Alun-Alun Spa

Perhaps the island’s premier spa, indulge in a relaxing oriental or a holistic Asean healing massage, a body or facial treatment or glam up your nails ready for your trip home!  

Select from rejuvenating packages aimed at relaxing your body and mind, or healing aromatherapy treatments that help reduce anxiety and give you a well deserved energy boost!

Book your treatments online here.

Address: Tropical Resort, Jalan Teluk Baru, Pantai Tengah, Mukim Kedawang

Itinerary Langkawi Map

Find all the things to do in this itinerary Pulau Langkawi on the map below.

Best Places To Stay In Langkawi

The Malaysian paradise island of Langkawi boasts many luxury 5-star resorts with private beaches, but there is something for every budget. This ranges from inviting backpacker accommodation, mid-range hotels with pools to luxury resorts tucked away between rainforest and the beach.  

Whether travelling with family, with your partner for a romantic stay or solo, Langkawi has options for everyone. To help, below we’ve listed a few different places to consider – including a budget, mid-range and luxury option.  

BEST – The Datai Langkawi Review

A sparkling 5-star resort, 28 kilometres from the airport, The Datai is surrounded by tropical rainforest, with the Machinchang Mountain and turquoise Andaman sea on either side. The private beach, four dining options and three pools help to make this our stand out choice.

A peaceful location, within easy reach of the heart of Langkawi Island, the resort has many room types and villas perfect for romance or families. This beachfront hotel even has villas which come with private pools for extra enjoyment. You can pick a rainforest or beach location.

There are also water sports, a health club and many nature activities both for children and adults. There are two shops, included breakfast and private butlers with some villas. The downside is that it is removed from most attractions so factor in taxi rides if you want to explore the island.

It deserves its 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor . This place is just superb!

Click here for the latest prices .

MID-RANGE –  Arch Studio Cenang Review

At the heart of popular Pantai Cenang, this hotel’s location is ideal if you’re looking to immerse yourself in this lively area with activities, shopping and the most popular beach on the island right at your doorstep.  

Across the road from Underwater World Langkawi, this smaller hotel has suite and room options that are beautifully designed and furnished. There are great options for both couples and families. Some rooms have kitchenettes and separate living areas.

The on-site pool is a nice place to relax if you ever tire of the beautiful beach across the road. It is small though. There is no on-site dining, but the surrounding area has many restaurant and bar options with lively evening entertainment. They also do serve a lovely a-la-carte breakfast.

Click here to check current pricing and availability or click here to read our full review.

BUDGET – Adya Hotel Review

In the heart of Kuah Town, this budget hotel has 217 rooms with flatscreen TV, mini-fridges, kettles and ensuite bathrooms with showers.  Basic standard, deluxe, executive and suites are available. Most have small balconies offering ocean views.

The Adya has three swimming pools – including a women-only and a children’s pool – on-site spa and fitness centre (with limited equipment).  You’ll find an on-site 24-hour restaurant (with buffet breakfast), a coffee shop, 24-hour front desk, parking and WiFi.

Do be aware that smoking is allowed on some floors and no alcohol is served at this Muslim hotel.  

The location of this hotel is ideal for exploring attractions such as Eagle Square, Kuah Jetty and the Kuah night market. It’s only a short 20 minute drive from the airport.

The hotel’s facilities are good value and the location is ideal, surrounded by restaurants and a shopping centre next door. Thus, we make this our stand-out budget choice of accommodation.  

Click here to check current pricing and availability.

Click here to see all our recommendations for the best resorts in Langkawi.

Final Words

If you’re looking to unwind on an exotic Southeast Asia island Langkawi is hard to beat. Alluring and idyllic in its natural beauty with mangroves, wetlands, rainforests, lakes and waterfalls, it’s no wonder people return again and again!

Trek ancient rainforest in search of wildlife, relax on wide sandy beaches, partake in water sports and enjoy duty-free shopping. With accommodation available at every level, Langkawi promises you a memorable vacation.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

We hope you enjoyed this Langkawi 5 days itinerary, perfect whether you are looking for a Langkawi itinerary 4d3n or a Langkawi itinerary 2 days 1 night. You can find more information to plan your perfect trip to Langkawi in our complete travel guide to Langkawi here . Interested in jet skiing? Check out the best Langkawi jet skiing tours here. You can also find our complete list of things to do in Langkawi here .

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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Langkawi travel blog — the fullest langkawi guide for first-timers.

It’s definitely not an overstatement to say that Langkawi is a tropical paradise of Malaysia. Considered to be the jewel of Malay tourism, this destination is home to 99 different large and small islands. About 30km west of the mainland, Langkawi is not only well-known for its potential in island tourism but also loved for its primeval forest system and abundance of plant and animal species. Let’s discover this beautiful and vibrant island through our Langkawi travel bog (Langkawi blog) — The supper guide for a Langkawi budget trip and travel to explore Langkawi island of Malaysia from Langkawi travel tips, Langkawi trip cost, unforgettable experiences, best places to visit in Langkawi, top things to do in Langkawi, and more with Living Nomads below.

• Langkawi activities — Top 5 unforgettable and interesting activities in Langkawi, Malaysia
• Langkawi itinerary 3 days — What to do in Langkawi for 3 days & How to spend 3 days 2 nights in Langkawi?
• 7 reasons why Langkawi should be your next destination
• Top islands in Malaysia — 10+ most famous, beautiful & best islands in Malaysia
• Penang itinerary 1 day — How to spend one day in Penang & what to do in Penang in a day?

So, today, let’s find out some necessary travel experiences which are extremely useful for a trip to Langkawi!

What is the best time to visit Langkawi?

The weather in Langkawi is quite similar to southern Vietnam, with a clear division of rainy season and dry season. The rainy season lasts from June to November with sudden rains, but does not last long. Therefore, during 12 months of year, you can always come here to visit, discover.

Langkawi trip cost: The costs for a trip to Langkawi

Transport cost.

To get to Langkawi, you can choose to fly with cheap airlines from Tan San Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City) or Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) to Langkawi Airport. The two most popular airlines that tourists often choose to get to Malaysia are Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia. And if you were lucky enough to catch the cheap or free flight tickets, it will only cost you about 30 USD (less than one million) for a one-way ticket to Langkawi Island.

The second way to get to Langkawi is to take a flight to Penang then take the express train to Langkawi. This can save you money, but it is quite time-consuming for you because you’ll have to change the transport continuously and spend a long time waiting for the train.

Getting around Langkawi

After arriving in Langkawi you can rent a motorbike or taxi to explore this beautiful island. If you go in a group you should choose a taxi, if you just travel with a partner, the motorbike is definitely the best because while traveling by bike, you can really enjoy the cool breezes, the warm sun, and every other natural gift of Langkawi.

Taxi: The most convenient and easy way to travel in Langkawi Island. Taxis here are quite popular and are calculated in km so you can pay the price before going. Taxi is around $0.4 for 1 km, so you can see the map for the number of km and then calculate the amount to pay for easy before riding.

Motorbikes, cars: If you want to use motorbikes or cars to travel, you must rent a car or a motorbike. Motorbike and car rental services are also very developed, you can rent a car or motorbike at the hotel that you are living in or along Pantai Cenang street. Motorcycle rent ranges from $2.25 – $4.49 / day depending on type of motorbikes, while cars are $17.96 – $29.94 / day depending on type of cars.

Accommodation cost

There are two main areas that visitors often choose to stay when coming to Langkawi: Pantai Cenang and Kuah.

If you love leisure activities and water sports, Pantai Cenang is definitely No. 1 destination for you, as this place has a wide range of restaurants, bars, and innumerable motels.

Kuah is also a good option to stay when traveling to Langkawi. This area is the administrative center of Langkawi. That’s why Kuah lacks many entertainment activities, which makes it less eventful than Pantai Cenang. However, if you want to find some peaceful moments, this place will be perfect for you.

The price for a low-cost accommodation in both areas ranges from $18 to $22 depending on the staying time.

Food cost in Langkawi is similar to one in Penang and somewhat cheaper than one in Kuala Lumpur. Once coming here, you should try the seafood, traditional Malay dishes such as Nasi Kandar (hot rice served with many buffet foods, but mostly curry), Koey Mooi Kee (similar to Nasi Kandar), Char Kuey Teow (stir-fried noodles), Hokkien Mee (stir-fried noodles with satay in Malay style) and of course satay skewers.

The price for each kind of eats is around MYR 3 – 5 and a hearty meal usually costs only MYR 10 – 15.

Langkawi travel blog (Langkawi blog): Some useful Langkawi travel tips for saving budget

Rent motorcycle.

The average price for one mile when traveling by taxi in Malaysia is about MYR 3, but the taxi fare is also based on the number of passengers. So, if you just travel with a partner, the price of traveling by taxi in Langkawi will definitely not cheap at all. Therefore, a better solution is renting a motorcycle.

