19 Best Weekend Getaways From Singapore (Itinerary + How To Get There)

Looking forward to the weekend but don’t know where to go?

Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to lift your spirits in the daily grind of city life!

That’s where we come in.

We have here a list of best & cheap short trips from Singapore and most do not require you to take a flight out of Singapore!

Top 19 Weekend Getaway From Singapore To Malaysia

1. Desaru, Johor

Desaru is a perfect place for weekend getaway from Singapore.

The distance from Singapore to Desaru is the shortest and there’s a whole bunch of things that families can do together!

Where else can you visit a fruit farm, eat the best Desaru food, stand on an ostrich egg at Malaysia’s largest ostrich farm and learn about crocodiles at the Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm all in the same weekend?

What To Do At Desaru:

2D1N Desaru Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Teluk Sengat Crocodile Farm → Desaru Fruit Farm → Desaru Ostrich Farm (lunch too) → Check into your hotel → Desaru Beach → Kota Tinggi Firefly Park → Dinner

Day2:
Check out → Adventure Water Park Desaru Coast → Back to Singapore

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2. Malacca, Melaka

A one-day trip to Malacca is doable if you plan ahead and it should be on your list of weekend getaway from Singapore.

Many Malacca attractions are walking distance from each other!

Do some shopping at good old Jonker Street in between snacking on Malacca’s best food.

Else, you can take a moment to do some people-watching at any Melaka café.

What To Do At Malacca:

• Get a one-of-a-kind printed tee at the Orangutan House
• Delight your palate with Nyonya food
• Visit a heritage museum like the Baba and Nyonya Museum
• Walk among the ruins of St Paul’s church upon a hilltop
• Take the cliché cruise down Malacca river

2D1N Malacca Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Malacca (Check-in) → Melaka Sultanate Palace Museum → A’famosa Historic Fort → St Paul’s Church → Red Square → Baba and Nyonya Museum → Melaka River Cruise → Jonker Street Night Market

Also read: 61 Johor Bahru Night Market

Day 2:
Floating Mosque → Cheng Ho Museum → Kampung Kling Mosque → Back to Singapore

Note: You can also extend your trip by heading to Kuala Lumpur after Malacca!

3. Tioman Island, Pahang

Come to Tioman Island and learn how to dive or snorkel at stunning dive sites!

Or just catch up on reading as you make yourself comfortable on the super-soft fine sand or in a hammock strung between tall palm trees.

There’s a high chance that you will not run out of things to do on Tioman Island!

What To Do On Tioman Island:

• Share diving tales with other travellers over a bonfire or drinks at a beachside pub
• Visit the turtle hatchery at Juara Village
• Go island hopping
• See turtles at the Marine Park Centre in Tekek Village
• Do some jungle hiking
• Play an energetic round of beach volleyball

Also read: [ad_2]

How To Get To Tioman Island From Singapore:

Step1:

Option 1: Private Car Service
Depending on the traffic at the Johor-Singapore causeway, it can take 2 to 4 hours to reach Mersing Jetty.

Allow another 30 minutes’ drive if you wish to get to Tanjung Gemok Jetty instead.

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Need a direct service from your house in Singapore to either jetty? Make an online booking with SGMYTAXI.

Option 2: Bus (4-6 hours)
Departure Location: Plaza Singapore, Bugis MRT, Singapore Flyer, Golden Mile Tower
Arrival Location: Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty

Step 2:

Ferry: 1.5-2 hours
Departure Location: Mersing Jetty or Tanjung Gemok Jetty
Arrival Location (Tioman Island):

• Genting Pier
• Tekek Pier
• Air Batang Pier
• Salang Pier
• Paya Pier
• Juara Pier

4. Rawa Island, Johor

Rawa Island is the more exclusive alternative to Tioman Island.

You really get a sense of strong island vibes here!

The journey from Singapore to Rawa Island is shorter too and become a popular place for a weekend getaway near Singapore!

Both resorts on the island offer Rawa Island packages that include the speedboat ride from the jetty to the respective resort!

What To Do on Rawa Island:

• Go for a walk around or to the top of the island
• Play on the 2 oceans slides in front of Rawa Island Resort

• Enjoy a special island cocktail
• Join in the weekend parties at Alang’s Rawa Resort
• Snorkel straight from the beach
• Island hop to Mensirip Island

Option 2: Bus (4-6 hours)
Departure Location: Plaza Singapore, Bugis MRT, Singapore Flyer, Golden Mile Tower
Arrival Location: Mersing Jetty

Step 2:

Speedboat: 20 minutes
Departure Location: Mersing Jetty
Arrival Location: Alang’s Rawa Resort or Rawa Island Resort

5. Legoland, Malaysia

Travel time from Singapore to Legoland can vary dramatically depending on the date that you choose and how you plan to go!

