LANGKAWI

Halal-friendly holidays

Langkawi can be accessed through the Langkawi International Airport (LGK). With frequent flights to Kuala Lumpur from most major cities in Europe, many visitors fly to Kuala Lumpur first, and then get a flight to Langkawi. Use this opportunity to create a multi-city break! From the airport to the city centre, taxis and car rentals are available. As there is no public transportation around Langkawi, the best thing to do is to rent a motorcycle or car and live like the locals. However, taxis are also readily available.

The best time to visit Langkawi is from the months of November through to April, to enjoy the sun and warm temperature. Outside of these months, you are more likely to be caught in rain and thunderstorms.

Top Tip: Take advantage of this duty-free island to purchase gifts and souvenirs for you and your family.

For the Muslim traveller, Langkawi is an all-encompassing halal holiday destination. It offers the best aspects of a beach holiday including pristine beaches, a relaxed vibe, Malay culture and halal amenities, ticking all the boxes for a paradise-like holiday. The majority of the population in Langkawi are Muslims and native Malays - anyone who has ever been to Malaysia will know that this means a guaranteed friendly Malay welcome.

Due to the Muslim majority, there are many mosques on the island - your prayer duties whilst out travelling and exploring can be seamlessly fitted into your holiday itinerary. Additionally, most attractions such as shopping malls also have their own prayer facilities so you will find ease in performing your prayer on your Muslim-friendly island holiday.

Langkawi Sky Bridge
The 125-metre long Langkawi Sky Bridge can be reached by cable car, and situated 660 metres above sea level, you will experience one of the finest views of Langkawi and all the greenery and nature below.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
Known for being one of the island's most beautiful natural attractions, the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls directly translates to ‘Seven Wells Waterfalls’, with the natural pools flowing down from different levels from the second highest mountain of Langkawi, Gunung Machinchang. Keep an eye out for the growing and enchanted fauna that give the waterfalls a magical atmosphere - locals even say fairies live in the stunning natural paradise!

Langkawi Art in Paradise 3D Museum
The modern 3D museum is fun for the whole family and there is no better place to experience the new phenomenon than in Southeast Asia - one of the first places where these museums gained popularity. With over 150 paintings, the museum will keep you and your family entertained - not only is it exciting but each painting is detailed with the most vibrant of colours.

Gua Kelawar (Bat Cave)
Not for the light-hearted, tours are available through the Gua Kelawar cave of Langkawi. Home to a huge population of Malaysian Fruit Bats, the cave is quite dark and shadowy but it is a unique experience whilst in the area. The formations of the cave themselves are an interesting sight to see, with some even taking the shapes of animals including snakes. The bats fly around whilst you walk, but do not worry as they are completely harmless.

Langkawi Wildlife Park
Perfect for the whole family, the Langkawi Wildlife Park provides entertainment and fun with over 150 species of different animals, exotic vegetation and colourful floral arrangements. Get close and personal with the animals and join in with feeding bags that are available to buy in the park.

Gunung Raya
The highest mountain in Langkawi, Gunung Raya, features natural dense rainforest and is home to unique flora and wildlife. With monkeys walking along the path, the mountain provides a unique experience and there is no greater way to come close to nature. Spot the great hornbills and flying foxes in action. There is even a golf course at the base. You can either trek or drive to the peak of the mountain, which offers amazing views of Langkawi below.

One of the best parts of a holiday when visiting a Muslim country is the halal food, and Langkawi definitely does not disappoint.

Let’s start off with a one-of-a-kind halal night market experience. Similar to the other countries in Southeast Asia, this is a must-have experience, but what sets Langkawi apart is one word - ‘halal’. Muslims can fully immerse themselves in the experience of Southeast Asian street food - feast on traditional Malay cuisine, taste Indonesian Satay, sticky rice, Indian and Middle Eastern food. As always just confirm the halal status before tucking in. The night market also sells lots of fresh fruits, drinks, sweet and savoury’s snacks. The best time to visit is around 5pm when most vendors are setting up, so the food will be fresh. The markets take place every day on different parts of the main island. There is also an abundance of cafes, air-conditioned restaurants, stalls and even unique steamboat restaurants to enjoy your dinner in!

Malay traditional dishes in Langkawi are prepared from the island’s abundance of fresh seafood and vegetables combined with unique herbs and spices. Here are a few must-try dishes:

• Langkawi Nasi Campur - meaning “mixed rice”, consists of rice and a variety of side dishes, ingredients and condiments.

• Laksa - Thick rice noodles and toppings such as chicken, prawn or fish, mostly prepared with a rich and spicy coconut soup or a broth seasoned with sour asam.

• Sate - Grilled chicken or beef skewers, with peanut sauce and pressed rice.

• Beef Rendang - Rich Malaysian slow-cooked beef curry.

With a variety of accommodation options in Langkawi, halalbooking.com offers something to suit every Muslim family's taste. Handpick your hotel through the filters available and choose what suits your needs. Tourists visiting Langkawi often choose to stay in a hotel or resort, so all requirements are sorted during their stay to ensure a hassle-free trip. Couples and families also choose to stay in a villa, inn, lodge or cabin to ensure privacy or to live like the locals.

Make sure even your stomach is satisfied with options of hotels with halal food on property or nearby. Customers can even choose from alcohol free stays, whether that be the whole hotel or rooms without alcohol. For the complete tranquil island vacation, enjoy the halal-friendly luxury amenities such as private and mixed pools, spa and wellness facilities, and beachside stays. With Halalbooking, holiday-ing has never been easier, especially with the options of ‘Free Cancellation’ and ‘Book Now, Pay Later’, which are available when booking many properties.