It may cost quite much but it’ll be very convenient for you to explore anywhere on the island. To rent a motorcycle, you just need to ask the staff of the hotel you stay and they’ll show you the way and the place to rent a motorcycle.

Book the tour and buy ticket of entertainment activities beforehand

Langkawi has 99 large and small islands, so the main kind of tour when coming here is visiting these islands. You can find the tourist information booth, pier or directly ask the hotel staff for an interesting island tour.

However, these kinds of tours are often not uniform in price and uncertain in quality. Therefore, you should find out the tour information or the destination you want to visit, then book your ticket (if possible).

In this way, you may ensure the quality of your tour, and don’t have to worry about any additional charges when enjoying your trip in Langkawi.

Enjoy street foods

Prices for meals with popular dishes like Nasi Kandar is only about 3 MYR, quite cheap but can make you feel extremely full. The street foods here can also give you a great variety of options such as chicken, beef,…

Besides, the way they combine the ingredients will also make you fall in love with the unique cuisine of this island. So, if you want to take a trip to Langkawi but don’t want to spend so much for the food cost, don’t ignore the street foods here!

Limit wine and alcoholic drinks

Malaysia’s religion is Islamic so the rules on drinking are quite strict here. That’s why the cost of the alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, cocktails,… is very expensive. And therefore, you should limit the amount of money spent on the alcoholic drinks because it will make your money run out very fast.

Langkawi blog: Where to stay?

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi (Address: Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-952 8888), 5-star hotel with room rates from $126/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Bayview Hotel Langkawi (Address: Jalan Pandak Mayah 1, Pusat Bandar Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-966 1818), 4-star hotel with room rates from $36/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• G Langkawi Motel (Address: Lot 403 (Plot C), Kampung Kelibang, Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-966 6001), 2-star hotel with room rates from $20/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Berjaya Langkawi Resort (Address: Karung Berkunci 200 Burau Bay, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-959 1888), 5-star hotel with room rates from $95/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Adya Hotel Langkawi (Address: No 1 PT 4001 Mukim Darul Aman Persiaran Mutiara 2 Mukim Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-960 8000), 4-star hotel with room rates from $34/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Cenang Plaza Beach Hotel (Address: Lot 2606, Jalan Pantai Chenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-955 8228), 2-star hotel with room rates from $39/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Camar Resort Langkawi (Address: 60183, Jalan Pantai Tengah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-952 4111), 4-star hotel with room rates from $70/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Vivanta Rebak Island, Langkawi (Address: Vivanta Rebak Island Resort, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-966 5566), 5-star hotel with room rates from $121/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi (Address: Jln Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-959 1088), 5-star hotel with room rates from $174/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Casa del Mar Langkawi (Address: Jalan Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-955 2388), 5-star hotel with room rates from $225/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• The Smith House (Address: Jalan Pantai Cenang, Mukim Kedawang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia / Phone: +60 4-955 2388), 3-star hotel with room rates from $44/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

You can find, check rates, reviews & availability for Langkawi hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com  or Airbnb.com.

Langkawi travel guide: Experiences not to be missed, top things to do, activities, best places to visit when traveling to Langkawi

Visiting the islands.

“Island hopping”, which means visiting many islands in the same journey, is probably not strange to tourists who used to travel to the countries that have many islands. In Langkawi (where there are 99 islands) you can choose from visiting 3, 5 or 7 islands in one tour. These island tours will depart from the harbor, and take you around the large islands on quite comfortable ships.

Besides, you can also experience the fancy activities here such as swimming in the crystal sea, watching the eagle hunting, scuba diving or watching the sunset,… if you choose the island tour packages that include those activities.

Exploring Pantai Cenang Beach

Pantai Cenang is the most popular and well-known beach in Langkawi. This beach seduces tourists by its blue water like jade, fine white sand like vanilla ice cream and fresh palms.

Also, in this tourist destination, you can easily find all kinds of entertainment, from the bars to the sea-view restaurants and local specialty shops. This place also has good facilities and many modern hotels which will be perfect for you to stay.

Visiting the Eagle statue

Langkawi means eagle in the local language, so it is no wonder that the giant eagle statue was erected to be a symbol of the city. You can visit and take photos with this statue in the square, which is completely free of charge.

Discovering Pantai Tengah beach

As another version of the Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah owns a long sandy shore. The colors of the sand and of the sea water here look almost like ones in Pantai Cenang. Therefore, if you love the beauty of Pantai Cenang but don’t want to hustle in a mist of a press, then you definitely should go to Pantai Tengah.

This destination also offers many leisure activities such as spa, massage and island tours which will absolutely satisfy tourists who wish to enjoy the real relaxation.

Visiting Pulau Payar

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Pulau Langkawi

Dominating an archipelago of more than 100 islands and islets, Pulau Langkawi is synonymous with sandy shores, jungle-cloaked valleys and bargain shopping. Blonde beaches are the biggest draw, but this 478.5-sq-km island has been duty free since 1987, making low-cost kitchenware a close second.

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Telaga Tujuh

The series of freshwater rock pools at Telaga Tujuh, located at the top of a waterfall inland from Pantai Kok, makes a refreshing alternative to splashing…

Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

The jetty near Tanjung Rhu is the main departure point for boat trips into the extensive mangrove forests with stunning limestone formations that edge…

Panorama Langkawi

The highlight of this family-friendly amusement park is SkyCab, a cable car that whisks visitors to the top of Gunung Machinchang (713m). For an extra RM6…

Tanjung Rhu

On the north coast, Tanjung Rhu is one of Langkawi’s wider and better beaches, fronted by magnificent limestone stacks that bend the ocean into a pleasant…

Teluk Datai

On the far northwestern corner of Pulau Langkawi, the beaches at Teluk Datai are arguably some of the island’s most beautiful and secluded, but are really…

Pantai Pasir Tengkorak

This beautiful, secluded public beach, with its soft white sand, clear water, shady trees and jungle backdrop, is popular with locals on weekends; during…

Pantai Cenang

The busiest and most developed beach is the 2km-long strip of sand at Pantai Cenang. The beach is gorgeous: white sand, teal water and green palms. There…

Gunung Raya

The tallest mountain on Pulau Langkawi (881m) can be reached by a snaking, paved road through the jungle. It’s a spectacular drive to the top with views…

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My favorite place in Malaysia - Langkawi

• Asia    
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• Kedah    
• Langkawi District    

“My favorite place in Malaysia” Review of Langkawi

It was a very nice place if you are looking for a quite and relaxing holiday which there are a lot of sea activities that you can really enjoy. Moreover, Langkawi people were very friendly and helpful. Prices are very reasonable compared to other place with similair facilities.

We went to Langkawi to spend a 4 days 3 nights holiday. It was a really nice island. We took the cable car ride, which is really an unforgettable experience. We got to see breath-taking views from the peak of the mountain. There were also several small surrounding islands which we explored with Island Hopping tour service. The para sailing at beach was also wonderful. The wind was just nice and strong enough to lift us up to the max. Tips : if it is your first time visiting Langkawi, you may want to ask for travel tips from the boss of Big Apple donut cafe located at Eagle Bay Jetty. The friendly pilot who owns the donut cafe will be more than happy to offer trip tips. It is a very nice and clean cafe,with varieties of delicious donuts with catchy names. We stayed at Bayview Hotel, which is an excellent hotel. The room is spacious, clean, well maintained and cozy. We strongly recommend this hotel. You may also want to rent a car to explore the whole island.

Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands, (beat that). Its an island that you can explore within 2-3 days by boat and by a self drive car. The island is just an hour by plane from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and about two and a half hours by ferry from Penang. If you are however prone to sea sickness (which majority of our co passengers were) I would suggest you take the plane since the waves can be so strong that you would eventually be vomitting for the entire 2 hour 30 minutes trip. Our ferry from Penang arrived at 11am.I was so thankful I didnt vomit for the entire trip even when I saw almost everybody else around me vomitting one after the other.Its like a domino effect, when a passenger vomits another one follows.I am so thankful I brought my trusted friend "WHiteflower ointment". The embarcation was fast and we quickly settled for our lunch at the nearby Kenny Rogers.The ferry terminal has a lot of duty free stores since Langkawi is a duty free zone. However checking on the prices of duty free items, the prices in Changi airport is still lower so we avoided the temptation of buying anything from there. From the Jetty, it is advisable that you hire a car so that you can be free to explore the island at your own pace and timing. We rented a Proton automatic car for RM100 for 24 hours.We were given a car that had no gasoline so we had to quickly look for the nearby gas station which was about 2 kms away from the jetty. The car rental offices are just across the main jetty terminal .The cheapest car rental is about RM 70-80. They will provide you a map of Langkawi which is very easy to follow. Petrol is quite cheap in Malaysia (RM1.8/litre) and we gased up a full tank.Later on we would know that we only need a quarter of the tank for exploring the entire island. My choice of hotel(after I checked on several websites) Awana Porto proved to be what we needed for our short weekend get away. Its advantage is that it has its own jetty(the Star Cruise Terminal is just at the end of its board walk), second,it has one of the most picturesque location in Langkawi and thirdly the beds in the rooms were quite big. Once we were checked in, we went to the tour desk of the hotel and we were directed to the Sport Centre which handles all kinds of water and road tours. The 3 island tour which takes about 3 hours was rather cheap at RM 38 considering we would visit three islands :the island(Dayang Bunting Marble Park) with a lake and a monkey forest , the island where we would be eagle feeding and watching and a beach for swimming. We visited the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest park which is a UNESCO world heritage park and I was immediately reminded of Coron since it has a lake that can be reached only by trekking up and down a mountain. However compared to Coron there were a lot of activities in the lake (Dayang Bunting Lake-Lake of the Pregnant Maiden)since they already installed platforms for the activities which included swimming,boating thru solar powered boats and catfish foot spa . There is a legend that says that the lake has divine powers and any childless woman drinking in water from this reservoir shall soon be blessed with a child Though this fact is not scientifically proven, many women visit the island only to take a sip of these waters. We completed the tour at exactly 5:30 pm. After a brief shower, we decided to check out the Langkawi Cable Car located at the other end of the island.Lucky for us, we arrived about a quarter before 7 pm since the ticket counter closes at 7pm.We were only given until 7:30 to go up the cable car station . The Langkawi Cable Car is one of the must see attractions in the island since you can get a good view of all the outlying islands at the top station. Below the Cable Car station is the Oriental Village which has a lot of souvenir shops and restaurants.However the Village closes at exactly 7pm when the Cable Car station also closes. Near the cable car are two resort hotels so if you want to be near this attraction you can book at these two resorts: Berjaya and Mutiara Resort. Shopping can be done at the Pantai Cenang area which becomes a tourist spot at night with numerous shops and restaurants. It becomes a veritable night market after 6pm .You will be spoiled for choice of different eating places:CHinese, mediteranean,thai, western etc.

We spent 4 days in Langkawi and in hindsight should have spent more! If you visit this lovely mountainous island that's bigger than Singapore and only has 60 000 people (or so we were told) we would recommend in order to see the island, hiring a rental car is a must. We used Kasina car hire - not sure how all the others rate with costs but we found them very reasonable and I was impressed with how meticulously they went over the car. The only thing- MAKE sure you fill it up before you take it back.. they really overprice if they have to top it up in any way. Oh, driving in Langkawi is still mayhem but it's less scary than KL and by the end of our stay I must admit I was having a ball! There are heaps of restaurants and accommodation options on Langkawi depending on whether you want to be near the tourist strips or hidden away in a resort with its own private beach. We took the bus and ferry to Langkawi and then flew back to KL. Highlights of Langkawi for us would be the cable car, cocktail cruise, massage, and great food! Not sure what else to say but to make sure you give yourself enough time to explore this island fully and also allow for a couple wet weather days that may impact on being able to do things like kayaking tours etc or kicking back for an afternoon knocking down a few beverages.

My partner and I recently spent two weeks in Langkawi and what a treat it was. We stayed at the Holiday Villa which was a lovely spot - on probably one of the best beaches. The food is fantastic on Langkawi and so cheap. Highly recommend 'Oasis on the Beach' for a great curry, the cocktails are the best around and what a great spot to sit and watch the sunset. For a fine dining experience, 'Bon Ton' is a beautiful setting serving high class food with friendly professional service. Great wine list too. 'Sunday Restaurant' serves the best breakfast deal in a lovely environment and with extremely friendly and efficient service. Head upstairs from Sunday to 'Bancos Bar' for some late night fun. Great view, friendly staff, cool music and pool table. Other attraction we loved were the cable car, Datai Bay, (only accessible through The Andaman resort), and Island Hopping. If you want an affordable but luxury holiday this is the place to go. Nice and quiet too.

Been to Langkawi? Share your experiences!

Recently reviewed hotels around langkawi.

Langkawi Travel Guide: All You Need To Plan A Trip To Langkawi

About langkawi, malaysia.

Take a look a this Langkawi travel guide before you make your trip! There’s a lot more to Langkawi than just water sports, the Sky Bridge, and that iconic eagle statue!

Speaking of which, the eagle statue represents Langkawi because the name “Langkawi” is actually a mix of two Malay words – helang (eagle) and kawi (reddish brown).

Langkawi is an island that is roughly 30km from the mainland and hence, the main ways to get to it are by flight and ferry. It forms part of an archipelago that consists of more than 100 islands.

About 65,000 people call Langkawi their home and while there’s no public transportation, many locals do know English and unlike other states in Malaysia, you can enjoy duty-free shopping here!

Ready to learn more about Langkawi?

Langkawi Useful Info

The Ultimate Langkawi Itinerary For Up To 4 Days

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Things To Do In Langkawi

Because Langkawi is an island, most activities will involve nature and the great outdoors – hiking, diving, island-hopping, etc. Pantai Cenang (Cenang beach) is really popular because it’s where all the action is.

But there are also a handful of things you can do on a rainy day such as duty-free shopping.

And when the sun goes down, the nightlife is pretty lively!

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6 Must-Visit Langkawi Night Market – Local Shopping Delights!

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7 Calming Massage Parlors In Langkawi – Full-Body Relaxation!

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Langkawi Popular Attractions

Beaches, waterfalls, mountains (Gunung Raya), and the Sky Bridge are hands down, Langkawi’s most popular attractions. There is also an aquarium, a wildlife park, and the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park where you can explore mangroves.

3 Amazing Waterfalls In Langkawi: Head Here To Rejuvenate

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Famous Food In Langkawi

Langkawi may not be known for great food like other nearby states, but it does have a decent selection of restaurants and cafes to satisfy your tummy and palate!

And since you’re on an island, you should sample some of the best seafood in Langkawi too.

13 Best Food In Langkawi 2023 – Tastiest Places On The Island!

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Shopping In Langkawi

Shopping in Langkawi is unique because of its duty-free status. And if you like chocolate, alcohol, or kitchenware, there are places to get them at really affordable places!

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Langkawi How-Tos

Many first-time travelers to Malaysia will include Langkawi in their itinerary as well as Penang and Kuala Lumpur so we’ve got separate guides on how to travel between these states!

How To Get From Penang To Langkawi (Ultimate Travel Guide)

How do you get from culturally-rich Penang Island to breathtaking Langkawi stress-free? With a little bit of planning, heading further up north can be holistically enjoyable, forming part of your…

Where To Stay In Langkawi

There’s no lack of places to stay in Langkawi – there are private pool villas, affordable homestays that can accommodate larger groups, and budget hotels (so you can save money for more activities or shopping).

And of course, there are also 5-star resorts with their own private strip of beach!

7 Spectacular Langkawi Beach Hotels – For Coastal Fun!

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Latest Langkawi Blog Posts

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There are 3 notable waterfalls in Langkawi with unique natural pools! Hike and climb through lush jungle trails where the reward is a cascading waterfall….

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Langkawi, Malaysia Travel Guide

Survival Tips, Getting There, When to Go, What to Do and More

Duty-free Langkawi, Malaysia, is one of the busiest and most popular tourist islands in Southeast Asia . Despite the rampant development on some beaches, Langkawi remains green, beautiful, and was declared a World Geopark by UNESCO in 2007—attracting plenty of ecotourism. The island lures in plenty of Malays and international visitors with its incredible natural beauty and easy accessibility from the mainland.

With an area of around 184 square miles, Pulau Langkawi is the largest of the 99 Langkawi islands situated in the Andaman Sea just off the northwest coast of Malaysia .

Know Before You Go

Money: There are a few ATMs available on Langkawi; however, like ATMs on any popular island, they can run out of cash. The most reliable ATMs are found in the airport and Pantai Cenang. Stock up on Malaysian ringgit before leaving the mainland or use the ATM at the airport upon arrival. If the ATM network isn't working, you can exchange currency in many shops. You should also know how to exchange money and learn the current exchange rates for Malaysia.

Shopping: The cheapest duty-free shopping can be found in Kuah rather than at tourist beaches. Even with no tax, Langkawi is still a tourist island—many items for purchase can be found cheaper in Kuala Lumpur . Visitors must stay a minimum of 48 hours on Langkawi to legally avoid paying tax on purchased goods.

Drinking: Because Langkawi enjoys a duty-free status, alcohol is significantly cheaper on the island. Airport prices are the worst, so it's best to wait to purchase spirits from smaller shops. Even with discounted drinks, Langkawi isn't really rowdy—consider going to the Perhentian Islands if you want to party. If flying from Langkawi to Singapore , remember that you'll have to pay a steep duty on any alcohol or tobacco taken into Singapore.

