When you’re talking about the perfect beach getaway, you can’t help but fantasize about the emerald green lagoons of Bora-Bora, the pristine sandy beaches in Anguilla or the perfectly crystal-clear water of the Maldives. Unfortunately, it’s going to take a whole lot more than 4 days to enjoy visiting those far-off island paradises; so, for now, let’s stick to something a little closer to home.
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Blessed with gorgeous beaches, delicious food, and fun-filled activities, this 4D3N Langkawi-Koh Lipe itinerary will prove that you don’t need to travel far to enjoy a relaxing island getaway! Also, the Langkawi-Koh Lipe ferry will resume operation on October 14, so there's no better time than now to plan your holiday!
Best Time to Visit
While you can visit Langkawi all year long, Koh Lipe basically has two main seasons in which visitors are welcome to visit. They are the ‘High Season’, which begins from November to April and the ‘Low Season’ which begins from May to October. During the ‘High Season’, visitors can expect nothing but warm, sunny days; soaking up that vitamin sea with little worry of rain.
During the ‘Low Season’ however, the weather is a little more temperamental. You'll still get warm, sunny days but this period might also coincide with the rainy seasons. ☔ Consequently, some businesses might close during this season, but on the bright side, there are fewer tourists around so you'll be able to have a peaceful trip! Plus, you might even be able to get better rates when it comes to finding a hotel. ?
P.S. The ‘peak seasons’ are usually between December and January (what with the school holidays and end-of-year bonuses) so it's recommended that you book your accommodations in advance if you’re planning to visit during this time.
What to bring
- Besides appropriate beachwear, sunscreen and sensible shoes, please don’t forget to bring along your passport as you’ll be crossing over into another country when you visit Koh-Lipe from Langkawi. ?️
- If you’re also prone to seasickness, please do remember to bring along some medication to help with nausea and remember to keep yourself hydrated before and after your ferry ride. ?
- Additionally, make sure to exchange your money for Thai baht when you’re in Langkawi or before you start your trip, as there are very few money changers available on the island of Koh Lipe itself. ?
Getting from Langkawi to Koh Lipe
There are two connections from Langkawi running during the high season, with tickets usually costing around RM100++ one way:
- Kuah Jetty: The most common route to get from Langkawi to Koh Lipe, the Kuah Jetty departs from the main ferry pier in the town of Kuah. The trip takes about 90 minutes and you can purchase your tickets online.
- Telaga Harbor: Since its located much closer to Koh Lipe in comparison to Kuah Jetty, the trip from Telaga Harbour Marina is a little shorter.
Do take note that both these ferry services usually run from late October to May. In both cases, you need to check in, register and pass through some immigration procedures before heading off. Remember to be there at least an hour before departure (like you would if you were taking a plane) to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
One last thing – during the check-in, all the passports are held by the ferryman until after you reach the Immigration office (at which point they will be returned to you). It sounds a little scary but apparently, it's a normal practice so don't freak out.
Alright, now that we’ve got that cleared away, let’s move on to the fun bits of the actual itinerary!
Day 1: Arrive in Langkawi
Visit the Oriental Village
Located in Pantai Kok (on Langkawi’s Western side - just past the airport at Padang Matsirat), the Oriental Village is best known for being the home of the Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge. This huge open-air themed complex features a large lake, an art gallery, spas, animal exhibits, various retail stores and a good handful of local and international eateries.
Credit: Nursyazana Kahardy
There are plenty of fun-filled activities available for people of varying ages (from bargain hunting or visiting the 3D art gallery to going on the sky bridge and cable car); making it the perfect destination if you’re travelling with friends or with your family!
Ride the Cable Car at Gunung Mat Chinchang
Also known as Mount Mat Chinchang, this famous landmark is a staggering 850 meters tall and is the second-highest mountain on the island. Once you’ve had your fill at the Oriental Village, you can head on over to the foothill of Gunung Mat Chinchang to take a ride on the highly popular cable car.
If you’re a fan of being up in high places, you’ll probably be thrilled to hear that the cable car stations are constructed at 709 metres above sea level, giving you breath-taking views of the island – from the vast blue oceans and lush forests to the rugged mountainside of the Southern Thai border. Even those of you who had to brave your fear of heights will appreciate the picturesque sights.
