Travel Guide to Penang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia - Pearl of The West Coast

Once traveling over the Penang bridge coming from the main land, not just an island but a metropolitan city arises ahead. An island scattered with industry, housing estates and condominiums, but also an island with a long trading and exciting history and many of these elements can still be found when excursioning around Penang.

History of Penang

The Sultan of Kedah was convinced by the British captain Sir Francis Light to surrender Pulau Penang (Betel Nut Island) to the British East India Company. The first city was named after King George III, and Georgetown is still the major heart of the island. After 100 years of British occupation the island joined the Federation of Malaya in 1957.

Pulau Penang or Penang for short (sometimes referred to as Pinang) houses a multi cultural population of nearly 1,5 million inhabitants. Pulau Penang is part of the State of Penang which can be found in the North Western tip of Malaysia.

Georgetown booming heart of Pulau Pinang

Georgetown Is the main administrative and commercial district of the island. Its heritage and colonial history can be found on every street corner, as many building and sites are kept intact and withstood the passing modern times. Georgetown definitely a modern city wrapped in a historical package.

China Town and Little India are a must-visit district an exciting and well preserved area, and gives perfect insight into the lives of early settlers.

Hotels And Accommodations in Penang

Accommodation on the island is plentiful, whether one wants to be pampered in a five star hotel or resort or just basic or standard accommodation, Penang will comfort the travelers needs. Georgetown, Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi is where all the top class accommodations are found.

Food of Penang

Penang offers its own fine cuisine which of the historical background is a wild mixture from various cultures. And the seas surrounding the island bring fresh catch to every plate every day. Asam Laksa a spicy soup, and Char Kway Teow a noodle dish should not be missed. Coffee houses in Penang are called Kopitiam, and offer a wide variety of foods and desserts.

All over the island quality entertainment can be found, for nightlife the island offers plenty of pubs, clubs and restaurants, we recommend Upper Penang road, Gurney Drive and Batu Ferringhi.

Penang Shopping

Penang is definitely a shoppers heaven, the many shopping centers, bazaars and markets offer a wide variety of goods. Penang’s port brings the best from all over the world to this island of abundance. Jalan Penang, Lebuh Kapitan Keling, Lebuh Chulia, Lebuh Cambell, Batu Ferringhi and Chowrast Bazaar should not be missed.

Culture and Traditions

Pulau Penang’s geographical location brought a wide range of cultures and traditions to the island. The exotic culture is found in many heritage sites open to the public, to list a few; Kek Lok Si Temple, Fort Cornwallis, Dharmikarama Burmese Temple, Acheen Street Malay Mosque, City hall, Khoo Kongsi temple Complex, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Little India, The State Mosque, St. Anne’s Church and Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. Exploring the island the toursit will understand there are many more to be to discovered.

Recreation in Penang

However a large part of the island is changed into housing and industrial estates, Pulau Penang offers a wide range of fascinating natural attractions. Penang’s Northern shores are reserved for sun lovers; the pristine beaches offer idyllic sites and sceneries and stretch for miles, Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah and Teluk Bahang are world famous and all water sports can be found here. But Penang also offers a National Park, Tropical Spice and Fruit Garden, Botanical Garden, Butterfly Farm and Bird Park. Penang Hill has to be done once in a lifetime, either hiking or taking the charming Penang Hill train to the 830 meter high summit, the views from this standpoint will awe everyone. The island also offers excellent Jungle trekking trails and absolute top notch gold facilities and driving ranges.

Museums on Pulau Pinang

If museums and galleries are preferred, Penang has plenty to offer too. Venues to put on the checklist, Penang Museum, Forest Recreation Park Museum, P. Ramlee’s House, War Museum, Toy Museum, University of Science Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery, USM ABN-AMRO Arts Centre.

Getting to Penang

Whether travelling by road, rail, sea or air, Penang will cater to every traveler’s needs. Penang International Airport connects to all major capital cities in the area. From Butterworth its only a small crossing by ferry, and sometime is faster than the congested Penang bridge. The island offers plenty of taxis, and within Georgetown small three wheelers are found called Trishaws, very smart and inexpensive way to get around town fast.