Water: As with the rest of Malaysia, you should stick to drinking bottled water while visiting Langkawi.

Electricity: 240 volts / 50 Hz with the square-pronged, British-standard power outlets (BS-1363). The electricity on Langkawi is mostly stable; however, power sags and surges do sometimes occur when work is being done.

Mosquitoes: Lots of green space and mangrove forests cause mosquitoes to be a real nuisance on Langkawi. Dengue fever is also a risk from daytime bites. Try to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites .

Avoid Damaging the Ecosystem

Despite being a UNESCO World Geopark, many resorts and tourist activities aren't as eco-friendly as they should be.

• Avoid encouraging damaging practices and don't support agencies that feed the eagles as part of their boat tours.
• Other companies encourage unnatural behavior to delight tourists and hopefully collect their money. Stay away from any activity that insists on feeding birds, monkeys, or marine life.
• You can avoid further damage to the reef and delicate ecosystem by not feeding fish or turtles.
• Avoid purchasing souvenirs made from insects, wildlife, shells, or marine life.

Beaches on Langkawi

Pantai Cenang, or Central Beach, on the southwest side of the island, is by far the most popular and where many visitors end up. Resorts, restaurants, bars, and tourist attractions line the short beach. You'll find the most options for water sports and other activities along Pantai Cenang.

Just to the south, resort-lined Pantai Tengah is an expensive-yet-quieter alternative to the busy Central Beach.

Pleasant and less developed beaches can be found around Langkawi and you can enjoy many on day trips. Pantai Pasir Hitam is a mixed black-sand beach, and Tanjung Rhu is a picturesque stretch that includes mangroves and rocky beaches.

Getting Around Langkawi

Public transport isn't much of an option on Langkawi. When you're ready to leave your beach to explore other parts of the island, you'll have to take a taxi or hire a driver. Alternatively, you can rent a car or motorbike to see the island.

Renting a motorbike is a popular and cost-effective way to see other parts of Langkawi. Make sure you stay safe and avoid scams. As with the rest of Malaysia, drive on the left.

Tip: Tickets for fixed-rate taxis can be purchased inside the airport upon arrival. Avoid driver scams by sticking to the official taxis waiting at the stand in front of the airport.

Getting to Langkawi

Langkawi is situated extremely close to Thailand and you can get there by slow ferry, fast boat, or flight. Because the island is such a popular destination, you'll have no trouble booking a combination ticket (bus and boat) to Langkawi from all points in Peninsular Malaysia.

• By Boat: Many slow ferries head out to Langkawi daily from Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Penang , as well as Koh Lipe and Satun in Thailand (ferries from Koh Lipe are seasonal). Ferries from the mainland—the cheapest option for getting to Langkawi—take around an hour and a half to reach the island. Kuah—located in the southeast corner of the island—is the busiest town and usual arrival point.
• By Fast Boat: If you choose to hire one of the small private speedboats to Langkawi, waterproof your valuables and be prepared to possibly get wet on a bumpy, chaotic ride.
• By Plane: The small-but-busy Langkawi International Airport (airport code: LGK) is located on the northwest side of the island in Padang Matsirat. AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Tiger Air, Silk Air, and Firefly all operate budget flights to Langkawi. International routes include flights from Singapore as well as Hat Yai and Phuket in Thailand.

Tip: When you're ready to fly out of Langkawi, wait until the last moment to cross through security since choices are sparse on the other side. Most shops and food options are located at the entrance to the airport.

The peak season and driest months on Langkawi are December, January, and February. The summer months bring a steep increase in rainfall during the monsoon season.

Jellyfish—some dangerous—can be a serious threat to swimmers between the months of May and October.

Chinese New Year (in January or February) draws large crowds to Langkawi, and prices for accommodation tend to triple during the holiday.

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• Open access
• Published: 12 December 2023

Examining the role of community resilience and social capital on mental health in public health emergency and disaster response: a scoping review

• C. E. Hall 1 , 2 ,
• H. Wehling 1 ,
• J. Stansfield 3 ,
• J. South 3 ,
• S. K. Brooks 2 ,
• N. Greenberg 2 , 4 ,
• R. Amlôt 1 &
• D. Weston 1  

BMC Public Health volume  23 , Article number:  2482 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

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The ability of the public to remain psychologically resilient in the face of public health emergencies and disasters (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) is a key factor in the effectiveness of a national response to such events. Community resilience and social capital are often perceived as beneficial and ensuring that a community is socially and psychologically resilient may aid emergency response and recovery. This review presents a synthesis of literature which answers the following research questions: How are community resilience and social capital quantified in research?; What is the impact of community resilience on mental wellbeing?; What is the impact of infectious disease outbreaks, disasters and emergencies on community resilience and social capital?; and, What types of interventions enhance community resilience and social capital?

A scoping review procedure was followed. Searches were run across Medline, PsycInfo, and EMBASE, with search terms covering both community resilience and social capital, public health emergencies, and mental health. 26 papers met the inclusion criteria.

The majority of retained papers originated in the USA, used a survey methodology to collect data, and involved a natural disaster. There was no common method for measuring community resilience or social capital. The association between community resilience and social capital with mental health was regarded as positive in most cases. However, we found that community resilience, and social capital, were initially negatively impacted by public health emergencies and enhanced by social group activities.

Several key recommendations are proposed based on the outcomes from the review, which include: the need for a standardised and validated approach to measuring both community resilience and social capital; that there should be enhanced effort to improve preparedness to public health emergencies in communities by gauging current levels of community resilience and social capital; that community resilience and social capital should be bolstered if areas are at risk of disasters or public health emergencies; the need to ensure that suitable short-term support is provided to communities with high resilience in the immediate aftermath of a public health emergency or disaster; the importance of conducting robust evaluation of community resilience initiatives deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peer Review reports

For the general population, public health emergencies and disasters (e.g., natural disasters; infectious disease outbreaks; Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear incidents) can give rise to a plethora of negative outcomes relating to both health (e.g. increased mental health problems [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]) and the economy (e.g., increased unemployment and decreased levels of tourism [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]). COVID-19 is a current, and ongoing, example of a public health emergency which has affected over 421 million individuals worldwide [ 7 ]. The long term implications of COVID-19 are not yet known, but there are likely to be repercussions for physical health, mental health, and other non-health related outcomes for a substantial time to come [ 8 , 9 ]. As a result, it is critical to establish methods which may inform approaches to alleviate the longer-term negative consequences that are likely to emerge in the aftermath of both COVID-19 and any future public health emergency.

The definition of resilience often differs within the literature, but ultimately resilience is considered a dynamic process of adaptation. It is related to processes and capabilities at the individual, community and system level that result in good health and social outcomes, in spite of negative events, serious threats and hazards [ 10 ]. Furthermore, Ziglio [ 10 ] refers to four key types of resilience capacity: adaptive, the ability to withstand and adjust to unfavourable conditions and shocks; absorptive, the ability to withstand but also to recover and manage using available assets and skills; anticipatory, the ability to predict and minimize vulnerability; and transformative, transformative change so that systems better cope with new conditions.

There is no one settled definition of community resilience (CR). However, it generally relates to the ability of a community to withstand, adapt and permit growth in adverse circumstances due to social structures, networks and interdependencies within the community [ 11 ]. Social capital (SC) is considered a major determinant of CR [ 12 , 13 ], and reflects strength of a social network, community reciprocity, and trust in people and institutions [ 14 ]. These aspects of community are usually conceptualised primarily as protective factors that enable communities to cope and adapt collectively to threats. SC is often broken down into further categories [ 15 ], for example: cognitive SC (i.e. perceptions of community relations, such as trust, mutual help and attachment) and structural SC (i.e. what actually happens within the community, such as participation, socialising) [ 16 ]; or, bonding SC (i.e. connections among individuals who are emotionally close, and result in bonds to a particular group [ 17 ]) and bridging SC (i.e. acquaintances or individuals loosely connected that span different social groups [ 18 ]). Generally, CR is perceived to be primarily beneficial for multiple reasons (e.g. increased social support [ 18 , 19 ], protection of mental health [ 20 , 21 ]), and strengthening community resilience is a stated health goal of the World Health Organisation [ 22 ] when aiming to alleviate health inequalities and protect wellbeing. This is also reflected by organisations such as Public Health England (now split into the UK Health Security Agency and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities) [ 23 ] and more recently, CR has been targeted through the endorsement of Community Champions (who are volunteers trained to support and to help improve health and wellbeing. Community Champions also reflect their local communities in terms of population demographics for example age, ethnicity and gender) as part of the COVID-19 response in the UK (e.g. [ 24 , 25 ]).

