Planning A Trip To Langkawi | The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi

Planning Your Trip

Langkawi is the largest island in the vast archipelago off of mainland Malaysia, offering an incredible mix of culture, landscape and history. From hiking through the rainforest to visiting the night markets, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi places the best of the region at your doorstep. Here’s what to pack to make the most of your stay.

Planning Your Trip

What to Pack

If you enjoy photography, bring your camera — the resort offers a special four-hour nature and wildlife photo safari throughout the surrounding grounds. Either in the early morning or late evening, guides will bring guests to the most stunning locations and hidden sites to find local wildlife.

Beach Vacation

Set in a calm private bay and surrounded by centuries-old rainforest, the resort is nestled on a private, exquisite stretch of the Andaman Sea. Make the most of the soft-sand beaches and warm water by packing a few beach-ready essentials:
Sun is plentiful year-round, so bring a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen to shield yourself.
Whether for lounging on the beach or taking a dip in the magnificent infinity pool, it’s wise to bring at least two bathing suits so one is always dry and ready for a swim.
To keep your feet protected from the hot sand on particularly sunny days and from the surrounding rainforest, bring a pair of sturdy rubber sandals.

Outdoor Adventure

While one would be completely justified in spending an entire holiday enjoying the calm waves of the private beach, there are many exciting outdoor adventures just beyond the resort. Pack these items to be ready for any activity:
From an evening “rainforest after dark” trek to exploring mangrove forests, bring a pair of gym shoes or consider packing hiking boots for more strenuous excursions.
It is hot and humid year-round, so lightweight clothing is essential. However, legs, shoulders and upper arms need to be covered when visiting places of worship.
September and October are rainy months in Langkawi — rainstorms can hit unexpectedly and be intense, so bring a compact umbrella to be prepared.

Resort Essentials

Once you’ve enjoyed the myriad natural wonders the resort has to offer, partake in some of the other special offerings, from a round of golf to a day at the spa. Just pack a few essentials in advance:
Bring a lightweight outfit for lounging in the relaxation area or on the seafront deck after a treatment in the spa’s overwater bungalows.
If a round or two of golf is of interest, pack a couple of comfortable and dry-fit golf shirts to stay comfortable in the hot and humid weather.
Ward off any slight chill from the sea breezes or air conditioning with a light shawl or sweater.

Planning Your Trip

What To Reserve

From whiling away the day at the beach to hiking through the surrounding jungle or relaxing at the spa and dining on award-winning cuisine, there are so many ways to enjoy a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi. Here’s what to reserve in advance of your vacation.

Children's Activities

Tailored for children or the entire family to enjoy, the Ritz Kids program offers unique activities like flying traditional kites (wau jala budi). Families write hopes and wishes on the bamboo, wood and paper kites and then release them into the sky. Or partake in the Langkawi Treasure Hunt to become “pirates” and discover treasure on the beach. Nature lovers can join the Nature Discovery tour to explore the surrounding wilderness and return with a special photo keepsake.

Dining Reservations

Langkawi offers four fantastic dining options from small bites and fantastic cocktails at the oceanfront bar to local culinary diversity at the Langkawi Kitchen. Be sure to reserve a table to experience all of the culinary delights. Hai Yan offers fine Cantonese and dim sum creations with views of the Andaman Sea, and be sure to sample the collection of aged teas. The Langkawi Kitchen is a casual setting offering a smart fusion of Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine with open kitchens and live cooking stations.

Spa Appointments

For those seeking holistic harmony during their stay, the spa rituals on offer at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Langkawi — many practiced for thousands of years by local shamans and midwives — aim to restore equilibrium within the body, mind and soul. The Mystical Ocean and Earth Ritual includes a hot stone massage and marine mud wrap employing indigenous essential oils. The Lulur Hammam Experience features a full-body foam massage performed in a steam room and finishes with a deeply relaxing scalp treatment.

Outdoor Excursions

Adventure abounds at the Langkawi resort — arrange for a Gunung Raya Rainforest Experience exploring high above the forest floor on one of Langkawi’s highest peaks and amid more than 200 species of birds. While the entire island was declared a UNESCO globally recognized Geopark in 2007, the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is of particular note for its massive mangrove forests and its wildlife sanctuary. Plan a tour to experience the swamps, fascinating animals and the beguiling 550 million-year-old limestone rock formations. Take a truly unique tour of the area surrounding the resort with the Rainforest After Dark trek, which takes you into the Gunung Raya Reserve to see flying squirrels, flying foxes and even flying lemurs.