Pulau Penang, an exciting island with enough entertainment and leisure activities for every traveler. Tourists will go home, satisfied and with lots of stories and pretty pictures.

The Many Flavors of Kuala Lumpur - Sensations For The Palate

South East Asia is the place where East meets West, and this is definitely true when we look into culinary affairs. All cultures unite in kitchens around this region. For all means we can place Kuala Lumpur In the center of this dining universe.

Whether one is looking for cheap and inexpensive dishes or in search of fine dining adventures, Kuala Lumpur offers the best of all worlds. Prices are reasonable for the quality and services offered. Tips are not expected.

Malaysia’s Food Obsession

Malaysia is truly obsessed with food, it is a food culture and the whole nation evolves around food. In this country one will never go hungry and the variety offered is enormous.

Malaysians love to eat outside, either in well air-conditioned restaurants, mamak stalls, food courts or road side hawkers.

Lets look at the basics first, most Malaysians love to feed themselves on a high carbo based breakfast, which are mostly taken between 8.00 am and 10.00 am. Most favorite dishes are; nasi lemak which is a form of sticky rice with mild to hot sambal, roti Chennai little fluffy pancakes eaten with a curry or Mee Goreng which is a noodle dish. Most people arrive first at work and then go for their breakfast.

Lunch is taken at 1.00 pm, the moment the whole nation goes for lunch, we advise to avoid this time for lunch, unless one loves crowds and waiting in line. Nasi Champur (rice with mixed dishes) is definitely a most favorable dish.

High tea and a coffee break at 4pm, is part of the working day routine. Most people will consume their beloved Kuih, a variety of sweet or deep fried snacks and wash it down with a Tea-O or Kopi the local variety of milky tea or coffee.

For dinner there is no set time, and Malaysians love supper, a last meal of the day around midnight shared with friends preferable at a local coffee shop

Food Paradise Jalan Alor

When talking about food in Kuala Lumpur the first thing that comes to mind is Jalan Alor. Jalan Alor is a bustling side street of Jalan Bukit Bintang during the day, but a 400 meter long stretch of outdoor food festival during the night. A wide array of local and international dishes can be found here; sitting at plastic tables and chairs does not sound very romantic but is an absolute must to have done once in a lifetime. It’s an exciting street with lots of activity and sublime mouth watering bites.

China Town and Petaling Street

Petaling street food paradise is smaller in scale than Jalan Alor but definitely worth a visit, a semi open air food paradise with savory delights from all regions of Mainland China.

Kuala Lumpur Restaurants

Kuala Lumpur has one of the finest arrangements of restaurants to be found anywhere. All countries and cooking styles from around the globe can be found in the heart of K.L. The Middle Eastern influence can be felt, as Malaysia is becoming a more popular travel destination for this region. Culinary food establishments are spread out all over the Golden Triangle, but the main concentrations can be found at

Starhill Gallery – The cluster of restaurants in the basements breaths a welcoming atmosphere once decending down the escalator. Up class dining in a candle light ambiance with soft live jazz music in the back ground, a great place to unwind the day.

Pavilion Shopping Complex – More than fifty high end and mid class restaurants can be found at The Pavilion. The up class food court in the basement is a real treat. The Pavilion is a true paradise for the palate, and a fabulous venue to start the day or evening.

KLCC Suria – On all floors of this immense mall in between the Petronas towers, nourishment for the inner body can be found, a wide range from fast food and budget restaurants to seriously chic establishments can be found here. A visit to the food courts are good value for money.

Berjaya Times Square – In this ten floor shopping arena, restaurants can be found on all floors, the main food court is at the tenth floor, and the main restaurant area at the second and third floor surrounding the entrance of the indoor theme park. Time Square for long and timeless dining.

All 5 star Kuala Lumpur hotels offer multiple fine dining and lunch accommodations which are available to non resident visitors.