Despite the vested interest in bolstering communities, the research base establishing: how to understand and measure CR and SC; the effect of CR and SC, both during and following a public health emergency (such as the COVID-19 pandemic); and which types of CR or SC are the most effective to engage, is relatively small. Given the importance of ensuring resilience against, and swift recovery from, public health emergencies, it is critically important to establish and understand the evidence base for these approaches. As a result, the current review sought to answer the following research questions: (1) How are CR and SC quantified in research?; (2) What is the impact of community resilience on mental wellbeing?; (3) What is the impact of infectious disease outbreaks, disasters and emergencies on community resilience and social capital?; and, (4) What types of interventions enhance community resilience and social capital?

By collating research in order to answer these research questions, the authors have been able to propose several key recommendations that could be used to both enhance and evaluate CR and SC effectively to facilitate the long-term recovery from COVID-19, and also to inform the use of CR and SC in any future public health disasters and emergencies.

A scoping review methodology was followed due to the ease of summarising literature on a given topic for policy makers and practitioners [ 26 ], and is detailed in the following sections.

Identification of relevant studies

An initial search strategy was developed by authors CH and DW and included terms which related to: CR and SC, given the absence of a consistent definition of CR, and the link between CR and SC, the review focuses on both CR and SC to identify as much relevant literature as possible (adapted for purpose from Annex 1: [ 27 ], as well as through consultation with review commissioners); public health emergencies and disasters [ 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ], and psychological wellbeing and recovery (derived a priori from literature). To ensure a focus on both public health and psychological research, the final search was carried across Medline, PsycInfo, and EMBASE using OVID. The final search took place on the 18th of May 2020, the search strategy used for all three databases can be found in Supplementary file 1 .

Selection criteria

The inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed alongside the search strategy. Initially the criteria were relatively inclusive and were subject to iterative development to reflect the authors’ familiarisation with the literature. For example, the decision was taken to exclude research which focused exclusively on social support and did not mention communities as an initial title/abstract search suggested that the majority of this literature did not meet the requirements of our research question.

The full and final inclusion and exclusion criteria used can be found in Supplementary file 2 . In summary, authors decided to focus on the general population (i.e., non-specialist, e.g. non-healthcare worker or government official) to allow the review to remain community focused. The research must also have assessed the impact of CR and/or SC on mental health and wellbeing, resilience, and recovery during and following public health emergencies and infectious disease outbreaks which affect communities (to ensure the research is relevant to the review aims), have conducted primary research, and have a full text available or provided by the first author when contacted.

Charting the data

All papers were first title and abstract screened by CH or DW. Papers then were full text reviewed by CH to ensure each paper met the required eligibility criteria, if unsure about a paper it was also full text reviewed by DW. All papers that were retained post full-text review were subjected to a standardised data extraction procedure. A table was made for the purpose of extracting the following data: title, authors, origin, year of publication, study design, aim, disaster type, sample size and characteristics, variables examined, results, restrictions/limitations, and recommendations. Supplementary file 3 details the charting the data process.

Analytical method

Data was synthesised using a Framework approach [ 32 ], a common method for analysing qualitative research. This method was chosen as it was originally used for large-scale social policy research [ 33 ] as it seeks to identify: what works, for whom, in what conditions, and why [ 34 ]. This approach is also useful for identifying commonalities and differences in qualitative data and potential relationships between different parts of the data [ 33 ]. An a priori framework was established by CH and DW. Extracted data was synthesised in relation to each research question, and the process was iterative to ensure maximum saturation using the available data.

Study selection

The final search strategy yielded 3584 records. Following the removal of duplicates, 2191 records remained and were included in title and abstract screening. A PRISMA flow diagram is presented in Fig.  1 .

PRISMA flow diagram

At the title and abstract screening stage, the process became more iterative as the inclusion criteria were developed and refined. For the first iteration of screening, CH or DW sorted all records into ‘include,’ ‘exclude,’ and ‘unsure’. All ‘unsure’ papers were re-assessed by CH, and a random selection of ~ 20% of these were also assessed by DW. Where there was disagreement between authors the records were retained, and full text screened. The remaining papers were reviewed by CH, and all records were categorised into ‘include’ and ‘exclude’. Following full-text screening, 26 papers were retained for use in the review.

Study characteristics

This section of the review addresses study characteristics of those which met the inclusion criteria, which comprises: date of publication, country of origin, study design, study location, disaster, and variables examined.

Date of publication

Publication dates across the 26 papers spanned from 2008 to 2020 (see Fig.  2 ). The number of papers published was relatively low and consistent across this timescale (i.e. 1–2 per year, except 2010 and 2013 when none were published) up until 2017 where the number of papers peaked at 5. From 2017 to 2020 there were 15 papers published in total. The amount of papers published in recent years suggests a shift in research and interest towards CR and SC in a disaster/ public health emergency context.

Graph to show retained papers date of publication

Country of origin

The locations of the first authors’ institutes at the time of publication were extracted to provide a geographical spread of the retained papers. The majority originated from the USA [ 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ], followed by China [ 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ], Japan [ 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ], Australia [ 51 , 52 , 53 ], The Netherlands [ 54 , 55 ], New Zealand [ 56 ], Peru [ 57 ], Iran [ 58 ], Austria [ 59 ], and Croatia [ 60 ].

There were multiple methodological approaches carried out across retained papers. The most common formats included surveys or questionnaires [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 42 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 57 , 59 ], followed by interviews [ 39 , 40 , 43 , 51 , 52 , 60 ]. Four papers used both surveys and interviews [ 35 , 41 , 45 , 58 ], and two papers conducted data analysis (one using open access data from a Social Survey [ 44 ] and one using a Primary Health Organisations Register [ 56 ]).

Study location

The majority of the studies were carried out in Japan [ 36 , 42 , 44 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 ], followed by the USA [ 35 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ], China [ 43 , 45 , 46 , 53 ], Australia [ 51 , 52 ], and the UK [ 54 , 55 ]. The remaining studies were carried out in Croatia [ 60 ], Peru [ 57 ], Austria [ 59 ], New Zealand [ 56 ] and Iran [ 58 ].

Multiple different types of disaster were researched across the retained papers. Earthquakes were the most common type of disaster examined [ 45 , 47 , 49 , 50 , 53 , 56 , 57 , 58 ], followed by research which assessed the impact of two disastrous events which had happened in the same area (e.g. Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in Mississippi, and the Great East Japan earthquake and Tsunami; [ 36 , 37 , 38 , 42 , 44 , 48 ]). Other disaster types included: flooding [ 51 , 54 , 55 , 59 , 60 ], hurricanes [ 35 , 39 , 41 ], infectious disease outbreaks [ 43 , 46 ], oil spillage [ 40 ], and drought [ 52 ].

Variables of interest examined

Across the 26 retained papers: eight referred to examining the impact of SC [ 35 , 37 , 39 , 41 , 46 , 49 , 55 , 60 ]; eight examined the impact of cognitive and structural SC as separate entities [ 40 , 42 , 45 , 48 , 50 , 54 , 57 , 59 ]; one examined bridging and bonding SC as separate entities [ 58 ]; two examined the impact of CR [ 38 , 56 ]; and two employed a qualitative methodology but drew findings in relation to bonding and bridging SC, and SC generally [ 51 , 52 ]. Additionally, five papers examined the impact of the following variables: ‘community social cohesion’ [ 36 ], ‘neighbourhood connectedness’ [ 44 ], ‘social support at the community level’ [ 47 ], ‘community connectedness’ [ 43 ] and ‘sense of community’ [ 53 ]. Table  1 provides additional details on this.

How is CR and SC measured or quantified in research?

The measures used to examine CR and SC are presented Table  1 . It is apparent that there is no uniformity in how SC or CR is measured across the research. Multiple measures are used throughout the retained studies, and nearly all are unique. Additionally, SC was examined at multiple different levels (e.g. cognitive and structural, bonding and bridging), and in multiple different forms (e.g. community connectedness, community cohesion).

What is the association between CR and SC on mental wellbeing?

To best compare research, the following section reports on CR, and facets of SC separately. Please see Supplementary file 4  for additional information on retained papers methods of measuring mental wellbeing.

• Community resilience

CR relates to the ability of a community to withstand, adapt and permit growth in adverse circumstances due to social structures, networks and interdependencies within the community [ 11 ].

The impact of CR on mental wellbeing was consistently positive. For example, research indicated that there was a positive association between CR and number of common mental health (i.e. anxiety and mood) treatments post-disaster [ 56 ]. Similarly, other research suggests that CR is positively related to psychological resilience, which is inversely related to depressive symptoms) [ 37 ]. The same research also concluded that CR is protective of psychological resilience and is therefore protective of depressive symptoms [ 37 ].

• Social capital

SC reflects the strength of a social network, community reciprocity, and trust in people and institutions [ 14 ]. These aspects of community are usually conceptualised primarily as protective factors that enable communities to cope and adapt collectively to threats.

