langkawi travel ferry

The Island Drum

Southeast Asia based travel blog and information source for Langkawi, Malaysia and the surrounding areas.

Satun Ferry to Langkawi in 3 Easy-ish Steps (2024 Edition)

November 10, 2023 by Vanessa Workman 44 Comments

Catching the Satun Ferry to Langkawi may sound like a no-brainer, and for the most part it is, however, there are a few things first timers might want to take note of. As of this initial writing, in December 2022, there is just one ferry a day from Satun to Langkawi and it’s at 11:30am (Thailand Time). The ferry arrives in Langkawi about 75-minutes later (give or take); 12:45pm Thai time (which is 1:45pm Malaysia time). *Malaysia is one hour ahead of Thailand* At any rate, in October 2022, the Satun ferry (from Tammalang Pier) resumed operations after a 2-year ‘pandemic’ break. * March 2024 updated … Satun Ferry to Langkawi is still scheduled for just once a day and the times may vary a bit due to tides. Additional ferry times may be added during holidays. Also be sure to get your Malaysia Digital Arrival Card HERE

In November 2022, after a week-long conference and media trip, I found myself in Hat Yai, Thailand and ready to return to Langkawi. For years I have been a big fan of the scenic Malaysia route between Langkawi and Hat Yai , due to the generous ferry schedule Kuala Perlis always had; 10 daily ferries vs just 3 daily ferries previously for Satun. Taking the ferry from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi (or visa versa) was less ‘time sensitive’ and thus less stressful in my book.

But that’s changed. Post-pandemic Kuala Perlis (and Kuala Kedah) ferry schedules are no longer 10 daily set in stone scheduled ferries. In fact, the Kuala Perlis ferry is now a nightmare of often sold-out tickets and spontaneous last minute additional ferries scheduled that make it very challenging to plan a last-minute trip around. And good luck getting a ticket if you dare to travel on a holiday or weekend.

So, there I am in Hat Yai, pondering my usual route and decided that no, I would return to Langkawi via the Satun Ferry at Tammalang Pier and avoid that potential nightmare. I wasn’t 100% sure the Satun Ferry was running so I asked a local Hat Yai tour guide. And guess what? He didn’t know. Truly, it never looks good when your local tour guide doesn’t know about basic transportation options.

He then called a tour guide in Malaysia (a friend) and that person also didn’t know. And, of course, neither tour guide had the Tammalang Pier on speed dial so a few shoulder shrugs later I felt panic creep into my adventurous self and a wave of exhaustion hit me like a ton of bricks. I was flat out not in the mood to deal with transportation issues or clueless tour guides.

Thankfully, the manager of the hotel where I was staying made a phone call and got the updated 2022 ferry information. She gave me a website link and told me that I needed to book the ferry in advance. I asked the manager if ferry tickets could be booked/ purchased through the hotel, but unfortunately they didn’t offer that service option (only taxi pre-bookings).

So, I looked at the website and it was archaic and spooky looking. No way I wanted to use a credit card on it, because it just didn’t look cyber ‘safe’. Then I found another website: www.thailandferrybooking.com, but I was unable to book it through my laptop. I then asked the front desk manager if she could try booking it from her hotel computer. It worked. However, the website stalled a few times and I started to feel uncomfortable about the cyber security of things. Thankfully the site accepted American Express, just in case there were any issues later.

Here’s what I learned about taking the Satun ferry to Langkawi:

1. booking tickets for the satun ferry to langkawi.

On the advice of my resourceful hotel manager, I was told I should book my Satun to Langkawi ferry ticket in advance, because seats are ‘limited’. She was under the impression that the ferry was a speed boat such as the ones that leave from Pak Bara. I know that not to be the case (but it post pandemic times, I wasn’t 100% sure). * Updated March 2023 : Ferry times may now encounter ‘tide’ issues, can now check Andaman Ferry Service. com for possible tide related time changes and updates to the ‘present’ month ( no ferry available often means website schedule isn’t updated yet)

After the weird website booking experience, the hotel manager then called the ferry booking company and confirmed that my booking did go through. ** Notably when I later checked my American Express billing statement, the exact amount for the ferry came in as a spa visit in Bangkok. So, you do with that information as you will. Seems super shady to me and I’m not sure I would use them for future bookings of any kind.

However! The good news is, that there is no need to book in advance for the Satun Ferry to Langkawi. You can easily buy them at the Tammalang Pier (NOT to be confused with Pak Bara Pier). The Satun Ferry to Langkawi is a full-size ferry and not a ‘speed boat’. It also has plenty of seats. In my case, I was able to just show a photo of my booking confirmation at the Tammalang Pier (and my passport) and was given a paper ticket.

2. Getting to Satun

Since I was coming from Hat Yai (two-hours away), I needed to be at the Tammalang Pier by 10:30am (at least 1 hour before departure). This allows time for proper check in (or to purchase a ticket). A taxi is way more expensive than a minivan (from bus station #1 or the clock tower), but from my personal experience of traveling this route for 10 years, minivans can be quick and efficient OR they can make many stops along the way and absolutely kill your scheduled plans. My advice, take a taxi. That goes for coming from Pak Bara Pier as well. You are looking at about 1500baht (RM190/ 43usd); a small price to pay for peace of mind.

*If you need a taxi to get to or from Satun, I can personally recommend my friend An who is available for transportation or private tour guide hire. We first met in 2015 . He speaks English, Bahasa Melayu and Thai, and is an excellent resource. If he is unavailable, he can assist with arraigning another driver for you. His WhatsApp number is: +66 82 176 6382

If you decide to take a minivan:

Do note, that you don’t just want to get to Satun , you want to get to Tammalang Pier (which is outside of ‘Satun City’ drop off points. This is where confusion can come in and precious time can be eaten up. If you get dropped off in Satun, you could be being dropped off at several different locations within Satun City. From that drop off you will then need to get a ride to the Tammalang Pier; with popular transportation modes being motorbike or community Songthaew (trucks).

I’m personally not a big fan of motorbike travel with a suitcase (or in possible rain). If you are a thrill seeker, then go for it. If you also enjoy the anxiety that comes with community transportation and wondering if you’ll make it to your destination in time, then you will love both of these options. Good times!

If you are already in Satun:

If you are already in Satun the morning of your planned ferry departure, then you’ll have no issues. Just ask your hotel/ guest house to help you arrange transportation to the Tammalang Pier, they will happily assist. For more info about Satun: Satun, Thailand: More Than Just a Border Town

3. Satun Ferry to Langkawi (the final leg)

I showed my passport and a photo of my booking confirmation at the Tammalang Pier and was given a paper ticket and then instructed to wait. I had arrived around 10:00am, so I had 90 minutes to kill.

Tammalang Pier is an open-air jetty space with seats inside and outside. A couple of snack vendors are usually parked outside, but there is also an onsite restaurant and sundry shop inside along with an assortment of tour operators. There is no ATM machine at the Tammalang Pier, but there is a money exchange counter. Toilets are also available.

About 30-minutes or so before departure, immigrations begin checking ferry passengers out of Thailand, after which passengers can then proceed to board the ferry. Once you are checked out of Thailand there is no going back into the ferry building or out on the street; just straight to the docks and the ferry boat.

The ferry staff I encountered were super friendly, and although tickets had numbered seats, we were instructed to sit anywhere we wanted to. I picked a cozy little corner with a window to eliminate any potential seat kickers sitting behind me, and to have an unobstructed sea view. Unfortunately, the window was a bit dirty and scratched up, but at least I had achieved my goal and was on my way home. We departed on the dot at 11:30am (Thai time).

The Satun ferry to Langkawi is an older ferry boat, but the temperature was comfortable, they have movies, and of course toilets. If you’re going to need snacks or water, be sure to bring them with you because I didn’t see any snack vendors onboard.

On arrival to Langkawi 75-minutes later (1:45pm Malaysia time), passengers are ushered straight to the immigration counter for check in to Malaysia. Post check in, new arrivals may also be required to screen their luggage (I was). After that, the journey is complete.

For newbies, I highly recommend ignoring the taxi touts and head straight to the front entrance of the Kuah Jetty building and hire your licensed taxi there. You can also call a GRAB taxi (downloadable app from Google Play). There is an ATM machine near the front entrance as well. *For the record, the regular taxi rates and the GRAB taxi rates (from the ferry building) are very similar, so it’s often just not worth the hassle of using GRAB.

Satun Ferry to Langkawi Recap

1. Be at Tammalang Pier at least 1 hour in advance (10:30am at least). 2. Purchase ferry ticket or show purchased ticket proof and passport at the ticket counter. 3. Check out of Thailand via Tammalang Pier immigration counter. 4. Depart Tammalang Pier (11:30am Thai time). 5. Arrive in Langkawi ‘approximately’ 75-minutes later (1:45pm Malaysia time). 6. Check into Malaysia at the Kuah Jetty immigration. 7. Bypass taxi touts at the arrival gate and find licensed taxis at the entrance of the Kuah Jetty. 8. If you need an ATM machine, there is one located near the front entry of Kuah Jetty. Use it.

My two cents: *ALWAYS keep in mind the time change. *The more transportation steps you add, the higher the risk of ‘something’ happening that can throw your time schedule off. You may save a few Ringgits here and there, but having to spend an extra night somewhere because you missed the ferry (bus, train, flight, etc.…), is something to consider in the grand scheme of things. *I also recommend dressing modestly as a show of respect to immigration officials as well as other passengers. It also downplays your ‘hey look at me I’m a tourist!’ appearance. Looking like a tourist is not always in your best interest. *Don’t play with immigration officers; they are completely in charge of who gets in and who does not. *Have proper currency before you get into a Langkawi taxi; detours to ATM machines can be inconvenient for taxis at certain times of the day.

 That’s a wrap, hope this information helps!

February 3, 2023 at 8:50 pm

Vanessa, I’m trying to do this exact trip and this was super helpful! Thank you :)

February 4, 2023 at 7:45 am

You’re welcome! I thought it might come in handy for someone, especially with post pandemic transportation schedules still being ironed out. Satun was supposed to go back to 3 ferries a day in 2023, but still waiting on that. :D

March 10, 2023 at 12:19 pm

Hey, Vanessa. I’m making this trip in about 2 weeks. I’ve tried calling the ferry office in Satun but it’s a bogus number on their website. Do we know if there is more than 1 ferry yet? Otherwise I need to head down the day before. Great info. Thank you.

March 10, 2023 at 2:22 pm

Hey John, it is still one ferry a day as far as I know within the last 2 weeks. You can whatsapp message An (mentioned in blog post) and he can double check in real time. But you do need to be at that ferry minimal 1 hour before departure (Thai time). If you haven’t spent any previous time in Satun, it’s much more interesting than it may seem and worth coming early for anyway. *Alternatively, of course is crossing the land border into Perlis or Kedah, Malaysia. There are also ferries from Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah, Alor Setar that go to Langkawi. There is also a car ferry in Kuala Perlis that will also allow pedestrian passengers if the regular ferries are sold out. Satun is the easiest route though in my opinion. *Do note also that Ramadan begins March 22/23 and that can also affect the ferry schedules in Malaysia. Hope this helps.. :)

March 13, 2023 at 1:43 pm

You are the bee’s knees. Not much info about this.

March 13, 2023 at 2:07 pm

Thanks John, when these little travel bumps happen to me I figure someone else is going to have them as well, so I might as well share my experience. :D

June 5, 2023 at 10:41 pm

Interesting info. I was trying to find-out about the number of ferries going from Tammalang to Langkawi and finally got this info by calling the Langkawi ticket office. BUT, we will be in Koh Lipe in July and the speedboat from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara will at the earliest arrive at 11AM (Thai time), so this will be too late to catch the 11:30hrs ferry from Tammalang to Langkawi. I guess only other option is to travel from Pak Bara to Kuala Perlis and catch the ferry there. Is it easy to travel to Kuala Perlis as I do not see any roads along the sea? Any travel suggestions?