Planning Your Trip

Itineraries

The ultimate tropical vacation awaits you in Langkawi, where white-sand beaches frame aquamarine waters. Named a UNESCO World Geopark in 2007 due to its luscious, tropical fauna, every day on the island feels like a moment in paradise. Discover why this magical oasis is referred to as the “Jewel of Kedah" as you take a ride through the jungle in a cable car or hike through the mountains to swim in hidden waterfalls. Whether you're searching for awe-inspiring scenery, thrilling water sports or a calming seascape, use these itineraries to guide your Malaysia retreat.

Island Adventures

If you seek a getaway that is equal parts adventure and relaxation, look no further than Langkawi. Here, you can discover over 100 Malaysian islands by Jet-Ski, explore the magic of hidden waterfalls in the jungle or find the perfect spot to enjoy fresh seafood. With so much to see and do, you’ll want to pencil in time to unwind in a lush oceanside cabana or with a signature treatment from The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Langkawi. Whether seeking adventure by boat, motorbike or foot, there is no shortage of wondrous activities in this natural paradise.

Day 1

Morning

Waking Up in Paradise. Roll out of bed and pinch yourself, because you’re not dreaming — you are actually in paradise. Head to the beach for a view of the azure Andaman Sea, then leisurely make your way to breakfast at Langkawi Kitchen.

Up In the Air. This island is known for its beautiful, verdant landscape and there’s no better way to see it than from Langkawi Sky Bridge. Built on top of the Machinchang Mountain, this suspension bridge hangs at about 2,300 feet above sea level. Start your ascent in Oriental Village, where you can catch the cable car to the top.

Midday

Lucky Seven. Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells Waterfall) is an iconic feature of Langkawi. A quick and easy hike will take you to the base of the falls; more adventurous types can climb the 638 steps to the top. Either way, bring a bathing suit so you can take a dip into one of its seven naturally formed pools of water.

Afternoon

A Seaside Lunch. By now, you’ll have worked up an appetite. Head to Cenang, a lively beach town full of shops, cafés and restaurants. Take a seat on the seaside patio at La Sal and enjoy fresh seafood and a drink. Then take a leisurely stroll down the beach, before you set off on your next adventure.

Cool Your Jets. Ask the concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi to book you a Jet-Ski tour. The four-hour tour takes you to eight neighboring islands, including Dayang Bunting, the second-largest island and home to Malaysia’s largest freshwater lake.

Evening

Spa-Aaah. After the day’s adventurous activities, head back to The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi for a much-needed respite at the spa. Book the Mandi Bunga Inspired Ritual for a soothing massage with aromatic oils or the Mystical Ocean and Earth Ritual that uses hot stones and a mud wrap to relieve tension and stress.

Dinner By the Sea. Enjoy a delicious meal at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi’s Chinese restaurant, Hai Yan. Situated at the tip of the resort, the space overlooks the Andaman Sea, making it the perfect spot to catch a sunset.

Day 2

Morning

A Geological Wonder. Head to Kilim Karst Geoforest Park to witness the abundant nature and wildlife of Langkawi. For an up-close look, book a kayak tour and paddle through the narrow mangroves of Kilim Karst. If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a few monkeys, eagles and otters.

Midday

Just You and the Sea. Unlike busy Cenang beach, Tanjung Rhu is a quiet and serene white-sand beach. There’s not much else to do on this secluded beach, but that’s the best part — all you have to do is sit, take in the natural beauty and recharge.

Afternoon

Mountain High. With an altitude of nearly 2,900 feet, Gunung Raya is the highest mountain in Langkawi. To get to the top, take a car and enjoy the scenic ride up. For the best views, pay the small fee to go to the top of the water tower and enjoy the 360-degree views of the island.

Take a Break. Soothe your tired feet at the Ayer Hangat saltwater hot springs. Take note: The first tier of the hot spring is where the water is the hottest. Dip your feet in and relax while taking in views of the mountains.

Evening

Sail Away. After a day of adventuring, luxuriate on a private sunset cruise on a yacht. Enjoy your evening meal while the sky turns brilliant shades of pinks and oranges.

Day 3

Morning

Another Day, Another Beautiful Waterfall. This waterfall may not be as tall as Telaga Tujah, but it’s just as lovely. Durian Perangin is especially great for children, because with 14 tiers — most of which feature a swimmable, naturally formed pool — you can climb as high or as low as you want.

Midday

Pulua Payer Marine Park. Take a boat to Malaysia’s Pulau Payar Marine Park for a few hours of snorkeling. Covering 2 nautical miles, this area of pristine water and coral reef is home to hundreds of species of tropical fish. When it’s time to get out of the water, explore the island’s hiking trails and spot an eagle or two.

Afternoon

Rest and Recharge. After a busy morning, head back to The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi for a lunch break. Grab a burger or a salad at the Beach Bar & Grill on the property’s beach front or enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine at its alfresco bar.