Fast Food in Malaysia

All the world renowned fast food brands are found on any corner in the city and on every floor of every mall. Malaysia loves fast food. And the wide variety of chains and franchises are here to tickle the fast food taste buds and truly will not disappoint you.

Outside of Kuala Lumpur fine dining can be found in areas like Ampang, Bangsar, Sri Hartamas, Damansara Utama and Bandar Sunway.

Travel Guide Kuala Lumpur Malaysia - Tourist Attractions

Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s focal point of tourist activities and tourist attractions. Travelers really love this city. Nature and action, outdoor or indoor activities and just fun and exciting travel tours with the family, Kuala Lumpur offers it all. A lot of tourist attractions can be found within the city center. Transport is easily arranged for activities outside the city center.

A fast way to see an overview of the city is to take the KL Hop-on Hop-off glass roof double deck bus. While riding the bus a good glimpse of the diverse, contrasting and colorful scenes Kuala Lumpur has to offer can be viewed. The ride travels along 44 main attractions of the city. The traveler can hop on or off at any time. The bus stops close to all the main hotels in Kuala Lumpur.

Overview of The Main Tourist Attractions of Kuala Lumpur

Jade Museum

This little museum shares the art of Jade, the fruits of nature.. Jewelry, artifacts, weapons and ornamental carvings are all on display

Aquaria KLCC

An ocean of discovery, located inside the KL Convention Center, next to the Petronas Towers. This highly interactive attraction focuses on edu-tainment. Learn more about our seas and marine life while walking through the 90 meter aquatic tunnel. Aquaria KLCC is a must see attraction in Kuala Lumpur, fun for he whole family.

Forestry Research Institute Malaysia

Malaysia’s geographic location offers lush rainforests and FRIM offers a close insight to the forest while still in the city center, even a tree top walk is part of the tour.

Kuala Lumpur Tower – Menara KL

The Menara KL or the KL Tower reaches 421 meters above sea level , the highest building on the peninsular. The panorama deck offers an incredible aerial view of the city. The Sri Angkasa restaurant offers the finest local foods with the best view ever.

Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers are KL’s world wide trademark dominating the Kuala Lumpur skyline and overlooking the city like a giant cathedral. Suria KLCC is one of Malaysia’s largest shopping centers and is located inbetween the petronas Towers. The park behind the towers offers a brilliant and relaxing walk, with many features and art by local artists. The Malaysian Philharmonic hosts their concerts at the KLCC Towers, and the sky bridge offer a wide angle view of the city.

Petrosains Adventure Science

Petrosains is a hands-on museum focused on the young visitor and their parents. Once inside, a knowledge accumulating transformation will take place; the science of petroleum is fun…!

Batu Caves near Gombak

Batu Caves is a must see attraction, attracting hundreds of thousands religious Hindu pilgrims per year. The Batu Caves should not be missed, The 272 step staircase will lead the visitor to the main cave, surrounded by tranquility the breaths a lot of energy. Nut vendors will offer nuts to the tourist to feed the hundreds of monkeys visiting the site daily.

Petaling Street in China Town

Petaling Street the bustling heart of China Town, teeming with vendors offering their ware, however there is a warning for counterfeiting. Do bargain, before buying. This is the place where shopping is fun. Delicious traditional Chinese cuisine can be found all around this exciting area.

Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens

Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens or locally know as Taman Tasik Negara are all within walking distance of the city. The traveler can find, The Bird Park, Orchid Garden, Butterfly Park, Deer Park and Hibiscus Garden, a great district to roam around for nature lovers and walking enthusiasts alike. It really takes the toursit away from the big city and daily life, relax and enjoy nature at its best.

Among these main tourist attractions, many more activities can be found in and around the city. The National Museum, Jalan Buklit Bintang, Central Market, Merdeka Square, just to name a few. All around the city, small art galleries and handicraft shops, can be found and are all worthwhile visiting.

Kuala Lumpur will not bore the traveler for a second; a new activity is always around the corner.

Travel Guide to Nightlife at Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

This travel guide will show you some of the hotspots in and around Kuala Lumpur’s main city center. Bukit Bintang and Changkat Bukit bintang form part of the Malaysian top party scene.