Visit Art in Paradise Langkawi
Credit: 3D Art Langkawi on Facebook
Once you’ve finished with your cable car ride up 'Gunung Mat Chinchang, don’t forget to stop by ‘Art in Paradise Langkawi’ right after. For those of you who are unfamiliar, "Art in Paradise is the largest 3D Art Gallery in Malaysia and the second largest in the world!
With 105 interactive art pieces contributed by 23 internationally renowned artists, the optical illusions found here will leave you stunned speechless and scrabbling for your cameras!
This place is amazing if you’re travelling with a group of friends or with your family (seriously, you’re going to need at least a second person to help you take some cool photos for your Instagram). And if you think that just because it’s an art gallery, all you can do is stand behind a red velvet rope and look at the pretty murals, think again! At Art in Paradise, you can run, jump, crawl and touch anything you see! ? It’s a hidden playground for both children and adults alike; plus it comes with a super cool and educational light show that you won’t want to miss.
Fuel your hunger at German Food Corner
Credit: German Food Corner on Facebook
Replenish your energy after a day's worth of adventure at German Food Corner, a quaint eatery at the food court near the Cable Car. As one of the more unique cuisines offered in Langkawi indulges in a nice German meal from a selection of their extensive menu. From sinful carbonara pasta to meat burgers and cheese schnitzel, you won't have any trouble finding something you like here!
Day 2: See what Langkawi has to offer
Get close to nature at Kilim Karst Geoforest Park
Start your second day with a little ‘meet & greet’ with Mother Nature. Spanning almost 100 square kilometres, the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is a mere five-minute drive from Tanjung Rhu beach and is home to a variety of wildlife (which includes cute otters, huge monitor lizards, tree crabs and kite eagles), majestic limestone hills and pristine beaches. ?
There are plenty of things to do here, like going on a little nature tour. Feel like you’re a part of a nature documentary as you take the mangrove river cruise; spotting interesting animals as well as taking in the dramatic landscapes and interesting limestone formations that took over 500 million years to form (with names like the ‘Temple of Borobodur’, ‘Elephant Stone’ and ‘Hanging Gardens’). You can even go exploring in Gua Kelawar bat caves – Batman not included, sorry!
Enjoy water sports at Cenang Beach
After thoroughly exploring the wonders of Kilim Karst, it’s time to hit the waves at Cenang Beach! From parasailing to banana boat rides, jet skiing and paddle boating, there’s bound to be a fun water sport activity for everyone.
Alternatively, you can also opt to go for a leisurely stroll by the beach; enjoying the sea breeze or playing in the sand and surf.
Go Ziplining at Umgawa Legendary Adventures
Credit: Umgawa Legendary Adventures on Facebook
If you’re an adrenaline junkie who needs their fix, you’ll be pleased to note that Umgawa Legendary Adventures - a world-class ziplining eco-adventure park - is there to add a rush to your trip!
Credit: Umgawa Legendary Adventures on Facebook
Before visitors can even start on their amazing zip line adventures, someone from the Umgawa Operations team will give a detailed briefing on all the activities available followed by some general safety tips. You’ll also be assigned an experienced and knowledgeable guide to help you out as you zip line through the rainforest in order to enjoy some truly unique and spectacular views of the peak of Gunung Mat Chinchang, the Seven Wells Waterfall and the Andaman Sea.
Credit: Umgawa Legendary Adventures on Facebook
And if you’re worried about safety, rest assured that Umgawa ziplining courses were assembled by a team of some of the most experienced and advanced construction, equipment and safety engineers from throughout the world; making it safe for people of all ages to enjoy. ?
Dine at Santai @ Kuza & Luka Cafe
Satiate your hunger and take a break in the air-conditioned space of Santai Cafe. Located in a small village between Cenang Beach and Padang Matsirat town, this is a convenient eatery for you to take relax and enjoy a variety of dishes that range from Asian and Western cuisine. Whether you go for a lovely bowl of beef hotpot or delicious mee kari, you'll be guaranteed to leave the restaurant with a happy and full stomach.
