Langkawi and Penang - best area to stay?

Langkawi is not really like Thailand and because its Islamic its a bit restricted and beach bars are sort of non-existent unless they are in a large hotel on the beach front.  I honestly have no idea what you would do  on Langkawi for 4 weeks.

The best beaches in Malaysia are off the east coast, Perhentians, etc. but they are closed at Christmas time due to the Monsoon season. There are also some great places off the east of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah (Borneo). Penang is very interesting as an island but the beaches are at Batu Ferringhe and are so-so as well (the sea is not enticing to bathe in).

The cost in Malaysia is also considerably higher than Thailand. Added to that it is the Malaysian's School holidays at that time which pushes up prices even further and there is an influx so availability might be stretched.

Here is a guide to things to do on Penang

http://snip.ly/Y1Jj#http://www.timeout. … ings-to-do

Have  you thought of Khanom Beach on the mainland near Koh Samui?

I would steer clear of Phuket because since the military took over all the beach bars and loungers have been removed from the beaches and returned to natural state.

Koh Lanta is still OK I understand.

Thanks for the feedback. We have been to Thailand the last 5 holidays so thought a change due. Thinking now a couple of days KL then Penang for a week cameron highlands probably day trip then lay on beach langkawi. I know you say there's nothing to do but that's probably what we want to do

Have fun.

If you are relaxing and killing time, both Langkawi and Penang can accomplish that. Langkawi, being so small, would quite bore you after a week but for that week, quite nice. Penang has more to offer in terms of activity but less in terms of peace and quiet.

In my first trip to Langkawi in Jan 2000, it was heaven. I was basically alone. One nite I bought a bottle of whisky and one of vodka (dirt cheap duty free) and got drunk on the big beach which I had 100% to myself. I had a great time for several days and taught myself to drive too. But today its not the same, not so peace and quiet but you take a look and see. Try booking only for a week and extend if its truly your cup of tea.

As for exactly where to stay, these are small islands so it really doesnt matter that much. But for Penang, book whatever your budget is on the north half of the island (Georgetown region) because the other half is factories and the airport, not so nice. For Langkawi it really doesnt matter, your basic choice being if you want to be on the beach or away from the beach, thats all. Agoda.com can help sort out hotels.

For activities and info on Penang, try
http://www.journeymalaysia.com/MCUL_pen … market.htmhttp://www.travel-penang-malaysia.com/http://www.penang.com/v/restaurants/http://www.visitpenang.gov.my/portal3/

Last thing, if you have been here before you know the weather is the same in December as July which is to say basically hot. Some people think there are hot and cold seasons and there are not.

Thank you for the info. We will be coming away from an australian summer to the heat isnt a problem but I appreciate the information on what areas to look at. Penang looks great we will probably extend our time there

The island is very run down with many old hotel rooms and badly run facilities, so choosing accommodation will have an impact on your enjoyment. The holiday area where the main beaches are is on the West coast - including Pantai (beach) Cenang. Just look at a hotel booking site on the link below to find out the options. They are mainly in the W and NW. There are some eco hotels in the NW. Just avoid Kuah which is the main town. Look up some tourist information so you are prepared for the micky mouse  "standards". There is a newish hotel on an island just off Langkawi which looks good. The following link has just about everything you need to know from sights to hotels.

http://www.langkawi-info.com/attractions/beaches.htm

To enjoy Penang I would suggest one week based in Gurney Drive area and another week at the "beach" area called Batu Ferringhe. There is also an area called Tanjung Bungah. Once again, do lots of research on places to stay as many are run down.  I guess you know you can take a ferry from Penang Island to Langkawi?