Last Updated on August 30, 2021 by Editor G
Photo by Nur Syafiqah
A well-known destination in Malaysia, Langkawi has plenty to offer, from sandy beaches and paddy fields to duty-free shopping and huge events. Langkawi’s charm lies in its split personality, as well as being a hugely popular and bustling tourist destination it is still, at its heart, a rural island.
If you want to explore the entirety of this island it’s thriving night markets are a great way to do just that.
The night markets in Langkawi are regular features that truly make the island. Tourists and locals alike can visit one every single night, in various locations across the island (see map below), with each one touting different wares. The Night Markets usually start at 5pm each night and continue until around 10/11pm when the stalls slowly wind down.
Although the wares vary from market to market, with some of the larger ones catering especially well for tourists by selling souvenirs, most focus heavily on food. Try famous local recipes at fantastic prices and mingle with Malaysian workers who visit the markets after a hard day’s work to grab a hot meal, and along with regional delicacies the markets are the perfect place to pick up the fruits of the season without a hefty price tag.
Be extra vigilant when buying food at the markets, as quite often the food has been cooked quite some time before you purchase it. Where possible watch the stall owners cook your food fresh as you wait as this will reduce the risk of food poisoning, a guaranteed way to ruin your break. Follow the lead of local shoppers, if they avoid certain stalls or food it’ll be for a reason, so you should do the same.
When shopping for souvenirs make sure you visit the markets before making purchases in the island’s shops as many tourists have reported finding the same items for half the price on the market stalls.
Whether you visit the larger Night Markets or catch a smaller version it’s not the amount of stalls that make Langkawi’s Night Markets world famous, it’s the atmosphere! Don’t take our word for it, find out for yourself.
If you’re chomping at the bit to visit one of these fantastic night markets, check out the list below to find out where the markets are held each day.
Langkawi Night Market Schedule
Monday | Ulu Melaka and PekanRabu Mall in Kuah Night Markets
In an area that successfully retains its rural charm the PekanRabu Mall is a pleasant surprise. The four storey shopping centre is incredibly popular with locals and tourists, along with its Monday night market. Top tip: look where the locals are eating, it’s likely to be the best place in the market.
Tuesday | Kedawang Night Market (near Pantai Cenang)
The Night Market in Kedawang boasts an array of food stalls but if you head there for your fill of Malaysian cuisine try to take your own containers. The islanders try to be as ‘green’ as possible so any efforts on your part will help Langkawi to stay eco-friendly. I recommend trying the nasi lemak (coconut rice) along with a locally caught fish which are usually deep-fried. Trying to find the English names for some of the fish will prove difficult, all you will end up knowing is it’s a ‘white fish’!
Wednesday | Kuah Night Market
The night market in Kuah is well known for being the largest on the island. If you miss out on Wednesday there’s another opportunity to take advantage of the area’s bustling stalls on Saturday.
Thursday | BohorTempoyak Night Market
Smaller than the Night Market at Kuah but with all of the local charm, the BohorTempoyak is ideal for a hungry tourist.
Friday | Air HangatRoadabout Night Market
A visit to this quiet and private area wouldn’t be complete without a stroll around the Night Market or a short dip in the hot springs.
Saturday | Kuah Night Market
Even if you have visited Kuah’s Night Market earlier in the week it’s still worth a second trip; there are so many stalls you might have missed something the first time! The market in Kuah boasts a food court area where tourists can sit and eat that the others don’t have, but most tourists and locals buy the local cuisine packaged and take it away to eat.
Sunday | Padang Matsirat Night Market
Note: Can get very busy, get here early!
This Western area of Langkawi is by far the tamest of all the areas where the Night Markets are set up. There aren’t many attractions, or even dining and shopping opportunities besides the Night Market, but it is the ideal place to stay if you’re looking for a peaceful way to enjoy Langkawi’s culture. I recommend trying the Malaysian pancakes, they are to die for!
You should find it relatively easy to locate the markets each day with a simple map but if you run into difficulties, find a local and ask “Manarpasarmalam?” to be pointed in the right direction.
If you want to try your hand at cooking up a Malaysian dish then head to the Langkawi wet markets to snap up some local produce. With one located close to the airport in Matsirat and another, larger, market in Kuah you certainly won’t miss out – but make sure you get up early! You’ll soon find that the wet markets are the place to pick up many a culinary bargain!
Map of Langkawi Night Markets
Langkawi Resources
Lonely Planet’s guide to Langkawai
Gareth Evans is a travel writer and entrepreneur living life as a digital nomad. Gareth is currently living and working in Thailand.