June 6, 2023 at 2:52 am

Hey Hauk, no seaside road from Thailand to Malaysia… the least confusing is to get a mini van to Padang Besar and to Kuala Perlis from there. Or just plan on spending a night in Satun. If you do spend the night in Satun try to pick a hotel before you get there and ask the driver if he can drop you off at the hotel. Otherwise you might get dropped at the bus station. Alternatively you can call my friend An (number in blog post)… just text him is fine. He is a taxi driver and can probably get you to Perlis quicker than a mini van. Won’t be as cheap as a mini van but he speaks English, Malay and Thai so you won’t have any communication problems.

June 7, 2023 at 12:50 am

Thx for your feedback, much appreciated

June 7, 2023 at 9:02 am

You’re welcome! Safe travels. :)

June 20, 2023 at 6:05 pm

Thank you so much for your useful information, I found it very helpful. We did this trip from Hat Yai to Kuah two days ago. I even called the driver (aan) and booked him. I haggled him to the fare ypou paid without too much diffficulty. His car has seen better days but he is a charming and helpful man. At Tammalang he put our big bags near rhe shop and encouraged us to relax in the coffee shop. We glanced at the queue periodically and it was not until 1115 that we got up and joined it, by which time most pax had gone through. As you say, the assigned seat numbers are ignored. The boat was bsy bit still plenty of seats in the rear section. On arrival at Kuah you just have to get off and stay near the boat until your bag appears. Even though many people had gone ahead of us, the lines at immigration were short. I was greeted profusely by many differemnt officials. The regular Thai pax were just processed efficiently and allowed on their way. You need 0.5 MYR for the toilet at the very clean and specious ferry terminal. We got a taxi outside at the official desk but a Grab would have been 30% cheaper.

June 20, 2023 at 7:19 pm

Glad to hear everything went well. Kuah taxi fares vs GRAB can vary.. depending on the time of day or which way the wind is blowing. I personally find it good Karma to go with a local taxi who is in que for passengers. The ‘older’ the better, because they are definitely locals and can often give interesting bits of information, etc.. Especially if you don’t already have a Malaysia SIM card to use a GRAB app. :D

July 26, 2023 at 4:11 pm

Thank you so much for you information! We are planning to take the ferry from Tammalang pier to Langkawi tomorrow but have not yet bought tickets. Do you still think it is necessary to book them online or do you recommend buying them tomorrow at the pier?

July 26, 2023 at 6:51 pm

Hey Justine if you are in Satun NOW, just go early enough to get ticket and do the immigration thang. Ask your guest house/hotel to confirm the departure time so you don’t miss it… or the time is changed last minute. If guest house /hotel scratches head then ask them to call An (number in blog post). I do not recommend buying tickets online in advance (cuz no need). They will have plenty of space and some of the online booking for tickets are a bit sketchy (in my opinion :D )

July 27, 2023 at 4:35 am

Hi Vanessa, Amazing post, thank you! I have a question though, this is my first time travelling outside Europe and I am trying to figure out how to get from Kuah Jetty to Koh Lipe. The trip between Kuah Jetty to Tammalang, Satun seems like it can only take place at 8.30am ? So you recommend I buy tickets from the pier beforehand as I understand there is no online booking?

Also, I noticed that the last boat from Pakbara to Koh lipe is at 13:30, do you think, it is feasible?

Many thanks, Gina

July 27, 2023 at 8:28 am

Hey Gina, the Kuah Ferry time ‘could’ change by an hour or so and the time is usually 9:30am (Malaysia time)… Malaysia is 1 hour ahead of Thailand. You leave Kuah at 9:30am and arrive in Thailand at 9:30am. I ‘think’ you can buy a Pak Bara – Koh Lipe ticket at the Tammalang Pier.. but at the very least you can confirm Pak Bara departuure times. From personal experience I nearly tore my hair out last time I tried to take a mini van from Tammalang to Pak Bara AND make the ferry, cuz the mini van stopped at a few places, drove super slow and dropped me just outside of Pak Bara so I was forced to take a motorbike taxi the rest of the journey (I missed the boat and was then forced to spend the night in Paka Bara) **I think the boat from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe is 1230 (Thai time). (between Malaysia and Thai websites the times can get very confusing unless they are specifying Thai or Malaysia times. I would highly recommend just jumping in a taxi at Tammalang Pier and head straight to Pak Bara pier just for piece of mind. My friend An (number listed in blog post) can get you there in time. It will cost more than a mini van, but it’s worth it. *Alternately you could just spend the night in Satun and get an early mini van start the next day. Tammalang -Langkawi tickets are no problem as there is plenty of room no need to buy in advance. Pak Bara to Koh Lipe could be problematic if you are traveling on a weekend or school holiday. If traveling now, this is ‘rainy season’ so you should be ok. I do highly recommend waterproofing everything for journey from Paka Bara to Koh Lipe, because there is a very good chance you will get wet during the ride. Get a rain poncho too. I got drenched before going in July and spent my holiday wearing a housekeeping uniform while my clothes tried to dry. :P True story :D

July 27, 2023 at 7:12 pm

Hi Vanessa! You’re a star! Thank you so much for your help! Yes, indeed not a great season to be going there but getting waterproof covers for everything!

One more question, we are due to leave Koh Lipe on the 17th and fly out from Kuala Lumpur at 19:00 on the 18th.

I understand that from Koh Lipe we have an option of going towards Langkawi on the 17th and flying from Langkawi on midday of the 18th OR go from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara on the 17th and onwards to Hat Yai, stay overnight in Hat Yai and fly from there on the 18th. What is your experience of the two airports? Would you recommend the one route over the other?

Honestly cant thank you enough :D

July 28, 2023 at 7:31 am

Hmmm… the easiest would be a mini van (or private taxi) from Pak Bara straight to Hat Yai airport and fly direct to KL (IF flights meet your time line & budget). (you cannot get a ferry from Koh Lipe direct to Langkawi this time of the year, it’s seasonal Oct thru May only) Another adventurous option would be to get to Arau, Perlis train station and catch the southbound train which lands in KL Sentral. Taxi (my friend An) can help with that. OR head to Padang Besar, Malaysia train station (via taxi or mini van). *Platinum train*. The train from Padang Besar to KL Sentral takes about 5.5 hours and it’s very picturesque. Racing to catch the one ferry back to Langkawi and then hotel and taxis, etc… and possibility of flight delays… too exhausting & risky (in my opinion). *https://www.theislanddrum.com/hat-yai-to-padang-besar-by-train/ https://www.ktmb.com.my/traintime.html Lots of hotels and food in KL Sentral and the train can get you back to the airport the next day for about RM55 **Do book your Malaysia KL bound train online in advance** and don’t forget the time differences Keep me posted on what you decide and how it goes. :)

January 4, 2024 at 2:06 pm

As of January 2024, can anyone confirm if there is more than one ferry per day from Tammalang Pier to Langkawi? I am planning to do this trip around the end of this month. Thanks

January 4, 2024 at 6:37 pm

From Satun side the easiest would be to Whatsapp An (his number is listed in the post). He is there every day and can give you an update on any recent changes or last minute changes due to tides. As far as I know… so far … on Langkawi side… it appears that yes it is still one ferry a day. https://andamanferry.com.my/

January 27, 2024 at 7:14 pm

Ok, thank you.

January 27, 2024 at 7:26 pm

You’re very welcome. :)

January 27, 2024 at 9:01 pm

Update: An says there’s currently only one daily ferry departure (11:30 Thai time) from Tammalang Pier to Langkawi. 🙏

January 28, 2024 at 11:44 am

Thanks, so now we know nothing has changed. Always good to double check in case tides or special holiday traffic alter the schedule. An is an awesome resource too, btw, so be sure to keep his contact number. :)

January 29, 2024 at 10:25 am

Yes, I’ve saved his number. As of the first of the year, Malaysia is now requiring digital arrival cards for entry. 🙏

January 29, 2024 at 4:14 pm

Yes, that is also true. But one can do the digital visa on the day of arrival or 3 days in advance. It is immediately recorded.

January 24, 2024 at 2:44 pm

Thank you for valuable information,…I’m in need for a boarder bounce,…from Tam Malang pier to Langkawi,..arrive in my own vehicle,…is it possible to get a return the same day from Langkawi,…so it’s an in and out trip, boarder bounce. The date is 11/2-2024 Regards Mick

January 24, 2024 at 4:41 pm

Yes and no. Satun Ferry is just once a day. Your bounce back ferry would be Langkawi to Kuala Perlis and either hire a taxi to drive you from there back to Satun… or catch a taxi (or GRAB) to Padang Besar, Malaysia and then to immigration in Padang Besar, Thailand ‘border control’. There is a mini van lady across the street from the Padang Besar, Thailand immigration/ border control. Might actually be easier just to spend 1 night in (Kuah) Langkawi and leave the next day at 9:30am (Malaysia time).

March 11, 2024 at 3:32 pm

Thank you so much for your post, it was a solid lifeboat in the sea of uncertainty about using Tamalang Pier to Langkawi mid February 2024.

I am now making the reverse journey and just thought I’d post my appreciate and an update from the Malaysian side – the boat now leaves at 10:30 Malaysian time from Langkawi, and costs RM55 per person.

March 12, 2024 at 12:17 am

Hey James, thanks for that. Yes I just visited Satun last month also. My departure time was 9:30am on Feb 26, but I did notice that a couple of times during Chinese New Year they had scheduled additional ferry times.. maybe it’s just safe to say ‘maybe 9:30 or maybe 10:30’… during Ramadan all the ferries also have different schedules; usually less scheduled for mainland. I overlooked the new price though, thanks. :)

March 28, 2024 at 7:01 am

Thanks, just pulled into Hat Yai last night and on my way to Langkawi so great to find your website. I’m driving (Chiang Mai – Singapore – Chiang Mai) so plan to park my car in Satun and ride my bicycle to ferry/on island. Any suggestions of safe resort to park for a few days and also did you see any bicycles on the ferry? I expect neither should be a problem bur any tips appreciated. Cheers!

March 28, 2024 at 10:10 am

Hey Jonathan, the Satun Boutique Resort folks are especially nice and their place is off the main highway a bit near the museum area. They have plenty of room for sure. They might charge you a few bucks, but it would be worth it. (*Ps, just an FYI, there is another resort with a nearly identical logo and has no affiliation). Be sure to double check the ferry time too, because it is presently Ramadan and that sometimes affects transportation times. https://www.theislanddrum.com/unique-things-to-do-in-satun-thailand/

April 1, 2024 at 7:10 pm

Do u know anyone do a tour with minivan?planning to go there with family next month from langkawi to satun..then go to hatyai for 3 days

April 1, 2024 at 10:36 pm

Hey Jazz, not really. You can call An, his number is on this post. He maybe can refer you to someone. Otherwise, try Thanaphat Tour +66 83 156 5489 (ask for Grand). It would be a good idea to know ahead of time some of the things you might want to see, so basically YOU creating an itinerary. Lots to see and do in Satun as well as Hat Yai.

May 15, 2024 at 6:09 am

I’m looking to make this journey in June. Do you know if the ferry runs during June? Because when i click on your link to book it says no trips available.

May 15, 2024 at 7:51 am

Hi Arun, some of the various transportation websites don’t update in a timely manner. Meaning if they list for June at all it won’t be listed until end of May. The Satun Langkawi ferry does run year round. The time ‘may’ vary an hour or so do to tides, but it will be available. There will be no risk of tickets being sold out as it will be off season. Just wait until closer to June and check again, or call them, or just show up. The ‘sorry no tickets available’ is a common occurrence for ferries, trains, buses, when schedule for that particular month isn’t posted yet.

