Arriving in Langkawi from Thailand
The Satun Langkawi Ferry Transports Tourists to This Scenic Island
Dec 1, 2008
Visitors to the Malaysia island of Langawi arrive by air, or by boat from mainland Malaysia or the nearest Thai border crossing at Satun. In the current climate of Thailand's airport closures, some travelers stranded in the country are using this as an alternative way out. The Satun-Langawi crossing is not widely known, but Langkawi has much to offer the visitor on arrival.
Traveling from Satun to Langkawi
Those crossing the border from Satun, Thailand will take the Satun-Langawi ferry, a scenic trip of around 75 minutes, to arrive at the Kuah Jetty terminal. Satun, a residential town in the south of Thailand is not on the main tourist route but it's ferry terminal offers around 4 trips per day to Langkawi, depending on the season. Ferry tickets can be bought at Satun's Tammalang Pier terminal or from one of the tour operators in the city center.
Arriving in Langkawi
On arrival in Langkawi visitors pass through a small immigration point for their visa entry stamp and emerge into a bustling ferry terminal which numerous desks offering cut price hotel rooms and car hire. In contrast to its Thai neighbor driving here is orderly and sedate so hiring a car to get around the island is another viable option.
Given the amount of competition from agencies at the terminal it may be possible to pick up a cheaper rate here than a walk in price at a hotel. Also take advantage of the duty free shops as Langawi is a duty free island. For anyone with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the huge array of liquor chocolate, which is not widely available in Thailand.
If planning to use Langkawi as a stepping-stone to other areas of Malaysia then Langkawi International Airport has flights to neighboring Penang, the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.
Ferry Tickets - Langkawi to Satun
If returning to Thailand, ferry tickets can be bought at the terminal or at the island’s tour operators. Langkawi Ferry Services (0966 6272//6316) sells tickets.
Langkawi Hotels
There are a large selection of hotels on the island, as this is a popular tourist destination for those in the region. Tengah Beach in the west of the island is of the most upmarket tourist areas and idyllic beaches. The Holiday Villa is a popular choice as a mid-range hotel and the lower range Lanai Langkawi at the end of Tengah bay offer spectacular panoramic views of the straits of Malacca.
The island itself is sleepy in comparison to its neighbor Penang, and lacks many of the amenities. The main town of Kukah, where the ferry arrives has a number of shopping-cum-business complexes but lacks the hustle and bustle of most modern day cities. One word of warning, when it comes to money, ATM machines on the Island are as rare as hen’s teeth. There are ATMs at the airport and the Langkawi ferry terminal. Don’t take the chance of finding one elsewhere on the island if you are running short of money during bank closing hours.
What to See in Langkawi
Staying in Langkawi means the chance to see the island’s most popular tourist sights.
- Langkawi Cable Car — best experienced at sunset for the most amazing views of Langawi’s mountains. Ride across a forest canopy and take in the wildlife.
- Underwater World — the largest aquarium in Asia which features a treasure trove of the island’s marine life.
- Pulau Payar Marine Park — situated almost halfway between Langkawi and Penang, this park is teeming with marine life and perfect for snorkeling and swimming. A 1-hour boat journey from Langkawi.
- Sungai Kilim — a boat cruise through the Kilim Nature Park with mangrove forests,white sand beaches and lagoons and their caves. Travelers have the chance to experience the local flora and fauna and get to see the islands many creratures, like macaques, iguanas and brown eagles.
- Underwater World — the largest aquarium in Asia which features a treasure trove of the island’s marine life.
- Langkawi Waterfall — the highest man-made waterfall in Malaysia.
For more information on Langkawi visit the Tourism of Malaysia’s website or contact the Langkawi Tourist Information Center in Kuah or at Langkawi International Airport.
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