How to Go to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur in 4 Ways
Langkawi is one of the popular islands in Malaysia that is great for a short vacation. Whether you’re on a solo trip, a couple vacation or a group trip, Langkawi is a perfect destination for anyone! Known for its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and many fun watersport activities, the island is a go-to place for tourists in KL looking for adventures! If you’re wondering how to go to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur, this guide covers all the main options so you can plan your next trip to Langkawi.
4 Ways on How to Go to Langkawi From Kuala Lumpur
There are 4 major ways to go to Langkawi from KL. Travelers can choose from four different transportations– by flight, train and ferry, bus and ferry, or self-drive to ferry terminals. Let’s take a look at how you can go to Langkawi with these methods and the pros and cons of each transportation so you can make an informed decision and plan your trip to Langkawi from KL.
1. Traveling by Flight
Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi by flight is the fastest and most convenient option. The journey by flight takes approximately 1 hour which saves you a lot of time traveling. Several airlines operate direct flights to Langkawi including AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air.
To get the best deals, book your flights in advance! Flights depart from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), KLIA 2 as well as Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport which is commonly known as Subang Airport.
Pros and Cons of Traveling from KL to Langkawi by Flight
Pros: This option is the fastest option available. It takes roughly an hour to reach Langkawi airport. Flying to Langkawi is more convenient for families or big groups.
Cons: Flights are typically more expensive than the other options. It’s better to survey the flight ticket first to get the best deals.
2. Traveling by Train and Ferry
Traveling by train and then ferry to Langkawi gives travelers the opportunity to experience the scenic route Malaysia has to offer. The train journey starts at KL Sentral where you will board an ETS train to either Alor Setar or Arau. You can choose the ETS Gold or Platinum services for a more comfortable journey. The train journey takes approximately 5 hours.
From the Alor Setar or Arau station, you will need to transfer to a ferry terminal in Kuala Kedah Jetty or Kuala Perlis Jetty. From the ferry terminal, it takes about one to one and a half hours ferry ride to reach Langkawi. To avoid long waits, plan your journey ahead and be sure to check the train and ferry schedules.
Check the latest ticket prices from Kuala Kedah Jetty and Kuala Perlis Jetty to Langkawi here.
Pros and Cons of traveling from KL to Langkawi by Train and Ferry
Pros: Traveling by train allows travelers to embark on a scenic train journey from Kuala Lumpur.
Cons: It’s time-consuming as it requires multiple transfers. You will need to take a taxi or a Grab ride from the train station to the ferry terminals.
3. Traveling by Bus and Ferry
A budget-friendly option to go to Langkawi from KL is to travel by bus and then take a ferry. Bus tickets are generally affordable and can be purchased online at TBS online.
Take the bus from TBS KL to either Kuala Perlis or Alor Setar. Depending on the traffic and weather conditions, it takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to Kuala Perlis and Alor by bus from KL. After arriving at the bus station in either Kuala Perlis or Alor Setar, you will need to take a taxi or Grab ride to the ferry terminal.
Pros and Cons of traveling from KL to Langkawi by Bus and Ferry
Pros: Taking a bus is more budget-friendly compared to the other transportations. Traveling by bus allows travelers to experience the Malaysian landscape as you will be passing through towns and villages.
Cons: Taking the bus and ferry to Langkawi can take a longer time depending on the traffic. It also requires multiple transfers. Bad weather conditions can affect traffic and ferry schedules, leading to potential delays.
4. Self-driving to Ferry Terminals
If you’re someone who enjoys road trips, driving from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Kedah. For comfortable nonstop driving to the ferry terminal, it will take approximately 6 to 8 hours to Kuala Kedah and to Kuala Perlis from Kuala Lumpur. This allows you and your loved ones to stop and visit other popular attractions along the way as you drive and stop at your own pace, like making a few stops for a meal, toilet break or just a few stretchings.
Once you reach the terminal, you can park your car at the available designated parking spots. Before you start your journey, plan ahead and ensure that your car is in good condition.
Pros and Cons of Self-Driving from KL to Langkawi
Pros: Driving to the ferry terminal is a more flexible and convenient option. It gives travelers the opportunity to explore popular attractions on the way to the ferry terminal. Plus, it also allows travelers to travel at their own pace.
Cons: Depending on the traffic, it can be tiring for the driver as it takes a long time to reach the destination. It takes approximately 6 hours to reach the jetty. Travelers will need to take into consideration such as toll fees, fuel costs, parking fees and safety of leaving their cars at the jetty parking.
