Each tourist area of Langkawi has a unique atmosphere that suits different types of travelers. Before you go ahead and book a place according to reviews alone, read the following and make sure the resort is in the right location for your personality and travel style.
Pantai Cenang
With tons of restaurants, bars, cafes, souvenir shops, spas, discount clothing, internet, guesthouses and B&Bs tightly jammed into a 2-kilometre strip by the beach, Cenang is the classic tropical island hangout for the party crowd. During peak season it gets pretty frantic and crowded, not to mention noisy from the buzzing of jetskis.
Cenang is recommended for backpackers, beach lovers, party animals and lounge lizards. It is safe for families with small children (no open drug trafficking or prostitution) but note that this strip has a very adult vibe.
Pantai Tengah
Tengah is the continuation of Cenang but the atmosphere is completely different. It is a quieter, more elegant and generally more pricey version of Cenang (but with still a few cheap restaurants and guesthouses around).
Tengah is much more appropriate for families, couples, mid-budget travelers and backpackers with less party instincts. The casuarina-lined street makes for pleasant and romantic sunset strolls and the beach here is lovely. But despite its serene ambience, Tengah is home to two raucous nightclubs, Sun Ba and Eagle Rock.
Burau Bay
This is a very scenic bay with two mid-budget resorts offering tons of watersports activities. The two resorts here are backed up against the amazing Mat Chinchang rainforest reserve, so there are lots of fabulous nature activities offered by both resorts. Berjaya is one of two resorts on the island offering chalets on stilts right out on the water.
Burau Bay is located at the northern part of western Langkawi and is quite remote, about a half hour’s drive to Cenang. It is highly recommended for families, honeymooners, nature lovers and watersports fanatics travelling on a mid-budget. However, it’s not recommended for travelers squeamish about insects, reptiles and wildlife.
Datai Bay and Tanjung Rhu
The luxury resorts at the north of the island are for those with unlimited funds. Both beaches are immaculate and gorgeous, and all the hotels here offer a level of luxury that makes you wonder if it’s worth leaving the resort at all. The resorts at Datai Bay are surrounded by dense virgin rainforest and are especially recommended for nature lovers (but those squeamish about insects and wildlife should stay away). The resorts have top-notch nature guides. Needless to say, the resorts all have great children’s activity centers and separate family swimming pools.
Kuah
Kuah is our main town centre where the banks and government offices are located. If you can live without a beach, Kuah makes the best base camp for backpackers and budget travelers. It has everything you could possibly need before you head out for the day: cheap lodging, cheap restaurants, ATM machines, banks, a post office, drug stores, shopping malls, supermarkets, money changers, doctors and dentists. Recommended for those who like small towns with a Third World vibe.
You’ll need a car or scooter if you make camp in Kuah but there are plenty of great rental deals down at Jetty Point.
Jalan Pantai Kok
On the west coast between the airport and Burau Bay lies a lovely forested hillside that is home to the Sheraton and Tanjung Sanctuary resorts. These are upscale resorts offering beautiful natural surroundings and incredible scenic views of the sea, but the beaches are not great for swimming. Recommended for nature-lovers, families and couples but beach-lovers stay away.
Ulu Melaka
Ulu Melaka is a rice-farming village in the middle of the island. The two main resorts here, Foxhill and Sunset Valley, have chalets built and furnished in traditional Malay village style and offer a variety of cultural activities. The resorts overlook beautiful rice fields that look gorgeous at sunset. Recommended only for those who appreciate traditional local culture and lifestyle.
