The archipelago of Langkawi sits in the Andaman Sea, close to the Malaysian-Thai border. Pulau Langkawi is the largest island of the archipelago and has some of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia. The island’s famed aquatic life and its idyllic isolated location mean it is a perfect place to relax in the peace and quiet and enjoy life under the Malaysian sun.

Avoid an expensive taxi fare by renting a car or motorbike from the ferry terminal in Kuah, on the south coast, to explore Langkawi’s many beautiful tropical beaches. Most of the beaches are situated along the northern and western coasts of the island.

Choose between developed and isolated beaches. Pantai Centang offers amenities including restaurants, pubs and beer gardens, while Pantai Kok is sheltered by mountains and forests. If you want to experience the best of both worlds, visit Datai Beach to experience an age-old forest surrounding five-star resorts, spas and of course the white-sand beach. Explore the azure waters with paddleboats and snorkels, which are available for rent.

Langkawi also offers many magnificent diving opportunities. Join a dive tour and visit underwater coral reefs teeming with wildlife such as lobsters, barracudas and black-tip reef sharks. Just an hour away from Langkawi Island, Pulau Payar Marine Park is one of the more popular dive sites, but many of the beaches are often completely isolated. Rent a sailing boat and explore one of these untouched beaches at your own pace.

The island is also famous for its duty-free shopping and fine dining. Langkawi’s ethnic diversity means that there is a wide variety of foods to choose from. The main settlement of Kuah offers cuisine from all over Asia, including Indian, Thai and Chinese. You can also try a local Malay restaurant or sample some of the delicious local seafood.