But once you get there, you will have an awesome time with your family trying out all the rides!

See a full review for Legoland Malaysia.

What To Do At Legoland Malaysia:

• See tiny replicas of world-renowned landmarks at Miniland
• Stay a night at the Ninjago themed hotel
• Cool off at the water park next door
• Visit Legoland Malaysia’s latest attraction, Sea Life

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2D1N Legoland Itinerary:

Day 1:
Explore the main park – there’s more to do here than you think!

Day 2:
Have a look at the ocean aquariums at Sea Life with a couple of hours at the water park!

Tips: Plan a visit to Hello Kitty Town & Thomas Town because they are just a few KM from Legoland Malaysia!

6. Sibu Island

Sibu Island is a lesser-known island paradise that’s actually closer to Singapore than the other two islands along the east coast of Johor!

This is truly an unspoilt paradise! They don’t even have restaurants and shops here!

If you’re planning a honeymoon surprise or a private function, consider Sibu Island!

What To Do On Sibu Island:

• Visit a kelong (offshore fishing platform)
• Play a rousing game of beach volleyball
• Engage in some water activities like canoeing, sailing, fishing, snorkeling, etc

• Charter an island-hopping trip
• Go for a jungle trek

3D2N Itinerary For Sibu Island:

Day 1:
Get to Tanjung Leman Jetty → Stretch out your legs with a hike → Enjoy your resort

Image credits: saripacifica.com

Day 2:
Go island-hopping → Snorkeling by the shipwrecks that dot the waters here!

Day 3:
Squeeze in another swim → Check out → Singapore

How To Get To Sibu Island From Singapore:

Step 1:

Option 1: Private Car Service to Tanjung Leman Jetty
Roughly 2 hours away from Singapore, you can save a lot of time if you decide to drive or take a private car service instead of the bus!

With SGMYTAXI, you can hire private car service at reasonable rates!

Option 2: Bus (4-5 hours)
Departure Location: Queen Street Bus Terminal
Arrival Location: Kota Tinggi or Mersing

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Note: No direct service to Tanjung Leman Jetty, closest stop is Kota Tinggi. From then on, you have to take a taxi (1hour, 20 minutes) to Tanjung Leman Jetty.

Step 2:

Boat: 20 to 45 minutes
Departure Location: Tanjung Leman Jetty
Arrival Location: Sibu Island

7. Endau Rompin National Park, Johor

Endau Rompin National Park (Known locally as Taman Negara Endau Rompin) is 870 square kilometres’ of pristine tropical rainforest with multitudes of animals and plants.

An indigenous tribe called the Jakun live here too.

Nature lovers and adventure seekers will not want to miss out on this place!

What To Do At Endau Rompin National Park:

• Set up camp in one of the designated camping sites
• Jungle trek to a waterfall
• Mountain climb
• Witness the orang asli way of life
• Tube down a river
• Go on a night walk

2D1N Endau Rompin National Park Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Endau Rompin → Check in to your chosen campsite → Start a hike → Go for a swim → Join a night walk

Day 2:
4WD off-road adventure excursion → Float on a tube at the river → Back to Singapore

How To Get To Endau Rompin National Park From Singapore:

Option 1: Private Car Service

There are many entrances to the national park. With a private car service, you can sit back and relax all through the ~3 hour drive.

These are the available routes:

1. Singapore to Endau Rompin National Park (Peta) office in Kahang
2. Singapore to Endau Rompin National Park (Selai) office in Bekok

Hop on a 4WD from either office to enter the park.

Also read: Tanjung Piai National Park (Attraction Near Kukup Johor)

Option 2: Bus (~6 hours)

Departure Location: Queen Street Bus Terminal
Transit Location: Johor Larkin Terminal
Arrival Location: Terminal Bus Kluang

Note: When you reach Kluang, you still have to take a taxi for 2.5 hours to reach Endau Rompin National Park.

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8. Kota Tinggi, Johor

Can’t get enough of the great outdoors?

Kota Tinggi has some hiking spots that present varying degrees of difficulty. And did we mention Kota Tinggi waterfalls?

The trip from Singapore to Kota Tinggi doesn’t take too long either!

