Malaysia is a very popular Southeast Asian travel destination, home to a modern cities, older historical sites, a cultural melting pot of cuisines, a diverse population, impressive temples and mosques and a variety in flora, fauna and landscapes make Malaysia a unique country.
Malaysia offers a luxurious metropolitan feeling specifically in Kuala Lumpur. Apart from the metropolitan area, we visited caverns and saw wildlife in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. We loved Penang’s well-known delicious street food. We also spent a wonderful week at the tropical island Langkawi.
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The first time, we went since we heard of other people it was a great place. The second time we went since we loved it the first time. Th e third time we fled from Bali’s earthquakes.
Now, let’s dive down memory lane of our trip to this precious gem of Southeast Asia, Malaysia.
If you want a more lively impression of Malaysia, have a look at our video in Malaysia.
Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant, modern and busy metropolitan. It is never boring to explore Kuala Lumpur walking, so many people to watch, so many dazzling skyscrapers to marvel at and so many expansive malls to visit! Various present-day and colonial architectures, busy street markets, exciting theme parks and thousands of lined food stalls will provide endless entertainment in Kuala Lumpur. We spent so many hours walking around in this beautiful city that never sleeps, during the day and at night!
Petronas Twin Towers
With all the attractions you can see in Kuala Lumpur, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the famous Petronas Twin Towers. This iconic landmark is known for maintaining its world record of being the tallest twin towers. At night, when the towers are illuminated, this is a great place to be. The towers feature an amazing view of the country’s entire city. Inside the towers, you can stroll around for hours visiting different restaurants, inspiring galleries, many boutiques for souvenirs, and interesting museums.
Merdeka Square
Another famous landmark in Kuala Lumpur is the Merdeka Square. It is a place to have a glimpse of Malaysia’s history and enjoy traditional architectural style of buildings. Going to this place is highly recommended at night to avoid the scorching heat of the sun at day. It is a perfect place for picnics, hangouts, and sightseeing.
Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower
Many tourists say that it is “all tall and high” in Malaysia. I can say that it is true because aside from the iconic twin towers, Menara Kuala Lumpur proves this fact as well. Best known as Kuala Lumpur Tower, tourists visit this telecommunication tower because of its Sky deck and observation deck. It offers an amazing 360-degree view of the city from above. Other highlights of this tower are the Mini Zoo, KL Eco Park, and a rotating restaurant.
Aquaria KLCC
A famous indoor activity in Kuala Lumpur is to visit Aquaria KLCC. Explore marine life and get to know more about nature in this well-maintained exhibit. It is an exciting and informative place to be, especially for families with learning children.
National Museum of Malaysia
Stating the journey of the current Malaysia we know is the National Museum of Malaysia. It is an exhibit of the country’s past and present time. There are lots of artifacts and structures to be seen inside the museum such as old houses and vehicles. Aside from that, it is near to Perdana Lake Gardens, a botanical garden worth visiting.
Batu Caves
In the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, there lies series of huge magnificent limestone hills, the renowned Batu Caves. It is formed by nature and upgraded by man-made intricate details. It is a requisite for religious and non-religious tourists to visit these caverns to experience the pilgrimage of Hindus.
The caves themselves are the landmark for Batu Caves, recognized worldwide. There is more to be seen here. The gigantic statues of Lord Murugan and Hanuman guard the entrance of these caves, along with other colourful statues of Hindu gods placed inside and outside Batu Caves. The cave complex comprises several large and small caves that attract tourists for its beauty and uniqueness such as the Dark Cave, Temple Cave, and Cave Hill.
Taman Burung Kuala Lumpur
Among the top wildlife parks in Kuala Lumpur is the Taman Burung Kuala Lumpur, also known as Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. This park is home to different bird species like peacocks, flamingos, and owls. Taman Burung is a free-flight bird paradise, which allows to interact freely with the birds. We spent a lovely and relaxed day at this park, perfectly suitable for families with children.
Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
This park is the biggest butterfly park worldwide and absolutely worth visiting!
