 Shopping
Langkawi is a duty-free shopping haven offering an attractive range of
local and imported goods for those with a yen for shopping. Most of the
island's shopping establishments can be found in and around Kuah. A good
place to start one's shopping spree is the modern Langkawi Fair
Shopping Mall, consisting of 100 retail lots housed in a 2-story
building. Its anchor tenant, the Samudra Duty Free Department Store,
stocks a wide selection of items such as perfumes and fragrances,
cosmetics, leather wears, sport gears, ladies' accessories, confectionary,
liquor and cigarettes.
The other shopping outlets to check out
in Kuah are the Langkawi Duty Free (M) Sdn. Bhd and the Saga
Shopping Center. The former sells a range of duty free items and the
latter a variety of imported kitchenware and household appliances,
clothing, luggage, confectionary and assorted goods. There are also other
shops where shoppers can browse for bargains and perhaps pick up some
local items. The Teow Soon Huat Departmental Store in Pokok Assam
just outside the town is another shopping outlet which is worthwhile
exploring. Visitors to the Langkawi Underwater World at Pantai Cenang
should not miss the Zone Shopping Paradise Duty Free Center housed
within the same complex. The wide ranges of items on sale include
cigarette, liquor, cosmetics, watches, fashion ware, jewelry,
confectionary and batik.
 Another popular shopping stop especially
for visitors departing Langkawi by ferry is the Jetty Point Duty Free
Complex, a 5-minute taxi ride from Kuah town. Here, there is also an
attractive range of duty free items available including ladies and men's
apparel and bric-a-brac.
Among the many choices for shoppers
include souvenir items such as pewter, handicraft, batik, crystals and
glassware. Others include confectionary, liquor, silks fabrics, perfumes
and fragrances, cosmetics, shoes and seafood items.
Visitors are allowed to bring back to the
mainland one bottle of liquor and one carton of cigarettes after staying
at least 48 hours on the island.
Dining &
Restaurants
Experience the elements of fascination, excitement and pleasure while
dining in Langkawi. You will be delighted in exotic flavors and the beauty
of surroundings that will stimulate all your senses. The cuisine is a
combination of regional and as Thailand is so close, the mixture of the
Malay and Thai cultures results in a unique gastronomic style.
Kuah
Kuah has grown into a cosmopolitan center and it boasts many interesting
restaurants. Aquarium Seafood Garden offers delicious Thai and
Chinese cuisine at affordable prices. If you are into fresh seafood, you
can make your own selection at the huge tank filled with fish, prawns and
other marine delights. Seri Indah Café is another popular
spot that has an original and personal approach to its menu and offers
excellent Chinese and Western cuisine. This café has been around
for quite some time and is popular with locals and visitors. Amidst the
sizzle and steam of woks and the resulting aromas, patrons at Phoenix
Restaurant will be delighted at the combination of excellent food and
a welcoming atmosphere.
Pantai Tengah
A growing diversity of cuisines can be found along Pantai Tengah--a place
famous for its first class accommodation and excellent restaurants. The
beachfront Coco Beach Seafood Paradise has a romantic tropical
ambience, especially at sunset. Graceful, traditional Malay dance and
music can be enjoyed here occasionally. The Safari Restaurant & Bar
has been designed with mostly natural materials. Live bands will entertain
you or you can try something different by learning how to make batik at
their Safari Batik Gallery. Overlooking the marina, Boardwalk
Café never fails to pull in the crowd. Not only does it offer
breathtaking views, but also an eclectically influenced cuisine with a
Mediterranean slant.
Palo Palo, the friendly beach bar,
is a must for sunset lovers. Breathtaking views are right at the doorstep.
It only serves drinks but you can have a barbecue and bonfire on request.
If you are looking for something a little different, Urwald Café
is tucked away in the woods and is a really cool hangout on lazy
evenings. Offering an enormous menu with something for everyone, splendid
live music and occasional cultural shows, there is never a dull moment
here. Mario's is recommended for Italian cuisine. Artistry, top
class hospitality and outstanding food make a remarkable combination.
Padang Matsirat
Dining at sea does not mean you have to be on an ocean liner. The floating
restaurant, Kelong Seri Melayu, will give you a dining experience
you will never forget.
