First Time in Langkawi? 🦅 Our Guesthouse Experiences Revealed
You know that feeling when you’re travelling, and you’ve got it all planned out? The itinerary, the flights, the accommodation. We had that controlled feeling.
We were heading to Langkawi, a little Malaysian slice of paradise that promised sandy beaches and a need to worry about nothing. We had a week to cram in as much as we could before hopping over to Penang. 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.
Highlights
- Tale of 2 Towns 🌴 Kuah & Cenang
- The Seaview Hotel, Kuah
- The Village 19 Retreat, Cenang
- A Glimpse of the Good Life
- Luxury Resorts 👑 Bask in Opulence
- The Art of the Independent Stay
- Apartments at Sri Lagenda 🔑 Kuah
- Langkawi Long-Term Stay ☀️
- Langkawi 🦅 Tropical & Timeless
- Hotel Deals in Langkawi
- Our ‘Open Jaw’ Schedule
A Tale of Two Towns 🌴 Kuah vs. Cenang
Langkawi is an island of two distinct personalities.
Kuah, the capital, is a bit of a working-class hero. It’s functional – though quiet – and it’s where you’ll find the cheapest duty-free shops, the ferries, and a proper sense of daily life. It’s not a place you come to for a secluded beach experience, but it’s a solid base.
Cenang, on the other hand, is the postcard. It’s all about the beaches, the bars, and the tourist hustle. It’s where everyone goes to get their tropical fix.
We, in our infinite wisdom, decided to experience both. We’d start in Kuah, get our bearings, and then relocate to the beach. A clever plan, we thought. A plan that would allow us to see both sides of the coin, to experience the full spectrum of Langkawi’s offerings (see our Langkawi island map).
What could possibly go wrong?
Langkawi – known as the ‘Jewel of Kedah’
Seaview Hotel 🛌 A Study in Over-achievement
In Kuah there is a limited but good variety of accommodation options to suit most budgets.
Our very first stop was the Seaview Hotel.
We had booked it purely on the basis of a quick search and a price tag of €30 per night. We had our expectations set firmly in the “cheap and cheerful” category. It was, in our minds, a place to rest our heads before moving on to better things.
But the Seaview hotel had other ideas. This place, we quickly discovered, was a 3-star hotel aspiring to 4-star values.
The service was impeccable. We were greeted with warmth and professionalism, shown to a clean room, and told that a decent breakfast awaited us every morning. The room itself was nothing fancy, but it was spotless, and to our genuine appreciation, it did indeed come with a view of the sea.
We had breakfast in the Kingfisher Cafe, a modest but perfectly fine restaurant that served up a mix of local and international dishes. We even found ourselves cooling off in the outdoor swimming pool, watching the sun set over the horizon.
It was a good start. We had booked a budget hotel, and we were getting something that felt a lot more. We even found out that there was a night market just up the road every Wednesday and Saturday, a perfect little slice of local life.
The Seaview was a pleasant surprise, a testament to the idea that you don’t need to spend a lot of money to be well looked after.
Other budget-friendly hotel options include The Box Chalet, which offers cozy rooms in a central location, while ZEN Rooms Basic at Pantai Kok provides value and convenience.
The Village 19 Retreat 🏕️ A Lesson in Misleading Marketing
After a few nights of quiet comfort, we decided it was time to move on to Cenang. We had booked a place called the Village 19 Retreat, a place that, according to its promotional materials, was a two-level Malay-style wooden house with an open living area below and a spacious bedroom and balcony above. It looked rustic. It looked charming. We were excited.
We got the GPS coordinates and drove for what felt like an age, down a series of increasingly narrow and unpaved roads. We finally found the place, a motley collection of huts and buildings that looked a bit… tired.
We were greeted by a scene of utter confusion. The manager, a chap named Lloyd, was having a heated discussion with a group of disgruntled backpackers. He was telling them that their double booking wasn’t his fault and that he operated on a first-come, first-served basis. It was not a promising start.
We eventually found our “house.” The promotional pictures had been… optimistic. The building was a tired, grotty-looking extension of a hostel.
The downstairs area had clearly never been cleaned. The outdoor fridge was an archaeological dig of leftovers from previous guests. There was a collection of dusty, unusable kitchen utensils, and we quickly decided that risking a trip to the local hospital with a bout of food poisoning was not on our holiday itinerary.
- A Bedlam of Backpackers: We quickly discovered the true nature of the place. It was a hostel. And every night, a group of young backpackers would party into the early hours, with plenty of screaming and drunken revelry. The next morning, the tables outside were a graveyard of empty beer cans and food leftovers.
To add insult to injury, the resident cows seemed to have a preference for taking a dump directly in front of the reception door. It was no wonder the place was infested with giant cockroaches.