Stroll along the beautiful garden to admire thousands of butterflies.
Shopping Malls
It is not a surprise to find many tourists in the most famous shopping malls in the city of Kuala Lumpur. There are many shopping malls in the city that are worth going to, and some of these are the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Shopping Mall, Suria KLCC, Starhill Gallery Kuala Lumpur, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Mid Valley Megamall. They are all popular shopping malls with a child-friendly ambiance and classy architectural aspects. Many of the shops sell quite expensive brands, but food is very affordable. This would explain our hopping from one restaurant to another!
For more information, visit: www.visitkl.gov.my
We went to Kuala Lumpur several times and stayed at different hotels.
Swiss-Garden Hotel
The rooms were very nice and it was a short walk distance from Kuala Lumpur’s highlights.
The Royale Chulan
This is a nice , lovely hotel and in close proximity to the city centre and several sights of interest.
Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur
We had a great time at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, an award-winning 5-star hotel. The rooms were luxurious. I’ll never forget the best char koay teow we ordered for room service one night. This hotel is within walking distance to KL Central, giving an easy access to the city centre.
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
A gorgeous, luxurious hotel with excellent breakfast and in close proximity to Petronas Twin Towers en Suria KLCC and Aquaria KLCC. We really enjoyed our stay here!
Everyone who has been reading our blogs, will know we are foodies! Food makes up a big part of our travel experience! Kuala Lumpur did not disappoint with its wide variety in cuisines. Here, I will summon some of the best, well-known restaurants.
Affordable restaurants
I will start with some cheap, but famous local restaurants worth trying when in Kuala Lumpur.
Lot 10 Hutong Food Court
Located in the basement of Lot 10 Shopping Centre is the food paradise of Asian specialties such as Chinese, Japanese, and Malaysian cuisines. This food court is renowned for having the top hawkers from different parts of Malaysia allowing tourists to enjoy high quality, but inexpensive dishes.
Food Republic
The Food Republic food court is the home of local and international cuisines at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Shopping Mall. It offers a wide array of food choices at a reasonable price.
Nasi Kandar Pelita
Nasi Kandar Pelita is the most visited Mamak restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. They offer Indian and Malaysian dishes that are perfect for everyone’s taste. They are open 24/7!
Jalan Alor Night Food Court
A must-visit culinary place in Kuala Lumpur is the Jalan Alor Night Food Court. This night market has much to offer from various cheap eats up to an authentic local strolling at night. Also, it caters to both Halal and Non-Halal food stalls making it convenient for any type of traveller.
Restoran Yap Hup Kee
Restoran Yap Hup Kee has already withstood time and is famous for its authentic and delicious Chee Cheong Fun and Yong Tau Fu. Aside from these, there are still lots of food choices worth trying, when visiting this restaurant.
Tang City Food Court
Experience the traditional and local life with huge varieties of all Asian fusion cuisines at Tang City Food Court. This is the perfect food stop to enjoy Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian dishes all under one roof.
Jalan Sentul Chinese Nasi Lemak
Staying true to its hawker stall origin, Jalan Sentul Chinese Nasi Lemak offers a delicious and authentic Chinese Nasi Lemak with a hint of Malaysian flavour, along with many other traditional Oriental cuisines at a cheap price.
Petaling Street Market
Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur is known for vendors selling cheap goods and having different food stalls of various cultures. This is a diverse culinary tourist destination that offers quality, yet affordable Malaysian and other Asian cooking.
Taman Connaught
With hundreds of multicultural food vendors and hawker stalls. Taman Connaught is one of the largest night markets in Kuala Lumpur. Goods and eats are much cheaper than Petaling Street Market, but offer more food variety. Many people, locals, and non-locals visit this less touristy night market as it opens only once a week.
Mansion Tea Stall
Try visiting the Mansion Tea Stall, which is a hawker stand with a great version of the famous Roti Canai Special and other meals. Its cheap and a rich culinary experience.