There were inconsistencies across research which examined the impact of abstract SC (i.e. not refined into bonding/bridging or structural/cognitive) on mental wellbeing. However, for the majority of cases, research deems SC to be beneficial. For example, research has concluded that, SC is protective against post-traumatic stress disorder [ 55 ], anxiety [ 46 ], psychological distress [ 50 ], and stress [ 46 ]. Additionally, SC has been found to facilitate post-traumatic growth [ 38 ], and also to be useful to be drawn upon in times of stress [ 52 ], both of which could be protective of mental health. Similarly, research has also found that emotional recovery following a disaster is more difficult for those who report to have low levels of SC [ 51 ].

Conversely, however, research has also concluded that when other situational factors (e.g. personal resources) were controlled for, a positive relationship between community resources and life satisfaction was no longer significant [ 60 ]. Furthermore, some research has concluded that a high level of SC can result in a community facing greater stress immediately post disaster. Indeed, one retained paper found that high levels of SC correlate with higher levels of post-traumatic stress immediately following a disaster [ 39 ]. However, in the later stages following a disaster, this relationship can reverse, with SC subsequently providing an aid to recovery [ 41 ]. By way of explanation, some researchers have suggested that communities with stronger SC carry the greatest load in terms of helping others (i.e. family, friends and neighbours) as well as themselves immediately following the disaster, but then as time passes the communities recover at a faster rate as they are able to rely on their social networks for support [ 41 ].

Cognitive and structural social capital

Cognitive SC refers to perceptions of community relations, such as trust, mutual help and attachment, and structural SC refers to what actually happens within the community, such as participation, socialising [ 16 ].

Cognitive SC has been found to be protective [ 49 ] against PTSD [ 54 , 57 ], depression [ 40 , 54 ]) mild mood disorder; [ 48 ]), anxiety [ 48 , 54 ] and increase self-efficacy [ 59 ].

For structural SC, research is again inconsistent. On the one hand, structural SC has been found to: increase perceived self-efficacy, be protective of depression [ 40 ], buffer the impact of housing damage on cognitive decline [ 42 ] and provide support during disasters and over the recovery period [ 59 ]. However, on the other hand, it has been found to have no association with PTSD [ 54 , 57 ] or depression, and is also associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety [ 54 ]. Similarly, it is also suggested by additional research that structural SC can harm women’s mental health, either due to the pressure of expectations to help and support others or feelings of isolation [ 49 ].

Bonding and bridging social capital

Bonding SC refers to connections among individuals who are emotionally close, and result in bonds to a particular group [ 17 ], and bridging SC refers to acquaintances or individuals loosely connected that span different social groups [ 18 ].

One research study concluded that both bonding and bridging SC were protective against post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms [ 58 ]. Bridging capital was deemed to be around twice as effective in buffering against post-traumatic stress disorder than bonding SC [ 58 ].

Other community variables

Community social cohesion was significantly associated with a lower risk of post-traumatic stress disorder symptom development [ 35 ], and this was apparent even whilst controlling for depressive symptoms at baseline and disaster impact variables (e.g. loss of family member or housing damage) [ 36 ]. Similarly, sense of community, community connectedness, social support at the community level and neighbourhood connectedness all provided protective benefits for a range of mental health, wellbeing and recovery variables, including: depression [ 53 ], subjective wellbeing (in older adults only) [ 43 ], psychological distress [ 47 ], happiness [ 44 ] and life satisfaction [ 53 ].

Research has also concluded that community level social support is protective against mild mood and anxiety disorder, but only for individuals who have had no previous disaster experience [ 48 ]. Additionally, a study which separated SC into social cohesion and social participation concluded that at a community level, social cohesion is protective against depression [ 49 ] whereas social participation at community level is associated with an increased risk of depression amongst women [ 49 ].

What is the impact of Infectious disease outbreaks / disasters and emergencies on community resilience?

From a cross-sectional perspective, research has indicated that disasters and emergencies can have a negative effect on certain types of SC. Specifically, cognitive SC has been found to be impacted by disaster impact, whereas structural SC has gone unaffected [ 45 ]. Disaster impact has also been shown to have a negative effect on community relationships more generally [ 52 ].

Additionally, of the eight studies which collected data at multiple time points [ 35 , 36 , 41 , 42 , 47 , 49 , 56 , 60 ], three reported the effect of a disaster on the level of SC within a community [ 40 , 42 , 49 ]. All three of these studies concluded that disasters may have a negative impact on the levels of SC within a community. The first study found that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill had a negative effect on SC and social support, and this in turn explained an overall increase in the levels of depression within the community [ 40 ]. A possible explanation for the negative effect lays in ‘corrosive communities’, known for increased social conflict and reduced social support, that are sometimes created following oil spills [ 40 ]. It is proposed that corrosive communities often emerge due to a loss of natural resources that bring social groups together (e.g., for recreational activities), as well as social disparity (e.g., due to unequal distribution of economic impact) becoming apparent in the community following disaster [ 40 ]. The second study found that SC (in the form of social cohesion, informal socialising and social participation) decreased after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan; it was suggested that this change correlated with incidence of cognitive decline [ 42 ]. However, the third study reported more mixed effects based on physical circumstances of the communities’ natural environment: Following an earthquake, those who lived in mountainous areas with an initial high level of pre-community SC saw a decrease in SC post disaster [ 49 ]. However, communities in flat areas (which were home to younger residents and had a higher population density) saw an increase in SC [ 49 ]. It was proposed that this difference could be due to the need for those who lived in mountainous areas to seek prolonged refuge due to subsequent landslides [ 49 ].

What types of intervention enhance CR and SC and protect survivors?

There were mixed effects across the 26 retained papers when examining the effect of CR and SC on mental wellbeing. However, there is evidence that an increase in SC [ 56 , 57 ], with a focus on cognitive SC [ 57 ], namely by: building social networks [ 45 , 51 , 53 ], enhancing feelings of social cohesion [ 35 , 36 ] and promoting a sense of community [ 53 ], can result in an increase in CR and potentially protect survivors’ wellbeing and mental health following a disaster. An increase in SC may also aid in decreasing the need for individual psychological interventions in the aftermath of a disaster [ 55 ]. As a result, recommendations and suggested methods to bolster CR and SC from the retained papers have been extracted and separated into general methods, preparedness and policy level implementation.

General methods

Suggested methods to build SC included organising recreational activity-based groups [ 44 ] to broaden [ 51 , 53 ] and preserve current social networks [ 42 ], introducing initiatives to increase social cohesion and trust [ 51 ], and volunteering to increase the number of social ties between residents [ 59 ]. Research also notes that it is important to take a ‘no one left behind approach’ when organising recreational and social community events, as failure to do so could induce feelings of isolation for some members of the community [ 49 ]. Furthermore, gender differences should also be considered as research indicates that males and females may react differently to community level SC (as evidence suggests males are instead more impacted by individual level SC; in comparison to women who have larger and more diverse social networks [ 49 ]). Therefore, interventions which aim to raise community level social participation, with the aim of expanding social connections and gaining support, may be beneficial [ 42 , 47 ].

Preparedness

In order to prepare for disasters, it may be beneficial to introduce community-targeted methods or interventions to increase levels of SC and CR as these may aid in ameliorating the consequences of a public health emergency or disaster [ 57 ]. To indicate which communities have low levels of SC, one study suggests implementing a 3-item scale of social cohesion to map areas and target interventions [ 42 ].

It is important to consider that communities with a high level of SC may have a lower level of risk perception, due to the established connections and supportive network they have with those around them [ 61 ]. However, for the purpose of preparedness, this is not ideal as perception of risk is a key factor when seeking to encourage behavioural adherence. This could be overcome by introducing communication strategies which emphasise the necessity of social support, but also highlights the need for additional measures to reduce residual risk [ 59 ]. Furthermore, support in the form of financial assistance to foster current community initiatives may prove beneficial to rural areas, for example through the use of an asset-based community development framework [ 52 ].

Policy level

At a policy level, the included papers suggest a range of ways that CR and SC could be bolstered and used. These include: providing financial support for community initiatives and collective coping strategies, (e.g. using asset-based community development [ 52 ]); ensuring policies for long-term recovery focus on community sustainable development (e.g. community festival and community centre activities) [ 44 ]; and development of a network amongst cooperative corporations formed for reconstruction and to organise self-help recovery sessions among residents of adjacent areas [ 58 ].

This scoping review sought to synthesise literature concerning the role of SC and CR during public health emergencies and disasters. Specifically, in this review we have examined: the methods used to measure CR and SC; the impact of CR and SC on mental wellbeing during disasters and emergencies; the impact of disasters and emergencies on CR and SC; and the types of interventions which can be used to enhance CR. To do this, data was extracted from 26 peer-reviewed journal articles. From this synthesis, several key themes have been identified, which can be used to develop guidelines and recommendations for deploying CR and SC in a public health emergency or disaster context. These key themes and resulting recommendations are summarised below.

