It would be a good idea if you are considering car hire in Langkawi Island, as there is no bus service on the island but there is still a lot to see and do, such as the various (and some famous) beaches dotted around the island. You can also drive around the island and stay overnight in different locations, so you can have a more diverse and adventurous experience. Being in the tropics, sometimes there are heavy downpours; having your own vehicle means you can get in your car and enjoy the view while waiting for it to pass instead of getting soaking wet.
If you are arriving at the airport on Langkawi Island and have not arranged transport, there are a couple of Langkawi Island car hire companies who operate from the terminal, such as Merge and Prima. Someone will meet you with the car if hiring through the airport, which is convenient given the island has a limited transport service.
You would be right if you're thinking car hire in Langkawi Island would be a good option, as the island itself is fairly big (with 70 miles of road around its perimeter), but the road system is adequate for driving. If you come across a pedestrian crossing, it is not the same as in western culture; you slow down instead of stopping to wait for them to pass. The locals do not stop for pedestrians, they kind of dodge each other; the pedestrians move out of the way.
The roads can be narrow when you are driving a car hire in Langkawi Island, and you need to not only make sure your tyres have grip, but that you take it easy when it pours rain, as the sides of the road turn to slippery mud. The signage for the roads may not necessarily be in English, so you may need to learn a couple of phrases, such as ‘Jalan Sehala’, which means one way street. On Langkawi Island, they drive on the left hand side, so you need to be mindful if this is not what you’re normally used to. If you're in a hired vehicle on Langkawi Island, be sure to admire the wildlife, but be wary of it also. The times of the day to be most cautious are dusk and dawn; it would be wise to slow down, as that's when animals (such as monkeys and lemurs, which can be of rare species) move around most. There are also buffalo, mostly in the farming areas but they can be anywhere, so precautions should be taken to prevent injury or major damage to you, the animals or the vehicle.
If you seek to cruise through scenic paths like a local, getting cheap car hire in Langkawi is recommended. This island features good road connections, with quiet and well-kept roads. Also, people tend to drive relatively slowly, offering ideal driving conditions even for first-timers. However, you may want to avoid traffic congestion during holidays, weekends and peak travel periods. While Langkawi has lower traffic congestion than most major cities in Malaysia, it can experience congestion, especially in the tourist-trodden destinations of Pantai Cenang and Kuah Town.
Are you travelling to Langkawi with your little ones? It's important to consider the child seat requirements in the country. The law on the island mandates that you must secure all children under 3 in a rear-facing child restraining system. For children between 4 and 7, you’ll require a forward-facing child seat. Finally, kids between 8 and 11 who are shorter than 135 cm must be restrained in a booster. Besides ensuring the safety of your children, complying with these laws will save you unnecessary fines and penalties.
If you are travelling from a country that drives on the right, it is essential to note that traffic in Langkawi moves on the left-hand side of the road. While this driving dynamic can take some time to get used to, it's pretty smooth to hack. One insightful trick is to keep a sizeable left arrow on your hire car’s dashboard, as a constant reminder that you should be driving on the left side of the road. Remember to be extra careful when turning to stay on the left side of traffic.
Book your rental car in Langkawi at least 1 day before your trip in order to get a below-average price
Mini rental cars in Langkawi are around 51% cheaper than other car types, on average
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FAQs about renting a car in Langkawi
What type of car is recommended for driving in Langkawi?
If you are considering car hire on Langkawi Island, it might be prudent to book a smaller car, as they are generally cheaper; with the money you save, you can see more of the island.
What’s the speed limit in Langkawi?
You need to adhere to the speed limit when driving a hire car on Langkawi Island, as they are heavily enforced. The general speed limit is 70 km/h, but this can be 90 km/h in suburban areas; if you’re driving on the highway, it's usually 110 km/h.
Where are the best places to park in Langkawi?
When looking for a space to park your car on Langkawi Island, you will find that the main tourist attractions will have parking and so will the shopping centres. You will find that a lot of the hotels will also have free parking available.
How much is gas price in Langkawi?
The average gas price in Langkawi is ₱96.39 per gallon over the past 30 days. Filling up a gas tank costs between ₱1,157 and ₱1,542, depending on the car size.
What is the most popular rental car in Langkawi?
Compact (Perodua Axia or similar) is the most frequently booked rental car type in Langkawi.
How much does a Compact car rental cost in Langkawi?
A Compact car rental in Langkawi costs ₱1,049 per day, on average.
How much does a Full Size car rental cost in Langkawi?
A Full Size car rental in Langkawi costs ₱1,513 per day, on average.
How much does a Standard car rental cost in Langkawi?
A Standard car rental in Langkawi costs ₱2,953 per day, on average.
How can I hire a car in Langkawi without a credit card?
Typically, getting cheap car hire in Langkawi requires a credit card to hold a security deposit, to cover any potential damages or surcharges during the hire period. Nevertheless, some Langkawi car hire providers accept other forms of payment, like cash or debit cards, depending on the company's specific policy. It's prudent to contact the car hire provider beforehand to inquire about the payment policies and any additional requirements if you don't have a credit card.
How can I register an extra driver on my hire agreement in Langkawi?
Adding a co-driver to your hire car in Langkawi is typically possible, but most car hire providers on this island charge an extra fee to add one or more additional drivers to your car hire agreement. You must provide the other driver's details, including the name and contact information, a valid driving licence and the required surcharge.
Calvin was very helpful to inform me all the necessary information about parking & feuling of the car when returning. Thank you Calvin really appreciate your effort.
10.0 Wonderful
Anonymous, Jul 2022
Handler was pleasant and car was in good condition
4.0 Mediocre
Anonymous, Jun 2022
Their offer was too good to resist. But it didn’t materialised because the offered car was substituted with another car that’s significantly inferior.
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