May 24, 2024 at 2:04 am

Hi, Thank you for this great information! We are doing the reverse version of your trip at the end of June, Langkawi to Hat Yai to catch the train to Bangkok. I was very anxious to use this route as I could not find much information about transport connection. Is there official taxi booking shop in Tammalang Pier “station” (not sure how it’s called)? Is it safe to use a private taxi?

May 25, 2024 at 5:29 pm

Hey Olga, sorry for the late reply. I have mentioned my friend An in the blog post. He is a local I have known a long time and I have used his services numerous times.He can get you to Hat Yai or arrange a ride for you. Alternatively, you can just get a ride into Satun and spend a night and book a taxi or mini van through your hotel. Another less intimidating route would be from Langkawi to Kuala Perlis by ferry and book a taxi to the Pedang Besar, Malaysia train station and just take a shuttle train into Hat Yai. https://www.theislanddrum.com/malaysia-train-travel-kuala-lumpur-to-perlis-and-beyond/ . It’s nearly fool proof. The train station also has mini van services to Hat Yai. When it comes to ‘private’ taxis, there is always the risk of paying ‘special’ prices. Taxis run from 700 to 1500 baht, mini vans 60baht, shuttle train seat 50baht. If Satun is your preferred plan, text An via Wassap and you can talk with him. He speaks English , Thai and Malay. He is trustworthy and will give you a good price. **There are taxi trucks at Tammalang Pier that arrive in time for the incoming ferry. They can drop you in Satun or at the bus station. There will be mini vans at the bus station heading to Hat Yai. Not always heaps of fun, but safe and cheap. **IF you are heading to a hotel in Hat Yai ‘sometimes’ the mini vans will drop you off directly (which is a huge convenience). But it isn’t guaranteed.Smile big and you might get lucky. :D

June 27, 2024 at 2:55 am

Hello do you know how to get from Tammalang to Pak Bara pier? Is there a place for us to get a bus or minivan service?

June 27, 2024 at 10:40 am

Yes there are tuk tuks and taxis at the ferry terminal parking lot, that can take you to the bus station and you can catch a mini van from there or be dropped off at a location where a mini van is waiting to go to Pak Bara. They will all be in the parking lot when the Langkawi to Tammalang ferry arrives. If your goal is to catch a ferry in Pak Bara… the timing will be challenging because by the time you get to Pak Bara those ferries to Koh Lipe and beyond are already departing. Best bet is to take a taxi and get there as fast as possible OR plan on spending a night in Satun or Pak Bara. My friend An (mentioned in blog post) often takes more than 1 or 2 passengers, so you will cut costs on ‘private taxi’.

June 29, 2024 at 6:32 pm

I wanted to leave a feedback for everyone who is still unsure. We booked An from Tammalang to Hatyai. He is excellent bloke! He charged 1800 baht, which about $73 australian dollars, which we think is very reasonable price for the distance, considering he needs to drive back most likely empty as he lives in Tammalang. We paid him extra and he drove us beyond and above. He stopped for money exchange, for local sim card, for lunch, and even took us to a floating market off the way to Hatyai as we had plenty of time before our train. His car is quite old, no any tech problem though, but he is planning to buy a new one next year :). So, if you doubt, then don’t. I would recommend him and book him again if we happen to go that route again!

June 29, 2024 at 6:59 pm

Thank you Olga! I guess maybe I should add the old car part to the blog post, but since I also drive an old car I tend to forget that some folks prefer ‘fancy’. I think it’s safe to say that many of us who explore this part of Southern Thailand consider old cars an upgrade from public transportation though. :D Sounds like you had an adventurous and successful travel experience too. Thank you again for the feedback. :)

July 1, 2024 at 5:40 pm

I am not sure if you need to add information about the car, it’s up to you :) But it was a bit of a shock, I haven’t seen winding windows in a car for 15 years or so :))))) but it really doesn’t matter. The main thing is An is excellent guy, and aircon was working!!! :)

Thank you, Vanessa, for posting this information and sharing his phone number, we would never go down that route if I did not find this info! Now my husband liked it so much that we are thinking to do that again and stop in Hatyai for a few days to explore.

July 3, 2024 at 12:33 pm

You just made me LOL. :D Glad it was helpful info. Actually when I decided to write this I had just come from a media trip and was trying to get back to Langkawi quickly. I was in Hat Yai at the time and was shocked that my ‘official’ tour guide didn’t know the ferry schedule and even getting a taxi seemed to be problematic. The dude was clueless. I’ve been ‘travel writing’ over 12 years and if I have problems then I know other people will too. And it can get scary, as well as exhausting, when people who should know things don’t know them. And low and behold, when I finally made it to Tammalang I ran into An. It had been many years but we recognized each other right away. Now he’s my go-to guy. And hopefully a new car will be in his future soon.

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Online Ferry Ticket to Langkawi

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Langkawi Kedah RORO

Langkawi RORO Ferry Schedule

From MYR 26.00

Langkawi RORO Ferry Ticket Online Booking

Langkawi, a captivating island in Malaysia's Kedah state, is a popular destination that beckons travelers with its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. One of the best ways to reach this tropical paradise is by taking the Langkawi Kedah Roro Ferry. The best part is that you can get onboard this ferry along with your vehicles.

Langkawi Kedah RORO Management Sdn. Bhd. is fully committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences for our valued passengers. Their mission revolves around providing a seamless passenger ferry service that bridges the gap between Langkawi and the mainland, operating seven days a week, every week of the year.

Drawing from over two decades of expertise in the ferry industry, Langkawi RORO ferry is unwavering in its dedication to upholding the utmost safety standards across all ferry operations.

Langkawi Kedah RoRo Ferry Overview

🕗Langkawi Kedah Roro operates seven days a week throughout the year.

💺400 passenger capacity

🚤Average time taken for Ferry Trip from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi is 1 hours 45 minutes to 2 hours

🌅 Ferry departs at 1:30 pm from Kuala Kedah Jetty. The Ferry departs at 9:30 am from Langkawi Tanjung Lembung Port for the return trip.

Address of Langkawi Kedah RORO Ferry

Langkawi Kedah Roro Management Sdn Bhd

61,Persiaran Bunga Raya, Langkawi Mall,

07000, Langkawi Bandaraya Pelancongan,

Kedah Darul Aman

Tel: 04-966 1918

Email : [email protected]

Amenities on the Langkawi RORO Ferry Services

• The Langkawi Kedah RORO ferry has a remarkable passenger capacity around 400 individuals. 
• They strive to minimize wait times and transit durations, ensuring an immensely comfortable setting for all our passengers. 
• The ferry is equipped to fulfill all cargo and freight requirements of the passengers, catering comprehensively to both commercial and non-commercial demands.
• The boat journey to Langkawi is characterized by comfort and convenience. The vessels are equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.

Popular Langkawi RORO Ferry Services Routes

Kuala Kedah to Langkawi and Langkawi to Kuala Kedah is the most popular route served by the RORO ferry.

Kuala Kedah Jetty serves as the starting point of your Langkawi adventure. This bustling jetty is a hub of activity, buzzing with travelers eager to explore the island.

How to Get to Kuala Kedah Jetty?

You can reach the Kuala Kedah Jetty by bus or taxi. If you travel from Kuala Lumpur, you can book a direct bus from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar. Then, take a 22-minute taxi ride (11.7 km) from Alor Setar to Kuala Kedah Ferry Terminal via Route 78.

You can also travel from other states of Malaysia via train or bus services.

Kuala Kedah to Langkawi : Travel Duration

The duration of your journey from Kuala Kedah to the Langkawi Jetty depends on various factors, including weather conditions and ferry speed. On average, the Kuala Kedah to Langkawi ferry trip is about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, giving you ample opportunity to soak in the coastal vistas and anticipate the adventures that await you in Langkawi.

Langkawi RORO Ferry Ticket Prices

Langkawi Kedah RORO ferry ticket prices vary for different age groups. Since this ferry also helps transport vehicles, vehicle owners who plan to take their vehicles across, have to pay some fare for the transportation of the vehicle as well. 

The round trip Langkawi RORO ferry ticket prices are as follows - 

• Adult Passengers 12 years and above - RM 53
• Foreign passengers - RM 80
• Passengers 11 years and under - RM 47
• Foreign Child - RM 56
• Senior Citizen (above 60) - RM 44
• Infant - RM 6.0

Additionally, passengers have to pay seaport tax which is different for different age groups.

Round Trip Ferry Ticket Fares for Vehicles

• For a Normal Car Below 1500CC - 520 RM, which goes up to 800 RM for a Car more than 3001 CC
• SUV / MPV / Van - The ferry ticket prices range from 640 RM for a below 3000 CC vehicle to 820 RM for a more than 3001 CC vehicle
• A luxury car will be charged RM 980
• A supercar will have to pay RM 1200 as a fare
• A 35-seated bus will be charged RM 1900 as ferry ticket prices.
• Motorcycles between 125 CC and Superbikes 500 CC and above have to pay a fare between RM190 and RM360
• Lorries and Trailers will be charged as per capacity ranging from RM 770 for a 1-2 Ton Lorry to RM 8000 for a 40 feet-long 'BDM Trailer / Container

Langkawi RORO Ferry Schedule 2024

Planning is key to a well-organized trip, which also holds for Langkawi travel.

Checking the timetable in advance allows you to align your travel plans with the ferry departures, ensuring a seamless experience.

• The Langkawi RORO ferry departs daily at 01:30 PM from the Kuala Kedah Jetty for its Kuala Kedah to Langkawi journey.
• The ferry departs at 9:30 AM from the Langkawi Tanjung Lembung Port for the return ferry trip from Langkawi to Kuala Kedah.

Langkawi Kedah RORO Ferry Trips

Langkawi kedah roro ferry - travel tips, book langkawi kedah roro ferry tickets online on redbus.my.

To travel with Langkawi Kedah RORO, log on to redBus.my and book your ferry tickets. All you have to do is to select the desired destination and choose a suitable ferry and time from the list. Travelers and book Langkawi Kedah RORO tickets by making payment via debit card, credit card, and net banking on redBus. Passengers can also avail special offers when applicable.  

Ferry Ticket Promo

You can get up to 50% off with code RBFERRY on ferry ticket online booking . 

Frequently Asked Questions

Ans. The Langkawi Roro ferry departs at 01:30 pm from Kuala Kedah Jetty to Langkawi.

Ans. Kuah is most recommended, as it is Langkawi's commercial and cultural capital. It has duty-free shopping malls and an array of delicious local food. You can indulge in these local foods on Wednesday and Saturday nights at nearby markets in Pusur Bandar Kuah.

Ans. It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to get on the Ferry from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi.

Ans. The cheapest and most convenient way is via Ferry, which also offers the island's scenic beauty. Ferry services to Langkawi are available from Kuala Kedah.

Ans. Taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Langkawi. You can pre-book or rent immediately whenever you are on the island.