Firstly, this review established that there is no consistent or standardised approach to measuring CR or SC within the general population. This finding is consistent with a review conducted by the World Health Organization which concludes that despite there being a number of frameworks that contain indicators across different determinants of health, there is a lack of consensus on priority areas for measurement and no widely accepted indicator [ 27 ]. As a result, there are many measures of CR and SC apparent within the literature (e.g., [ 62 , 63 ]), an example of a developed and validated measure is provided by Sherrieb, Norris and Galea [ 64 ]. Similarly, the definitions of CR and SC differ widely between researchers, which created a barrier to comparing and summarising information. Therefore, future research could seek to compare various interpretations of CR and to identify any overlapping concepts. However, a previous systemic review conducted by Patel et al. (2017) concludes that there are nine core elements of CR (local knowledge, community networks and relationships, communication, health, governance and leadership, resources, economic investment, preparedness, and mental outlook), with 19 further sub-elements therein [ 30 ]. Therefore, as CR is a multi-dimensional construct, the implications from the findings are that multiple aspects of social infrastructure may need to be considered.

Secondly, our synthesis of research concerning the role of CR and SC for ensuring mental health and wellbeing during, or following, a public health emergency or disaster revealed mixed effects. Much of the research indicates either a generally protective effect on mental health and wellbeing, or no effect; however, the literature demonstrates some potential for a high level of CR/SC to backfire and result in a negative effect for populations during, or following, a public health emergency or disaster. Considered together, our synthesis indicates that cognitive SC is the only facet of SC which was perceived as universally protective across all retained papers. This is consistent with a systematic review which also concludes that: (a) community level cognitive SC is associated with a lower risk of common mental disorders, while; (b) community level structural SC had inconsistent effects [ 65 ].

Further examination of additional data extracted from studies which found that CR/SC had a negative effect on mental health and wellbeing revealed no commonalities that might explain these effects (Please see Supplementary file 5 for additional information)

One potential explanation may come from a retained paper which found that high levels of SC result in an increase in stress level immediately post disaster [ 41 ]. This was suggested to be due to individuals having greater burdens due to wishing to help and support their wide networks as well as themselves. However, as time passes the levels of SC allow the community to come together and recover at a faster rate [ 41 ]. As this was the only retained paper which produced this finding, it would be beneficial for future research to examine boundary conditions for the positive effects of CR/SC; that is, to explore circumstances under which CR/SC may be more likely to put communities at greater risk. This further research should also include additional longitudinal research to validate the conclusions drawn by [ 41 ] as resilience is a dynamic process of adaption.

Thirdly, disasters and emergencies were generally found to have a negative effect on levels of SC. One retained paper found a mixed effect of SC in relation to an earthquake, however this paper separated participants by area in which they lived (i.e., mountainous vs. flat), which explains this inconsistent effect [ 49 ]. Dangerous areas (i.e. mountainous) saw a decrease in community SC in comparison to safer areas following the earthquake (an effect the authors attributed to the need to seek prolonged refuge), whereas participants from the safer areas (which are home to younger residents with a higher population density) saw an increase in SC [ 49 ]. This is consistent with the idea that being able to participate socially is a key element of SC [ 12 ]. Overall, however, this was the only retained paper which produced a variable finding in relation to the effect of disaster on levels of CR/SC.

Finally, research identified through our synthesis promotes the idea of bolstering SC (particularly cognitive SC) and cohesion in communities likely to be affected by disaster to improve levels of CR. This finding provides further understanding of the relationship between CR and SC; an association that has been reported in various articles seeking to provide conceptual frameworks (e.g., [ 66 , 67 ]) as well as indicator/measurement frameworks [ 27 ]. Therefore, this could be done by creating and promoting initiatives which foster SC and create bonds within the community. Papers included in the current review suggest that recreational-based activity groups and volunteering are potential methods for fostering SC and creating community bonds [ 44 , 51 , 59 ]. Similarly, further research demonstrates that feelings of social cohesion are enhanced by general social activities (e.g. fairs and parades [ 18 ]). Also, actively encouraging activities, programs and interventions which enhance connectedness and SC have been reported to be desirable to increase CR [ 68 ]. This suggestion is supported by a recent scoping review of literature [ 67 ] examined community champion approaches for the COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery and established that creating and promoting SC focused initiatives within the community during pandemic response is highly beneficial [ 67 ]. In terms of preparedness, research states that it may be beneficial for levels of SC and CR in communities at risk to be assessed, to allow targeted interventions where the population may be at most risk following an incident [ 42 , 44 ]. Additionally, from a more critical perspective, we acknowledge that ‘resilience’ can often be perceived as a focus on individual capacity to adapt to adversity rather than changing or mitigating the causes of adverse conditions [ 69 , 70 ]. Therefore, CR requires an integrated system approach across individual, community and structural levels [ 17 ]. Also, it is important that community members are engaged in defining and agreeing how community resilience is measured [ 27 ] rather than it being imposed by system leads or decision-makers.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, is it expected that there will be long-term repercussions both from an economic [ 8 ] and a mental health perspective [ 71 ]. Furthermore, the findings from this review suggest that although those in areas with high levels of SC may be negatively affected in the acute stage, as time passes, they have potential to rebound at a faster rate than those with lower levels of SC. Ongoing evaluation of the effectiveness of current initiatives as the COVID-19 pandemic progresses into a recovery phase will be invaluable for supplementing the evidence base identified through this review.

• Recommendations

As a result of this review, a number of recommendations are suggested for policy and practice during public health emergencies and recovery.

Future research should seek to establish a standardised and validated approach to measuring and defining CR and SC within communities. There are ongoing efforts in this area, for example [ 72 ]. Additionally, community members should be involved in the process of defining how CR is measured.

There should be an enhanced effort to improve preparedness for public health emergencies and disasters in local communities by gauging current levels of SC and CR within communities using a standardised measure. This approach could support specific targeting of populations with low levels of CR/SC in case of a disaster or public health emergency, whilst also allowing for consideration of support for those with high levels of CR (as these populations can be heavily impacted initially following a disaster). By distinguishing levels of SC and CR, tailored community-centred approaches could be implemented, such as those listed in a guide released by PHE in 2015 [ 73 ].

CR and SC (specifically cognitive SC) should be bolstered if communities are at risk of experiencing a disaster or public health emergency. This can be achieved by using interventions which aim to increase a sense of community and create new social ties (e.g., recreational group activities, volunteering). Additionally, when aiming to achieve this, it is important to be mindful of the risk of increased levels of CR/SC to backfire, as well as seeking to advocate an integrated system approach across individual, community and structural levels.

It is necessary to be aware that although communities with high existing levels of resilience / SC may experience short-term negative consequences following a disaster, over time these communities might be able to recover at a faster rate. It is therefore important to ensure that suitable short-term support is provided to these communities in the immediate aftermath of a public health emergency or disaster.

Robust evaluation of the community resilience initiatives deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic response is essential to inform the evidence base concerning the effectiveness of CR/ SC. These evaluations should continue through the response phase and into the recovery phase to help develop our understanding of the long-term consequences of such interventions.

Limitations

Despite this review being the first in this specific topic area, there are limitations that must be considered. Firstly, it is necessary to note that communities are generally highly diverse and the term ‘community’ in academic literature is a subject of much debate (see: [ 74 ]), therefore this must be considered when comparing and collating research involving communities. Additionally, the measures of CR and SC differ substantially across research, including across the 26 retained papers used in the current review. This makes the act of comparing and collating research findings very difficult. This issue is highlighted as a key outcome from this review, and suggestions for how to overcome this in future research are provided. Additionally, we acknowledge that there will be a relationship between CR & SC even where studies measure only at individual or community level. A review [ 75 ] on articulating a hypothesis of the link to health inequalities suggests that wider structural determinants of health need to be accounted for. Secondly, despite the final search strategy encompassing terms for both CR and SC, only one retained paper directly measured CR; thus, making the research findings more relevant to SC. Future research could seek to focus on CR to allow for a comparison of findings. Thirdly, the review was conducted early in the COVID-19 pandemic and so does not include more recent publications focusing on resilience specifically in the context of COVID-19. Regardless of this fact, the synthesis of, and recommendations drawn from, the reviewed studies are agnostic to time and specific incident and contain critical elements necessary to address as the pandemic moves from response to recovery. Further research should review the effectiveness of specific interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic for collation in a subsequent update to this current paper. Fourthly, the current review synthesises findings from countries with individualistic and collectivistic cultures, which may account for some variation in the findings. Lastly, despite choosing a scoping review method for ease of synthesising a wide literature base for use by public health emergency researchers in a relatively tight timeframe, there are disadvantages of a scoping review approach to consider: (1) quality appraisal of retained studies was not carried out; (2) due to the broad nature of a scoping review, more refined and targeted reviews of literature (e.g., systematic reviews) may be able to provide more detailed research outcomes. Therefore, future research should seek to use alternative methods (e.g., empirical research, systematic reviews of literature) to add to the evidence base on CR and SC impact and use in public health practice.