Day 3: Day trip to Koh Lipe
Get up early (as the ferry leaves at about 9.30 am) to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before heading to the Telaga Harbour Jetty for a speed boat transfer to Koh Lipe – also referred to as the Maldives of Thailand. This tropical island is comprised of three main beaches (Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach) and is also one of the many islands located within the Tarutao National Marine Park.
Once you’ve arrived in Koh Lipe and after you’ve been cleared by the immigration office, be sure to change into your swim gear for a full day at the beach.
Visit Walking Street at Pattaya Beach
Credit: Min Hsin Lin on Facebook
Pattaya Beach is the closest to the Immigration office and just happens to be the main beach in Koh Lipe. Out of all three beaches, Pattaya is the liveliest one of them all. Located in a sheltered bay, it features crystal clear waters, powdery soft white sand beaches and dozens of restaurants, beach bungalows, luxury accommodations and the famous ‘Walking Street’.
The Walking Street is a narrow passage that’s barely big enough for a car to pass through but is filled with a truly amazing number of restaurants (including some owned and operated by Muslims), gift shops, massage or wellness centres, tour companies, street food, guest houses and Koh Lipe’s only 7-11 convenience store. With plenty of tour companies based on Walking Street, it’s also the best place to book snorkelling, diving and boat trips to neighbouring small islands!
Snorkel at Sunrise Beach (Hat Chao Ley)
Located just a short 15-minute walk away from Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach is perfect if you want to have a more relaxed and peaceful beach day experience. Unlike Pattaya Beach, Sunrise beach gets very little boat traffic; making it the perfect place to swim or go snorkelling.
Get a water taxi and head to Koh Kra (one of the two tiny islands just off Sunrise Beach) where the water is deeper – enabling you to see much more in terms of marine life. You’ll definitely be amazed at the sight of the beautiful live corals and all of the playful inhabitants that dwell in and around them – such as juvenile batfish, unicorn fish, and the golden damselfish. ?
Relax at Sunset Beach
If you don’t really feel like doing anything in particular, you could also try going on a leisurely stroll down Sunset Beach (the smallest of the three beaches and also located about a short 15-minute walk away from Pattaya Beach). There’s just something so inherently satisfying about leaving footprints in the soft sand and just taking a minute to do nothing but ‘be in the moment’.
If you planned ahead and decided to bring along a book with you on the trip, you can also opt to find a nice spot to bask under the warm tropical sun in order to read as you enjoy the hypnotic sound of the waves hitting the shore and how the gentle breeze caresses your cheeks. ? Before you settle down for a relaxing time, just make sure to check when the last ferry back to Langkawi will be so that you don't get lost in your book and miss your boat.
Day 4: Leaving Langkawi
Visit the Langkawi Wildlife Adventure Park
Credit: Langkawi Wildlife Park on Facebook
Before the vacation comes to an end, make one last stop to visit Langkawi’s Wildlife Adventure Park. An animal lover’s paradise, this fully covered wildlife park features a beautify orchid garden, a walk-in aviary and hosts over 150 different species of adorable, easy-to-maintain animals and birds from different parts of the world – including South East Asia, Africa, South America, Australia, Russia and of course from Malaysia!
Credit: Langkawi Wildlife Park on Facebook
Unlike in a regular zoo where visitors can only view the animals through a plane of thick glass, at Langkawi’s Wildlife Adventure Park, will be able to touch, hand-feed and even take photos with some of the animals too! From the colourful macaws and prickly porcupines to lithe civets and majestic eagles, this park is a place that everyone (regardless of age) can enjoy!
Credit: WIL on Flickr
And that concludes our article on a relaxed but fun-filled 4D3N Langkawi-Koh Lipe Itinerary. Blessed with stunning natural landscapes, pristine beaches and fun-filled attractions that are suitable for people of all ages, it’s no wonder why Langkawi and Koh Lipe are such popular tourist destination spots. So, if you feel inspired to plan your next beach getaway trip to Langkawi and Koh Lipe, we hope this article will be able to help you out!