Celebrating 10 years of UNESCO World Geopark status this year, Langkawi in Malaysia is high on Aussie travellers’ radars right now thanks in most part to cheap flights and its untouched allure.
Beyond the coconut tree-lined beaches, crystal-clear water and pristine conservation areas, its tax laws mean you can add duty-free shopping to an itinerary of diving, snorkelling and wildlife safaris.
On the main island of the Langkawi archipelago – more than 99 rugged, rainforest-covered islands jutting from the Andaman Sea – time seems to have stood still, with traditional handicrafts and bygone ways of farming and fishing existing alongside luxury resorts and attractions such as the SkyCab cable car, Underwater World aquarium and zip lining.
Dean Heke from Helloworld Travel Katoomba, NSW, says when booking accommodation in Langkawi you should think about why you’re there.
“Is it a beach holiday, all about local culture and food or scuba diving and snorkelling?” he says.
We found three Langkawi resorts to suit all budgets.
AFFORDABLE
THE SMITH HOUSE
OVERNIGHT RATE
$81 (QUEEN ROOM)
When you have one thing and one thing only on your mind – shopping – a beachfront room is not necessarily high on your list of wants. A kilometre from Langkawi International Airport, The Smith House provides free transfers to get you to your accommodation quickly so there’s more time to take your credit card for a spin.
Don’t forget to take your swimmers, though; there’s a rooftop pool crowning the 75-room hotel, which opened in December, with views over the Langkawi hills. Downstairs you can retreat with a book in the library, make the most of Happy Hour at Absolum and dine in at Absolut. For a budget hotel The Smith House over-delivers with free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, hair dryers, breakfast and more included in your room rate.
MID-RANGE
ST REGIS
OVERNIGHT RATE
$368 (PREMIER RAINFOREST)
The first St Regis hotel in Malaysia and first all-suite resort in the archipelago opened with fanfare in April last year. While the resort is blessed with a 600m white sand beach frontage, the 100,000sq m saltwater swimming lagoon is the absolute centrepiece. You won’t have to suffer through menu boredom here, with six restaurants and bars to choose from. You’ll find Asian flavours and antique styling at Kayuputi, modern French cuisine infused with Asian and Middle Eastern flavours at L’Orangerie, and homemade breads and pastries at Gourmand Deli. For drinks, head to the St Regis Bar or Decanter wine bar. Along with the Iridium Spa you’ll find a salon, gym and infinity swimming pool on-site and it’s just a 30-minute drive from Langkawi International Airport.
TOP-END
THE DANNA LANGKAWI
OVERNIGHT RATE
$583 (MERCHANT ROOM)
Step back to colonial times at The Danna Langkawi at Telaga Harbour Park – a slice of the French Riviera on Langkawi island’s west coast. You won’t have to wander too far to eat, with Planter’s restaurant (Mediterranean) and Straits & Co. (British/Malayan) on-site. Head to The Verandah with its chandeliers and pillars for classy cocktails, then the Drawing Room for its cigars and wine cellar. A new restaurant and bar, The Terrace, is the first stage of a large extension currently under way, with 10 luxury villas – with private spa therapy room and lap pool – to be unveiled by November. After days spent island-hopping, jungle trekking and fishing, arrange private dining on the beach, relax in The Danna Spa or book a private yoga class. All rooms are non-smoking and include free Wi-Fi.
