PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Electricity Last Updated : 2008-04-08 17:59:46

Voltage is 220 240 volts AC at 50 cycles per second. Most hotels provide 110 120 volts adapters as well extension plugs.

Entry Requirements Last Updated : 2008-04-08 18:00:18

Non Malaysians entering Langkawi from abroad must possess a valid passport or other internationally recognised travel documents that are valid for at least six months beyond the intended visiting period.

Health & Insurance Last Updated : 2008-04-08 18:03:53

The health standards in Malaysia are one of the best in Asia and Langkawi is part of it. Hospitals, private clinics, medical supplies and pharmacies are widely available in Langkawi especially at Kuah Town. However, if you are stationing yourself a while at remote areas, please try to stock up on basic necessities as pharmacies are hard to come by. Bring along a good supply of electric mosquito destroyer refills (dont forget the heating unit), some mosquito coils if you are camping and insect repellents.Medicine for temporary relief of pain can be obtained from the major pharmacies. The stronger varieties such as ibuprofen and the like are controlled and may need prescription, though. Travellers coming from yellow fever infected areas on the African and South American continents have to produce their yellow fever vaccination certificates for entry into Langkawi. Travellers are also advised to buy travel and health insurance before visiting Langkawi. The Langkawi Hospital, provides 24 hour assistance services in Langkawi.

News Papers and Magazines Last Updated : 2008-04-08 18:05:39

The main daily newspapers in the country are available in Bahasa Melayu, English, Chinese and Tamil. The English dailies that are available in Langkawi are the News Straits Times (popularly known as NST and The Star. Both offer comprehensive coverage of local and international news. The hard copy versions for both newspapers are priced at RM1.20 each. The papers may reach Langkawi about mid-morning (around 10 a.m.) as they need to be transported by air or ferry from the mainland. Both newspapers have northern editions for northern readership. The most popular Malay newspapers are Utusan Malaysia, Berita Harian, Kosmo and Harian Metro. All the mainstream newspapers have online versions that can be accessed for free. However, the day's update may be quite late for some. The most popular business newspaper is The Edge Daily. Many foreign and local magazines, including Newsweek and Time (Asian edition) are available at the bookshops in Kuah and at the airport.

Television & Radio Last Updated : 2008-04-08 18:06:26

Langkawi has its own radio station (Langkawi FM), which is part of the Government-owned RTM group. Broadcasting on the 104.8Mhz frequency in both English and Bahasa Melayu, this is the station that keeps you in touch with whats happening on the island. RTM offers two TV channels - TV1 & TV2. There are currently 6 free-to-air TV channels in Malaysia. The private free-to-air channels comprising TV3, Channel 9, 8TV and NTV7 are all owned by the Media Prima Group. All of these channels, except Channel 9 and 8TV are accessible in Langkawi although there are areas where coverage may not be up to the mark if not impossible. The satellite television, ASTRO owned by ASTRO ALL ASIA NETWORKS plc, offers 55 channels, both local and international including HBO, CNN, CNBC, BBC, and Al-Jazeera. ASTRO also now operates eight FM terrestrial radio stations and several broadcasts via satellite. There are also other private radio stations catering for niche markets in Malaysia that you can tune-in while in Langkawi. You can also readily tune in to Thai radio broadcasts while on the island.

Postal Services Last Updated : 2008-04-08 18:07:00

Pos Malaysia Berhad provides various postal services for letters, postcards, small packets, parcels, cash on delivery, remittances, and philately. For letters and other items, the mode of delivery can be by airmail or sea mail to anywhere overseas. Other than the ordinary delivery services, there is a courier service called the Expedited Mail Service (EMS) or locally known as Pos Laju. The postal rates for the various postal services vary according to the respective services, weight and destinations. Post offices open on Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm.

Telecommunications Last Updated : 2008-04-08 18:07:37

Public phones are abundant in Langkawi, especially at strategic or high traffic places, airport, and Kuah town. The telephones are coin-operated, using pre-paid phone cards or both. Phone cards can be purchased at stores, newstands or shops. They are sold in denominations of RM5, RM10 and RM20. Public payphones in Langkawi are offered by private operators and TM (the national operator). The phone cards are different for the different payphones offered by the operators and are not interchangeable. The usage of mobile phones is very common in Langkawi. There are many companies that provide cellular phone services such as DiGi (016), Maxis (012 / 017), and Celcom (019 / 013). The DiGi chatz IDD calling card can enable you to make overseas calls for a very low price. You can use the card from any mobile phone or touch tone phone and it is available at all DiGi Centres and convenience stores. Overseas calls can be made from Malaysia by dialling the international access code (00), then followed by the country code. To call a particular state in Malaysia from another state, first dial the area code, followed by the telephone number. Internet centres are also available in Kuah towns as well as tourist spots.

Time Last Updated : 2008-04-08 18:08:08

Malaysia is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 16 hours ahead of US Pacific Standard Time. It shares the same time zone with Singapore.

Tipping Last Updated : 2008-04-08 18:08:40

Tipping is not necessary although it is appreciated, as most hotels and restaurants have already added a 10% service charge. However, if the services provided are satisfactory, it is common for guests to leave some tips. You can also leave behind the loose change if you want to.

Tourist Information Last Updated : 2008-04-08 18:09:13

Information in Langkawi can be obtained from Tourist Information Centre in Kuah Town.

What to Wear & What to Bring Last Updated : 2008-04-08 18:09:42

Since Malaysia enjoys a tropical climate, which is hot and sunny, lightweight clothing, as well as cotton, is ideal when going for sightseeing or travelling around Langkawi. Generally, T-shirts and shorts are acceptable. However, do dress appropriately when dining out in restaurants or going for a night out. Certain establishments also have a dress code. It is also important to dress decently (no skimpy shorts) when visiting villages and also any places of worship.