This review sought to establish: (1) How CR and SC are quantified in research?; (2) The impact of community resilience on mental wellbeing?; (3) The impact of infectious disease outbreaks, disasters and emergencies on community resilience and social capital?; and, (4) What types of interventions enhance community resilience and social capital?. The chosen search strategy yielded 26 relevant papers from which we were able extract information relating to the aims of this review.

Results from the review revealed that CR and SC are not measured consistently across research. The impact of CR / SC on mental health and wellbeing during emergencies and disasters is mixed (with some potential for backlash), however the literature does identify cognitive SC as particularly protective. Although only a small number of papers compared CR or SC before and after a disaster, the findings were relatively consistent: SC or CR is negatively impacted by a disaster. Methods suggested to bolster SC in communities were centred around social activities, such as recreational group activities and volunteering. Recommendations for both research and practice (with a particular focus on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic) are also presented.

Availability of data and materials

The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Abbreviations

Social Capital

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This study was supported by the National Institute for Health Research Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Emergency Preparedness and Response, a partnership between Public Health England, King’s College London and the University of East Anglia. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR, Public Health England, the UK Health Security Agency or the Department of Health and Social Care [Grant number: NIHR20008900]. Part of this work has been funded by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care, as part of a Collaborative Agreement with Leeds Beckett University.

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Hall, C.E., Wehling, H., Stansfield, J. et al. Examining the role of community resilience and social capital on mental health in public health emergency and disaster response: a scoping review. BMC Public Health 23 , 2482 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-17242-x

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Frequency of adjectives per one million words

Commendable

A study published this month examined scientists’ peer reviews — researchers’ official pronouncements on others’ work that form the bedrock of scientific progress — across a number of high-profile and prestigious scientific conferences studying A.I. At one such conference, those peer reviews used the word “meticulous” more than 34 times as often as reviews did the previous year. Use of “commendable” was around 10 times as frequent, and “intricate,” 11 times. Other major conferences showed similar patterns.

Such phrasings are, of course, some of the favorite buzzwords of modern large language models like ChatGPT. In other words, significant numbers of researchers at A.I. conferences were caught handing their peer review of others’ work over to A.I. — or, at minimum, writing them with lots of A.I. assistance. And the closer to the deadline the submitted reviews were received, the more A.I. usage was found in them.

If this makes you uncomfortable — especially given A.I.’s current unreliability — or if you think that maybe it shouldn’t be A.I.s reviewing science but the scientists themselves, those feelings highlight the paradox at the core of this technology: It’s unclear what the ethical line is between scam and regular usage. Some A.I.-generated scams are easy to identify, like the medical journal paper featuring a cartoon rat sporting enormous genitalia. Many others are more insidious, like the mislabeled and hallucinated regulatory pathway described in that same paper — a paper that was peer reviewed as well (perhaps, one might speculate, by another A.I.?).

What about when A.I. is used in one of its intended ways — to assist with writing? Recently, there was an uproar when it became obvious that simple searches of scientific databases returned phrases like “As an A.I. language model” in places where authors relying on A.I. had forgotten to cover their tracks. If the same authors had simply deleted those accidental watermarks, would their use of A.I. to write their papers have been fine?

What’s going on in science is a microcosm of a much bigger problem. Post on social media? Any viral post on X now almost certainly includes A.I.-generated replies, from summaries of the original post to reactions written in ChatGPT’s bland Wikipedia-voice, all to farm for follows. Instagram is filling up with A.I.-generated models, Spotify with A.I.-generated songs. Publish a book? Soon after, on Amazon there will often appear A.I.-generated “workbooks” for sale that supposedly accompany your book (which are incorrect in their content; I know because this happened to me). Top Google search results are now often A.I.-generated images or articles. Major media outlets like Sports Illustrated have been creating A.I.-generated articles attributed to equally fake author profiles. Marketers who sell search engine optimization methods openly brag about using A.I. to create thousands of spammed articles to steal traffic from competitors.

Then there is the growing use of generative A.I. to scale the creation of cheap synthetic videos for children on YouTube. Some example outputs are Lovecraftian horrors, like music videos about parrots in which the birds have eyes within eyes, beaks within beaks, morphing unfathomably while singing in an artificial voice, “The parrot in the tree says hello, hello!” The narratives make no sense, characters appear and disappear randomly, and basic facts like the names of shapes are wrong. After I identified a number of such suspicious channels on my newsletter, The Intrinsic Perspective, Wired found evidence of generative A.I. use in the production pipelines of some accounts with hundreds of thousands or even millions of subscribers.

As a neuroscientist, this worries me. Isn’t it possible that human culture contains within it cognitive micronutrients — things like cohesive sentences, narrations and character continuity — that developing brains need? Einstein supposedly said : “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be very intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” But what happens when a toddler is consuming mostly A.I.-generated dream-slop? We find ourselves in the midst of a vast developmental experiment.

There’s so much synthetic garbage on the internet now that A.I. companies and researchers are themselves worried, not about the health of the culture, but about what’s going to happen with their models. As A.I. capabilities ramped up in 2022, I wrote on the risk of culture’s becoming so inundated with A.I. creations that when future A.I.s are trained, the previous A.I. output will leak into the training set, leading to a future of copies of copies of copies, as content became ever more stereotyped and predictable. In 2023 researchers introduced a technical term for how this risk affected A.I. training: model collapse . In a way, we and these companies are in the same boat, paddling through the same sludge streaming into our cultural ocean.

With that unpleasant analogy in mind, it’s worth looking to what is arguably the clearest historical analogy for our current situation: the environmental movement and climate change. For just as companies and individuals were driven to pollute by the inexorable economics of it, so, too, is A.I.’s cultural pollution driven by a rational decision to fill the internet’s voracious appetite for content as cheaply as possible. While environmental problems are nowhere near solved, there has been undeniable progress that has kept our cities mostly free of smog and our lakes mostly free of sewage. How?

Before any specific policy solution was the acknowledgment that environmental pollution was a problem in need of outside legislation. Influential to this view was a perspective developed in 1968 by Garrett Hardin, a biologist and ecologist. Dr. Hardin emphasized that the problem of pollution was driven by people acting in their own interest, and that therefore “we are locked into a system of ‘fouling our own nest,’ so long as we behave only as independent, rational, free-enterprisers.” He summed up the problem as a “tragedy of the commons.” This framing was instrumental for the environmental movement, which would come to rely on government regulation to do what companies alone could or would not.

Once again we find ourselves enacting a tragedy of the commons: short-term economic self-interest encourages using cheap A.I. content to maximize clicks and views, which in turn pollutes our culture and even weakens our grasp on reality. And so far, major A.I. companies are refusing to pursue advanced ways to identify A.I.’s handiwork — which they could do by adding subtle statistical patterns hidden in word use or in the pixels of images.

A common justification for inaction is that human editors can always fiddle around with whatever patterns are used if they know enough. Yet many of the issues we’re experiencing are not caused by motivated and technically skilled malicious actors; they’re caused mostly by regular users’ not adhering to a line of ethical use so fine as to be nigh nonexistent. Most would be uninterested in advanced countermeasures to statistical patterns enforced into outputs that should, ideally, mark them as A.I.-generated.

That’s why the independent researchers were able to detect A.I. outputs in the peer review system with surprisingly high accuracy: They actually tried. Similarly, right now teachers across the nation have created home-brewed output-side detection methods , like adding hidden requests for patterns of word use to essay prompts that appear only when copied and pasted.

In particular, A.I. companies appear opposed to any patterns baked into their output that can improve A.I.-detection efforts to reasonable levels, perhaps because they fear that enforcing such patterns might interfere with the model’s performance by constraining its outputs too much — although there is no current evidence this is a risk. Despite public pledges to develop more advanced watermarking, it’s increasingly clear that the companies are dragging their feet because it goes against the A.I. industry’s bottom line to have detectable products.

To deal with this corporate refusal to act we need the equivalent of a Clean Air Act: a Clean Internet Act. Perhaps the simplest solution would be to legislatively force advanced watermarking intrinsic to generated outputs, like patterns not easily removable. Just as the 20th century required extensive interventions to protect the shared environment, the 21st century is going to require extensive interventions to protect a different, but equally critical, common resource, one we haven’t noticed up until now since it was never under threat: our shared human culture.

Erik Hoel is a neuroscientist, a novelist and the author of The Intrinsic Perspective newsletter.

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