- A Hero in a Fur Coat: Our only saving grace was a local street cat we decided to name Hvost. He was a sad-looking, mangy creature, and we quickly befriended him. He stayed around our little hut the entire time, keeping busy by chasing away the giant roaches. We felt it was the least we could do to feed him premium cat food every morning.
He was our little furry guardian angel, a beacon of sanity in the bedlam.
We’re not usually into cat pictures, but this cat was special
The house itself had potential. The upstairs bedroom, bathroom, and balcony were large and airy. But there was a shocking lack of maintenance. The bed was an old, uncomfortable mattress with a single, threadbare sheet. There was no mattress cover.
It was as if no one had actually bothered to make the place habitable. And for all this, we were paying €40 a night. We had gone from a pleasant, overachieving budget hotel to a grotty, overpriced hostel with a cow problem. We felt a quiet, simmering sense of indignation.We later discovered that Lloyd, the manager, was a bit of an absentee landlord. The place was run by young foreign backpackers who were working in exchange for free accommodation.
This, we concluded, explained the shambolic state of the bookings and the place itself. It was a prime example of a missed opportunity, a place that could have been charming but was instead a testament to a complete lack of care. So we ended up spending most of our days away from our lodgings.
From the Village Retreat it’s a 25-minute walk to the beaches and shops of Pantai Cenang.
However, next door just 5 minutes away is the Smiling Buffalo Bistro. Here you can get a solid, if slightly pricey, breakfast. Count on around Rm 60 (€12) for breakfast for two. It was a little oasis of calm just a five-minute walk away, a place that offered a welcome antidote to the drunken revelry and cockroach-infested reality of our accommodation.
The bistro is closed in the evenings.
A Glimpse of the Good Life 🦅 Where the Other Half Stays
While we were living our best budget lives, we couldn’t help but be aware of the other side of the Langkawi accommodation spectrum. The island is dotted with resorts and private villas that cost more for one night than our entire stay.
- Luxury Resorts: We’re talking places like the Four Seasons and The Datai. These are the sort of places with rainforest villas, private beach access, and an army of people whose sole job is to ensure you never have to lift a finger. We had a look at the prices for a room at The St. Regis near Kuah. It was a cool €500 a night. An over-water villa? A staggering €800 a night (excluding taxes).
To put that into perspective, five nights in one of those villas would cost the same as our entire 32-day trip to Malaysia, including flights from Europe. We had a moment of quiet contemplation, a silent acknowledgement of a different universe entirely.
- Boutique Hideaways: For those with a bit more cash but a desire for something intimate, there are places like Casa del Mar and Ambong Pool Villas. These are the sorts of places that offer stunning sunsets, minimalist design, and a quiet sense of tranquility. The kind of place where you go to get away from it all, where the biggest decision you have to make is whether or not to have another cocktail.
- Private Villas: And for the ultimate in opulence, there are the private villas. We saw pictures of places like Cathaya Villa, with its private pool, and Sunset Valley Holiday Houses, with their sensational views. These were places that promised seclusion and comfort, a home away from home with a few extra bells and whistles. We could only stare at the pictures and dream.
We were, as you might have gathered, not staying at any of these. We were happy with our Seaview Hotel. We had a room, a bed, and a very welcome sense of not having to worry about money. We were perfectly content with our lot.
We were, however, about to have a sobering lesson in what happens when you try to get too clever.
Family-Friendly Retreats: Fun for All Ages
Traveling with family? Langkawi has you covered with family-friendly resorts designed to keep both kids and adults entertained.
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa offers family suites and a kids’ club, while Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa features a waterpark and spacious accommodations. These resorts ensure that every member of your family enjoys a memorable vacation.
Located just off the coast of Langkawi, Rebak Island Resort is a hidden gem that offers a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. If you’re looking for a destination that offers peace, relaxation, activities and natural beauty. Rebak Island delivers on all fronts.
This tiny island boasts pristine beaches, lush rainforest, & rich biodiversity, for nature lovers and beachgoers alike.
If you’re interested, checkout our full article Rebak Island, Malaysia ⛵ Paradise for the Soul.
ECO-Friendly Stays: Embracing Nature Responsibly
For ECO-conscious travelers, Langkawi offers accommodations that prioritize sustainability without sacrificing comfort.
The Bon Ton Resort combines traditional Malaysian architecture with environmental initiatives, and Ambong Rainforest Retreat features eco-suites immersed in the lush rainforest. By choosing these accommodations, you contribute to preserving Langkawi’s natural beauty for generations to come.
Serviced Apartments: Home from Home
Travelers seeking the comforts of home can find solace in Langkawi’s serviced apartments.
The Lagoon Resort Private Residence offers spacious units with kitchenettes, and Adya Hotel provides apartment-style rooms with separate living areas. These options are perfect for travelers who value autonomy and extra space.
If you’re looking for more of an independent longer-term stay in a fully-equipped apartment, it’s worth checking out the Sri Lagenda condominium in Kuah. It isn’t close to any decent beaches but it does have a good private swimming pool and the location is very handy for access to local shops and malls.
