🏝️ Langkawi Island with a Teen: What It’s Like Arriving as a Family

After an epic time in Ipoh at The Lost World of Tambun waterfalls (seriously, if you haven’t read that one yet, catch it here!), we were craving some island vibes. So, we packed up the backpacks, wrangled the suitcases, and set our sights on Langkawi, Malaysia—and wow, what an adventure it turned out to be.

Getting to Langkawi on a Budget

Travelling full-time as a family of three means we’re always on the lookout for budget travel in Malaysia. To reach Langkawi, we took the bus from Ipoh to Kuala Perlis (around 6–7 hours depending on traffic). It’s long but definitely the cheapest way.

From Kuala Perlis, ferries to Langkawi run every hour. Buying tickets at the terminal was easy, and we splurged on an upgraded seat—totally worth it for the air conditioning and smoother ride. The ferry takes around an hour, calm seas, no seasickness, luckily for us! (Tilly usually struggles, so we came prepared!).

Us on the ferry!

Standing out back on the deck, we watched the blue waters of Langkawi sparkle as the island came into view. We hadn’t been on an island since Bocas del Toro, Panama (read why we loved it here)—so the excitement levels were HIGH.

Island life!

I was super excited to see white sand, blue water and palm trees…. how we missed island life! It’s still paradise in rainy season (August), the weathers hot and the sea is warm. Perfect for a family vacation!

First Impressions of Langkawi with Kids

Arriving in Langkawi instantly felt fresh, clean, and welcoming. Families travelling here will love that it’s easy to navigate, and Grab taxis make getting around with luggage a breeze. Just remember: if you’re travelling with bigger families (and all the bags that come with it), you’ll need to order a 6-seater Grab—trust us, three backpacks and three suitcases do not fit in the smaller cars!

We checked into a budget motel in Cenang, costing around £30 a night for two rooms. Super basic but perfectly located near Cenang Beach and Langkawi’s main strip, making it a great choice for budget family travel in Langkawi. If you’re not fussed about luxury, this kind of affordable stay works brilliantly.

Not always luxury!

We have to take the highs and the lows when travelling full-time, super important to stay within budget!

Exploring Langkawi – Scooter Life!

One of the best tips for families travelling to Langkawi? Get your own transport! Attractions and family-friendly activities in Langkawi are spread out, and taxis add up quickly. Joe negotiated two scooters for just £10/day total, and it gave us total freedom.

If you’re travelling with teens, scooters are perfect for quick trips to beaches and shops. Families with younger kids might prefer a rental car, though it’s more expensive.

Best Things to Do in Langkawi with Kids and Teens

Langkawi has so much to offer for families. Here are our top picks for fun family activities in Langkawi:

• Cenang Beach: Bustling, sandy, and great for evening walks. Kids can play while parents grab a snack.

• Wildlife Spotting in Langkawi: From cheeky macaques to the amazing leaf-eating monkeys, your kids will love spotting animals around the island.

• Island Beaches: Even in rainy season (August for us), Langkawi’s beaches are stunning. Don’t expect crystal-clear waters, but do expect warm sand and paradise vibes.

• Scooter Adventures: Some of the best family moments happen while exploring hidden local spots, riding through palm-lined roads, and stumbling on secret beaches.

• Pantai Cenang for Families: If you like watersports, good food, and fun beach shows, Pantai Cenang is the place to be. Everything is in one spot—jet skis, parasailing, banana boats, beachside restaurants—and the sunsets in Langkawi are out of this world! Teens will especially love the energy here, while younger kids can enjoy the sand and shallow water.

Looking for things to do in Langkawi with teenagers? Renting scooters, going island-hopping, trying out water activities at Pantai Cenang, or visiting adventure parks will definitely keep them entertained.

Looking for things to do in Langkawi with teenagers? Renting scooters, going island-hopping, or visiting adventure parks (like zip-lining or kayaking tours) will definitely keep them entertained.

Where to Eat in Langkawi with Kids & Teens

Travelling as a family means food is a BIG part of the adventure (and the budget!). Luckily, Langkawi has plenty of kid-friendly places to eat that won’t break the bank.

• Langkawi Night Markets (Pasar Malam): These rotate around the island each night, and they’re an absolute must. You’ll find everything from satay skewers and fresh fruit juices to fried noodles and pancakes. Perfect for adventurous eaters and fussy teens alike. Plus, prices are super budget-friendly!

• Pantai Cenang Restaurants: Cenang is packed with beachside cafes and restaurants. If your family loves variety, you’ll find everything here—Malaysian dishes, pizza, burgers, seafood grills. Great for when your teen “just needs a burger.”

• Warungs & Local Eateries: Don’t miss the smaller roadside warungs. These little family-run spots serve some of the tastiest, most authentic Malaysian food, usually for a fraction of the tourist prices.

• Beachside Treats: Imagine tucking into dinner while watching the sun melt into the horizon. Pantai Cenang sunsets are some of the best we’ve ever seen, and grabbing dinner right on the sand makes it even more magical.

👉 Question for you guys: Are you a “try all the street food” kind of family, or do you stick to safer options when travelling with kids?

For us, mixing it up works best—night markets for cheap and cheerful dinners, with the occasional sit-down meal when we want a little extra comfort.

Why Langkawi is Great for Families

Langkawi isn’t just a holiday island—it’s an amazing place for family travel in Malaysia. It’s safe, relatively affordable, and has the right balance of adventure and relaxation. For families interested in worldschooling in Langkawi, the island is basically a living classroom:

• Learn about Langkawi’s mangroves and marine life

• Explore the island’s mountains and rainforests

• Spot different species of monkeys, eagles, and tropical birds

Dusky Leaf Monkey!

Now my favourite animals are monkeys but I never imagined I would share a beach with these furry friends! I still pinch myself that we live our lives this way…. amazing!

It’s a brilliant way to combine family travel and education in one trip.

We often found ourselves floating in the ocean asking: “Could we actually live here?” While Langkawi feels more like a holiday island for families than a permanent base, it’s one we’d happily come back to again and again.

Extending Our Stay in Langkawi

We loved it so much we extended our trip! This week we’re diving deeper into local family experiences in Langkawi, hoping to meet other travelling families, expats, and teens.

If you’re visiting Langkawi with kids, here are our tips:

• Pack light (see our family packing tips here)

• Budget for scooter rentals

• Stay central but don’t splurge—Cenang is great for access

• Take time to explore beyond the tourist strip

👉 Could you see your family living island life in Langkawi? Or does it feel more like a holiday escape?

Stay tuned—next we’ll be sharing our worldschooling experiences in Langkawi. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube where we’ve just posted our 6-month travel budget video—a full breakdown of what full-time family travel really costs!

Until then, Selamat Tinggal from Langkawi!