Langkawi Islands, Malaysia - Car & Motorbike Rentals

Its hard to get lost driving around Langkawi Island, which is not a very large island and there are not too many roads to confuse you. There are several registered car, motorbike and scooter rental companies around the island. Some are located at Langkawi airport, in Kuah Town and some near the beach resorts. You need a driving a licence but in most cases, the rental companies never check. It's kind of fun driving around the island - very little traffic. If travelling with family or group and you prefer someone else do the driving, you can always hire a mini-bus (van).

Cars and motorbikes for rent

The sign speaks for itself

Mini-bus for hire

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia - Pleasure of Driving on the Island

No traffic jams and smooth driving - just pure pleasure! That's my description about driving on Langkawi Island or at least when I was there the last time. There are plenty of car rental companies in Langkawi and with the large number of tourists arriving on this island every year, I would expect roads choked with cars! It's not the case, pure pleasure compared to driving in the cities on the mainland.

I also find driving on the island easier since there are not many diverging roads. You just can't get lost driving in Langkawi even for a person like me, who is hopeless in finding his way around anywhere. Outside of Kuah Town, the roads passes through laid back villages, sleepy towns, along the beaches, marinas and several scenic mountains. The only thing I have to beware are the village goats and cows crossing the road.

Road leading to Telaga Harbour

Main trunk road on the island

Street in Kuah Town

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia - Ferry Services to the Island

You can either fly within Malaysia to Langkawi Island from airports near Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kuching or take the ferry arriving at Kuah Jetty (just beside Jetty Point) located in Kuah Town. There are ferry services departing from the mainland at Kuala Perlis (45 minutes) and Kuala Kedah (90 minutes). There is also a ferry service from the island of Penang and the journey takes about 3 hours. For those arriving from southern Thailand, there is a ferry service from Satun.

Kuala Perlis Ferry Terminal

Boats at Kuah Jetty

Departure area at Kuah Jetty

Ticket counters at Kuah Jetty

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia - Telaga Harbour

Telaga Harbour Park or simply Telaga Habour is a picturesque marina situated in Burau Bay on the western end of Langkawi Island. The marina is about 20 minutes drive from Langkawi International Airport and on the road to the beaches of Burau Bay and Datai Bay. Personally, I find the harbour and the surrounding scenic, relaxing and an attraction in itself.

Yachts berth either at the Marina Pier or Mega Yacht Pier. Facilities here include fuel and bunkering services, supply of water and electricity. Internet access is also available for the mariners to keep in touch. Other facilities at the marina include a petrol (gas) station, shops, currency exchange, KFC and a number of overpriced cafes and restaurants.

Telaga Harbor

Along the promenade

Outdoor cafe at Telaga Harbor

Petrol station and convenience store

Langkawi Islands, Malaysia - Langkawi Airport

Langkawi's airport is Langkawi International Airport, about 20 minutes drive from Kuah Town. The airport is less than 30 minutes drive to many of the beach destinations along the island's coast. Langkawi Airport is an international airport but not a big airport - medium size. For ground transport to your destination, get a taxi or rent a car from the car rental companies at the airport.

Scheduled flights to and from Langkawi are mainly domestic flights between three airports near Kuala Lumpur, Penang Airport and Kuching Airport (in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo). Local airlines serving the routes include Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia, Firefly and Malindo Air. Scheduled international flights are between Singapore by Tigerair and Silk Air. 

Inside Langkawi Airport

The departure area

Air Asia plane at Langkawi Airport