Things To Do In Kota Tinggi:

• Go on a boat trip out to the mangroves to see fireflies (Kota Tinggi Firefly Park or Sungai Lebam Wetlands)
• Have a glamping experience with Canopy Tribes
• See beautiful displays at the Kota Tinggi Museum
• Reach the peak of Mount Panti (Gunung Panti)

2D1N Kota Tinggi Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Kota Tinggi (lunch) → Kota Tinggi Waterfall → Kota Tinggi Firefly Park

Day 2:
Kiang Kee Bak Kut Teh (breakfast) → Mount Panti (hike) → Kota Tinggi town (Lunch) → Kota Tinggi Museum → Back to Singapore

How To Get To Kota Tinggi From Singapore:

Option 1: Private Car Service
An hour is all you need to get to Kota Tinggi assuming there isn’t any congestion at the causeway link between Johor and Singapore.

Leave the driving to an experienced driver from a private car service like SGMYTAXI if you want to save all your energy to enjoy your trip!

Also read: [ad_2]

Option 2: Bus (~3 hours)
Departure Location: Queen Street Bus Terminal, Kranji MRT Station
Transit Location: Johor Larkin Terminal
Arrival Location: Kota Tinggi

9. Eco Farm, Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru has an impressive number of eco parks.

You can even stay overnight at some of these farms!

Learn what it takes to run a farm while getting some recreational fun!

If you’re looking for a cheap weekend getaway from Singapore, these eco-parks should be your best choice.

Eco farms in Johor Bahru:

10. Kukup

Admittedly, there is a considerable distance to cover from Singapore to Kukup but this is one place you have to include in your Pontian trip!

Kukup is a rural fishing village that has a double purpose as a harbour for cargo boats and ships.

Visitors can check out the dried and fresh seafood for sale at the seaside restaurants and shops!

What To Do At Kukup:

• Try fishing at a kelong
• Eat fresh and affordable seafood
• Buy keropok and belacan
• Admire the sunset here
• See and maybe touch unusual sea creatures at a fish farm

2D1N Kukup Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Kukup → Explore the village and indulge in some local snacks like fried shrimp cake → Walk through the mangroves at Kukup National Park → Seafood barbeque at your resort

Day 2:
Breakfast → Fish farm → Buy some local goods → Seafood lunch → Singapore

How To Get To Kukup From Singapore:

Option 1: Private Car Service
A mere 40 minutes is the expected duration if you plan to drive to Kukup yourself from Singapore.

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11. Genting Highlands, Pahang

To some, Genting Highlands’ greatest appeal may be the legal casinos or the theme parks but ultimately, it’s a cool retreat for short weekend getaway from Singapore!

The temperatures here are comfortably chilly all year round!

And a dose of fresh mountain air might be just the thing you need to reset your mood!

What To Do At Genting Highlands:

• Bring your family to Genting Outdoor Theme Park or First World Indoor Theme Park
• Shop at First World Plaza
• Catch a show at the performing arts theatre (Arena of Stars)
• Stop by beautiful Fraser’s Hill on your way up or down
• Detour to an elephant sanctuary (Kuala Gandah) enroute to Genting Highlands
• Shop at the Genting Highlands Premium Outlets!

3D2N Genting Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi → See a rabbit farm or the Japanese tea house → Stay overnight

Day 2:
Genting Highlands – Try out the theme park or the casino!

Day 3:
Genting Highlands → Kuala Gandah elephant sanctuary → Batu Caves → Singapore.

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Option 2: Bus (6.5hours)
Departure Location: Golden Mile Tower
Arrival Location: Genting Highlands

12. Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s vibrant capital city, Kuala Lumpur is a shopping paradise for Singaporeans!

There’s a lot more to see than just the majestic Petronas Twin Towers here!

You can make a quick detour to Malacca too during your road trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur!

What To Do At Kuala Lumpur:

• Pick up handicrafts at the Central Market
• Explore Little India and Chinatown
• Check out the nightlife at Bukit Bintang
• Visit the butterfly reserve, bird park or national zoo
• Give your kids a chance to use up their energy at Jump Street!

2D1N Kuala Lumpur Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Kuala Lumpur –Petronas Twin Towers, Menara KL Tower and Sultan Ahmad Samad Building at Merdeka Square → Central Market → Petaling Street → Jalan Alor (hawker fare), Bukit Bintang → Check out the night scene (night clubs, bars, late-night mamak restaurants, etc)

Tips:

• If you still have time, then make a quick visit to the national museum too!
• Skybar is a rooftop bar with an amazing view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline

Day 2:
Kuala Lumpur → Batu Caves or Kuala Lumpur Bird Park → Pavilion KL (Shopping) → Singapore.

How To Get To Kuala Lumpur From Singapore:

Option 1: Private Car Service
It’s almost 4 hours to reach Kuala Lumpur from Singapore.

Unless you’re just travelling alone, it might be worthwhile to book a private car service from SGMYTAXI to provide direct transfer!