More Luxurious Dining
Craving for finer and more expensive restaurants? Don’t worry because Kuala Lumpur is prominent not only for their hawker stalls, but also for their world-class restaurants.
Enak Kuala Lumpur Restaurant
One of the most distinguished high-end restaurants that cater to authentic Malay dishes is the Enak Kuala Lumpur Restaurant. This is a pork-free restaurant that follows an old family recipe giving off the classic vibe of Malay dishes that are suitable to everyone’s palate.
Celestial Court
An award-winning restaurant located in Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur is the Celestial Court. True to its name, it is the perfect dining place for people who want to experience a regal and luxurious dining atmosphere with the finest Halal Cantonese menu.
Songket Restaurant
Home of the “True Malaysian Flavors”, the Songket Restaurant provides a quality dining experience with the finest Malay specialties that are perfect for delicate palates.
Traveling around Kuala Lumpur becomes hassle-free with the help of several convenient transportation options available. However, the city is still populous and packed with different attractions, so the traffic is notorious in the city, especially during peak hours. That’s why choosing the best transportation is helpful for travellers to get around the city in no time.
Walking
Walking seems to be the most common way of getting around the city as the landmarks in Kuala Lumpur are near and accessible to each other. There is no traffic in walking, therefore, it allows tourists to slowly take in the beauty of the streets and attractions in the city.
Grab
Downloading the Grab app is a smart way of navigating around the city as it is the most popular travel option among locals. Booking a Grab car helps in traveling extreme distances without exerting tons of energy. Just make sure to have an internet connection!
Taxi
Kuala Lumpur taxis are convenient, but are also the least chosen travel option for first-time tourists when going around the city. Some taxi drivers scam tourists to pay a large amount of fare. A piece of advice when riding a taxi is to insist on using the fare meter.
Bus
Traveling by bus is a cheap transportation choice in Kuala Lumpur. However, buses are prone to heavy traffic and are sometimes very crowded. The good thing is, there are other comfortable bus options in Kuala Lumpur such as the Hop-On-Hop-Off Tourist Bus and eco-friendly buses with free WiFi onboard.
Train
Many tourists prefer using trains when hustling around the city. Riding the MRT or LRT is an efficient way of transportation amidst locals, especially when avoiding heavy traffic. Most tourist destinations are connected and accessible by trains like the Batu Caves.
Car Rental
Self-driving is also possible in Kuala Lumpur. Going to places within the city without following tight schedules, and personally exploring routes are some of the perks of renting a car. However, it is not recommended for many reasons like crowded parking spaces, and heavy traffic jams.
A showcase city in the South of Kuala Lumpur, widely known as Putrajaya, is popular amongst tourists. This quiet Intelligent Garden City offers activities such as visiting the parks, indoor rock wall climbing, skating, and joining a Cruise Tour in the man-made lake, Putrajaya Lake. On the edge of the said lake stands the remarkable pink mosque in the city, the Putra Mosque. It is inspired by Modern, Islamic, and Moorish architecture and delicately designed with pink and rose-tinted granites.
At Cameron Highlands, lush tea plantations on endless rolling hills brighten up in every shade of green possible. The highlands are cultivated by several farms and offer spectacular views on tea plantations high above the river valley. There are lots of relaxing attractions to be visited in the picturesque highlands like Boh Tea Plantation, strawberry farms, gardens, temples, and other parks. Apart from agriculture, a museum called Time Tunnel can be visited, which contains Malaysia’s past and the region’s history itself.
Equatorial Hotel
We stayed at the Equatorial Hotel Cameron Highlands, a very comfortable accommodation in a serene setting.
Dubbed as the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is one of a kind. This Malaysian state is considered both mainland and an island. However, Penang Island attracts more tourists than the mainland for the sole reason of having the best Penang tourist attractions. Our main reason to visit Penang, was its excellent and well-known food!
George Town
The most visited area of Penang Island is George Town. We learned to appreciate the beauty of this quaint town through their famous and instagrammable street arts. Murals in George Town are not just art, but art filled with the town’s history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site status has been awarded to George Town in 2008 for preserving its multicultural legacy. George Town mirrors both European and Asian influences.
