When I first arrived in Kuala Lumpur, I didn’t really have a set plan for the rest of my trip through Malaysia. After spending a week in the capital, I kept hearing one recommendation over and over again: visit Langkawi. With cheap flights from KL that take just about an hour, it was an easy decision.
I knew I wanted to stay in the Pantai Cenang area, as it’s the most popular beach in Langkawi with restaurants, cafés, and shops right at your doorstep. It’s also conveniently located only a 10-minute drive from the airport and close to many of the island’s main attractions.
For my stay, I chose Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa—a luxury resort with 355 rooms designed in the style of traditional Malay village architecture. It’s located at the quieter end of Cenang Beach, which meant I could enjoy the convenience of staying in the most lively part of Langkawi while still escaping to a tranquil spot when I wanted peace.
The resort spans an impressive 14 hectares, yet even though it was fully booked during my stay, it never felt crowded—except at breakfast time.
Table of Contents
First Impressions & Check-In
Check-in was smooth and welcoming. I was greeted with a refreshing drink and a cool towel. Since I had arrived before the official check-in time and the resort was at full capacity, my room wasn’t ready yet. No problem—my bags were stored, and I headed to Cba, the resort’s beachfront restaurant, for lunch while waiting.
The Room – Junior Suite
I stayed in a Junior Suite, which is more spacious than the standard rooms and includes a bathtub. Unlike the regular rooms that are in two-story blocks of four apartments, my suite only had one direct neighbor, making it feel more private.
The highlight was the terrace with panoramic sea views. Sitting there in the evenings, watching the waves, was one of my favorite parts of the stay. Guests can also choose from lake-view or pool-view rooms if sea view isn’t essential.
The only downside was the wifi. It worked well at first but then became noticeably slow, which was a little frustrating.
Facilities at Meritus Pelangi
The resort is fully equipped with everything you’d expect from a five-star beach resort:
Two outdoor swimming pools – Horizon Pool for families and Cascade Pool, a more adult-oriented space with a pool bar.
Well-equipped gym
Spa and wellness center
Leisure activities – including tennis, mini golf, cycling, and a watersports center.
Whether you’re traveling as a family or couple, there are plenty of options to stay active or just relax.
The Beach
Meritus Pelangi has one of the best stretches of Pantai Cenang Beach. Since it’s located at the very end, it feels more private than other resorts along the strip.
Instead of rows of umbrellas, sun loungers are tucked under trees for natural shade, which gives it a more elegant, tropical vibe. It’s also one of the best spots in Langkawi to watch the sunset—I saw some of the most spectacular ones of my trip here.
Restaurants at the Resort
There are two restaurants in the resort area: Cba and Spice Market. Both of these restaurants offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast at Spice Market starts at 7 a.m. and one hour later at Cba.
Cba
Located right on the beach, Cba is perfect for sunset drinks. They serve fresh juices, smoothies, and international dishes. This quickly became my favorite place to relax in the evenings.
Spice Market
Spice Market is decorated like a traditional market with charming details such as large windows letting in natural light. The buffet breakfast is served here, and the menu covers Asian specialties from Malay and Thai to Chinese and Indian cuisine.
Booking Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort
If you’re looking for a luxurious stay in Pantai Cenang with a perfect balance of location, facilities, and privacy, I highly recommend Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa.
👉 Check the latest prices and availability on Booking.com
Things to Do in Langkawi
If you feel like venturing beyond resort life in Pantai Cenang, Langkawi has plenty to offer. The island is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with activities ranging from scenic cable car rides to secluded beaches and jungle hikes.
Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge
One of the island’s top attractions is the Langkawi Cable Car, which takes you up to the peak of Mount Mat Cincang in just 15 minutes. The ride offers breathtaking views over the rainforest, islands, and sea. At the top, don’t miss the Langkawi Sky Bridge—a 125-meter-long curved pedestrian bridge suspended high above the jungle, providing spectacular panoramic views.
Tanjung Rhu Beach
For a more secluded and peaceful experience, head to Tanjung Rhu Beach. This hidden gem is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Langkawi, with crystal-clear waters and hardly any crowds. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, take a long walk along the shore, or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere away from busy Pantai Cenang. Getting there is easy—you can take a Grab or taxi if you don’t have a rental car or scooter.
Hiking
Langkawi is a fantastic destination for hiking enthusiasts, offering trails that range from easy jungle walks to more challenging climbs. For the ultimate adventure, try summiting Gunung Raya, the tallest mountain on the main island at 881 meters. The hike rewards you with panoramic views over Langkawi and even glimpses of the surrounding islands on a clear day. Another great option is Gunung Mat Cincang, which features rugged terrain and stunning viewpoints. Both hikes let you experience Langkawi’s lush rainforest, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes up close.
Waterfalls
Langkawi is home to several beautiful waterfalls, perfect for cooling off after a hot day of exploring. The most famous is Seven Wells Waterfall (Telaga Tujuh), located right next to the cable car. It gets its name from the seven natural pools at different levels, where you can take a refreshing dip or just relax while enjoying the jungle surroundings.
Another lovely spot is Durian Perangin Waterfall, which is easily accessible and less crowded, making it a great choice if you want something quieter. Temurun Waterfall, the tallest in Langkawi, is also worth a visit, especially during the rainy season when the water flow is at its strongest.
While I visited at the end of the dry season, when the waterfalls weren’t at their best, I heard they become truly impressive during the rainy months—so timing your visit can make a big difference.
Island Hopping Tour
One of the most popular activities in Langkawi is the Island Hopping Tour, and for good reason. It’s an easy half-day trip that gives you a taste of the archipelago’s stunning scenery and hidden gems.
Final Thoughts on Langkawi
Langkawi truly has the best of both worlds – luxurious resorts for ultimate relaxation and a wide range of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. I think staying at Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa gave me the perfect balance: a tranquil escape on Pantai Cenang with world-class facilities, yet just minutes away from Langkawi’s top attractions. So whether you’re unwinding on the beach, exploring waterfalls and mountains, or heading out on an island-hopping tour, Langkawi is the kind of destination that leaves you wanting more. If you’re planning a trip to Malaysia, make sure to add Langkawi to your itinerary – you won’t regret it. I’m hoping to come back one day!
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3 comments
Oh, I love the way you design your blog name. It looks outstanding and impressive. I’m so excited about my upcoming trip to Langkawi along with Koh Lipe in Thailand. Thanks so much for the awesome post!
Thank you! Have fun in Langkawi 🙂
I am in love with all the beautiful photographs. Thanks for sharing 🙂