Kuala Lumpur Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur a modern metropolitan city in Asia offers an abundance of nightlife. We will restrict ourselves to the core of the Bukit Bintang, center of K.L.. Nightlife in Kuala Lumpur is in one word abundant. Good food, haute cuisine, lively music, dancing or just plain pubs and chill out lounges, it can all be found in the vibrant city center of Kuala Lumpur.

Bukit Bintang the area bordering the nearly two kilometer long jalan Bukit Bintang forms part of the vibrant heart of Kuala Lumpur. Let’s take a tour around the Bukit Bintang area at night time.

Changkat Raja Chulan

If you are looking for dinner and a great neighborhood to begin your party, Changkat is the place to be. Just off Jalan Bukit Bintang close to BB Plaza, Changkat Raja Chulan can be found; important landmark would be The Radius International Hotel cornering Changkat Bukit Bintang. It’s a great place to start your evening, the various clubs, bars and restaurants offer a variety of styles and niches. Both Western and Eastern styles can be found and prices are fair to moderate. The Middle Eastern countries start to have a huge influence on the gastronomic industry in this part of the city. Italian, Spanish, Japanese, German, Moroccan, Lebanese and plain old Fish and Chips to name a few can be found among the favorites in this area. Werner’s Porkielicious Elcerdo, Tapas at Pinchoa, Pizza at CioCio, Grill at Pampas, Indian Curries at Sutraa; your taste buds will not get bored while visiting The Changkat.

The clubs are also found in abundance and attract a large expatriate crowd as well as lots of holiday makers, business travelers and local party people. The Envie Pub, The Social and Finnegan’s Irish Pub supply the more contemporary public, It’s Twenty One where trendy sounds, can be heard. Gypsy Bar and The Green Man take you back to the seventies and eighties and Frangipani caters for gay community.

In short this little row of establishments is upgrading, expanding and attractive, it welcomes you Monday to Sunday from after work till late..

You do not have to leave this stretch to find yourself well In the middle of the night before the last club closes.

Jalan Bukit Bintang

When you leave Changkat Bukit Bintang and take a little stroll along Jalan Bukit Bintang in the far distance you can hear the sounds of drumming Latin beats, passing The Opera and Cligue, walking towards The Pavilion Shopping Mall turn right at and you find Q-Ba where hot and temperamental Latin beats make you move, if you want it or not. The large bar and small dance floor offer a great ambiance and hours of hip-shaking enjoyment.

At the Star Hill gallery, which is by far the most exclusive shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, on the second floor at the entrance we find Star Hill Club M, which maintains its status of most exclusive club in the whole of K.L. When you exit and cross the road toward The Pavilion Shopping Mall, more fine dining and lounges can be found. La Bodega serves wine and tapas, Athena, offers a wide variety of Greek dishes, Michelangelo’s restaurant deli and bar provide Italian fine cuisine, at Carlos Mexican Cantina you can indulge in Mexican styled platters.

Pavilion Shopping Mall also hosts one of the largest cinema’s in town.

Just outside the mall the 6 star Grand Millenium Hotel is located, within it’s premises the Bistro 160 and Pulse Ultra Club can be found.

Outside of the city center there are many areas, where the same quality of nightlife can be found, KLCC, Ampang, Bangsar, Sri Hartamas, Sunway Pyramid just to name a few.

Kuala Lumpur, not a wild party scene, but a relaxing fine, sophisticated and safe party city.

Travel Guide to Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Backpacking & Cheap Hotels

Malaysia’s currency the Ringgit Malaysia for short RM is worth five times more than your Euro, and six times more than your British pound and three and half times the US Dollar. Malaysia offers the opportunity to live on a couple of Dollars a day.

The city can be a bit confusing at times, because of some hills and small mountains in the city center. Kuala Lumpur maps are available from any convenient store.

