Langkawi Gets Ready for the Tourist Rush – After All, Who Can Resist the Island Vibes?
Our beautiful archipelago of 99 islands in the Straits of Malacca is about to reopen its doors to fully vaccinated travelers starting September 16. The move comes as Malaysia takes an early step toward bouncing back from the pandemic’s heavy toll.
What’s the Big Deal?
Langkawi’s plan is the same ticket that Thailand used a couple of months ago: a “domestic tourism bubble” with strict health protocols so we can keep everyone safe while still getting the beach vibes back.
Word From the Front Lines
- Esther Lee, Restaurant Owner: “We’re thrilled the bubble finally kicked off. The restaurants go dead‑souls without customers – it’s our lifeline.”
- Tuan Nasaruddin Abdul Muttalib, Langkawi Development Authority: “It’s a careful balance – we don’t want crowds, but we need numbers, and we’re all about controlled compliance.”
- Arnaud Girodon, General Manager, The Datai Langkawi: “We’ve dug out our gloves and reopened our doors. Waiting for people to stroll back into paradise is a joy.”
Numbers to Watch
- Target: 400,000 visitors by year‑end.
- Projected revenue: RM 165 million (~$53.2 million).
- Residents: 32 million – of which over half are now vaccinated.
- Worse: 2 million cases and 20,000 deaths – the highest per‑capita rate in Asia.
Why Langkawi?
Besides the sweeping coastlines and rock formations, Langkawi is a haven for visitors: beaches, geoparks, bird life, and a starlit sky that outshines even the biggest city lights.
Looking Ahead
It may look like a slow start – a fledgling departure rather than a full-blown rush – but the plan is to bring visitors in at a steady, manageable pace. Health protocols will stay tight, yet the mood is one of excitement and open arms.
Bottom Line
Langkawi is gearing up to welcome the world, one belly‑full bite and one sunny walk at a time. And hey, nothing feels better than seeing new faces walk through our gates after months of waiting.
