Folks,
Have read previous posts - one in particular said Langkawi is a pretty laid back sort of place. That appeals.

I am planning a trip Oz-UK and with Malaysian Airways there is an offer than includes a stop in either Langkawi or Penang. I have been to Penang and enjoyed wandering the streets of Georgetown - would be happy to return - but would appreciate some general comments on Langkawi.

If I go I would hope to find some unspoilt beaches, some walking tracks, maybe a day trip to a village/off shore island.

I don't care if there are no huge shopping opportunities. I don't want gourmet food. I do want basic, if possible beachside, accommodation.

Will I find this there? Can I have a Perhentian like experience on Langkawi?

Any good snorkelling there?

Thanks loads.

We were very spoilt and spent a week at the Datai at the beginning of July so did not really want to go anywhere else! However, hired a car for the day and did the island in 3/4 hours stopping off a various points along the way. There are some lovely beaches but alas no good snorkelling. You would have to go on a boat trip - the hotel did not recommend it - said it was very touristy. Had a fantastic tour of the Mangrove swamps on the north east side of the island. Tanjung Rhu looked a very nice resort with a wonderful beach.

Forget snorkeling but the boat trips around the island is great. The difference between Penang and Langkawi is that when Langkawi is 'busy' it still feels like a lazy Sunday afternoon! It is the ideal place to rent a car and just drive around the island. You can find nice reasonable price accommodation and if you want budget the Zachary Guesthouse is very basic, plus some reasonable priced places.
I don't know how old this 'trend' is but more and more often I have heard and experienced resort places steering people away from other activities simply to keep people in the resort to spend their money. In fact I know of many resort hotels that don't even permit local places to leave brochures or other travel information, and some that downright give false information to guests in order that they don't go spending their money elsewhere.( That's my rant of the month finished!)

It's a shame Debdale missed out on that boat trip because I would rate it as a highlight of a trip to Langkawi.

Anyway if you want relaxed then Langkawi will suit you fine for a few days break.

Langkawi Village resort is right on the beach, basic a/con rooms but great location, pool is right by the sands and there is no road or anything, room-garden-beach, easy, should be about AUD 60 a night twin. Good position for sunset. They sometime have a BBQ around the pool, small bar/pub for the evenings, you can wander along the beach.

Tnanks all. Now, JamesA - tell me more about the Zachary and Langkawi Village Resort. On which beach is each situated? Can I just rock up or is it wise to book in advance? If so - is on line possible?

Have u heard of Beach Garden Resort, Pantai Cenang? This advertises on web at USD29 a night, which at c. AUD40 is in 'my' budget range.

Thanks for your help.

I haven't myself stayed at the Zachary but it is often mentioned on many forums, backpacker place but seems to have a loyal following.
Langkawi Village Resort I have stayed at and it's real nice. It's at the south end of Centai. The rooms are like 'Holiday Units' in OZ, they are 2 floors and you get a couple of rooms ground floor and then side stairs to rooms above. Shoer and wc, TV but only local stations. Rooms are basic but the great thing is stepping from your door straight into the gardens and then across to the beach, the buildings are well spaced apart and close to the beach, refreshing in the mornings! Semi open air dinning area, small pool, you can stretch out on the beach and they have a nice beach bar/cafe for snacks or lunch. Staff friendly. They can get you a car rental for about AUD 40-50 for a day and driving is easy. It's worth getting a car for a day or so as Taxis although readily available are not that easy in the evenings. I can'r comment on the other place you mentioned as I don't know it, but the Langkawi Village is what I would call a 'safe bet' and I would certainly use it again, I have stayed at 'Holiday Village'(not to be confused) and that is a little remote and not nearly as nice. I found some photos of it on this site, they are OZ based so you can get prices in AUD and they offer Langkawi Village. Don't bother about the Aseana as it is Not on the beach and not that nice.

http://www.malaysia.travelreporter.c...wi_hotels.html

Thanks JamesA - will check all yr suggestions out.