Langkawi Long-Term Stay 🌴☀️🐒 3 Months in Malaysia
Ever considered a long-term stay in just one location in South East Asia? An opportunity to get an in-depth feel of the region at a more relaxed pace, while actually saving on your daily budget?
We did just this on the chilled-out paradise island of Langkawi in Malaysia: An excellent destination in itself, but also an ideal springboard to other exotic locations in the region.
If you’re willing to trade predictability for adventure, swap concrete for coconut trees, and let island life work its magic, then Langkawi might just be the beautiful, occasionally baffling place you never knew you needed.
Be sure to check out the following articles, plus our Plan, Maps and Budget for this 13-week visit.
Our 13-week Langkawi Travel Plan
Our plan for this trip to Malaysia was quite unlike our other adventures to date. Having spent many years touching the surface of different Asian cultures through shorter visits, we now wanted to understand how it feels to live in just one locality.
Spending 13 weeks in Langkawi seemed an ideal way to do this.
Better still – since we could afford to take the time – we would find that an extended event-filled stay on this tropical Malaysian island can cost the same as staying at home (even including flights…)
We chose Langkawi on the basis of our previous trips and experiences around Malaysia and Borneo. Located just off Malaysia’s west coast, this archipelago of 99 islands is part of the province of Kedah, and is aptly named The Jewel of Kedah.
The main island is mountainous, with its character defined by her two most famous mountains: Gunung Raya and Gunung Cincang.
Many legends surround the origin and formation of Langkawi’s islands and mountains, adding a magical charm to rock formations that date back half a billion years.
Our 90-day Budget
For a typical 30-day tour around a country in South East Asia we’d normally expect to spend around €3,500 based on 2 people sharing. The largest part of this cost would be the flights (around €1,000). This means we would typically be spending €2,500 per month for all other costs.
Using a similar budget over 90 days we expected our living costs to be less. This is because we planned to rent just 3 apartments/bungalows for around 4 weeks each.
We estimated our monthly costs would therefore drop to around €2,000 per month, bringing us to a total of €7,000 for the full 3-month period (flights included).
This clearly is not a backpackers budget. We intended to rent a hire car for much of the time and stay in well-equipped mid-level accommodation.
How did it work out in practice? Take a look at our actual Malaysian experiences in the following articles…
Langkawi Island Life 🦅 Lush, Tropical, Timeless
Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi island is a tropical paradise renowned for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and timeless charm.
This Malaysian gem, part of a 99-island archipelago, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. You can explore ancient rainforests, relax on sun-kissed shores, and experience the vibrant local life.
First Time in Langkawi? 🦅 Our Guesthouse Experiences Revealed
The plan was simple: a few nights in Kuah, the island’s tiny capital, followed by a switch to the laid-back beaches of Cenang. We were going to do it all, see it all, and stay in a couple of places that promised a little bit of comfort.
It was a well-oiled machine of a trip. Or so we thought.
What to Do? Start by Climbing Gunung Raya
Gunung Raya, standing at 881 meters, is Langkawi’s tallest mountain, located at the center of the main island. If you venture to the top, you’ll encounter a dense rainforest teeming with native flora and fauna.
From the peak, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the entire island and the turquoise Andaman Sea. Don’t miss the breathtaking 360-degree views from the watchtower, stretching as far as Thailand on a clear day. 🌿🏞️🌅
Visit Rebak Island ⛵ Paradise for the Soul
Located just off the coast of Langkawi, Rebak island is an overlooked treasure in Malaysia that offers a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
In this article, we will take you on a journey to discover the off-grid beauty of Rebak island and the unique experiences that it has to offer.
Apartments at Sri Lagenda 🏢🔑 Kuah
Located in Kuah, Sri Lagenda condominium is a collection of residences that offer all the essentials: four walls, a roof, and a healthy dose of “figure-it-out-yourself” charm. While the name might conjure up images of mythical island deities reclining in opulent comfort, the reality offers a slightly more… grounded experience.
Still, within these solid (and surprisingly spacious) walls, a perfectly adequate basecamp awaits your Langkawi adventures, and we’re here to give you the unvarnished truth about what to expect.
Visit Langkawi Wildlife Park
Unlike other Animal Parks we’ve visited, the Langkawi Wildlife Park offers a unique experience.
Here, they allow their visitors close interaction with a variety of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish through individual feeding sessions.
Explore Lagenda Park
Spreading around a 2 km circuit of beautiful parkland, pathways, sculptures and statues, Lagenda Park is indeed the ‘Park of Legends’.
The park is artistically themed on folklore and myths of Langkawi from the prehistoric era to modern times.
Bars & Restaurants – Where to Eat (& Avoid!)
We’re happy to say we ate out very well almost everywhere in Langkawi. Of course, there was the odd couple of disappointments, but nothing to dampen our enthusiasm.
Whether it’s Indian, Chinese, Malay, Arabic, Thai or even Western food that you crave, Langkawi has it covered.
Sail through the Kilim Geoforest Park
A visit to Langkawi’s Kilim Geoforest Park is high on the list of tourist activities. If you take the cheapest option and join a group you’ll typically experience a hurried, superficial type of tour.
But there are other ways to arrange this – for a much more immersive and relaxing day out…
Internet Access? Big Brother is Watching!
Our Internet service experience in Malaysia was a hit-and-miss affair. Much depends on the Internet provider you choose as well as the sites you’re trying to access.
Following on from the censorship applied to cable TV, without using a VPN we found limitations on what we could access via the Internet – and when we could access it.
Relax on Langkawi’s Beaches
If you like white sand you’ve come to the right place. Around Langkawi you can find long uncrowded stretches of sand beaches. Unless you’re located in Cenang you’ll need some kind of transport to reach them – ideally a hire car or motorbike.
The sea is calm and safe for swimming – provided you keep a good lookout for jellyfish during the season (January to June).
You may need to become a ‘Visa Runner’
Embark on a seamless visa run from Langkawi, Malaysia to Songkhla, Thailand. This popular route offers travelers an efficient way to renew their Malaysian visas while exploring the culture and scenic landscapes of southern Thailand.
From the picturesque ferry ride to Kuala Perlis to the overland journey through Malaysia and Thailand, this is a relatively hassle-free experience with ample opportunities for sightseeing and relaxation.
Explore Songkhla Thailand 🧜♀️
Songkhla is a large city located in southern Thailand, near the border with Malaysia. We were inspired to visit this province not so much to admire the architecture as to renew a 30-day Malaysian visa, which was due to expire.
It also seemed to be an ideal excuse to spend a few days exploring this southern part of Thailand, and to find out what Songkhla city has to offer.
Fancy Staying Longer? Checkout the MM2H Visa
If you ever dreamed of a ‘home-from home’ in the tropics of South-East Asia, then this is for you.
The Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is a special visa promoted by the Malaysia Tourism Authority which allows foreigners to stay in Malaysia for a period of ten years.
Visit Koh Lipe, Thailand 🌴 A Tiny Island Paradise
If it’s crystal-clear water you’re seeking, head out north-west from Langkawi to Koh Lipe in nearby Thailand.
Here you can find great snorkeling and diving while enjoying the mega-relaxed ambiance of this tiny paradise island.
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