Inexpensive and Safe Backpackers Country

Food and travel are seriously inexpensive as long as one stays away form the Star B’s, Mac D’s and KayeFCee’s. Malaysia is a true Walhalla for backpackers hiking around the globe, relatively undiscovered and foremost safe. One of the best features of this country is that people leave each other alone. No hassling in the tourist area’s but friendly people who will make time for you for a courteous chat, helpful in directions or with navigating you around the Muddy City. Kuala Lumpur owes its nickname to the valley where the river Klang and Gombak created their muddy shores, it’s a modern well paved capital now.

Areas to Stay as a Backpacker in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur offers a wide area of hotels. Where to stay as a backpacker? There are three main areas where cheap hotels, lodges and guest houses can be found, Chow Kit, China Town and Bukit Bintang. Some backpackers hostels and guest houses are found in China Town, but the majority is located in Tingkat Tong Shin and at the end of Jalan Bukit Bintang cornering with Jalan Pudu.

Tingkat Tong Shin is packed with guest house after guest house, and the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, many nationalities find a safe haven here. Guest houses will make you feel welcome, most offer internet facilities, a locker and breakfast. But breakfasts can be found all around the area, in easy accessible open restaurants or street food stalls offering local delicacies.

Places to Eat in The City Center

Parallel with Tingkat Tong Shin, Jalan Alor which is a local food paradise stretches over 700 meters. The empty street during the day turns into a hustling and bustling open air food festival in the evenings. Local hawkers offer a wide variety of fresh catch. Choices range from Chinese, Malay, Indian or Thai cuisine it all can be found here. The large variety of fresh seafood delicacies is an amazing and tongue inducing temptation. Most restaurants offer a photo album; only an index finger is needed to point out the different dishes. Always ask portion size for one person, and order a variety of dishes. This will definitely offer a colorful variety of tastes and smells. When ordering fish, request a price first, a guest might end-up paying premium prices for average fish. Prices here are cheap for the quality of food offered.

Traveling In And Out of Kuala Lumpur

Backpacking from the Bukit Bintang and China Town area makes traveling easy. Everything is offered in walking distance. The main bus station Puduraya station can be found at Jalan Pudu and lays in between Jalan Bukit Bintang and China Town. Busses will travel anywhere on the Malaysian Peninsular, busses to Singapore leave every 15 minutes, and comfortable luxury sleepers are available for all corners of the country. Chow Kit is a little further from the city center, but easy to reach as there is a Mono Rail station in the heart of Chow Kit. Chow Kit is a great place to pick up some bargains and deals.

Backpacking and hiking in Kuala Lumpur is safe, fun and easy and above all extremely cheap.

Travel Guide for Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, Public Transport

This guide helps the traveler with the next step when arriving in Malaysia's KLIA or LCCT Airport; explaining tourists about the transport options.

When visiting Kuala Lumpur for the first time, traffic might feel chaotic at first, however a traveler will soon feel at home and get a good feel for Kuala Lumpur’s transportation systems.

Kuala Lumpur offers many alternative transport options. Bus, monorail, train and taxi are all fast and safe. Traveling this way also gives more pleasure, enjoyment and the best views of this magnificent city.

Kuala Lumpur by Air

Most people will travel to Malaysia by air, either arriving at KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport), LCCT (Low Cost Carrier Terminal) both located 60 kilometers South of the city center or Subang Airport (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport) 20 kilometers West of the city center.

From KLIA and LCCT there is a variety of transport options to make it to the city, busses, taxis and the KLIA Express; all take less than one hour to Kuala Lumpur City and the major Kuala Lumpur hotels. From Subang Airport the only option is by road, taxi is the fastest means of transportation and takes about 30 minutes to the booming heart of KL.

Busses Crowded But Fun to Do

Busses are a great way to travel, crowded but cheap in the city center. RM1 or RM2 bus ticket lasts all day. When traveling outside of Kuala Lumpur the bus is the best option. Inexpensive transport travels to any destination within the Peninsular. Buses leave from various bus stations in the city; KL Main Bus station Puduraya at Jalan Pudu, Putra Bus Terminal at Jalan Putra, Duta Bus Terminal at Jalan Duta and Pekeliling Bus Terminal near Titiwangsa. Most operators offer standard or luxury options. With the local bus operators any destination can be reached, Genting, Penang, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Langkawi, Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bahru and all other major cities including Singapore.

