Langkawi or Penang
Replies: 18 - Last Post: Nov 23, 2010 7:59 AM Last Post By: NanaimoJim
Nov 17, 2010 6:34 AM
Langkawi or PenangHi all
I am off to Malaysia over x mas and new year 2011, which will be the nicest place to choose ? Langkawi or Penang ?
If I will like to experience the orang-utans, is there a specific project or company that it's better then other or you could recommend ?
Nov 17, 2010 7:20 AM
1If you want to see the orangutans then Borneo is your best bet, both Sabah and Sarawak have sanctuary and also rain forests where there is a chance you can see them in the wild. Both are easy to get to from KL.
Regarding Langkawi or Penang it depends what you are after, Langkawi is more of a beach resort island with nice beaches and hotels, Penang has more malay culture with lots of authentic malay food and temple etc
Nov 17, 2010 9:04 AM
Nov 17, 2010 10:59 AM
- Penang = great city (Georgetown) for culture, architecture, food + the famous Kek Lok Si temple inland. Beaches are poor.
- Langkawi = best beaches on the west coast (and east coast has monsoon Nov - Feb).
For orang utans, I would recommend Semenggoh near Kuching in Sarawak (Air Asia fly there direct from Penang). Its very cheap to visit independently and we had some great viewings of the semi-wild orangs (we went twice it was so good!). Lots of other things to do in and around Kuching of course . . .
Nov 17, 2010 3:24 PM
Nov 17, 2010 4:29 PM
Nov 17, 2010 5:43 PM
Nov 17, 2010 6:10 PM
Nov 17, 2010 7:47 PM
8Now that #6 mentions it, yes Bukit Merah laketown resort has an orang utan island. I'm not sure why #6 dislikes it though. I've been to the orangutan sanctuary in Sepilok and I actually thought the Bukit Merah resort was better.
You can actually make your hotel base in Penang and go over to Bukit Merah for a daytrip.
Nov 18, 2010 1:12 AM
9Has anyone here been to Langkawi recently and actually liked it? I did say I'm partial to Penang anyway. I used to adore Langkawi, it's very sad to return there.
Nov 18, 2010 1:45 AM
Nov 18, 2010 2:47 AM
11Apart from interesting historic ethnic enclaves and colonial architecture,Penang has the widest selection of tasty local dishes,especially street hawkers food.
Nightlife is pretty good as well although alcohol is more expensive compared to duty free Langkawi.
The "orang utan breeding sanctuary" in Bukit Merah Laketown resort across the mainland is fairly near and accessable by bus/coach from the Sungei Nibong Bus Terminal on the island.
Nov 18, 2010 6:01 AM
12come to penang! I live in Penang. Penang contains culture,food,weather...and lots of things that you can see. You must try Penang hawker food and stay at Georgetown area. Is a walking distance to walk whole Georgetown. Then hire a car to go to beach area and night market at Batu Ferringi. If you come to Penang at fruit season, you can try out a lot of fruits that you never try before. such as durian, rambutan, langsat, mangoestine...Come to Penang just EAT....
Nov 18, 2010 7:53 AM
13Penang is awesome with a lot of history, great restaurants and much to see and do.
Langkawi is very laid back and quiet and some beautiful beaches in lovely bays.
As far as I know there are only wild orangutans in Sarawak and Saba parts of Malaysia.
We have seen them in the wild near Kuching in Sarawak.
Nov 20, 2010 3:56 PM
14I recently had 4 days in Langkawi and 4 days in Penang... enjoyed them both. Sure, Langkawi is not what it used to be and not the best beach experience in the world, but still better than a kick in the teeth and if you open to enjoying what you can find, you will still enjoy it. Just do your research and see what beach accommodation is for you.
Kota KinabaluBook now
(0 star Hotel)
From US$8.83 per night
(4 star Hotel)
From US$81.47 per night
Pulau LangkawiBook now
(4 star Hotel)
From US$250.54 per night