Fifteen days in Malaysia, including 8 days of sea kayaking in the Langkawi archipelago. Mangroves, karst islets, remote beaches, fishing villages and tropical camps come together in a genuine itinerant journey in the Andaman Sea.
Langkawi, between the Andaman Sea, jungle and mangroves
Located off the west coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is an archipelago of around one hundred islands and islets. Large areas remain quiet once you move away from the most popular beaches. Sea kayaking allows us to paddle close beneath limestone cliffs, enter mangrove channels and reach isolated beaches that are difficult to access otherwise.
Langkawi is also recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Its ancient landscapes, karst formations, tropical forest and coastal ecosystems give the journey remarkable variety: each day combines paddling, wildlife observation, swimming and camp life.
Trip at a glance
Malaysia · Andaman Sea · Langkawi · Pulau Tuba · Kilim · Tanjung Rhu
Available on request
Have a period in mind? We can discuss opening a departure for a private group or look for additional participants.
- Duration
- 15 days
- Sea kayaking
- 8 days
- Level
- Level 2 — Intermediate
- Group
- 4 to 8 participants
- Distance
- Around 20 km / day
- Price
- €2,500 per person excluding flights
- Accommodation
- 4 nights in a 3★ hotel · 2 nights in a fishing village · 5 camping nights · 1 floating-house night
- Kayaks
- TRAK singles & Nautiraid doubles transported with the group
The remaining nights correspond to flights and transits. The programme may be adapted by the guide according to weather, sea conditions, currents, safety requirements and local conditions.
Why Langkawi is such a good sea-kayaking destination
The route brings together several very different environments without long transfers: beaches open to the Andaman Sea, small limestone islands, fishing villages, mangrove channels and the protected areas in the north of the archipelago.
Wildlife is part of the experience: monkeys, monitor lizards, sea eagles and mangrove birds are regularly seen. Dolphin encounters are also possible at sea. Breaks allow time for swimming, snorkelling or simply enjoying the beaches and tropical forest.
A genuine tropical itinerant journey
From Pantai Cenang, we set out for eight days of sea kayaking, linking different parts of the archipelago. The journey alternates beach camps, nights in a fishing village and one unusual night on a floating house in the heart of the Kilim mangroves.
Daily paddling is around 20 km. The pace remains flexible enough to include swimming, snorkelling, wildlife observation and time in the villages.
Day-by-day itinerary
The programme below presents the reference itinerary. It remains adaptable according to sea conditions, weather, currents and safety requirements.
- Day 1 — International flight
Departure for Malaysia. - Day 2 — Arrival in Langkawi
Transfer to Pantai Cenang and installation in the 3★ hotel. - Day 3 — Pantai Cenang
Free acclimatisation day with time for the beach, local exploration and preparation for the itinerant section. Overnight in the hotel. - Day 4 — Pantai Cenang → Pulau Singa Besar
First kayaking day. We head south and set up camp on a beach. - Day 5 — Southern archipelago → Pulau Dayang Bunting
Paddling among the southern islands followed by another beach camp. - Day 6 — Towards Pulau Tuba
We turn north and reach a fishing village. Overnight in local accommodation. - Day 7 — Pulau Tuba & mangroves
Exploration by kayak around the island and through the mangroves. A short hike may be possible depending on the group’s pace. Second night in the village.
- Day 8 — Pulau Tuba → Pulau Timun
We continue north. Overnight camping on Pulau Timun. - Day 9 — Pulau Timun → Pulau Langgun
Sea kayaking towards Pulau Langgun and a beach camp. - Day 10 — Pulau Langgun → Kilim mangroves
After paddling around Pulau Langgun, we enter the Kilim mangrove network. Overnight in a hammock on a floating house. - Day 11 — Kilim → Tanjung Rhu
We cross the mangroves, reach Tanjung Rhu and continue towards the north of the archipelago. Final beach camp. - Day 12 — Tanjung Rhu → Pantai Cenang
Final kayaking day in Tanjung Rhu Bay, with snorkelling when conditions allow, followed by a transfer back to Pantai Cenang. Overnight in the hotel. - Day 13 — Langkawi
Free day. Possible exploration of the island interior, rice fields or panoramic viewpoints. Overnight in the hotel. - Day 14 — Return flight
Departure from Langkawi. - Day 15 — Arrival
Arrival after the international flight.
Route map
Hotels, villages, camps & a floating house
The journey deliberately combines several types of accommodation:
- 4 nights in a 3★ hotel in Pantai Cenang;
- 2 nights in local accommodation in a fishing village on Pulau Tuba;
- 5 camping nights on beaches around the archipelago;
- 1 night on a floating house in the heart of the Kilim mangroves.