Top Ports for Langkawi Kedah RORO

• Kuala Kedah
• more >>

Other Ferry Operators

• Kuala Besut Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd
• Kaki Perhentian
• MGH Boat Service
• TRANSMARINE Boat Service
• Sindo Ferry
• Said Bonaza
• Azahari Boat Service
• VIGOURMARINE TRANSTOUR SDN BHD
• DEE TRAVELS HATYAI LTD., PART
• DTY Transport
• Mak Cik Gemuk Boat Service
• Test Ferry (Do not Book)
• BEACH BUM ENTERPRISE
• Horizon Fast Ferry
• Jolly Travel
• Anjung Holidays Sdn Bhd
• Bintan Resort Ferries

Popular Ferry Terminals

• Mersing Jetty
• Langkawi Port
• Pasir Gudang Ferry Terminal
• Merang WaterFront Jetty
• Teluk Gading Jetty
• Kuah Jetty Langkawi

Ferry Langkawi

In this blog, we reviewed all the Ferry Langkawi routes, the ferry Langkawi schedule, and tickets to and from Langkawi. Nowadays, traveling by ferry to Langkawi has become easier than earlier, specifically when numerous ferry routes and services were offered on the island’s waterways.

Langkawi comprises 99 islands on the northwestern coast of Malaysia, this sunshiny tropical paradise is an attractive spot for a breathtaking getaway.

The large ferry has a capacity of 450 passengers on board with 50 business class seating arrangements on the upper deck. This ferry takes the route from Langkawi to Kuala Kedah, Langkawi to Kuala Perlis, Langkawi to Penang, and vice versa.

watch the video – Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi by flight

One of the most common high-speed ferry agencies here is  Langkawi Ferry Services. The LFS ferries run between Langkawi, Kuala Perlis, Penang, and Satun (Thailand). Also, you can find some ferries for international travel like LFS service between Medan (Indonesia) and Penang Island (Malaysia).

As there is no public transport in Langkawi to travel around, we suggest you rent a car motorbike, or bicycle. Also, grab taxis are commonly available on Langkawi Island. The taxi is expensive for a solo budget traveler and may cost a short ride of RM 15.

Ferry Langkawi has several routes from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi, Kuala Kedah to Langkawi Ferry, and Penang to Langkawi Ferry.

How to get to Langkawi??

Table of Contents

Langkawi Island can be reachable by air or by sea. AirAsia is the cheapest while Malaysian Airlines are a little expensive if you are in Kuala Lumpur and want to travel by air.

BY AIR: Less than an hour or about 50 minutes by air. We took AirAsia which cost about RM 48.

BY SEA: If you are in Kuala Lumpur and want to start from here, you can take the ETS KTM train from KL Sentral to Arau.  The train takes about 5 hours to reach Arau with fares starting from RM 76 for adults and RM 42 for kids. From Arau, reach Kuala Perlis by taxi, which charges about RM 25. The ferry leaves every hour long and it will cost RM 18 for adults and RM 13 for kids one way.

We reached Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur by flight with AirAsia which costs about RM. It was a pretty time saver plus cheap.

Read Also – KL TO LANGKAWI BY FLIGHT

Ferry Kuala Perlis to Langkawi

The distance from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi is about 33 km. The ferry takes approximately 1 hour and 05 minutes. The ferry ticket cost is RM 18.

Watch the video – Super cheapest flight in the world for USD 3.50

Ferry Langkawi Schedule

The detailed ferry Langkawi schedule is given below:

Tiket Ferry Langkawi Kuala Perlis

The Tiket ferry Langkawi Kuala Perlis is about RM 18 one-way. The ferry takes almost 1 hour and 15 minutes to arrive at Kuala Perlis.

LANGKAWI ↔ KUALA PERLIS

Time duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

*Note: Schedule & Fare might be changed without prior notice.

Langkawi ferry schedule

LANGKAWI ↔ KUALA KEDAH

Time duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

LANGKAWI ↔ SATUN (THAILAND)

Time duration: 1 hours 15 minutes

The ferries run from Kuah Jetty, Langkawi. Make sure to book a ferry ticket in advance through their website or via email with your specific requirements.

Ticket booking: Langkawi-ferry.com, Email: [email protected]

ferry schedule to Langkawi

Penang to langkawi ferry, schedule, ticket price & location.

The ferry from Penang to Langkawi is a reasonable, stress-free, and fast way of traveling between two islands. Nowadays, there are only two ferries per day in each way. So, booking is highly suggested.

The ferry service between Penang and Langkawi departs from Swettenham Pier Penang and has a cruising duration of approximately 2.5 hours.

Here is the schedule or timetable:

Penang to Langkawi (Kuah Jetty)

The first ferry departs from Penang at 08:30 am and arrives at Langkawi at 11:15 am.

The second ferry departs at 2:00 pm and arrives at Langkawi at 4:45 pm

Langkawi (Kuala Jetty) to Penang

The first ferry departs from Langkawi at 10:30 am and arrives at Penang at 1:15 pm.

The second ferry departs from Langkawi at 3:00 pm and arrives at Langkawi at 5:45 pm.

The ferry takes 2 hours and 45 minutes. Sometimes take 2 ½ hours or 3 hours depending on sea conditions.

This ferry journey is the fastest way to reach Langkawi from Penang. As a comparison by flight, the flight AirAsia takes 40 minutes to fly from Penang to Langkawi. And if you add check-in time, security checking, and traveling to the airport, there may not be much difference between flight and ferry.

The ferry one-way ticket price from Penang to Langkawi is as follows:

Adults RM 74

Child RM (age 3 to 11 yrs.) RM 55

Infant (below 3 yrs.) RM 35

Two-way tickets are exactly double the one-way ticket.

Ferry terminal location Penang

The location of the ferry terminal is depart from Swettenham Pier in George Town, Penang. We marked the location on this map:

Langkawi Ferry Terminal

1, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

5°25’08.0″N 100°20’43.3″E

5.418890, 100.345346

Ferry terminal location Langkawi

The ferry terminal is located in the main town of Langkawi called Kuah. This is the opposite end side of the island from the Langkawi airport. We marked the location on the map:

Kuah Jetty, Kuah, 07000 Kuah, Kedah, Malaysia

6°18’18.1″N 99°51’00.5″E

6.305040, 99.850142

Bring something warm to wear because these ferries are air-conditioned and often the temperature is too low. There is an onboard entertainment system but not too worth watching. Bring your earplugs and entertainment.

Note: These ferries are used for passengers only – no cars or motorcycles.

How to get around Langkawi?

There is no public transport on Langkawi Island, as mentioned earlier in this blog. You may rent a bicycle, or motorcycle, or hire a private taxi/ grab /Uber, etc. once you arrive in Langkawi. There are three main means of transport:

Bicycle: Rent a bicycle to explore the rare beauty of the island by riding on a bicycle.  The bicycle is cheap RM 12 a day.

Taxi: The main transport system in Langkawi is taxis. Before hiring a taxi, taxi fares are often fixed.

Car/Motorbikes: Renting a car or motorbike is the best way to explore the island. The island is mostly desert areas so you will easily be driving without seeing another car for kilometers except in areas of Kuah Town and Pantai Cenang.

Read Also:-

Hi, my name is Sajjad A. I do Budget Traveling on a Pakistani passport, the 4th weakest passport in the world. My dream is to travel all over the world with my wimpy Passport.

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How to travel from Penang to Langkawi by ferry and all the alternatives

Planning a trip from Penang to Langkawi? You are in the right place, as we got everything you need to know about these two destinations, how to go from Penang to Langkawi by ferry, and a few alternatives.

Penang and Langkawi are two of the best tourist destinations in Malaysia . Both islands offer good beaches, lovely nature walks, tasty food, and reasonably low prices.

You may be wondering which one you should visit or if you could visit both! Well, the good news is that from Penang to Langkawi (or the other way around) is only 119 km, making the trip possible and even desirable.

Thus, if you decide to visit both, you’ll need to travel between them, and here we will explore how to travel between Penang and Langkawi by ferry, which was our chosen method (but we will also explain some other options).

Page Contents

Penang to Langkawi by Ferry

Is there a direct ferry from penang to langkawi.

YES! You can catch a ferry from Penang directly to Langkawi without returning to the mainland. Or from Langkawi to Penang.

Where to catch the ferry in Penang? and Langkawi?

In Penang, you’ll catch the ferry in the Georgetown jetty, which is about 10 minutes walk from most of the guest houses, and the center of the town. Very practical and very easy. Several buses pass very close to it.

In Langkawi, you catch the ferry in Kuah. The jetty isn’t as close to the center, but it’s still walkable. We did it, but it does take some time and you may prefer just to take a taxi. Mainly because you probably won’t be staying in Kuah…

At what time are the Langkawi-Penang ferries?

There are two daily ferries each way and 14 one-way trips per week:

The ferries operate 365 days per year.

How much does the Penang to Langkawi ferry cost?

A ticket (either way) costs 60 RM per person + 13.6 RM per person of port tax in Penang. If you want a return ticket, it’s 120 RM (+ 27.2 RM).

Note: As of Jan 2023, 1 USD = 6.75 RM

How long does the ferry between Langkawi and Penang take?

The whole journey is around 2 hours and 45 minutes. However, you should note that depending on the weather conditions, it may take a bit longer. If the water is rough, the ferry can’t sail as fast.

Check below if you want a shorter ferry ride or no ferry at all.

Where to buy the tickets?

In Georgetown, operators sell tickets very close to the jetty. It’s relatively easy to spot them. In Kuah, the sellers are just outside the (weirdly not inside!) main terminal building, across the road, behind the KFC. You can also buy them online.

Langkawi-Penang ferry tickets can also be purchased at many travel agents, hotels, and accommodations. Still, they will often be a bit more expensive as they will charge their own commission.

Is the Penang-Langkawi ferry safe?

Yes! The ferry is perfectly safe. As we discussed here, Malaysia is a very safe country, and this is no exception. Everything is free from danger. Even the areas surrounding the jetties are pretty secure. At least we have never faced anything remotely harmful.

However, you will find lots of taxis in Kuah asking if you need a lift, but they aren’t pushy.

Is the Langkawi-Penang ferry trip comfortable?

Well, the ferries are actually very fast and take a lot of people. The conditions inside are okay, nothing fancy but comfortable enough for a relaxed trip.

On the other hand, the trip itself may be a bit bouncy. I suppose it comes with the territory of being a high-speed ferry. Thus, if you suffer from seasickness, you may consider the alternatives below. Important note: Take food and drinks with you for the voyage because there’s no one selling them inside the ferry.

Alternatives to the direct Penang-Langkawi ferry

Yes, there are a few alternatives to the direct ferry. You can either have a shorter ferry ride from one of the other ports in northwest Malaysia or fly between the islands.

Besides Georgetown, you can reach Langkawi by ferry from Kuala Perlis and Kedah, both in continental Malaysia. These alternatives are pretty good if you want to reduce your time on a ferry. They are also cheaper, but you need to take more than one transport which can be tiring and takes time.

Bus + Ferry between Langkawi and Penang

Bus + ferry: georgetown-kuala perlis-langkawi.

On this option, you must take the bus from Georgetown to Kuala Perlis and then take the Ferry to Langkawi. The ferry from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi costs 23 RM and takes about 1h 45 minutes. There are ferries almost every hour.

Bus + Ferry: Georgetown-Kedah-Langkawi

Here you must take the bus from Georgetown to Kuala Perlis and the Ferry to Langkawi. The ferry from Kedah to Langkawi is much closer and takes about 1h 15 minutes, and costs 18 RM. This ferry to Langkawi operates every hour from 7 am to 7 pm.

Flying from Penang to Langkawi

If you don’t want to take a ferry at all, you can still travel between Penang and Langkawi as a pair of operators offer flights between the islands.

The fares of these fights are surprisingly cheap if bought well in advance. Plus, being so close to each other means that the flight is quick. Yet, this isn’t our favorite way to make this trip. You need to consider the time you lose going to and from the airport and its costs. This is an even more significant concern because, in Langkawi, there isn’t a real public transport system.

Nevertheless, if you don’t want to use a ferry, this is a great option and less expensive than you might think!