Aside from its cultural aspect, George Town is visited for its famous hawker stalls, restaurants, and coffee shops, locally known as Kopitiam. There are also shopping malls and night markets. Little India is a Indian colorful neighborhood.
With lots of historical sites and unique tourist destinations, George Town deserves its place on top.
Kek Lok Si Temple
The Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. This Temple is located at the foot of the Air Itam mountain in George Town on Penang Island. Pilgrimages from different countries come here to pray.
The temple houses an impressive amount of 10.000 statues of Buddha,
The complex is divided into three zones. At the temple grounds there is the hill entrance, food and drinks stalls and a turtle liberation pond. The mid-section of the temple houses temples, gardens, the pagoda and the kings pavilion. At the hilltop you will find a 120 ft tall bronze statue
of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and gardens and temples.
Penang National Park
Natural beauty of the wild and beaches draws the attention of many tourists to hit this spot. Contrary to its nickname as Malaysia’s smallest national park, there are lots of fun-filled activities to choose from such as trekking, boating, and swimming.
Balik Pulau
Penang Island is also known for its agricultural town, namely Balik Pulau. This town consists of rice fields, fruit farms, night markets, and old shops. When visiting this town you can explore its local culture.
Batu Ferringhi
Next to George Town is the Batu Ferringhi. Travelers who are fond of beaches and water sports prefer to visit this beach town in Penang. Some of their water activities are parasailing and jet-skiing. More than their water sights, Batu Ferringhi is also famous for its seaside dining experience and night market.
Penang Hill
Penang Hill is never excluded from the list of tourist destinations in Penang. Similar to Cameron Highlands, this rainforest attraction has amazing views across the lands from above. Traveling to the top of Penang Hill is made comfy by the Penang Hill Railway. Want to break a sweat? Try hiking in the trails of the hills, and reach its top solely by foot.
Tropical Spice Garden
From the name itself, Tropical Spice Garden, this tourist attraction lets travellers enjoy Malaysian flora and fauna. It is also recognized as one of the best flower garden in Penang. They also offer cooking classes for interested visitors who want to learn to make Malaysian dishes using local herbs and spices.
G Hotel Gurney
We stayed at the luxurious G hotel, overlooking the view of the Gurney Drive. The hotel is located at George Town, Penang. It offers visitors the luxury of a contemporary-style hotel with lots of recreational activities to do.
The origin of the famous Malaysian hawker foods is the country’s food capital, Penang. Penang’s hawker food is the main reason we visited Penang and we were not disappointed! A wide variety of international and local cuisine is available at food stalls, the only problem we faced is how we were going to try them all!
Affordable Restaurants
Starting from the economical and notable restaurants in Penang.
Gurney Drive
Visiting the renowned Gurney Drive is never a disappointment, especially when looking for diverse food is your desire. Most locals and tourists spend their time eating together in this area because of the scenic view and various choices of local and international cuisines.
Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol Stall
When it comes to the best cheap eats, Penang Road Famous Teochew Cendol Stall rings a bell. They serve the popular Malaysian icy dessert, Cendol, that most tourists want to try. Due to its popularity, the line is long but quick.
Kimberly Street Char Koay Teow Stall
Never miss the iconic stir-fried rice noodles at Kimberly Street Char Koay Teow Stall. Their char koay teow very unique and tasty. They are open until midnight, get ready to wait in line!
Air Itam Sister Curry Mee
This legendary food stall located at Air Itam serves one of the best curry mee in Penang. Throughout the years, Sister Curry Mee has planted its position as one of the most famous curry mee stalls in Penang.
Chulia Street Hawker Stall
Hawker foods are the best in Penang, and Chulia Street Hawker Stall is definitely on the list. Most tourists in George Town choose this place for food, because of the cheap and tasty meals. Just like any other famous eating places, being an early bird helps enjoy foods to the fullest.
