This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Langkawi.
Langkawi is a small Malaysian island, situated just off the coast of Penang. The island is known for being the "duty-free" island, as no tax is included on any commodity, including of course alcohol and cigarettes.
There is a ferry that operates twice daily between Penang and Langkawi. Most visitors drop into Langkawi only for the day, to make the most of its duty-free shopping, however the island has a lot more to offer than just this. Other than the many shopping malls and duty-free shops dotted around the island, there is an aquarium, a couple of small museums, beautiful sandy beaches, many small walking trails, and a cable car that goes up to the highest point of Langkawi, which provides spectacular views of the island and the ocean.
Langkawi has various accommodation options available, with the most popular budget option being hostels in Langkawi. Hostels in Langkawi are modern, clean, and spacious. Breakfast and Wi-Fi or internet access is usually included in the price. Most hostels in Langkawi also have access to hot water. Common areas are usually quite large, and sometimes include a TV, pool tables, computers, and/or book exchange. Communal kitchens are rare, however there is usually an onsite restaurant or bar, or a restaurant within a few minutes' walking distance.
It is advised to dress modestly when visiting Langkawi -- or Malaysia on the whole -- as the country is Islamic, and care should be taken so not to offend the local community or any other visitors to the island. Women should wear long-sleeved tops and long skirts or pants. Men should avoid walking around bare-chested.
Written by local enthusiast for Langkawi hostels
Kelly Sheldrick