Close to Kuah there is also the Kondo Istana and Century Suria.
The Ultimate Luxury: Rent a Private Villa
Elevate your vacation experience with the unmatched allure of Langkawi’s private villas. Offering seclusion, comfort, and breathtaking views, these exclusive retreats redefine luxury. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of your own space, complete with personalized amenities and a direct connection to the island’s natural beauty.
Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a family reunion, or a group escape, renting a private villa in Langkawi promises an unforgettable stay that combines opulence and privacy in perfect harmony.
Cathaya Villa – Peaceful & Spacious
Close to Pantai Cenang, Cathaya Villa offers a large private pool with a spacious summer terrace. There are 4 bedrooms, a kitchen and 3 bathrooms, and most important of all – a barbecue!
The Rice and Garden Museum is 1.3 miles away, while Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre is 1.6 miles from the property. Many dining spots are within a short drive from the villa, and it is just 8 minutes’ drive from Langkawi airport.
Don’t forget to bring along your cocktails 🍹
Sunset Valley Holiday Houses & Villas offer a variety of accommodations within 15 minutes by car from Langkawi airport. This venue has a contemporary kitchen provided with amenities, such as an electric kettle, refrigerator and toaster for self-catering.
The accommodations have a sensational view.
Sunset Valley Holiday Houses
Guests can relax by an outdoor swimming pool. There are high chairs and toys provided for children. A range of activities, such as diving, hiking and horse riding can be arranged by the management. Also:
- Hole Recreation Park Semilang is 5 minutes’ drive away.
- Gunung Raya is 3 km from the villa.
- You can get to Makam Mahsuri in a few minutes by car.
Luxury Resorts 👑 Basking in Opulence
For those who dream of indulgent getaways, Langkawi’s luxury resorts are a slice of paradise. Nestled along the pristine coastline, these resorts offer lavish rooms, private beach access, and world-class amenities.
The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi promises a blend of elegance and natural beauty, while The Datai Langkawi boasts rainforest villas and panoramic ocean views. Whether you’re looking for spa treatments, gourmet dining, or your own private pool, Langkawi’s luxury resorts have it all.
The St. Regis
If you’re looking for something considerably more up-market in the Kuah area, then head back to the east side of the island. Just a short walk along the coast south-east of Kuah brings you to the idyllic, refined paradise that is the St. Regis.
St. Regis resort near Kuah
This 5-star luxury resort is one of the newest hotels on the island, embodying the pinnacle of sophisticated island living.
Set between centuries-old rain forest and the Andaman sea, the resort covers a huge area with an immaculate white sand beach, 85 suites and 4 over-water villas.
St. Regis over-water villas
Tanjung Rhu Resort
Experience world-class service at Tanjung Rhu Resort. Situated on the north eastern coastline, this resort offers outdoor pools, multiple dining options and a spa. Activities provided include cruises and watersports. Spacious rooms feature garden, pool or sea views.
Tanjung Rhu Resort houses tennis courts and a fitness centre with sauna rooms and steam baths. Other activities available include fishing trips and eagle-feeding sessions.
Tanjung Rhu Resort – Best pool on the island
The resort is less than 4 km from Air Hangat (Hot Springs) Village and just a 30-minute drive from the Langkawi International Airport.
Indulge in the ultimate blend of comfort and natural beauty, making it the perfect escape for well-heeled travelers.
Final Thoughts 🏘️ The Art of the Independent Stay
After our little misadventure, we concluded that maybe the key to a good stay in Langkawi was a more independent approach. We had seen plenty of serviced apartments and condominiums that offered a home-from-home experience.
Places like the Sri Lagenda condominium in Kuah, which, while not close to the beaches, is handy for shops and has a good private swimming pool. And elsewhere there are places like the Laguna and the Century Suria.
These, we decided, were the real hidden gems. They offered autonomy and space, a chance to have a bit of your own life on the island without the hassle of a hotel or the horror of a badly run hostel.
As for our Langkawi trip, in one week we’d seen a lot. We had experienced the pleasant surprise of a cheap but respectable hotel and the sheer, unadulterated fiasco of a disastrously run hostel. We had a full stomach, a head full of memories, and a new appreciation for the importance of proper research.
Where to after Langkawi?
With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture, Langkawi offers an unforgettable escape, made even more special by the right accommodation choice. So choose carefully, and make your Langkawi journey an experience to cherish.
Following our all-too-short 7 night stay in Langkawi, we were next taking a boat south for a week on the popular island of Penang.
Similar in size to Langkawi, Penang reputedly offers a more vibrant and animated lifestyle… one which we were keen to try out.
If you enjoyed our Langkawi Accommodation Options, check out a Langkawi Long-Term Stay (3 Months). You may also like:
Spice up your inbox…
… with discounted hotel deals, cost-saving travel itineraries and SandSpice escapades! 😉
