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Getting around
Langkawi
It's fairly easy to get around. Except for the occasional tour around
the island, there's not that many places you will need to go. Most
of your errands for boat bits and groceries will be to Kuah, where
share taxis are cheap and plentiful. Bus service is limited, and currently
does not include Port Langkasuka for the ferry to Rebak.
Taxis
There are taxi stands at the jetty terminal, at major shopping centres
and in central Kuah. If staying at Rebak, the resort front desk will
arrange to have a taxi meet the ferry at Langkasuka. Taxis are unmetered,
but reasonably inexpensive, with prices set for destinations around
the island. You can also rent taxis by the hour or day for touring
the island, about RM15 an hour, negotiable and depending on the amount
of driving (versus waiting) involved.
Share taxis
These mini-vans can be flagged down in Kuah town. Fare is typically
RM1 for anywhere in Kuah town, sometimes RM2 for longer rides across
town. Most have blue waves painted on the sides, and usually honk
as they approach you.
Rebak ferry and shuttle bus
If staying at the marina on Rebak Island, you are dependent on the
resort's ferry service to get to Port Langkasuka on the main island.
Return trip costs RM5 and it runs every hour or so from 0730 to 2030,
with the last ferry back to Rebak at 2145. There is a free Friday
morning ferry for the small vegetable stall set up at Langkasuka.
Through the resort, you can also book a shuttle bus into Kuah. Cost
is RM5 each way. The shuttle will meet both the 0845 and 1430 ferries
(if bookings are made) and will pick you up again in Kuah at 1315
or 1730.
Your own wheels
There isn't much point in buying your own vehicle unless you plan
to take up residence, or to use it to tour on the Malaysian mainland.
It's easy to rent cars or motorcycles to run errands, and there's
probably not that many places you'll want to go for fun. Phuket it's
not. For some, that's part of the attraction.
Renting cars
There are several car rental agencies, but the cheapest is run by
Faizal (012 438 2110), who rents an assortment
of cars for RM30. If staying at Rebak, book the day before and he
will bring a car to meet the 0845 ferry; you drop the car off at the
ferry landing again at 1630. It's an inexpensive way to run a day's
errands and stock up on groceries, especially if you share the cost
with someone. You should have an international or Malaysian licence,
but chances are slim anyone will ask to see it.
Renting motorcycles
A great way to see the island. Motorcycles can be rented in Kuah,
short or long term, or at the tourist beaches of Pantai Tenguh and
Pantai Cenang for about RM10-30 a day, depending on the length of
rental. The Langkasuka Boat Club usually has one or two motorcycles
for rent on an hourly basis. The helmet law is enforced.
Driving
There's not much traffic on Langkawi and usually the tempo
is pretty sedate, so it's relatively safe and stress-free compared
to Phuket or mainland Malaysia. Roads are good, and drivers tend to
obey the rules. Wet roads and sand create serious hazards for motorcyclists
and extreme caution is necessary. Watch out for wandering buffalo.
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Yachting guide to Phuket, Langkawi & the
Andaman Sea
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