Travelling from one point to another is a cruise, given the island's small size, sparse population and well-developed infrastructure. As such, finding suitable accommodation is more a question of amenities, ambience and budget rather than locality.

Kuah As the entry point to the island, Kuah may seem a little crowded to some. But as a place to stay, it does offer a few advantages. The budget conscious will find that room rates here are comparatively low and close proximity to the jetty means convenience for island hopping. In addition, the bustling activities in town offer an insight into the lifestyles of kampung, or town, folk of various races.

For shoppers, this is the focal point of duty-free shops. Right smack in the centre of the duty-free zone are Hotel Central Langkawi, Grand Continental Langkawi and the new City Bayview Langkawi. The former two offer choices of moderate rates and easy access to Langkawi Duty Free Complex, Langkawi Fair, Langkawi Saga Shopping Centre and Jetty Point Complex. The latter, known as the tallest building in the town, will certainly add a touch of luxury to convenience.

Other options at the rim of the hub include the new Nagoya City Hotel, Langkawi Seaview Hotel, Tiara Langkawi Hotel and the Twin Peaks Island Resort, which suits family travellers with children. For a taste of living in a Malay kampung, Kampung Tok Senik Resort is an excellent option. Set amid rubber trees and lush greenery, it offers various choices of chalets, bungalows and longhouse rooms. For the luxury of a private beach, check out Sheraton Perdana Resort, which is three kilometres from the town and closer to the jetty.

The West Coast One of the forerunners in the island's tourism industry, Pantai Cenang on the western coast, about 20 kilometres from Kuah, is known for its dynamism. With rows of international class hotels lining its coastline along with less conspicuous budget chalets and family-run food outlets, this is the place for those who want to enjoy nature but still have some creature comforts. Even travellers who do not stay here will enjoy visiting the area and experiencing all it has to offer.

At the high end of the scale is the five-star Pelangi Beach Resort. It offers 350 chalets in a Malaysian village setting--with touches of elegance and luxury, of course. Moderate spenders would find the Beach Garden Resort, a German enterprise, an interesting choice. It is known for what it offers as well as what it does not. With a selection of merely 12 marble-floored and tastefully decorated rooms at moderate rates, what it does not offer includes telephones, TV sets and Internet access. For many, this is exactly what is needed to escape from their busy corporate lives.

Down the scale, both Sandy Beach Resort and Semarak Langkawi Beach Resort provide a variety of choices costing below MYR100. If money is tight, check out Samila Beach Resort, Suria Beach Motel, Delta Motel and the AB Motel.

Pantai Tengah is a quiet beach located a short distance to the south of Pantai Cenang. The sand here is better but the water can be murky due to the secluded nature of the bay. To enjoy its tranquility with style, Holiday Villa Resort and Langkawi Village Resort at the secluded end of the beach would be the choice, followed by Federal Lodge. The 28-chalet Sunset Beach Resort also provides good ambience at reasonable rates, while the Charlie Motel is popular with chalets and a beachfront patio restaurant.

The northern part of Pantai Cenang is relatively quiet with fewer choices for accommodation, particularly for those in search of budget motels. The Langkasuka Resort, which is near the aquatic indoor water theme park, offers moderate rates. Further up towards Pantai Kok--arguably the best beach on the island--lies Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort. If you can afford to be a bit lavish, here is where you can feel the tranquillity and energy of the Andaman Sea.

In the Burau Bay area, you have another two luxurious options in Berjaya Langkawi Beach Resort and Burau Bay Resort. Both offer several grades of accommodation, with the latter aiming more at the family market. For something more economical yet singular, check out the Idaman Bay Resort and the Last Resort.

The North Coast Offering the best of tropical rainforest and sea, this part of the island is known for its top-notch accommodation. The Datai Langkawi, perched in tropical rainforest, offers not only a private beach, but also a stunning view across the sea to several islands of Thailand. Golfers will particularly appreciate its 18-hole championship course. The choice of accommodation comes in deluxe rooms, suites and individual villas up in the woods. Sharing its golf course is Andaman Datai Bay, another five-star choice.

About eight kilometres to the east from the two is Tanjung Rhu, commonly known as Casuarina Beach. With the chic Tanjung Rhu Resort, luxury would not be compromised if you choose to put up here.

On a Private Island If you wish to take exclusivity a step further, you may want to consider Rebak Marina Resort. Located on Pulau Rebak, a small private island measuring 156 hectares (390 acres) south-east of Pulau Langkawi, the resort offers luxurious amenities, as well as jungle and sea adventures. A 15-minute ride from Port Langkasuka jetty point will bring you there.

Whether you are escaping from stress, looking for luxury, after a game of golf or seeking adventure in water sports (or all of these) there will be an accommodation option to suit.

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