Driving a Car in Kuala Lumpur

Driving in KL can be disorientating as highways are not built like other major cities. Road users apply their own set of rules, drive carefully is the best advice. Major car rental dealer can be found at all airports.

Kuala Lumpur’s Unique Monorail System

KL Monorail is a perfect intra-city public transit system. KL Monorail operates from KL Sentral to Titiwangsa over a distance of nearly 9 kilometers. With its 11 stations stopping at major destinations in the city it is the most ideal form of transport. Over rush hour it might be a bit crowded.

Motorbike Not an Ideal Way of Transport

Thousands and thousands of small motorbikes swarm the city. Unless there is no other option renting a motorbike within the city is possible. Owners of cars have no respect for motorbikes.

Taxi Come In Many Colors And Sizes

Yellow cabs, abundant and relatively cheap can be found everywhere in Kuala Lumpur. Two main systems exist, vouchers and general pick-up. Vouchers can be bought at major taxi stands around the city. There is a set price from point of departure to any destination. Taxis should use the meter which should start at RM3 (US$0.90). When a taxi does not drive on the meter, find another one; or agree on a price. After midnight there are no rules.

Local Trains

This is where KL traffic really gets interesting. Five different train companies operate within the Klang Valley. They do not always inter-connect at the same location; hopping from one train to the next might take as much as a 500 meter walk. Monorail, Putra, Star, KLIA express, Komuter KTM are all reliable services and a great means of transport, cheap and pretty efficient.

National Trains Services

KL Sentral train station offers trains to serve the south all the way to Singapore, and the north to Kedah and Kelantan even crossing into Thailand and on to Bangkok. Trains are a magical means of transport; a variety of landscapes passes by while the traveler sits back and relaxes.

Walking The Streets of Kuala Lumpur

Car drivers, taxis, motorbikes and busses offer no respect to pedestrians, our best tip can only be, be careful and stay on the pavement.

Traffic Jams Bring Mayhem to The City

Kuala Lumpur is notorious for its early morning and after work traffic jams, try to avoid these hours as a tourist.

Road Signage Not Clear and Bold

Signage in Malaysia is not always as one may expect, Asian street signs have often no hard rules, bold and clear directions are hard to get. Owning a map is a must for every tourist. Not all signage is in English.

Traveling in Malaysia can be a small adventure. But traveling in and around Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia is a true pleasure.

Travel guide to Langkawi Malaysia - Shopping

Langkawi surround by sandy white beaches and emerald light and bright green waters, has been attracting tourists ever since mankind can remember. But with budget airlines flying to this destination, more and more foreign tourists have found this duty free haven, with its attractive imported but above all local goods.

The local goods are mainly souvenirs, batik, pewter, silk, handicraft, sea food snacks and lots of other local delicacies. Lots of souvenirs shops can be found all over the island, many souvenirs are made of local wood, coconuts and marble, well crafted and refined in detail, but above all good value for money.

Duty Free Shopping

Langkawi’s Duty Free Port status, makes shopping in many cases very attractive, and picking up good bargains almost has become a popular sport here. Kuah is the only city on the island group called Langkawi, city actually would be overrated it’s more a nice thriving little town,

When traveling by ferry to Langkawi, the Duty Free shopping spree can start the moment the visitors step off the ferry. Just outside of Kuah, Jetty Point Duty Free Complex offers a wide range of products; most popular are alcohol, cigarettes and chocolates, ladies and men’s apparel.

The modern and well air-conditioned Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall offers at least 100 shops scattered over two floors. Samudra Duty Free Department Store offers a wide spread of duty free products, cosmetics, fragrances, leather, liquor, cigarettes and sports apparel and gear.

There are more duty free outlets in and around Kuah, Saga Shopping Center and Langkawi Duty Free, where also international branded clothes and confectionery, luggage and household appliances can be found. Just outside of Kuah the Teow Soon Huat Departmental Store in Pokok Assam, is another great place to spend an afternoon shopping.