Greenlane Genting Food Court
All local cuisines under one roof can be experienced at Greenlane Genting Food Court. There are lots of food varieties to choose from in this food court. Make sure to try different stalls to have an explosive taste bud experience.
Chowrasta Market
Famous for its name as Chowrasta Bazaar, this market has a lot to offer. From fresh products to dried goods, all are available at the market. Aside from that, there are affordable traditional food stalls within the area.
Seafood Popiah Stall
A rare version of popiah in Penang is served in Seafood Popiah Stall. What makes their popiah unique is its crab meat filling with stir-fried vegetables and sweet sauce. Grab this delicious popiah at their stall in Padang Brown Food Court.
Paya Terubong Nasi Lemak
This legendary stall offers very tasty, delicious nasi lemak. If you are able to, you should try it!
Ah Teik Durian Stall
Many are raving about Penang’s durian, and Ah Teik Durian Stall is the answer. They sell different varieties of durian in season at a reasonable price. At the same time, tables are reserved for customers trying out their durians.
Roti Canai Jalan Transfer
Breakfast in Malaysia is almost equivalent to roti canai. Having this dish in the morning is not a surprise not only to locals but to tourists as well. In Penang, roti canai at Jalan Transfer serves one of the best one in town. Some advice is to get up early as they are open only in the morning.
More Luxurious Dining
Satisfied with all the street foods in Penang? Whether it’s a yes or a no, going to high-end restaurants is always a great choice. Penang offers a flexible culinary experience, allowing guests to experience their cuisines in a new dining environment.
Cinnamon Asian Kitchen
Enjoy local and international cuisines with a sea-side and garden view in Cinnamon Asian Kitchen. Located at PARKROYAL Penang Resort is this modern and casual restaurant. Apart from these, they also serve a buffet-style experience that is perfect for families on vacation.
D’Dapor Express
Serving authentic Malaysian dishes in a fine dining restaurant is the famous D’Dapor Express. Encounter the taste of Halal Malay cuisines with a relaxing and nostalgic environment in this restaurant. The overall experience is worthwhile, especially for families with kids.
Indigo Restaurant
Eating at a high-end restaurant is sometimes rare for tourists because of the region’s hawker foods. However, it is worth mentioning that the Indigo Restaurant at The Blue Mansion is worth the shot. The traditional atmosphere with Asian fusion and Malaysian cuisine makes the food perfect.
These are only a few of Penang’s pride, and there are still lots of food places out there. From hawker stalls to fine dining restaurants, eating will never be a problem for travellers.
The best way to explore the island of Penang depends on the traveler’s location. Whether it is from the airport to Penang, or just simply roaming within Penang’s boundaries, finding the best transportation is always trouble-free.
Walking
Just like in Kuala Lumpur, walking is efficient when traveling around Penang, specifically in George Town. The capital is small so navigating by foot is easy. Besides, walking lets one appreciate the beauty of the heart of George Town.
Bus
Buses are very convenient when going around Penang at extreme distances. The main public bus is the Rapid Penang Bus, which offers a cheap yet comfortable travel experience. For travelers who are staying in Penang for at least a week, try purchasing the Rapid Penang Tourist Passport. It is affordable and allows unlimited bus travel for seven days. There is also a free bus service in Penang, which is the CAT Bridge bus service.
Grab
This car-hailing ride application is the most chosen option by travelers who visit the capital and the surrounding areas of Penang. All it takes is an internet connection and a few taps, then voila! “You have arrived at your destination.”
Taxi
No WiFi or mobile connection? No problem, because taxis are also available. Taxis are metered, but some taxi drivers tend to ask for more than the actual fare. So, be careful when riding a taxi in the area.
Trishaws
Touring around Penang with personal stopovers is made possible by riding the Penang Trishaws. Aside from its convenience, roaming around in trishaws lets travellers feel the authentic and traditional local life.
Rental Car/Scooter
Traveling at the most convenient time at the desired place is what travellers prefer. Thus, renting a car or scooter is also a great choice. To enjoy the freedom of traveling, make sure to be equipped with driving requirements like a driver’s license, and passport.