Pantai Cenang
The Spice Market, an Asian and Western cuisine outlet, offers a
staggering number of goodies that are meticulously executed and are
masterpieces of clever design. Champor Champor, voted as one of
Malaysia's best restaurants some time ago, offers a romantic ambience. If
you have spicy in mind, try Sun Bay Restaurant. Serving rich and
exquisite Thai fare fit for kings, a must try here is the steamboat
prepared from the freshest ingredients. Bon Ton at the Beach is the
place to go for Nyonya and Western fare that is refreshingly imaginative
yet uncompromising in taste.
Jalan Teluk
Datai
The Pavilion offers fine Thai cuisine. As it is situated opposite a
rainforest, you can enjoy the sounds of nature in the background as you
eat. If buffet style is your thing, The Dining Room offers a great variety
of food for both lunch and dinner.
Air Hangat
The menu at the Saffron is original and personal with a
Mediterranean style of cooking combined with a hint of Asian flavors. The
seafood is particularly good. Serving sumptuous international cuisine, the
Sands features an impressive wine list and is adorned with local
artifacts. Nestled on a quieter stretch, Rhu Fine Dining is
creating a buzz in the food scene. With its intimate atmosphere, this
establishment offers a touch of class and a tinge of romance as well as
excellent food.
Entertainment
& Nightlife
Kuah
Woodpeckers Lounge provides live entertainment where the band plays
great music and the impressive beverage list. There is an extensive choice
of tropical cocktails, wine and beer.
Pantai Tengah
As soon as the sun sets, Sunset Karaoke & Discotheque comes
alive. This nightspot features a spacious dance floor, karaoke boxes for
shy singers and great music. If you are looking for a wilder evening Coco
Jam Fun Pub will keep you swaying to the infectious live tunes.
Considered to be the best entertainment spot on the island, this place is
packed every night with regulars and visitors. With its beachside
location, one can go for romantic walks in the moonlight for a breather.
Padang Matsirat
Black Henry Discotheque gives you the opportunity to kick off your
shoes and dance the night away.
Pantai Cenang
Strategically located by the beach, the Music Room Discotheque
changes its decor every month to offer customers a different experience
each time they visit. This is a great drinking spot. For a more laid back
atmosphere, try the Reggae Bar where patrons can cool off and enjoy
the great reggae beat.
Burau Bay
Exotic, exciting and vibrant is what you will feel at the Burau Beat
Pub. Featuring hot music, the live band will entertain you till the
wee hours of the morning. But if you are looking for something a little
more laid back, hop over to Sunken Pool Bar and Beach Bar
and simply sink into one of the sofas and relax. There is no loud music
here--just the marvelous sounds of Mother Nature to soothe your soul.
Getting
Around
In promoting Langkawi as an environmentally friendly holiday destination,
the government has prohibited visitors from bringing their own vehicles in
an effort to control pollutions and traffic congestion. As such, visitors
must rely on taxis, rented cars, motorbikes, bicycles or public
transportation.
 Taxis
- Taxi is the most common transportation in Langkawi. If you arrive in
Langkawi by plane, you should know that you can pay taxi fares by buying a
coupon at the desk at the airport terminal.
Rented Cars
- If you wish to do your own driving but are not allowed to bring your
own, car rental is the solution. Finding rented car is easy as many car
owners in Langkawi who wish to gain an extra income will be at your
service as soon as you disembark on the Langkawi land. Alternatively, you
can rent a vehicle from beach resorts or hotels which mostly provide this
kind of service, if not, they will be glad to arrange the rent for you.
Rented
Motorbikes - Riding motorbike is the easiest way to travel
around Langkawi. There are plenty of 70 cc. Hondas available for you to
rent. It can take you as far as 70 kilometers around the island and there
is nothing to worry about the road condition. The road in Langkawi is
well-maintained and less traffic especially outside Kuah town. Traveling
by motorbike is a smooth, fresh  and fun. Hiring a motorbike is also not
difficult as there are heaps of places that rent them out and most of them
are not strictly about seeing your license before handing the bike over to
you.
Public
transportation - Public transportation is available in Kuah.
There is a bus station in front of the City Bayview Hotel. Buses ply the
route from the jetty to the center of town and passengers are charged for
each way. The only other destination of the public buses is Pantai Cenang.
However, taking buses is not recommended for going around the island as
there are only few bus routes and it takes time to wait for a bus.
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