Langkawi, Malaysia 🇲🇾
#1860
6.370038, 99.792863
Nomad Score:
67%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Langkawi, officially known as Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), is an archipelago consisting of 99 islands located in the Andaman Sea. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 100,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MYR ≈ 0.23 USD. ATMs are widely available, and major credit cards are accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 240V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Maxis, Digi, and Celcom with reliable 4G coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Services such as Maybank, CIMB, and HSBC are available. They accept major currencies and international transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from luxury resorts like The Datai Langkawi to budget hostels like Cenang Rest House. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, mobile payments via GrabPay and card payments are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Agoda provide various rental options from beachfront villas to budget rooms. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like The Rainbow Lodge and Cenang Rest House offer dorms starting at around 30 MYR per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Space Langkawi provides a tranquil environment with reliable internet and meeting rooms. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Rush in Pantai Cenang is a popular hub for remote work with ample power outlets and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Remote workers often organize meetups and networking events through social media groups—check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Langkawi Expat Community organizes regular gatherings and activities on Facebook. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is the most popular app for ride-hailing in Langkawi. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental services are available at places like Mr. Langkawi's Rentals, with scooters starting around 30 MYR per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Pantai Cenang is the most famous beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and water sports. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | AirAsia operates flights to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur and nearby cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Malaysian Airlines offers international flights, mainly connecting through Kuala Lumpur. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The main roads are well-connected; the Langkawi Ring Road encircles the island. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Langkawi does not have a train station; ferries operate from Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah to Langkawi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport options are limited; renting a car or bike is encouraged for exploration. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services connect Langkawi to mainland Malaysia, notably Kuala Perlis and Penang. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Langkawi International Medical Centre provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Shack offers various classes amidst a serene environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers like The Village Fitness offer facilities for both locals and tourists. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available in Pantai Cenang, with quick service often at hotels. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | GrabFood provides delivery services from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Nasi lemak and seafood dishes are highly recommended. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurant in Kuah serves delicious plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Langkawi's Finest Bakery is popular for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Night markets, particularly in Kuah, offer cheap and tasty local foods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shopee Malaysia and Lazada cater to online shopping needs. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Red Tick Grocery offers delivery services for daily needs. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Cenang Beach is home to vibrant bars and nightclubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Langkawi Craft Brewery serves local beers with great views. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Shop in Kuah offers a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | The Langkawi Night Market features various street food vendors every week. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Cliff serve a mix of Western and local dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Langkawi Sky Bridge offers stunning views and is a must-visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Langkawi Craft Complex showcases local handicrafts and cultural exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Mahsuri’s Tomb is a significant historical site steeped in local legend. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Submarine Museum provides insight into Malaysia's naval history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) takes place biennially. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Kuah Town is the cultural heart of Langkawi, featuring local shops and eateries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Live performances occasionally take place at local community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Kuah Night Market is great for exploring local flavors and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various beach bars host live music events in the evenings. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful murals can be found around Kuah Town and Pantai Cenang. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools like Asmara Cooking Class offer hands-on experience in Malaysian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Rice Museum showcases sawah art and local agricultural history. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Langkawi Jetty reflects the island's rich maritime history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The legend of Mahsuri is integral to the local culture and heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Kilim Geoforest Park offers breathtaking mangrove tours and wildlife sightings. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Gunung Mulu National Park and Taman Negara are accessible via ferry and offer rich biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Taiwanese Path in Padang Matsirat is popular for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Langkawi Sky Cab offers panoramic views from Gunung Mat Cincang. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kilim Geoforest Park is an ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas along Pantai Cenang allow bonfires under specific regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Pos Malaysia offer reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | There are several local shops in Kuah for phone and laptop repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English language schools can be found in Langkawi for expats looking to learn Malay. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | There are small libraries in local schools and community centers open to the public. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Various community halls host events and provide space for gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Various cafes have gaming consoles and PCs available for use. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present on the island; however, visitors can find local gaming venues. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,500 MYR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 60,000 MYR) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,200 MYR per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 48,000 MYR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 1,800 MYR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 108,000 MYR) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,500 MYR per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 90,000 MYR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 2,200 MYR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 176,000 MYR) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 1,800 MYR per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 144,000 MYR) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 24% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% tax rate applied to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 28% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% standard Goods and Services Tax (GST). |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax applies based on property ownership. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 3% on property purchases. |