Things to know when traveling to Langkawi

• Langkawi doesn’t have a public transport system, so you’ll have to rely on expensive taxis or shuttles.
• Langkawi is a tax-free area, and that really shows in Kuah with all the airport-like shops.
• Langkawi is really close to Thailand , and it’s very easy to travel to the idyllic island of Koh Lipe (for example)
• The beaches in Langkawi are better than in Penang but aren’t as good as in Koh Lipe or the Perhentian Islands ;
• The Skycab and S kybridge are worth the visit; the views are amazing. They are some of the most famous landmarks in Malaysia.
• Despite the above referred, the best attraction in Langkawi is easily the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. If you go to Langkawi, you must take a full-day tour of it.

Things to know when traveling to Penang

• Traveling around Penang, particularly within Georgetown and its surroundings, is effortless. Public transportation works well.
• Georgetown is a big city and an important one historically. It’s a UNESCO Heritage site together with Malacca .
• Georgetown is one of the places to eat in Malaysia, if not the best.
• Penang National Park has the best beaches in Penang and is a great hiking spot.
• On the other hand, we didn’t like the beaches in Batu Ferringhi very much. It’s dirty…
• Georgetown has a huge street art scene, particularly 3D art. It’s entertaining going around town discovering 3D art.

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How to Book Your Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry Ticket With Us

Introduction to Langkawi and Koh Lipe

Langkawi, a renowned Malaysian island, has long been a favorite among travelers seeking picturesque beaches, lush landscapes, and a plethora of duty-free shopping opportunities. This tropical paradise, part of an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, boasts natural attractions such as the Sky Bridge, Langkawi Cable Car, and the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. The island’s blend of natural beauty and modern amenities makes it an ideal destination for a diverse range of visitors.

Just a stone’s throw away lies Koh Lipe, a diminutive yet captivating Thai island. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere, Koh Lipe is often referred to as the “Maldives of Thailand.” The island’s pristine beaches, such as Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, and Sunset Beach, offer not only stunning sunrises and sunsets but also a gateway to some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences in the region.

The journey from Langkawi to Koh Lipe has become increasingly popular among travelers looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of both destinations. The convenience of ferry services between the two islands has made this trip both accessible and enjoyable, allowing visitors to seamlessly transition from the charms of Langkawi to the serene allure of Koh Lipe. Whether you’re a beach lover, a nature enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, the ferry ride from Langkawi to Koh Lipe offers a unique opportunity to experience two of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting islands in one trip.

Ferry Operators and Schedules

When planning your journey from Langkawi to Koh Lipe , it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the various ferry operators that offer this route. Among the most prominent operators are Bundhaya Speedboat and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club . Each of these operators has established a reputation for reliability and efficiency, ensuring a smooth and expedited travel experience.

Usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, providing a swift connection between these two picturesque destinations.

It is important to note that the ferry schedules between Langkawi and Koh Lipe are subject to seasonal variations. During the high tourist season, typically from November to April, there is an increased frequency of ferry services to accommodate the surge in travelers. Conversely, during the monsoon season, schedules may be reduced, and services can sometimes be subject to weather-related cancellations or delays.

Travelers are advised to check the latest ferry schedules and book their tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability. Staying informed about potential weather disruptions can also help in planning a seamless trip from Langkawi to Koh Lipe.

How to Book Your Ferry Ticket

Booking a ferry ticket for your journey from Langkawi to Koh Lipe can be done through various methods, each offering distinct advantages. One of the most convenient ways to secure your Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry ticket is through online booking. Several official ferry operator websites provide an easy-to-use interface where you can select your preferred departure date and time, verify ticket availability, and complete the purchase within minutes. These platforms often offer detailed information about the ferry schedules, amenities, and any seasonal variations in service.

In addition to official websites, numerous third-party travel sites cater to travelers looking to book their Langkawi to Koh Lipe journey. These platforms can be particularly useful for comparing prices across different operators, ensuring you get the best deal. Many of these sites also feature customer reviews, which can provide valuable insights into the quality of service and reliability of the ferry operators.

Another viable option is booking through us. We can can offer personalized service and might have access to exclusive deals or packages that include ferry tickets, accommodation, and other travel essentials. Booking in person at ferry terminals is also possible, although this method is less recommended due to potential availability issues, especially during peak travel seasons.

When booking your ticket, it is crucial to consider a few essential tips. Check the availability of tickets well in advance, particularly if you are traveling during high-demand periods. Selecting the best departure times can also enhance your travel experience, as some ferries may offer more comfortable timings or shorter travel durations. Secure your Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry ticket, paving the way for a memorable journey.

Tips for a Smooth Ferry Journey

For a seamless experience traveling from Langkawi to Koh Lipe , it is crucial to be well-prepared. First and foremost, ensure you arrive at the ferry terminal at least an hour before departure. This allows ample time for check-in and immigration procedures, which can be time-consuming. Remember, entering Thailand requires a valid passport/ boarder pass for malaysian, and depending on your nationality, a visa might be necessary. It is advisable to verify these requirements well in advance of your trip.

Packing appropriately can significantly enhance your comfort during the ferry ride. Essential items to consider include sunscreen to protect against the tropical sun, snacks to keep hunger at bay, and seasickness medication for those prone to motion sickness. These small preparations can make a significant difference in your overall travel experience.

Understanding customs regulations and luggage restrictions is also vital. Ensure that your belongings comply with both Malaysian and Thai regulations to avoid any inconvenience. Typically, there are limits on the amount of duty-free goods you can carry, and certain items may be prohibited. It is wise to review these guidelines prior to your journey.

Upon arrival in Koh Lipe, you will find a variety of local transportation options to help you reach your accommodation. The island offers taxi boats and motorbike taxis, which are both convenient and affordable. Pre-booking your accommodation in Koh Lipe is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure you have a place to stay that meets your preferences and budget.

By following these practical tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable ferry journey from Langkawi to Koh Lipe , allowing you to focus on the beauty and adventure that awaits on the island.

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Is it possible to drive to langkawi in 2024.

Table of Contents

Can you drive to Langkawi? And if so, how do you do this? In this guide we will show you how to drive to Langkawi in 2024 to help you plan your trip. We love to save you time and money whilst you travel. So please read this guide carefully.

You may want to drive to Langkawi for the convenience of having your own car to use when you get there. Langkawi is a large island with loads of EPIC things to do . Trouble is, most of the attractions are located a long way apart. So having your own car in Langkawi may seem like a convenient and attractive option… but is it a good value for money option to drive to Langkawi?

SAVVY WAY TO SAVE – Most people miss this savvy way to save money on Langkawi attractions. If you’re planning to do a range of activities in Langkawi – This Langkawi Activities Multi-Pass on KLOOK is a great way to save serious bucks! You’re welcome 🙂

Can you drive your own car to Langkawi?

The short answer is yes. You can drive to Langkawi in your own car. Although there are no road bridges linking the mainland to Langkawi there is a car ferry running between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi. However, the car ferry is relatively expensive and is often booked up in advance. If you are planning to use the car ferry to drive to Langkawi we recommend booking your tickets at least 2 weeks in advance. We also strongly recommend that you book both your outbound and return trip together. 

AT PRESENT there are no car ferry connections from Kuala Kedah to Langkawi OR from Penang to Langkawi. The only car ferry to Langkawi is from Kuala Perlis (which is further north than Kedah).

GET EQUIPPED – Don’t miss a thing with THE BEST step by step 5 day Langkawi itinerary .

Why drive to Langkawi?

There are lots of reasons you may want to drive to Langkawi. Langkawi is a beautiful island located off the Northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia. There are no road bridges linking Langkawi to the mainland. So the only way to get to Langkawi is by boat or by flying. There are car ferries to Langkawi. 

• If you drive to Langkawi it is convenient to pack up your own car and then take it to Langkawi. No need to lug bags around. 
• If you are planning a longer trip to Langkawi it may be cheaper to drive to Langkawi (compared to renting a car on the island)
• Langkawi does not have a public transport system for getting around. So having your own car or a rental car may be cheaper than using taxis in Langkawi. 
• If you are using a rental car to drive around Malaysia, you may want to keep using the same car to drive to Langkawi rather than leaving your rental car in Kuala Perlis and then paying for a second rental car in Langkawi. 

Langkawi car ferry full details 

If you want to drive to Langkawi we recommend you consider the length of your trip and the number of people and weigh this up against the cost of a car rental. A few moments to work out the prices could save you cash on your trip – meaning more money left over for FUN and FOOD in Langkawi. 

If you are only taking a short trip to Langkawi it may be cheaper to park at Kuala Perlis and take the passenger ferry to Langkawi. In Langkawi you can rent a car relatively cheaply and easily at the ferry terminal. 

The car ferry journey from Kuala Perlis to Langkawi takes around 1.5 hours. 

How much does the Langkawi car ferry cost? 

If you’re planning to drive to Langkawi be aware that the ferry tickets are actually quite expensive. The price of the Langkawi car ferry ticket depends on the size of the car, the number of passengers and the availability of tickets. Here is an idea of the car ferry ticket prices. 

• At the cheapest end: expect to pay around RM120 each way for one person in a small car. That’s RM240 for the return journey (roughly £50 or $70). 
• Expect to pay around RM300 each way for a family of four people. That’s RM600 for the return journey (roughly £120 or $150)

Is it worth taking the car ferry to Langkawi?

It may be a good idea to drive to Langkawi depending on the length of your trip, the size of the car and the number of passengers. Here is a rough guide:

• If you are a solo passenger in a small car AND if you plan to stay for more than around 3 or 4 days in Langkawi, it is probably cheaper to drive to Langkawi.
• If you are a solo passenger staying for less than 3 or 4 days it is probably cheap to park in Kuala Perlis, use the passenger ferry and rent a car in Langkawi.
• If you are a family of 4 people travelling in a larger car, it’s probably cheaper to drive to Langkawi if you plan to stay for more than around 7 or 8 days in Langkawi.
• If you are a family of 4 people staying for less than 7 or 8 days it is probably cheaper to park in Kuala Perlis, use the passenger ferry and rent a car in Langkawi.

Top tip: If you are traveling with children who need a car seat and you are planning to park in Kuala Perlis and use the passenger ferry, we recommend carrying your car seat with you. Car rental companies will often charge additional fees for including child seats with the rental deal.

We recommend booking a car ferry to Langkawi at least 1-2 weeks in advance if possible. You can book tickets on their website

In Kuala Perlis the car ferry terminal is located very close to the passenger ferry terminal. Be prepared you need to enter car details when you book your car ferry ticket including the length of the car. Most cars are under 5m in length. 

Can you park your car at Kuala Perlis?

Yes – you can easily park your car in Kuala Perlis very near the Ferry Jetty. Long term car parks in Kuala Perlis are relatively cheap and convenient. There are plenty of options and several car parks are located very close to the ferry terminal and only cost RM10 per day for a family size car. You do not need to book a car park in advance. 

How much does the passenger ferry to Langkawi cost? 

OK, so here’s the scoop. If you’re taking the passenger ferry to Langkawi you can actually take the ferry from either Kuala Kedah (south) or Kuala Perlis (north). The passenger ferry journey from Kuala Perlis takes just over 1 hour. You can book tickets on the official website and they will email an e ticket with a QR code to scan at the port. Then just walk on and enjoy the ride. To book passenger ferry tickets you will need to enter the date and time of your trip AND also passenger details including passport numbers. 

Adult tickets (12 years and over) RM18 (roughly £3 or $4)

Childrens tickets (3 – 11 years old) RM13 (roughly £2 or $3) 

How do you rent a car in Langkawi?