Ferry
A ferry is not an everyday transportation for travelers. However, taking a ferry is one of the most visited highlights in Penang, specifically when going to the Butterworth area. It is not only convenient, but also a lift to take Penang travel experiences to a whole new level.
An archipelago consisting of several islands is the notable Langkawi Island, the Jewel of Kedah. Bordering the shores of Thailand, Langkawi has become a popular tourist destination for its pristine beaches and spectacular rainforests. We travelled to Langkawi to witness the stunning beaches, vast lands and also to experience their local culture.
Tanjung Rhu Beach
With a scenic view of the white sandy beach with palm trees surrounding the place, Tanjung Rhu Beach is a paradise. From its long beach stretch, one can see amazing island views, even the land of Thailand. It is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy a famous yet secluded beach on the island. There are other interesting water activities to look forward to aside from its scenery.
Pantai Cenang Beach
This is the most popular beach in Langkawi. It is fit for travelers who are into adventurous water sports. Diverse restaurants and cafes are also worth trying out.
Like any other beaches in Langkawi, Pantai Cenang is known for jellyfishes appearing on its shores. A jellyfish encounter is possible for beach visitors, especially from January to June. Some encounters with box jellyfish happen during rainy seasons.
Aside from jellyfish, there are monkeys freely roaming around the beach. They are not afraid of people and tend to harass or steal from visitors.
Underwater World Langkawi
Families with children can visit Underwater World Langkawi, Malaysia’s largest aquarium. It is one of the best tourist attractions on the island. Seeing sharks, giant stingrays, penguins, and other animals face-to-face through an underwater tunnel is the attraction’s highlight. Visiting this attraction is educational and fun.
Laman Padi Rice Garden
A family-friendly spot set in Pantai Cenang is the Laman Padi Rice Garden. The breathtaking rice fields and educational museum show everything about rice cultivation. They also offer a rice paddy experience for interested visitors.
Oriental Village
The Oriental Village is not only a place for tourists who want to ride the famous cable car. It is also a tourist spot suitable for photography, and engaging activities. Going to the Oriental Village has many takeaways such as cheap eats, souvenirs, and scenic views.
Langkawi Sky Bridge
One of the most visited tourist spots in Langkawi is the Langkawi Sky Bridge, a 125-meter cable-stayed bridge. It allows travelers to experience a full view of the surrounding islands of Gunung Mat Cincang’s peak. This bridge is reached by riding the Langkawi Cable Car. Riding this iconic cable car leaves one in awe of Langkawi’s scenic rainforests and waterfalls.
Mangrove Tour
Experience the birds this island Langkawi was named after! Take a wildlife tour on the waters of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. The view of welcoming floras and faunas amongst limestone formations is top-notch. The Langkawi birds are beautiful and big, circling above the boats. There are also several interesting caves like Bat Caves and Crocodile Caves.
Art In Paradise 3D Museum
Capture lively photos at a three-dimensional gallery in Langkawi, known as the Art In Paradise 3D Museum. It is a museum filled with optical illusions aiming to channel one’s inner creativity.
Ayer Hangat Village
A rare type of hot spring is expected when visiting Ayer Hangat Village. It lets visitors enjoy the luxury of bathing in saltwater hot springs and jacuzzis. There are restaurants, fountains, and souvenir stalls in this modern yet traditional complex.
Eagle Square
Dataran Lang is a tourist spot located at Kuah, Langkawi’s main town. There is a gigantic statue of an eagle about to take flight in this man-made attraction. According to legend, this eagle is where Langkawi’s name originated from.
Museums, Parks, And Caves
Langkawi is known for its myths and legends. For this reason, the island has lots of museums, parks, and caves dedicated to its famous legends. One of the most famous museums is the Mahsuri Tomb & Museum. A place filled with the story of Mahsuri and her curse over the island.
The Cave of Legends, called Gua Cerita, is the most visited cave on the island. Aside from its amazing stone formations, various stories and legends revolve around this cave.