Back to the Beach. The last beach on your Langkawi tour is a special one. Situated on the western coastline near the Langkawi Cable Car, Burau Bay is a local favorite. With Gunung Mat Cincang as a backdrop and an island visible in the horizon, it will be hard to imagine a more beautiful spot on the planet.

Evening

Welcome to the Jungle. There’s time for one last adventure. By this point, you may be familiar with the island’s lush vegetation, but at night, the rainforest transforms as nocturnal animals come out to play. Book an evening jungle tour and keep your eyes out for a lemur or flying squirrel.

Last Call. Enjoy a nightcap at Horizon, the adult-only bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi. Perched above a natural rock and set on the beach, this bar offers an intimate environment meant for couples or small parties. Let the sound of ocean waves lull you to a relaxed bliss as you enjoy your last night in paradise.

Romantic Getaway

With untouched rainforests and pristine beaches, Langkawi is the perfect backdrop for any love story. Take advantage of the open-air yoga classes, couple’s massages and\ private, secluded excursions just for two. After spending your days lounging poolside together, be sure to hit the sand to share a bottle of something bubbly over an unobscured view of the sunset. This is one sweet escape you’ll want to return to year after year.

Day 1

Morning

A Peaceful Start. Begin your stay by practicing your vinyasa on an open-air deck at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi. Surrounded by the rainforest and the soothing sounds of a stream nearby, find your Zen before beginning your busy day.

Walkway of Wishes. On your way back, stop by the Walkway of Wishes fountain by the entrance of the hotel. Inspired by the freshwater lake on Dayang Bunting, believed to be a mystical granter of wishes, write your own wish on a stone and place it in the water. Fingers crossed.

Midday

A Waterfall Worth Chasing. Take a hike through the rainforest of Mat Cincang Nature Park to the tallest waterfall on the island, Temurun. This three-tier waterfall cascades down nearly 100 feet, forming a cool freshwater pool perfect for a dip. The paved walking path is quiet and lush, making it lovely for a romantic stroll.

Melt Into a Massage. Book a couple’s massage in the luxurious Bubu Spa Suite, a private room with a veranda and stunning ocean views. Enjoy your choice of massages and treatments, from hot stones and deep tissue to stress relief and relaxation. Opt for the 180-minute experience, which includes a customized facial.

Afternoon

Meander Through the Mangroves. For an experience you won’t soon forget, head out on an excursion through the mangroves, where you’ll spot native flora and fauna like herons and sea eagles. After an on-site lunch, you’ll take a short hike to a stunning jungle pool for a swim.

Evening

Going Down. Head down the island’s west coast to Pantai Tengah to catch the sunset. Less crowded than its sister beach to the north, this is the perfect place to grab a beachside cocktail and quietly watch the sun go down.

Sushi With a View. When you arrive at Unkaizan, choose from Western-style seating on the first floor, Japanese-floor cushions on the second floor or tables on the garden terrace. Select your dinner from the restaurant’s fish tank and then enjoy your sashimi with a glass of sake. Kampai!

Day 2

Morning

Climb Every Mountain. Wake up as early as you can to catch the sunrise from the highest mountain in Langkawi. With an altitude of nearly 2,900 feet, it is possible to trek up Gunung Raya by foot, but a better option is taking a taxi. As you ascend, take in the view of the dense, rainforest vegetation, and then marvel as you watch the sun peer over the Andaman Sea.

Midday

Wave Watching. After waking up with the sun, take a well-deserved break on the white sands of Tanjung Rhu. This secluded and serene beach is one of Langkawi’s most beautiful and untouched stretches of shore. A must-see for any beach connoisseur.

Get Crafty. Try your hand at something different with an on-property soapmaking class, where you’ll learn how to make your own organic soap using local ingredients and herbs. It’s the perfect memento to take home.

Afternoon

Kiss the Cook. Under the guidance of The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi’s chef, learn how to make an authentic Malay lunch. You’ll prepare gulai udang (fish curry with pineapple) and ayam percik (spicy roasted chicken), and you’ll leave with a recipe card to re-create the dishes when you return home.

Island Hopping. Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring a few of Langkawi’s 99 islands on a private yacht. Must-sees are Pulau Beras Basah, famous for its pristine white-sand beach, and Dayang Bunting, home to the mystical freshwater lake.

Evening

One Last Toast. Your last night in paradise calls for a little extra celebrating. Head to Horizon, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi’s adult-only, beachside bar and lounge. Enjoy the intimate ambience with a bottle of champagne and relax as the golden hour begins its magic in the sky.

Dine on the Beach. On request, The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi will arrange a romantic sunset dinner in a private gazebo on the beach. As the sun disappears into the sea, enjoy a cocktail, then watch as your personal chef prepares a four-course meal right before your eyes. Cheers to an unforgettable last night in paradise.

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