If you want to RENT a car rather than drive to Langkawi – The BEST and cheapest way to rent a car in Langkawi is to rent directly from a dealer at the ferry terminal. This may sound a little dodgy – especially if you like to have all your ducks in a row in advance. But if you rent online in advance – it will cost more than renting directly from a dealer in Langkawi at the ferry terminal.

SO, here’s the best way to give you some peace of mind. Contact a dealer in advance on whatsapp or by phone – check if they have the car you need, for a price that you’re happy with, and over the dates that you need. Car rentals should range in price from RM50 for a small, cheap and old car. RM60 – RM70 for newer and bigger cars. If they are trying to charge much more than this then they are probably just trying their luck and you can barter. 

We recommend Zam Car Rental as a great LOCAL car rental company at the Langkawi ferry terminal +60 17531 2728

We also recommend the Ryzal Remeli Enterprise +60 17428 3036 for cheap car rentals in Langkawi. This little company is ran by two lovely brothers.

What is the cheapest and best way to get to Langkawi?

For a short trip the cheapest option may be to leave your car in Kuala Perlis, take the passenger ferry and then use a car rental in Langkawi. This is likely to cost around RM70 per day (RM60 car rental per day and RM10 per day parking in Kulala Perlis). The cheapest car rental in Langkawi costs around RM50 per day for a small older car. 

For a longer trip your best option may be to drive to Langkawi using the car ferry – just remember to book as early as possible (especially if you plan to travel on or near a Malaysian public holiday). 

Or if you are doing fewer trips in Langkawi consider leaving your car in Kuala Perlis and using Grab taxis to get around Langkawi. Short taxi journeys in Langkawi within a town are likely to cost RM5 – RM10. Longer journeys around the island are likely to cost RM40 – RM60. So if you are planning lots of trips around Langkawi, it is probably cheaper to rent a car. 

Another faster and more convenient alternative may be to take a cheap domestic flight to Langkawi and then use a car rental or taxis to get around in Langkawi. CHEAP domestic flights to Langkawi from destinations such as Penang or Kuala Lumpur are likely to cost around RM100 per person. BUT be aware that they may only have a very small check in baggage allowance or you may need to pay more for baggage. 

Taking the time to quickly check prices for your own requirements can actually save a reasonable amount of money. 

Can you rent a motorbike in Langkawi?

OK – if you are super savvy you may be thinking of renting a motorbike in Langkawi to save cash. Surprisingly this is actually not much cheaper than a car rental. You can rent a motorbike in Langkawi BUT this is surprisingly expensive compared to car rental in Langkawi. We were quoted RM40 per day. You could probably barter this price down a little – but sadly many Malaysians stick to their prices. 

Oh yeah – you can also drive to Langkawi with your own motorbike – you can book motorbike tickets on the car ferry too.

TOP TIP Save a lot of money on Langkawi attractions with a Klook pass

Did you know you can get a single one month multiple attraction pass for Langkawi. This saves serious bucks and also makes it super simple – no messing around with lots of separate bookings. One ticket many attractions.

What are the best places to stay in Langkawi?

Don’t miss these AMAZING villas in Langkawi with private swimming pools

Whether you drive to Langkawi or not – you’re still going to need to find a GREAT place to stay. Here are a few fantastic hotels in Langkawi…

1 Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Looking to splash out? Don’t miss the stunning Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. Located on the BEAUTIFUL north east coast – not too far from the paradise Tanjung Rhu beach and the mysterious mangroves – this is the tropical holiday you have been dreaming of.

2 Datai Jungle Resort Langkawi

If you want a LUXURIOUS and TRANQUIL retreat into the beautiful wild jungle – don’t miss the Datai Resort with private pool villas! This really is paradise in the jungle.

3 Ritz Carlton Langkawi

Langkawi has it’s own amazing Ritz-Carlton resort located right by the BEAUTIFUL ocean. This serene resort offers private pool villas with an ocean view.

4 Ambong Pool Villas

For great views and nature, then don’t miss the impressive Ambong Pool Villas located on the south west tip of the island. You can get amazing spacious private villas with their own private swimming pools. This property offers the perfect balance of LUXURY, BEAUTY and VALUE for money.

5 Shell Out (BEST budget hotel Langkawi)

Shell Out – EXCELLENT location, Fantastic clean, simple and well designed rooms. Excellent value for money. Small outdoor swimming pool and self service washing machines on site. Right in the centre of Cenang Beach (the main tourist spot). 2 minute walk from the beach, shops, restaurants and tour operators. THE BEST budget option in Langkawi.

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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Dive Into Malaysia

EXACTLY How To Go From Langkawi To Koh Lipe [2024]: Hot Tips To Save You Time

Want to island hop from Malaysia to Thailand or vice versa? This is entirely possible and quite straightforward. We’ll show you exactly how to go from Langkawi to Koh Lipe in this detailed guide of the exact steps.

After taking this journey ourselves and meticulously researching ferry schedules, speedboat services and insider travel tips, we’ve created these instructions so you can feel confident in heading to Koh Lipe from Langkawi.

Koh Lipe in Thailand and Langkawi in Malaysia are both beautiful island destinations and both are worth having on your itinerary. Taking the ferry Koh Lipe Langkawi only takes an hour and a half and is very easy – during the dry season from around mid-October to mid-June when direct boat services run. So it is easy to take a side trip between the countries. You can even day trip between the two.

During the monsoon months from around mid-June to mid-October, there is no direct ferry to Koh Lipe from Langkawi, but there are still options to travel between these two islands.

Below, I break down exactly how to go to Koh Lipe from Langkawi so you know exactly what you need to do, when. This way, you will be in paradise as quick as possible!

I also describe the reverse journey on the Koh Lipe to Langkawi ferry. 

There are a few steps at each end so it can seem a little complicated and it definitely helps to understand the process. It can all take quite awhile and get a little frustrating in the heat so take something distracting to do and move quickly to grab patches of shade when waiting.

If you don’t want a full explanation and simply want to book your Langkawi to Koh Lipe ticket, click here to book now.

Travelling to Malaysia?  Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist .  We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Map: Koh Lipe From Langkawi

The direct Langkawi to Koh Lipe distance is approximately 60 kilometres.

The Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry duration is approximately 1.5 hours by ferry during dry season. In the middle of the year during the monsoon season, this can take much longer since you have to take three forms of transport.

Note that it takes more time on top of this to deal with check-in, immigration, getting on and off, etc. Expect it to take more like 3.5 hours. Longer if you aren’t good at getting off the ferry first or are unlucky with when they announce your name at Koh Lipe (this will make more sense if you keep reading!).

BEST OPTION: How To Go From Langkawi To Koh Lipe

The quickest and best option is to take the direct Koh Lipe ferry from Langkawi. This only runs from mid-October to mid-June.

At other times of the year, you can take a ferry from Langkawi to Satun in Thailand and then on to Koh Lipe.

Here’s a summary of your options:

You can only get to Koh Lipe via ferry so flying, driving, bussing, etc is not an option on this route.

Note that regardless of what time of year you travel, there are extra fees on arrival in Koh Lipe which are not covered in your ferry ticket. You’ll need to pay a THB200 national park fee. I also read about a THB20 entry fee, but saw no evidence of this.

You can pay this in Malaysian Ringgit (RM35), but you’ll get a better exchange rate if you change some money before leaving Malaysia. You can’t access an ATM or money changers before paying this on arrival.

October To June: Koh Lipe Ferry From Langkawi

There are two choices of where you can catch the Langkawi ferry to Koh Lipe from – Kuah Jetty or Telaga Harbour Marina. It doesn’t matter too much so I’d pick the departure point which is closest to your accommodation in Langkawi or has the departure time you’d prefer.

It can cost RM5-10 more to take the ferry from Kuah, and it is slightly longer. The Kuah departure point is often shown as “Jetty Langkawi” when booking. The Telaga Harbour Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry can be the easiest one if you are staying in the western part of Langkawi, such as in Pantai Cenang.

The downside of Telaga is that it is very small and there is not much shaded waiting space. I highly recommend the first morning ferry if you travel from here so you don’t sweat to death 🙂 Kuah is a big terminal with more around so waiting can be more pleasant when it’s hot.

At either place, you need to pass through immigration so it’s recommended you arrive two hours early by the operators. However in practice, the check-in desk is often not open until an hour beforehand. Besides which, an hour beforehand is plenty in my experience. You could get away with less time than this even.

You can buy your ticket on arrival if there are still seats available. It can be popular so I highly recommend you book your ticket in advance here.

You can show them your electronic ticket and will be given a boarding pass or a sticker. There is no need to print your booking.

At Telaga, you need to enter the terminal and go straight ahead to the outdoor waiting area. You can leave your bags and some of your group here while one person takes the passports and the tickets (it’s fine to have it on your phone) to the ticket counter.

The ticket counter is to the left before you walk down the stairs to the waiting area and then turn left again at the coffee stand. This line was quite long and slow when I was here.

This photo illustrates where to find the ticket line and then the immigration line when they are ready for boarding.

When you check-in for the ferry and get your boarding pass, you’ll be given Thailand immigration forms too. Fill these in now as you’ll need them completed before you can board.

When the ferry is ready to board, you’ll be called forward for the immigration counters. This is straight ahead at the coffee stall, like indicated on the photo above. Boarding took place 30 minutes beforehand when I took the ferry.

If you are here in the heat, I recommend you get in this line a little early so you get on the boat quickly. It took 40 minutes for everyone to board my ferry and it was only about half full. The benefit of getting on early is that the ferry is air-conditioned.

After the immigration counter, they’ll take your passport and Thai entry forms and you’ll get them back in Koh Lipe.

The Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry time is about 90 minutes. Ferries are comfortable enough and nothing special. There are two sections for seating. One upper and lower. They are much the same so it doesn’t matter which one you sit in.

The ferry companies that run this route are Bundhaya Speed Boat and Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Club. They are quite similar so I would pick the most convenient time and departure point.

On arrival in Koh Lipe, your Langkawi Koh Lipe ferry will stop away from the shore at Pattaya Beach. They can’t go right into the shore. Here, longtail boats will take you to the a floating jetty by the beach. We did not have to walk through any water.

I had read that these longtail boats cost an extra THB50, but we did not have to pay for this.

You’ll then be directed to the immigration office on the beach. It’s just a short walk.

Once you hit the beach, head quickly to the immigration office as there are not enough seats in the shade for everyone. Here, take a seat and wait for them to call out your name. You then collect your passport and take it to the immigration counter for processing.

This can take quite awhile. They didn’t start processing arrivals until everyone was processed for the ferry ride back to Langkawi. We were lucky and our names were called out quite early but it was still about a 40 minute wait all up.

After this, you need to head to a different counter to pay the national park entry fee of THB200 for adults and 100 for kids. This is right next to the chairs you see in the photo above. They tell you to keep this on you at all times. No one ever asked to see ours.

In this time, hopefully your luggage has appeared on the beach and you can collect it.

Then you can start your fabulous time on Koh Lipe.

Click here to see the prices for your dates.

Langkawi To Koh Lipe Ferry Schedule 2024

The Langkawi Koh Lipe ferry schedule can vary, and ferry times do book out. Generally, there are ferries from Langkawi to Koh Lipe departing from Telaga Harbour in Langkawi at 9:30am and 2:30pm.

From Kuah Jetty, there are ferries at 10am and 2pm.

This is the current schedule during peak time. You can expect less ferries running as it gets closer to the monsoon shut-down period.

Malaysia is one hour ahead of Thailand as they are in different timezones so take this into account when calculating your arrival time.

You can check the latest schedules for your dates here.

Ferry From Langkawi To Koh Lipe Price

The Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry price varies but generally costs RM160 to 170 depending on your ferry company, departure point and departure time.

Click here to see the latest prices.

