Where to Stay in Langkawi, Malaysia: Best Hotels and Beaches

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In this post, you where to stay in Langkawi, Malaysia. We explain the best region of the island for you to stay according to your traveler profile. From the most touristy beaches to the deserted ones, as well as accommodation close to the Sky Bridge, the airport and the ferry port.

9 Best Hotels in Langkawi

  1. Best Luxury Hotel in Langkawi: The Datai Langkawi (5 stars, rating 9.5 – $$$$$)
  2. Best Value for Money Luxury Resort: Berjaya Langkawi Resort (5 stars, rating 8.5 – $$$)
  3. Best Seaside Cottages: Red Coral Cottage (grade 8.9 – $$)
  4. Best Budget Guesthouse: T Star Cottage Langkawi (grade 8 – $)
  5. Best Comfortable Guesthouse: Soluna Guest House (grade 9.3 – $$)
  6. Best Value for Money Hotel: Cenang Rooms With Pool by Virgo Star Resort (grade 8.4 – $$)
  7. Best Holiday Cottage: Eagleye Cottages (grade 9.2 – $$$)
  8. Best Party Hostel: Bed Attitude Hostel Cenang (rating 9.2 – $)
  9. Best Hostel to Relax: Gecko Guesthouse (grade 8.3 – $)
Sunset on Langkawi Island, Malaysia

How many days to stay in Langkawi?

Few Westerners know about Langkawi, but these Malaysian islands are certainly one of the most interesting beach destinations in Southeast Asia. Therefore, we recommend that you stay there for at least 3 days – we stayed for a week and it was incredible.

In addition to finding beautiful beaches in Langkawi, you will find other tourist attractions, several interesting programs, bars and restaurants.

And, of course, everything with the advantage of prices: the island is duty free, which means that everything – even beer – is cheaper than in the rest of the country.

What is the best beach to stay at in Langkawi?

  • Pantai Cenang: for those who want to stay in the most touristy part
  • Pantai Tengah: for those who want a quieter beach
  • Pantai Kok: for those who want to be close to the Sky Bridge and Langkawi Cable Car
  • Tanjung Rhu & Datai Bay: for those who want luxury in Langkawi
  • Padang Masirat: for those who want to stay close to the airport

Where to stay in Langkawi, Malaysia?

Below, we explain a little more about what you can find in each region of Langkawi, with the advantages and disadvantages, as well as tips on hotels, apartments, inns and hostels in each of these regions.

Cenang Beach

Pantai Cenang is the most famous beach in Langkawi. There you will find several accommodation options on the seafront, whether luxury resorts or very economical hotels.

Furthermore, in Pantai Cenang, travelers will find many options for restaurants, bars, general stores and supermarkets. It is the best option for those without a car.

See all accommodation options in Pantai Cenang

cenang praia langkawi beach
Praia de Cenang Beach

During high season this region can be crowded, after all it is the most touristy part of the island.

On the beach, the only negative point involves the jet skis, which are a bit disruptive to tourists. Avoid swimming near them and look for areas exclusive to swimmers.

Hotel Tips in Pantai Cenang

Central Coast

First of all, keep in mind that Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah are very close beaches – a 20-minute walk and you can go from one to the other.

The difference is that the Pantai Tengah region is much calmer and emptier than Pantai Cenang, which can be an advantage. On the other hand, there are fewer options for restaurants, bars and commerce in general.

the central beach of Langkawi beach
Praia de Central Coast

We divided our stay in Langkawi into two parts. We stayed in Pantai Cenang for a few days, but we also spent three nights in Pantai Tengah.

Hotel Tips in Pantai Tengah

Pantai Kok e Langkawi Cable Car

Almost every tourist who passes through Langkawi visits this region. The reason? The Langkawi cable car and the Sky Bridge, a bridge that is 700 meters high and has incredible views of forested mountains and, of course, the sea.

In addition to the island's most famous attraction, the Pantai Kok region also has a beautiful beach and some cool attractions in the interior of the island, such as Mat Cincang Mountain and Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls.

sky bridge langkawi
Sky Bridge em Langkawi

However, this is a good region to stay in a resort or rent a car / hire tours to visit the rest of the island. It is 12 km from Pantai Cenang.

Hotel Tips near the Sky Bridge in Langkawi

Tanjung Rhu and the northern region of Langkawi

The northern region of Langkawi, which includes the beaches of Tanjung Rhu and Datai Bay. This area is reputed to have some of the best beaches in Langkawi.

The region is quiet and has few tourists, but it is quite isolated from others. There are the best luxury resorts and hotels on the island of Langkawi, listed below.

Panoramic view tips on where to stay in Langkawi

And also good options for vacation rentals and inns:

Best Luxury Resorts and Hotels in Langkawi

See accommodation options in Tanjung Rhu

Padang Masirat

Speaking of the airport, the closest region to it is Padang Masirat. It is halfway between the Pantai Cenang region and the cable car.

If you decide to stay there, keep in mind that you will need to rent a car. The advantage, on the other hand, is being in a more empty area, with good accommodation options:

See accommodation options in Padang Masirat

Accommodation in Langkawi beyond the beaches: Kuah

Langkawi is a relatively large island. The capital of the island is the city of Kuah, where the port is located, used by tourists who go to the island by ferry.

view of Kuah city islands Langkawi

In Kuah, travelers will find many options for cheap hotels, restaurants and bars, as well as the best places to shop. The downside is that Kuah is not close to the beaches.

Therefore, anyone who decides to stay there needs to rent a car.

See accommodation options in Kuah

Planning a trip to Malaysia and Southeast Asia?

Then don't miss our best tips in the country:

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