Local Information

1. Language

The official Language is Bahasa Malaysia. However, English is widely used and understood

2. Religion

The official religion is Islam, although there is a proportion of Buddhists, Hindus and Christians as well. Mosques and temples can be found in Langkawi. Most of the religious festivals are gazetted public holidays and are celebrated regardless of race or creed.

3. Business hours

Langkawi practices slightly different office hours from most of the states in Malaysia.

  • Government offices are open from Saturday to Thursday from 8.15 am and close at 4.45 pm. They are closed on Friday and during public holidays.
  • Banks are open for business at 9.30 am and close at 3.30 pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturday banking hours are from 9.30 am to 12.00 noon.

Money changing outlets can be found all along Pantai Cenang as well as the airport that open daily. However, note that some private businesses and shops might be closed on Friday and Saturday morning.

4. Currencies

In Malaysia Ringgit (MYR). Most currencies are accepted for exchange into MYR. Major credit cards are accepted at most major shopping complexes, restaurants and hotels. Tourists are reminded to have their passports ready when they wish to exchange traveller’s cheques.

5. Emergency Facilities & Health Services

Langkawi has a General Hospital as well as numerous local private clinics and doctors, which are linked with pharmacies nearby. There is also an ambulance, fire brigade, local police, army and navy bases located on the island. Tsunami warning systems are installed, and notification systems are in place.

6. Electricity

Voltage is 220 – 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets. Adapters are available. 

7. Climate

The seasons in Langkawi are opposite to the Eastern side of Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. So when it is raining there, it is normally excellent weather on our side. In general, Langkawi has a much dryer rainforest than its East coast cousins. Even in the rainy season the average rainfall is less than other nearby destinations as we are located well away from the mainland’s mountain ranges. Even during the wet season it is seldom to see continuous rain for extended periods. During the wetter periods, it rarely rains for more than 2-3 hours at a time.

Local Information

1. Language

The official Language is Bahasa Malaysia. However, English is widely used and understood

2. Religion

The official religion is Islam, although there is a proportion of Buddhists, Hindus and Christians as well. Mosques and temples can be found in Langkawi. Most of the religious festivals are gazetted public holidays and are celebrated regardless of race or creed.

3. Business hours

Langkawi practices slightly different office hours from most of the states in Malaysia.

  • Government offices are open from Saturday to Thursday from 8.15 am and close at 4.45 pm. They are closed on Friday and during public holidays.
  • Banks are open for business at 9.30 am and close at 3.30 pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturday banking hours are from 9.30 am to 12.00 noon.

Money changing outlets can be found all along Pantai Cenang as well as the airport that open daily. However, note that some private businesses and shops might be closed on Friday and Saturday morning.

4. Currencies

In Malaysia Ringgit (MYR). Most currencies are accepted for exchange into MYR. Major credit cards are accepted at most major shopping complexes, restaurants and hotels. Tourists are reminded to have their passports ready when they wish to exchange traveller’s cheques.

5. Emergency Facilities & Health Services

Langkawi has a General Hospital as well as numerous local private clinics and doctors, which are linked with pharmacies nearby. There is also an ambulance, fire brigade, local police, army and navy bases located on the island. Tsunami warning systems are installed, and notification systems are in place.

6. Electricity

Voltage is 220 – 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets. Adapters are available. 

7. Climate

The seasons in Langkawi are opposite to the Eastern side of Peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. So when it is raining there, it is normally excellent weather on our side. In general, Langkawi has a much dryer rainforest than its East coast cousins. Even in the rainy season the average rainfall is less than other nearby destinations as we are located well away from the mainland’s mountain ranges. Even during the wet season it is seldom to see continuous rain for extended periods. During the wetter periods, it rarely rains for more than 2-3 hours at a time.