June To October: Koh Lipe Ferry From Langkawi

Unfortunately, travel from Langkawi to Koh Lipe is not as straightforward in the low, monsoon season. You’ll need to take two ferries + van/taxi ride in Thailand between two jetties.

Services are also less frequent. It is possible to get stuck overnight in Satun in Thailand, especially when making the journey in reverse.

Your first step is to take a ferry from Kuah in Langkawi to Satun’s Tammalang Pier. Currently, this runs only once a day. You can find more details here . It does not seem possible to book this online.

At the time of publishing, this runs at 9:30am and takes about 75 minutes. The price is RM45 for adults. You can find more information here .

Tammalang Pier is in Thailand so you will be passing through immigration at both ends of this boat journey. Thailand is an hour behind Malaysia so take this into account when looking at ferry schedules.

Once you are here, you need to transfer to Pak Bara Pier. Pak Bara Pier is about 1.25 hours drive from Tammalang Pier.

Minivans run this route but take at least two hours. There are public buses too which can be even slower.

From Pak Bara Pier, there are a few ferry services to Koh Lipe. However, they only depart from 9:30am to 1:30pm currently. This means to make this journey in the one day, you may need to get a taxi driver to take you between the piers to ensure you don’t miss the last boat for the day.

Click here to see the latest timetable.

The ferry to Koh Lipe from Pak Bara Pier takes 1.25 – 1.5 hours and currently costs THB600.

On arrival at Koh Lipe, you may need to get a longtail boat to the shore from the floating pontoon where you will be dropped off. This costs THB50.

Click here to see the latest timetables and prices now.

Ferry From Koh Lipe To Langkawi

If you are travelling the opposite way and want a ferry Koh Lipe to Langkawi instead, you basically reverse the instructions above, although the process does differ a little.

Ideally, you’ll want to travel from mid-October to mid-June when you can catch the direct ferry. You have the same choices as above in regards to where you arrive in Langkawi. Again, I recommend you pick the arrival point in Langkawi closest to your accommodation.

Currently, ferries depart Koh Lipe between 10:30am and 4pm. They take about 90 minutes and cost RM160-170 each way.

Click here for the latest schedules and prices.

My ticket said to arrive at the check-in counter 2.5 hours beforehand, but this is definitely not necessary. We arrived 45 minutes before and really, we could have arrived a lot later. They only give 30 minutes between the ferry arriving from Langkawi and departing again which is not enough time to get everyone and luggage off and on, at least not at busy times like in January when we did it.

So expect delays. Our ferry left about 35 minutes late.

The line to check-in wasn’t that long when we arrived but it took over 30 minutes in itself. You check in for the Satun ferry to Telaga Harbour at a counter next to the immigration office and shaded area. You only need one person in your group to do this part.

Once you are checked in, go to the immigration counter and get stamped out. They will keep your passport, and you’ll get it back onboard. The photo above shows you all these places.

About half an hour before our ferry to Langkawi, they got everyone who had checked in to go to a different (much smaller) waiting area as pictured above.

This is a much smaller area near the end of the floating jetty. This is tiny without much shade so I would stay in the main waiting area by the immigration office until you see them actually start boarding people. This will be crowded too though with people who just got off the boat!

Once the longtails were ready to take us out, they called up people by a number we were given on check-in in order. We had quite awhile to wait for ours, but it was all very smooth so I’m glad they did it that way. At least it gave us a little longer in the shade!

Onboard, the most annoying thing was getting a seat as the earlier people had spread out, and there were three of us. At least it was air-conditioned though! The ferry seats are narrow and not nearly as comfortable when they are all full which this ferry was.

During the journey, they handed our passports back by calling out nationalities.

If I have one HUGE piece of advice for this journey, it’s this. Just before you get to Telaga, stand up near the luggage and exit doors and don’t sit down when they ask you too. Keep out of the way of the luggage though as they remove this before passengers at this end. Ideally, sit in the bottom section so you can’t go back to your seat when they ask.

This is because you line up individually to enter Malaysia and you don’t want to be at the back of this line in the hot, hot sun for I don’t even want to know how long!

Also make sure you have already filled in the online form for your Malaysia arrival card or you won’t be able to enter Malaysia. You can’t use a paper form.

It’s smooth sailing if you do these things. There were plenty of taxis waiting on our arrival and we got a Grab for cheap.

Note that if you are considering a Langkawi to Koh Lipe day trip, this is possible by taking the first ferry over in the morning and then the 4pm ferry back. But it is only possible at this time of year when the direct ferry Langkawi Koh Lipe runs.

If you are travelling from mid-June to mid-October when there is no direct Langkawi Koh Lipe speedboat, you’ll need to reverse the directions above and go via Pak Bara Pier and Tammalang Pier.

Your first step is to take the boat from Koh Lipe to Pak Bara Pier. Currently, these depart from 9:30am to 4pm and take around 90 minutes. They cost THB600 at the time of publishing.

Click here to see the latest prices and timetables.

Once you arrive at Pak Bara Pier, you need to take a taxi/minivan/bus to Tammalang Pier. This takes 1.25 hours for a taxi, longer for other options.

The problem here is that there is only one ferry a day from Tammalang Pier to Langkawi and it departs at 11:30am. So you cannot make this ferry in one day.

Click here to see the latest timetables and prices . Hopefully, there is a later ferry when you are reading this.

The easiest thing to do is to stay overnight in Satun and take the ferry the next morning. Or you could travel by minivan to Padang Besar instead and then get transport to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis in Malaysia. From these places, there are ferries multiple times a day to Langkawi.

It is easier to just spend the night in Satun.

Final Words

Travelling from Langkawi to Koh Lipe is straightforward enough and easy during the peak dry season. Simply follow the directions above and take the direct boat from Langkawi to Koh Lipe. Expect to have some delays and wait time, but it’s still very doable.

Unfortunately, during the off-peak travel months, this direct ferry is not an option. Consequently, you must prepare to navigate a more complex route with two ferries and a land component. It’ll be worth it though!

I hope you found this guide to how to take the Langkawi to Koh Lipe boat useful. Read our guide to where to stay in Koh Lipe here and the top things to do in Koh Lipe here . You can find our complete travel guide to Langkawi here or read about how to get to Langkawi from other places here .

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Related posts:

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

Malaysia travel guide: the true Asia, two ways

Combine a city break in Kuala Lumpur with island relaxation on Langkawi for the best of multicultural Malaysia

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• Why you should visit

What to see and do

Where to stay.

To say one country encapsulates the world's largest continent is quite the claim, yet the "Malaysia, Truly Asia" tourism slogan lives up to the hype. But what no tagline could capture is the sheer vibrancy of this multicultural peninsula, where worshippers pray in temples dotted between towering skyscrapers, while mischievous "mafia" monkeys prey on unwitting tourists (of which more later).

Why you should visit Malaysia

Set at the meeting point between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean, Malaysia has been dubbed "Asia's Melting Pot". Following centuries of trade and colonisation, the population comprises three main ethnic communities: Chinese, Indians and Malays.

For a concentrated taste of the resulting rich cultural stew, head to Kuala Lumpur . The world's sixth most visited city last year, the Malaysian capital is a chaotic blend of sleek hotels and crumbling colonial-era buildings, Michelin-starred restaurants and street-food stands, upmarket malls and outdoor markets, plus world-famous sights such as the Petronas Twin Towers.

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Kuala Lumpur is also home to some great green spaces, but to experience Malaysia's tropical rainforests and golden beaches, you'll need to go a little further afield. An hour from the capital by plane is Langkawi , an archipelago of 99 islands along the country's northwest coast. The main island, also called Langkawi, is home to around 100,000 people, whose numbers are being bumped up by a growing stream of tourists.

Langkawi's mangrove forests cover more than 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres)

Yet Langkawi is not over-developed: it was awarded Unesco Global Geopark status in 2007, prompting a push towards geotourism. The local tour guides have plenty of material to work with in the island's ancient jungles and labyrinth of mangroves housing sea caves and millions-year-old rock formations.

And then, of course, there's the wildlife. The island is named after the reddish-brown (kawi) sea eagles (lang) that dominate the skies above. Other, less obvious, predators to watch out for are Langkawi's gangs of long-tailed brown macaques, nicknamed the "monkey mafia" by locals owing to their habit of snatching not only food but also phones. A tip for targeted tourists: offer the gangster macaque food with both hands to make them drop the loot.

Assuming visitors hang on to their phones, both Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur are packed with Instagram-worthy sights. 

The capital also has plenty to offer nature lovers, who can find tranquillity in the 227-acre Lake Gardens in the heart of the city. A short stroll away is Kuala Lumpur's Bird Park, an enclosed aviary of more than 3,000 birds from more than 200 species. And there are more attractions to get visitors' hearts aflutter at the neighbouring Butterfly Park, billed as the world's largest, with more than 5,000 butterflies.

Kuala Lumpur claims another record with the Petronas Twin Towers, the world's tallest twin skyscrapers at 1,483ft (452 metres). The towers' Observation Deck offers unbeatable views of the city's eclectic architecture and neighbourhoods, each of which have a distinctive vibe.

Among the most atmospheric is Brickfields, aka Little India, a colourful maze of shops and stalls selling saris, spices, flower garlands and more, amid packed temples, churches and mosques. There are plenty of opportunities to feed body as well as soul here too, at low-key restaurants serving high-quality food including Malaysia's national dish, nasi lemak , a spicy coconut rice.

Foodies are equally well served on Langkawi, where floating fish farms double as restaurants where diners can select their still-flapping meal from containment nets and aquariums. These fish farms are popular stopping points on mangrove river cruise tours, an unmissable experience for any visitor.

Mangrove cruises on the Kilim River are a great way to spot wildlife and learn about this delicate ecosystem

Highlights of a cruise through Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, one of the island's three main conservation areas, include hand-feeding stingrays and exploring limestone caves where hundreds of bats hang overhead (visitors are advised to close their mouths when looking up, to avoid an unwanted feeding of droppings). 

Expert guides also help cruise-goers to get up close – but not too close – to the park's many other inhabitants, from crocodiles and kingfishers to otters and snakes. And visitors can do their bit to help with conservation efforts by planting mangrove trees, which can store up to 10 times more carbon than forests.

Slightly less virtuous but just as unmissable is a sunset cruise around the archipelago. Guests can sip cocktails and cool off from the tropical heat in the bath-temperature Andaman Sea. Along with water sports, there is further entertainment to be had watching local fishermen's dogs living their best lives after swimming to nearby island shores for doggy playdates.

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur sits amid skyscrapers besides the city's largest park, the Lake Gardens

Tourists also looking to live their best lives in Malaysia can get off to the right start by checking into a St. Regis hotel. 

Offering grandeur with a great location, the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur overlooks the Lake Gardens in the Sentral district, a key transportation hub. In a nod to the city's multicultural identity, the 48-storey hotel blends Asian aesthetics with art deco style, with acres of gleaming marble and crystal-chandeliered high ceilings.

Those high ceilings are a boon come sunset, when, as in all St. Regis properties, a daily champagne sabring ritual takes place. Inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte, who opened bubbly with his sabre in both victory and defeat, the hotel's bottle-chopping fun offers guests the chance to enjoy a free drink and even have a go at sabring. Though, presumably, only while sober.   

The ritual is one of a series introduced by the St. Regis chain founder John Jacob Astor IV, who later went down with the Titanic. Astor's other innovations include a 24-hour butler service tailored to meet guests' every need, from unpacking luggage to delivering a morning cuppa.

The hotel's suites and bathrooms have stunning views over Kuala Lumpur

The rooms are equally top-notch, with floor-to-ceiling windows and mod cons including hi-tech toilets with an electronic bidet and seat warmer (don't knock it till you've tried it). On a more high-brow note, the hotel's attractions also include an impressive collection of artwork by big names including Andy Warhol and Terry O'Neill.