Just like any other park, Taman Lagenda caters to recreational activities for visiting locals and tourists. The folktales and legends about Lagenda Park are what set this park apart from the rest.
Gunung Raya
Another scenic spot filled with Langkawi’s legend is the Gunung Raya. Climbing the highest mountain in Langkawi is a must-try for all tourists. Most visitors prefer to walk than drive towards the mountain’s peak. It is because a little exercise is extremely reasonable in exchange for the breathtaking view towards the top.
Night Markets
One of Langkawi’s highlights is the island’s night markets. Many locals and tourists visit night markets to sample some local delicacies. Night markets easily get crowded, so better arrive early at its location. Take note of its location as it changes each night.
Take A Cruise
The most visited highlight of Langkawi is the cruise tours offered by many cruise line companies on the island. Most cruise tours have day tours, sunset cruise tours, private tours. Day tours are perfect for island hopping and sea adventures, while sunset cruise tours focus more on the romantic vibe of the island. Choosing the private cruise tour is fitting for families and large group travelers who want to experience the beauty of Langkawi to the fullest. Cruise tours offer a buffet dining experience, and other entertaining activities.
Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa
Having won the ASEAN Green Hotel Award 2018, Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa is known as one of the best relaxation spas in Malaysia. It overlooks the clear waters of the Andaman Sea and the tropical garden of Langkawi. Visitors find tranquillity and satisfaction while staying in this hotel. We truly enjoyed our stay here.
Pelangi beach resort and spa
A gorgeous hotel with stunning sea views! Such a pleasure to stay at.
Aside from Langkawi’s attractive scenery, there are dozens of restaurants dotted around the island. Just don’t expect that local dishes have the same taste like the ones in Penang. All of their local dishes are worth trying for its unique taste.
Affordable Restaurants
Most cheap eats in Langkawi are the cafeterias and other self-owned food establishments.
Nasi Kandar Tomato
This famous budget-friendly restaurant serves one of the best Indian and Malaysian dishes in Langkawi. They are preferred by both locals and tourists for their quality yet affordable meals. Some of their signature dishes are tomato rice, roti canai, and chicken satay.
Pak Malau Nasi Dagang
From the name itself, this restaurant serves the famous Malaysian food called nasi dagang. It is coconut milk steamed rice with fish curry and pickled vegetables. This restaurant lets one enjoy excellent local dishes together with a breathtaking landscape.
Roti Canai Black Pepper
A food stall serving Malay cuisines is the Roti Canai Black Pepper at Che Nah Restaurant. The restaurant’s pride is their version of the iconic roti canai served with black pepper sauce. Many other authentic dishes are available here.
Restoran HBL
This self-serving restaurant is a must-try for tourists aiming to taste authentic Malay dishes. People pile up in this buffet-style restaurant for their comfortable environment and excellent tasting local meals.
Laksa Ikan Sekoq
Wanting to try the well-known Laksa with a great view? Then the Laksa Ikan Sekoq near Laksa Pulau is the ultimate Laksa eating spot. It is a seaside food truck chosen by most tourists whenever they are craving local dishes with an amazing beach view.
Bella Restaurant
One of Langkawi’s food assets is the Bella Restaurant located in Pantai Cenang. They serve exceptional Malay and Asian specialties at a reasonable price. They use Halal ingredients and are also vegan-friendly.
Palm View Seafood Restaurant
One of the cheapest restaurants in Langkawi is the Palm View Seafood Restaurant. They serve the best seafood dishes on the island. This restaurant lets one experience fresh seafood dishes and a great dining ambiance.
Tanjung Tirai View Cafe
A seaside restaurant serving both Thai and Malay-inspired dishes is the Tanjung Tirai View Cafe. It is an affordable seafood restaurant with a view of the sea and sunset. There are lots of dishes to try like their Ikan Kerapu, Masak Asam Jawa, vegetable soup, and fried squid.
