Langkawi or Perhentian Islands in Malaysia, Which is Better To Visit?

Langkawi and Perhentian Islands are both islands in Malaysia, Langkawi is located on the west coast of Malaysia near the Thai border and is home to amazing beaches, rainforests, and more. The Perhentian islands are located on the east coast of Malaysia near the Thai border amazing views of their crystal clear blue water and sandy beaches.

Langkawi has a fairly laid-back vibe while not being too touristy compared with other places in Malaysia but is home to amazing beaches and shopping and is popular for short breaks. The Perhentian Islands has also a relaxed vibe but are known more for their diving, snorkeling, and beaches.

In this post, we will compare the Langkawi and Perhentian Islands in Malaysia. Let’s get started!

Read More On Malaysia

• Is Langkawi Worth Visiting?
• How To Get To Langkawi From Kuala Lumpur?
• Can You Drink Tap Water in Malaysia?
• What Are The Differences Between Perhentian And Redang In Malaysia?
• The Best Beaches in Langkawi
• Malaysia Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors
• Is Langkawi Bigger Than Singapore?

Langkawi Or Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands have two main islands which are Perhentian Besar (big) and Perhentian Kecil (small). There are other islands there but there are small and uninhabited islands.

While Langkawi is touristy compared to the Perhentian Islands but not as touristy compared to other places around Malaysia. In Langkawi, you will find amazing beaches, spas, shopping, and nature and wildlife than cultural sightseeing.

We will try to make it easier for you by comparing Langkawi and Perhentian Islands with factors such as their beaches, the range of accommodation available, the nightlife, and any other factors that may have an impact on your visit.

What’s The Nightlife Like?

Malaysia is not known for its wild nightlife, but the Perhentian Islands and Langkawi have a decent nightlife but it is not wild.

Let’s compare the nightlife between Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands.

Langkawi Nightlife

The nightlife in Langkawi is not going to be wild but there is a good concentration of restaurants, beach bars, cafes, small shops, and so on Pantai Cenang which is near the airport.

In Langkawi, in general, there are a lot of restaurants and shops around the island but bars and clubs are not as many. Pantai Cenang would be where the main concentration of bars would be.

Perhentian Islands Nightlife

The Perhentian Islands’ nightlife is fairly quiet and has more of a relaxed vibe. There are some good beach bars where you can grab a beer or cocktail and relax on the beach.

With OhLaLa Perhentian and JUJA Bar bar being the standout bars.

Which One Has The Better Beaches?

Perhentian Islands and Langkawi are both popular places to visit in Malaysia that come with long beautiful sand beaches.

Beaches in both places are popular with visitors and locals.

Beaches On Langkawi

The beaches on Langkawi are busier than the beaches on the Perhentian Islands.

Langkawi has a lot of amazing beaches to choose from to watch the sunset and see black sand to secluded bays.

Here’s our round-up of the very best beaches in Langkawi.

• Pantai Cenang Beach.
• Pantai Kok.
• Black Sand Beach.
• Pasir Tengkorak Beach.
• Jalan Tanjung Rhu Road Beach.

Beach In Perhentian Islands

On the beaches of the Perhentian islands, you will find fine white sand, a green natural backdrop, and blue waters. There are two main beaches on Perhentian Kecil which are.

• Long Beach – is popular among backpackers with its beautiful long white sand beaches.
• Coral Bay – is much quieter than Long Beach.

While the main beaches on Perhentian Besar are.

• Telok Dalam.
• Telok Pauh.

Accommodation In Langkawi And Perhentian Islands

Choosing the right accommodation is important regardless of whether it is in either Langkawi or Perhentian Islands. The hostel and hotel prices can differ a lot from high season to low season.

Staying On Langkawi

Langkawi has a good range of hotels, hostels, and resorts with beach views and amazing sunset bars. With prices starting from $9 for a double room.

There are cheaper hostel options and hotel options that are only a few minutes walk from the beach or more. Especially in the low season.

Staying On The Perhentian Islands

Perhentian Islands has a decent range of hotels, hostels, and resorts with beach views and amazing sunset bars.

There are cheaper hostel options and hotel options that are only a few minutes walk from the beach or more. Especially in the low season.

What To Do See In Langkawi And Perhentian Islands

Langkawi and Perhentian Islands are both blessed with amazing beaches and places to see. A lot of the things to do in each place revolve around the beach.

Here are some of the best things to do in each place.

Things To Do In Langkawi

Langkawi is a large group of ninety-nine different islands. These islands can be found on the west coast of Malaysia. Langkawi is surrounded by a remarkably clear ocean.

Here is our list of things to do in Langkawi Malaysia.

• See Langkawi’s Sky Bridge.
• Explore Underwater World.
• See Talaga Tujuh Waterfalls.
• Visit Eagle Square.
• Visit Gunung Raya.

Read more about things to do in Langkawi here.

Things To Do On The Perhentian Islands

Perhentian Islands is a top tourist location in Malaysia. It is no wonder that the Perhentian islands offer amazing views of their crystal clear blue water and sandy beaches.

Here is our list of things to do in the Perhentian Islands Malaysia.

• Go Scuba Diving.
• Enjoy The Beach.
• Visit Fisherman Village.
• Visit The Turtles At Turtle Bay.
• Try Local Food.

Read more about things to do on the Perhentian Islands here.

Best Time To Travel To Malaysia

Malaysia has an average temperature of between 25°C to 29°C all year round. The best time to visit Malaysia is in the dry season months between November and February if you are planning on visiting the islands in Langkawi.

May to September if you’re planning to visit the Perhentian Islands.

Wrapping Up

Finally, which one to choose depends on your plans. For people interested in diving and a beach lifestyle with a decent range of restaurants and bars, then it is the Perhentian Islands.

On the other hand, if you are looking for somewhere that is not too busy with nice beaches, shopping, wildlife, and culture, then it is Langkawi.

And that’s it for now! I’d love it if this post on Langkawi or Perhentian Islands in Malaysia, which is better to visit was helpful to you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.

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