Food is another draw at the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, which is home to seven restaurants and bars, including a sushi joint overseen by three Michelin-starred chef Takashi Saito.

The Brasserie has a French cafe vibe and a superb menu that blends vibrant European and Malaysian flavours

The hotel's largest restaurant is The Brasserie, which along with French-Mediterranean cuisine, serves an incredibly extensive buffet breakfast. Possibly the only thing not on the menu is durian, an extremely pungent Malaysian fruit that is banned in most public buildings.

Only the sweetest of smells can be scented at the hotel's spa, where bespoke massages are a great way to relax after a stint in the rooftop pool or adjacent gym. With all these facilities, little wonder that some people decide to stay for good: while the hotel's first 21 storeys house 208 guest rooms, those above are filled with residences inhabited by permanent "guests", including families with pets.

The St. Regis Langkawi hugs the turquoise Andaman Sea

Sadly for visitors considering selling up back home, no residency options are available at the St. Regis Langkawi . But few will forget a stay at this idyllic island retreat, tucked between rainforest and the sea, a short drive from Langkawi’s main town, Kuah. 

The vibe throughout the hotel is laid-back glamour, with grand, light-drenched spaces full of local artworks, and colour schemes influenced by the sea and the island vegetation. 

Suites at the beachside hotel are havens of luxury and comfort

Those themes continue in the 85 spacious suites and in Kayuputi, a fine-dining restaurant standing on stilts above the water beside the hotel's private beach. Designed by top architect Bill Bensley, Kayuputi ("white wood" in Indonesian) is like the world's plushest beach hut, with teak columns and antiques galore inside, and an outdoor deck that's the perfect setting for sunset cocktails.

The Bill Bensley-designed Kayuputi restaurant is evocative of an art collector's holiday home 

Come morning, the place to be is the hotel's all-day dining restaurant L’Orangerie, where the St. Regis team again score top marks with the vast breakfast buffet. 

For a quintessentially island experience, though, nothing beats the beachfront Pantai Grill. With platters of succulent charcoal-grilled meats and seafood served at tables on the golden sand, this is how barbecues are meant to be done.

Diners can enjoy delicious wood-fired food only metres from the shore at Pantai Grill

The St. Regis Langkawi also provides a lesson in meeting guests' many other wishes, with a hair salon, spa, gym, boutique and ballroom, plus live music every evening in the bar. A host of activities are on offer too, from paddleboarding and kayaking to wine tasting and batik painting.

Of course, some guests may prefer to just relax in the seafront infinity pool. But as with Malaysia in general, the beauty lies in the "endless possibilities", to quote another of the country's tourism slogans. Just watch out for the monkeys.

Kari Wilkin was a guest of the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur and the St. Regis Langkawi

Room rates start from £176/$223 (double room) at the St. Regis Kuala Lumpur, 6, Jalan Stesen Sentral 2, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, Kuala Lumpur, 50470 Malaysia. Room rates start from £221/$280 (double room) at the St. Regis Langkawi, Jalan Pantai Beringin, Langkawi, 07000 Malaysia. For more information, visit marriott.com

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Kari Wilkin is The Week Digital’s global managing editor. She joined the UK site as production editor in 2017, after moving across from The Week magazine. Her career as a journalist began as a sub-editor at newspapers including The Sun, Metro, the Daily Star and News of the World, followed by stints at Elle and Asda Magazine. She also helped to launch the UK edition of Women’s Health magazine, as chief sub-editor with a sideline in writing; has penned travel and lifestyle articles for titles including The Telegraph and The Sun; and is a contributor on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast.

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3 WA islands you can get to without a WSF ferry

When standing on the deck of a ferry as the telltale rumble of the engine kicks into gear and the water below begins to churn, I always feel a sense of escapism kick in. The expansive views unencumbered by tiny windows, the chance to gulp fresh saltwater air and the simple freedom to walk around something far more spacious than an airplane, train or car all contribute to the thrill.

Unfortunately, Washington State Ferries have seen better days . Chronic delays, short staffing, underfunding, deferred maintenance and broken-down vessels have all made ferry trips become less the stuff of romance and more the stuff of annoyance. While there are signs that the agency’s leadership is working to right the ship , WSF is still years away from resuming normal service .

Even when state ferries were running more smoothly, summertime gets extremely busy. Routes that take reservations like the San Juan Islands and Port Townsend-Coupeville require planning well in advance to secure your preferred time slot. Crossings from Kingston to Edmonds or Bainbridge Island to Seattle can see multihour waits at the dock during peak times.

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Below, find a primer on Western Washington’s lesser-known and less-of-a-hassle ferries. They are run by county governments — and so less prone to the systemwide issues plaguing WSF. While the crossings are shorter and the destinations are smaller, the end result is the same: whether for a few hours or a few days, an island getaway.

Anderson Island : South Sound island life

Make your way to Steilacoom, where Pierce County operates a model ferry route in miniature: a two-boat service boasting a 100% on-time percentage and no canceled sailings, according to county data. (Some residents, however, dispute Pierce County’s on-time performance claims.) Both the MV Steilacoom II and MV Christine Anderson hold 54 cars for the 20-minute crossing. When the mountain is out, she looms large in all her glory — this ferry ride is the closest one in Washington to Mount Rainier.

You can drive Anderson Island from end to end in about 10 minutes, but there are several worthy stops along the way. The Johnson Farm , established in 1896, is a preserved slice of frontier-era Puget Sound currently operated by the Anderson Island Historical Society (free, open Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays 12-4 p.m.).

Make your way to Jacob’s Point Park for a 2.5-mile forested loop hike that includes several viewpoints and beach access. Don’t miss the spur trail to see the remnants of a brickyard that once helped Seattle rebuild after the Great Fire of 1889, and the interpretive signs about Peter Puget’s landfall here in 1792. Afterward, change into your bathing suit and dive into Florence Lake at the Old Swimming Hole in Lowell Johnson Park (free but limited to 15 cars, no groups over 10 permitted).

Adjacent to the general store in case you forget any essentials, the Anderson Island Café serves up passable comfort food — on a recent visit I tried fish and chips and beef stroganoff — as well as coffee and ice cream (salads, burgers, entrees $13-18). For more elevated fare, try the Riviera Lakeside Restaurant (lunch and dinner items $14-$27).

Getting there: Peak-season car and driver round-trip fares start at $30.75 depending on vehicle length (from $25.75 for ages 65 and older or with disability permit). Additional or walk-on/bicycle passengers $7.50 for ages 19 and up, $4 for ages 65 and up. There are 13 sailings Saturdays, 14 sailings Tuesday-Thursday, 17 sailings Sundays, 18 sailings Fridays and Mondays. See schedule and buy tickets at piercecountywa.gov/1793/ferry .

Guemes Island: The other Anacortes ferry

Driving to Anacortes can be a borderline stressful experience when a WSF trip to the San Juans is on the line. Didn’t make it through the toll booth 30 minutes before your scheduled sailing? Tough luck, you’ve lost that reservation booked sometimes months in advance. There is, however, another ferry terminal in Anacortes that will not send your blood pressure spiking on a hot summer day: the Skagit County-run Guemes Island Ferry, smack dab in the heart of the small city.

The five-minute crossing on the M/V Guemes transports up to 21 vehicles and 99 passengers to Fidalgo Island’s quieter cousin. While the topography is a bit less rugged than the island you left behind, spare an hour for the 2.5 mile round-trip hike to the 688-foot Guemes Mountain . The summit rewards with panoramic views across to the San Juan Islands, Mount Baker and the North Cascades. Bring a bike for a casual 10-plus mile jaunt around the sleepy island, where cars are likely to number in the dozens, at most.

At the northern tip, beachcomb at Young’s Park and contemplate staying the night at neighboring Guemes Island Resort , which offers more than a dozen and a half cabins, cottages, tiny houses and yurts (from $166 per night, two-night minimum). The resort has a sauna, kayaks, paddleboards, aluminum rowboats, and clamming and crabbing gear for guest use.

When you get peckish, the Guemes Island General Store — immediately next to the ferry terminal — embraces its Skagit Valley terroir by sourcing local and organic cheese, meat and produce to bake in-house bread and serve up farm-fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, soup and fish (9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily for groceries, full menu noon-3 p.m. Wednesdays and noon-8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday). On weekends, the store regularly hosts live music from piano to rock ‘n’ roll, country to reggae.

Getting there: Peak-season car and driver round-trip fares start at $16.75 depending on vehicle length (from $13.50 for ages 65 and older or with disability permit). Additional or walk-on passengers $5.50 for ages 19 and older, $3.25 for ages 65 and older. Bicycle and rider $6.75 for ages 19 and up, $4.50 for ages 65 and older or disabled. There are 20 sailings Monday to Thursday, 19 sailings on Saturdays, 17 sailings on Sundays. See schedule at guemesislandferry .com .

Lummi Island: a five-minute trip to the San Juans

Tell your friends you traveled to the San Juans in five minutes from the mainland and they might wonder if you somehow found a supersonic seaplane . But Lummi Island is both very much part of the San Juan Island chain and very much only a five-minute sailing from the Lummi Reservation north of Bellingham. (To be fair, Guemes is also part of the San Juan archipelago, so this parlor trick equally applies.)

The M/V Whatcom Chief zips back and forth ferrying 20 vehicles and 100 passengers, though a new electric ferry is on the horizon thanks to $25 million from the federal Department of Transportation. There are also plans to electrify the Guemes route , although the state’s $14 million allocation for a new boat will be in jeopardy if voters choose to repeal the Climate Commitment Act this November.

As my colleague Bethany Jean Clement ably chronicled on a summer visit nine years ago , Lummi Island has about five fun things to do — but that doesn’t make it any less charming. Her list included seafood at the Beach Store Cafe (chowder $13), biking the quiet roads or hiking the Lummi Island Heritage Trust preserves , hunting down an ancient petroglyph on Sunset Beach, taking a contemplative stroll in the Lummi Island Congregational Church labyrinth or at Windy Hill Sculpture Park , and touring Nettles Farm . All of these attractions persist even after the demise of the globally lauded Willows Inn , one of the destination dining establishments that inspired the dark restaurant satire “ The Menu .”

To Bethany’s list I would add one more for aspiring Robinson Crusoes: Paddle five miles from the ferry terminal to the southern end of the island where the Department of Natural Resources manages 661 acres of conservation land. Clinging to the steep headlands — at points, Lummi rises a dramatic 1,500 feet from sea level — are five boat-only campsites maintained by the Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts. At night, Bellingham’s lights twinkle in the distance, but nestled in a cove surrounded by ferns and forest, the campsites feel like you’re a castaway by choice.

Getting there: Car and driver round-trip $15 for vehicles under 11,000 pounds. Additional or walk-on and bicycle passengers $8 for ages 19 and older. There are 36 sailings Monday to Friday, 19 sailings on Saturdays, 18 sailings on Sundays. See schedule at lummi-island.com/ferry .

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the round-trip cost for a driver to bring their vehicle on the Lummi Island ferry, and to note that some Anderson Island residents dispute Pierce County data regarding its ferries’ on-time performance.

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Breakfast in this waterfront village is a must after the alaska ferry.

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Summer cruising season in the Pacific Northwest for most travelers involves boarding a massive ship sailing to Alaska. But for those who prefer the more chill journey on the marine highway, there’s the Alaska ferry that leaves from Bellingham, Wash., a two-hour drive from Seattle. One of the perks is the opportunity to explore the historic village of Fairhaven, where the ferry docks. Here are a few spots to check out on the front end of the trip or the return.

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