If you are bored with trips around Kuala Lumpur, Genting, Malacca in Malaysia, why not try to spend time on the beautiful island of Langkawi or Penang – the two largest tourist island in Malaysia? As destinations that are forecasted to be hot in 2017, the need to travel between these two islands is enormous. If you are resting in Penang, it is great that you can easily choose a flexible schedule depending on the budget and time, to come to Langkawi and explore the interesting things there.
I. What you need to know about Langkawi
Langkawi, located in northwestern Malaysia, in the state of Kedad, bordering Thailand, is a beautiful archipelago. Covering 99 small islands, Langkawi is also known as Eagle Island. The origin of this name is absorbing: the Malay word “lang” (Langkawi) derives from the word “Helang” meaning “Eagle.” In the past, this archipelago was inhabited by many eagles. Today, there are still some islands with many eagles as the favorite destinations for visitors.
Interestingly, today, when visiting Langkawi, you can be taken to the islands to observe eagles hunting, or even feed these eagles.
Because it is close to the equator, the weather here is quite hot; the average temperature is 20-30oC. However, like most Southeast Asian countries, Langkawi has a clear division in rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from June to November with sudden rains but does not last long. There is less sunshine in the period from November to February every year, and western Malaysia is not affected by the rainstorms so that you can travel all year round. Therefore, during 12 months, you can always come here to visit, discover.
II. Transportation
1. Fly to Langkawi
To fly from Penang to Langkawi, you can have many options; The cheapest is Airasia. This brand airline has many incentives and promotions. If you get cheap airfare, the cost of flying between these two islands will reduce the amount of money you spend on your trip. Even, that would be a better price than ferry or travel by road. AirAsia is regularly offering promotional discounts of less than $ 30 a night, so it’s easy to get cheap airline tickets to Langkawi. Besides, Malaysia Airlines is also a good suggestion for you.
Using the plane to fly from Penang to Langkawi, you will only take a total of nearly an hour flying. But arrange the work and prepare carefully to ensure the time to travel to the airport and wait time offline.
2. Fast ferry
Taking a fast ferry is probably the best option for those who want to spend not too much time but spend a cheap and reasonable cost. From Penang, there are three ferries to Langkawi daily, and you can choose to take any ferry, just catch their schedule.
The earliest departure departs at 8:15 but arrives at Pulau Payar. Meanwhile, the second trip comes later; At 8:30. However, it went straight to Langkawi. In the afternoon there will be another departure at 14:00. The smartest choice is probably the second train, as going this way will save you more time, and you can spend more time exploring and discovering the new island. On average, the time to travel at sea will be from 2.5 to 3 hours.
Ferry ticket price is 70RM per person (2016). You can book tickets in different ways. First, you can order at your hotel or motel. Most resort locations have very thoughtful and full customer care. In addition to the ticket agents on Pengkalan Weld Street opposite the Queen Victoria Clock Tower is another way you can choose. This way, you can even buy a ticket before you leave for 30 minutes and get on the ferry, as there are more than ten different ticket outlets located next to the ferry. The last way is booking the ticket online at superfastferry.com. One day there are three ferries, each carrying 200 people, so you do not worry about the tickets.
Called a ferry but it is more like a cruise ship. There are two floors, and rows of seats for guests to sit. According to visitor feedback, sea ferries go pretty smoothly and gently. There is a television for watching movies and a very clean toilet. If you go on a beautiful day when the sea is calm, you will not feel tired after the long journey.
Stop at Langkawi jetty in Kuah Town – from here you can walk to Eagle Square – 200m away from the ferry.
3. Bus and Ferries
The cheapest way to get to Langkawi is from Penang Island you take the ferry to Butterworth land. This sea ferry is free, floating around for about 30 minutes as you land. Right on the right ferry down is the bus station (Butterworth bus). From here, you can buy bus tickets to Alor Setar or Kuala Perlis for sightseeing and beauty pash tours. If you want to go to Alor Setar, you need to catch a short bus (15km) to the ferry terminal in Kuala Kedah (ferry to Langkawi – from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm). The price of this sea ship is 23RM/person and takes about 45 minutes to reach the island.
Alternatively, you can also take the bus from Butterworth to Kuala Perlis. There is also a ferry to Langkawi from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. Considered the shortest ferry line to Langkawi, you only need 15 minutes ferry ride at the cost of 18RM.
If traveling in these ways, the total cost of travel (bus + ferry) is 35RM instead of 70RM for the ferry ride straight to Langkawi. It suits those of you who have a lot of time and want to experience the different means of transportation in Malaysia.
Going from Penang to Langkawi is very simple. With just a few short hours you can set foot on a second destination. The useful information will surely help you to have more substantial experience, to explore and conquer the new land. Wish you have a great holiday.