Best Time to Visit Langkawi
While Langkawi is open to tourists all year round, the best time to travel to Langkawi is during the dry season which runs from November to April. This is when Malaysia’s west coast receives plenty of sunshine and the least rain. With the sunny weather, Langkawi is perfect for outdoor activities such as island hopping, water sports activities and exploring sightseeing attractions.
If you dislike the rain, avoid the rainy season which is from May to October with September and October being the wettest months in Langkawi which is also known as the monsoon season. During the monsoon season, it rains heavily for 2 hours and the seas can get rough which is not a good time for any water sport activities.
Learn more about Langkawi’s season and weather here.
Top Attractions and Activities in Langkawi Island
There are many things to do in Langkawi that are suitable for all ages. Here are some recommended attractions in Langkawi worth exploring:
1. Langkawi Cable Car
Source: https://www.langkawibook.my/attractions/langkawi-skycab-cable-car#gallery-1
The Langkawi Cable Car, also known as Langkawi SkyCab is one of the main attractions in Langkawi. The cable car brings you to the highest point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and lush rainforests. To experience the nature walk, be sure to explore Langkawi SkyBridge that is accessible from the SkyCab station.
Book your Langkawi SkyCab tickets with Langkawibook!
2. Langkawi Mangrove Tour
Source: https://www.langkawibook.my/attractions/langkawi-mangrove-tour#gallery-3
If you love nature, be sure to check out the Langkawi Mangrove Tour which is one of the popular attractions in Langkawi. The tour takes you on a fascinating journey through the Kilim River surrounded by lush mangrove forests. Among the activities you can do here are feeding the eagles in front of the boat, feeding stingrays at the Floating Fish Farm, see hundreds of bats at the Bat Cave, admire the scenic views of the limestone rock formations and end the tour with lunch at the Floating Fish farm restaurant.
Book your Langkawi Mangrove Tour with Langkawibook!
3. Langkawi Island Hopping
Source: https://www.langkawibook.my/attractions/island-hopping-langkawi#gallery-1
Island hopping is one of the best ways to explore the surrounding popular islands in Langkawi. For an unforgettable adventure, join an island hopping speedboat tour which typically covers three main islands – Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Beras Basah. At these islands, you can snorkel, rent paddle boats, feed the eagles or simply relax at the beach.
Book your Langkawi Island Hopping Tour with Langkawibook!
Travel Tips in Langkawi
For a smooth and stress-free travel in Langkawi, here are some useful travel tips for your next visit to Langkawi:
- Pre-book Tickets Early: For a stress-free travel and to secure the best deals, book your ferry or flight tickets early.
- Book Attraction Tickets Online: To skip the long queues, book your attraction tickets online. Explore the popular Langkawi attractions and purchase your tickets here.
- Rent a Car in Langkawi: For the flexibility and convenience of traveling in Langkawi, the best option is to rent a car. This allows you to save a lot of time and travel at your own pace.
- Check the Weather Forecast: The best time to travel to Langkawi is during the dry season which runs from November to April. Check the weather forecast to avoid disappointments.
- Pack for the Weather: Depending on the season you’re traveling, be sure to pack items that are necessary and appropriate for the weather such as raincoats, umbrellas, hats, sunglasses and beachwear.
What Essentials to Bring to Langkawi
Below are the essentials to bring to Langkawi so you can have the perfect vacation:
- Travel Documents: Ferry/flight tickets, accommodation details.
- Comfortable Clothing: Lightweight clothes, hats, sunglasses for sun protection, comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops.
- Swimwear: It’s recommended to bring beachwear and swimwear for water activities on the island.
- Sunlight and Insect Protection: insect repellent and sunscreen if you’re planning for an outdoor adventure.
Explore Langkawi with Langkawibook!
With several ways to travel to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur, each option has its own pros and cons. Depending on your needs and preferences, each of them offers a unique experience. To make your trip even more enjoyable and stress-free, consider booking a car rental in Langkawi with Langkawibook!
At Langkawibook, we offer budget-friendly car rental options that suit your budget and style. With various car models to choose from, from sedans to luxury MPVs, you can easily find the perfect vehicle for your adventure. Book with us today and start planning your getaway to Langkawi! Apart from that, we also offer various Langkawi attraction tickets as well as tour packages at competitive pricing. For a smoother experience, book your tickets in advance!
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