Seashells Restaurant
Famous for its traditional Malaysian dishes is the Seashells Restaurant. One gets to eat authentic local food in a relaxing ambiance. The combination of the huts, paddy fields, and excellent food makes a unique restaurant experience for tourists visiting Langkawi.
Kak Hawa Restaurant
One of the must-try restaurants in Langkawi is the Kak Hawa Restaurant. They serve amazing local dishes and sweet delicacies. Contrary to its cheap price, food sold in this restaurant tastes great. Some of their must-try delicacies are their Pisang Goreng, coconut donuts, banana donuts, and noodles.
More Luxurious Dining
Aside from these restaurants, there are various upscale restaurants scattered all over the island. They are mostly found within the hotels and resorts premises.
Ikan-Ikan
This high-end restaurant located at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi serves Malay-style cuisines. Most tourists prefer eating at Ikan-Ikan because it is a restaurant right by the beach. They also offer various Thai and Chinese seafood dishes, which attracts tourists to go back several times.
The Gulai House
Amongst the rainforests at Datai is a traditional Malay kampung, best-known as the Gulai House. It is an award-winning restaurant serving original Indian and Malay cuisines. This restaurant also offers Halal and gluten-free diets.
The Pavilion Restaurant
Craving for Thai cuisines in Langkawi? If yes, head straight towards the Pavilion Restaurant at Datai Beach. A classy dining ambiance in the middle of the rainforests with authentic Thai cuisines sets the Pavilion above the rest.
Langkawi has scattered attractions throughout the small island. Upon visiting, we didn’t experience any hassle in traveling as there are many travel options around.
Taxi
Langkawi’s taxi associations stand strong throughout the years, making taxis the main public transportation on the island. Their metered taxis and fixed rates let visitors enjoy the island to the fullest. Just be alert for taxis not permitted by their jurisdiction to avoid danger and inconvenience.
Tour Bus
There are no public buses in Langkawi. Therefore, hiring a private tour is a smart way to travel around the island. Bus tours are often preferred by tourists who want to go to the top attractions of the island.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a practical way of touring around Langkawi, especially for families or large group travelers. Rented cars are either picked up from the island’s capital city or delivered to one’s lodging. Driving around Langkawi is possible for tourists. However, many tourists are not used to driving on the left. So, be careful when driving on your own around the island.
Motorbike Rental
An easy way to go around the city is to rent a motorbike. Motorbike rental is cheaper than renting a car on the island. Other than that, riding motorbikes is a fun way to explore the whole island. Just be sure to follow safety rules when riding these two-wheelers.
Bicycle Rental
Most tourists do not prefer renting a bicycle on Langkawi Island. Although safe to ride a bike around the island, most tourists travel in groups. This is why only a few enjoy riding bikes.
Malaysia is undeniably a beautiful country to visit in Southeast Asia. We spent time in Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang, and Langkawi and we had a great time. However, we’ve also witnessed some problems during our stay in this country.
Traffic
Malaysia is one of the most developed countries in Southeast Asia. Most of its cities are reflections of a luxurious metropolitan area. With that, most places to visit are crowded with people as well as vehicles. Heavy traffic jams are the most common problem to be faced when visiting Malaysia.
Limited Parking Space
Aside from traffic jams, parking space is also a problem in Malaysia. That is why riding public transportations is more recommended than renting a car for tourists visiting Malaysia.
Mosquitoes
Tropical countries are prone to mosquito attacks, and Malaysia is not an exception. It is advisable to carry an insect repellent whenever traveling outdoors.
Air Pollution
One of the problems we noticed in Malaysia is air pollution. This problem is common not only in Malaysia, but in other developed Asian countries as well.
Safety
Generally, Malaysia is a safe country to visit. However, there is a possibility of being a target of thieves, snatchers, and pickpockets. Be cautious and attentive to your belongings at all times. Also, some places in Malaysia have various reports of assaults that happened in bars at night.
Despite the few and minor problems we noticed, our trip to Malaysia was incredible and worthwhile!
XIX. Conclusion