The Local Crafts Complex

The Langkawi Craft Complex to the North of the island is a magic place to shop for souvenirs to bring home. Items found here will thrill and excite anyone and make the visit to Langkawi unforgettable. Items from the Langkawi Crafts Complex hang on walls or stand in living rooms all around the world.

At Pantai Cenang one of the most popular beaches, at Langkawi Underwater World, the Shopping Paradise Duty Free Centre is located in the same building, among many other items tourists will find watches, fashion, jewellery and batik made cloth and fashion.

Shopping Malls

Most shopping centers have great bargains, ready and waiting for shopholics.

Duty free rules - After staying at least 48 hours on the island, visitors are allowed to bring one bottle of liquor and one carton of cigarettes back to the mainland. When flying out of Langkawi, local regulations of the destination airport apply.

A few things to think about when buying delicate goods in Langkawi, some goods might be illegal in the country of arrival, among those could be decorative ornaments made of seashells, and any item made of crocodile leather.

Buying such goods also helps the trade in these items, and the world would benefit if animals seashell are left where they belong, in their own habitat and among other corals and marine life.

Most international credit cards are accepted in all shopping complexes. World wide delivery can be arranged by most art and souvenir shops, if items are too bulky to fit in the suitcase.

Langkawi, a true duty free paradise and tourists will enjoy the many shopping options offered.

Shop around first, before buying, as bargains are always around the corner in this shopper’s haven.

Travel Guide to Pulau Langkawi Malaysia - Nightlife

Langkawi is probably not famous for its nightlife, there are no long party streets, or stretch of cozy cafés and bars, the tourist needs to search for the real nightlife. Langkawi is not a party destination pur-sang, however good night spots can be found.

Any evening in Langkawi start with the sun setting behind the horizontal glistering of its azure blue waters, when the night air starts to tremble and the orange of the sun disappears and changes the blue skies in a star sparkled sheet covering the island. A true sunset is best experienced at the beach, where the sand cools down the feet, and a glass of chilled wine or any other cooling drink enhances the spectacle.

Langkawi Sunset Dinner

Dining at sunset is an absolute once in a lifetime experience in Langkawi. And many hotels, resorts and restaurants will cater for the opportunity. Just before sunset is also the moment when all the locals will flood the beaches, as they hide for the blistering sun during the day. But a day without a sunset is a day not lived.

Once the darkness falls, the evening can start, and in and around the beach areas, like Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah people will find a place to sit and relax, have a drink and search for dinner, walking from restaurant to restaurant exploring their menus can be great fun, surrounded by vibrant sounds and delicious smells the traveler knows the evening has started.

Party Till Late At Night

For the more party animals the evening can start in some of the beach bars, which have all their own style, from reggae and blues to lounge music, and some even have live music by local musicians, mainly playing international requests. When lucky and the mood is right, the speakers move from inside to the outside of the bars, and groups of people can be found dancing at the beach, an awesome experiences, to dance the night away with the sea roaring in the background.

Disco and Dance Halls

Real large scale discotheques are not found in Langkawi, but some addresses we could recommend are Black Henry Pub and Disco and Chime at the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort , Coco Jam Fun Pub & Disco at the Frangipani Langkawi Resort and Spa. Both locations offer live entertainment on a regular basis also depending on the season. Other great nightlife spots would be Dallas Karaoke, Burau Beat Pub, The Beergarden, Breeze Lounge, Little Lylia’s Chill Out Café, Yellow Cafe and The Bistro. Nightlife is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike, a great way to meet new friends, and hear great stories about Langkawi and venture for new ideas and sites to discover.

Music in many of the night spots is not towards one genre but more catered for a large and international crowd, the deejays and live bands will make guests listen to the latest hits or swing to popular music from the seventies and eighties. Whether the visitor enjoys R&B, pop, rock or disco the bars and discos will cater to the needs of all party-goers.

Langkawi, magic silent island in the Andaman sea, caters for peace and tranquility, but if swing is in the air anyone is welcome too.