For the camping nights, we mainly use hammocks with integrated mosquito nets, protected by tarps. This setup is particularly well suited to the tropical climate. A tent can be arranged on request.
Meals
Meals are included during the sea-kayaking itinerant section, from lunch on Day 4 to lunch on Day 11 in the reference programme. Lunches are generally picnic-style and hot evening meals are prepared together.
In Pantai Cenang, meals are not included. Malaysia’s cultural diversity is reflected in its food, with Malay, Indian, Chinese and international options readily available.
We bring the kayaks from Europe
Langkawi does not have a local fleet that meets our requirements for a multi-day itinerant journey. We therefore travel with our own folding sea kayaks.
- Singles: TRAK, well suited to sea kayaking and air travel.
- Doubles: Nautiraid, including Grand Raid 540 and Grand Narak 550 depending on the group’s needs.
- Paddles: Werner, carbon shafts.
- Equipment provided: PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags, hammocks or tents, safety equipment and shared cooking equipment.
The kayaks travel by air in their transport bags. The exact distribution of gear and baggage depends on the flights selected and is specified for each departure. If you do not depart from the same airport as the guide, the kayak and equipment can be shipped to you in advance so that you can check them onto your own flight and meet the group directly in Langkawi.
To understand this particular logistics system, you can read our article “Traveling with your Kayak – When expedition starts from the airport”.
This journey is for you if…
- you already have some real previous sea-kayaking experience and match Level 2 — Intermediate;
- you can link several days of around 20 km of paddling;
- you enjoy itinerant trips combining camping, local accommodation and hotels;
- you are as interested in mangroves, jungle, beaches and encounters as in the paddling itself;
- you are comfortable travelling light because the kayaks and expedition equipment travel with the group;
- you are looking for an original tropical journey away from the most conventional routes.
Dates, price & inclusions
Available on request
Current reference price: €2,500 per person excluding flights. Contact us to discuss a period and receive the corresponding Road Book.
The price includes:
- guiding by a qualified French sea-kayak guide;
- use of kayaks and activity-specific equipment;
- the accommodation planned in the programme: hotel, local accommodation, camps and floating house;
- meals during the sea-kayaking itinerant section according to the programme;
- local transfers included in the organisation;
- the general trip logistics.
The price does not include:
- international flights and any domestic flights;
- meals outside the itinerant section;
- drinks, tips and personal expenses;
- personal insurance not included in the travel contract;
- anything not explicitly stated as included.
Practical information
Tropical climate
Langkawi has a warm and humid tropical climate. Sun protection, light covering clothing, hydration and insect protection are essential parts of the trip.
Travel light
The kayaks and a significant part of the expedition equipment travel with us. Personal belongings therefore need to be kept to the essentials. Exact baggage constraints are provided once the flights have been selected, as they vary between airlines and ticket types.
Personal equipment
Please bring suitable kayaking shoes or sandals, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, swimwear, a rash vest, hat or cap, sunglasses, water bottle, headtorch, a small personal first-aid kit and a very lightweight sleeping bag for the camping nights.
FAQ — Essential information
How long is the Langkawi journey?
The journey lasts 15 days in total, including 8 days of sea kayaking in the Langkawi archipelago.
What level is required to join?
The journey is rated Level 2 — Intermediate. It is designed for paddlers with some real previous sea-kayaking experience who are able to link several days of around 20 km.
How far do we paddle each day?
Daily paddling is around 20 km on average. The exact distance may vary depending on weather, sea conditions, currents and the stage.
How large is the group?
The group is limited to 4 to 8 participants in order to keep the organisation flexible and well suited to an itinerant journey.
How is the accommodation organised?
The reference programme includes 4 nights in a 3-star hotel in Pantai Cenang, 2 nights in local accommodation in a fishing village, 5 camping nights on beaches and 1 night on a floating house in the mangroves. The remaining nights correspond to flights and transits.
What are the camping nights like?
In the tropics, we mainly use hammocks with integrated mosquito nets, protected by tarps. A tent can be arranged on request.
Which kayaks are used?
Voyage Kayak brings its own folding kayaks: TRAK singles and Nautiraid doubles, with Werner paddles, PFDs, spraydecks, dry bags and safety equipment.
Do we fly with the kayaks from Europe?
Yes. The folding kayaks travel by air with the group. If a participant departs from a different airport from the guide, the kayak and part of the equipment can be shipped in advance so that the participant can check it onto their own flight.
Is the programme fixed?
No. The programme is indicative and may be adapted by the guide according to weather, sea state, currents, safety requirements and local conditions.
Can the journey be organised on request?
Yes. Langkawi is currently available on request for a private group or for opening a new departure.
Would you like to explore Langkawi by sea kayak?
This expedition can be organised on request.
Send us your preferred period, the number of participants and your sea-kayaking experience.