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Option 2: Bus (~5 hours 15 minutes)
Departure Location: Golden Mile Complex
Arrival Location: Jalan Imbi

13. Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan

You might be wondering if you should bother with making a trip from Singapore to Port Dickson in the first place but let us clear your doubts on that!

Port Dickson has its share of white beaches and other attractions!

It’s easy to find a lovely Port Dickson Resort too!

What To Do At Port Dickson:

• See the historic lighthouse at Cape Rachado
• Spend the day at Blue Lagoon Beach (Tanjung Biru) – shallow waters and rock pools!
• Picnic at one of the gazebos at Moonlight Beach (Pantai Purnama)
• Try some water sports at Teluk Kemang
• Visit the Army Museum
• Take some holiday photos at scenic Cahaya Negeri Beach (Pantai Cahaya Negeri) – Lovers Bridge

3D2N Port Dickson Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Port Dickson → Check in → Enjoy your resort

Day 2:
Army Museum → Wan Loong Chinese Temple or Port Dickson Waterfront→ Blue Lagoon Beach → Saujana Beach & Saturday Night Market (if applicable) → Back to resort

Day 3:
Check out → Cape Rachado (Lighthouse) → Singapore

14. Batu Batu Island

Another name for this island is Pulau Tengah.

If your timing is right, you will get to see turtles lay eggs on the southern shore of this island!

Batu Batu resort has special facilities that cater to guests with children!

What To Do On Batu Batu Island:

• Leave the kids at the play area under the watchful eye of hotel staff as you relieve pre-baby days!
• Swim and snorkel in the clear blue water
• Get a massage at the resort spa
• Rent a kayak to explore the island
• Join a snorkelling/ diving trip (Book at Batu Batu’s PADI Dive centre)

• Play soccer on the beach (Long Beach)

Note: It’s quite difficult to get a booking on this private island!

How To Get To Batu Batu Island From Singapore:

Step 1:

Option 1: Private Car Service to Mersing Jetty:
Private car service to Mersing Jetty will take 2 to 4 hours during non-peak periods.

Select your choice of spacious MPV cars from SGMYTAXI’s fleet.

Option 2: Bus (4-6 hours)
Departure Location: Plaza Singapore, Bugis MRT, Singapore Flyer, Golden Mile Tower
Arrival Location: Mersing Jetty

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Step 2:

Speedboat: 20 – 30 minutes
Departure Location: Mersing Jetty
Arrival Location: Batu Batu resort

15. Sekinchan, Selangor

Kuala Selangor is far-off from Singapore.

However, there are enough natural gems to spend a whole weekend here!

One of the most popular attractions here is Sekinchan with its unbelievably green rice fields and rice factory that you can enter for a short tour!

What To Do In Sekinchan:

• Fly a kite at Redang Beach
• See the large wishing tree close to Redang Beach
• Get another perspective of the rice fields from the top of a Chinese temple (Nan Tian Chinese Temple 南天宮)
• Stay a night at Padibox
• Visit Bagan fishing village
• Get some souvenirs at Ah Ma House (阿嬤的家)

3D2N Sekinchan Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Sekinchan → Seafood lunch → Paddy field and factory → Ah Ma House → Wishing Tree → Redang Beach

Day 2:
Bukit Melawati Hill → Sky Mirror tour (Sasaran Beach) → Eagle Feeding tour → Firefly tour

Note: Sky Mirror tours are often sold out and tour dates are dependent on the lunar calendar! Book way in advance!

Day 3:
Nan Tian Chinese Temple 南天宮 → La Familia Orchard (乡之旅果园) → Bagan Fishing Village → Hai Seng Huat Fishery → Mimi Fishball 咪咪鱼丸→ Singapore

How To Get To Sekinchan From Singapore:

Option 1: Private Car Service
Prepare for a long drive (~5 hours) to get to Sekinchan from Singapore!

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You don’t have to be the one driving if you book a private car service with SGMYTAXI.

Rates are affordable if you are not going alone!

Option 2: Bus (~7 hours)
Departure Location: Golden Mile Tower
Arrival Location: Sekinchan

Note: This service is only once a day.

16. Redang Island

Redang island is under the Terengganu Marine Park some 45 km off the coast of the east coast of Kuala Terengganu.

The endless diving possibilities have put Redang Island on the radar of many international tourists that are keen divers looking to get their Open Water licenses!

Image Credits: goproprojek, Janice Tan

What To Do On Redang Island:

• Trek around the island
• Book a snorkelling trip
• See the sunrise
• Snorkel at the Marine Park Centre
• Savour local food

How To Get To Redang Island From Singapore:

Option 1: Flight + Bus + Ferry: ~8 hours (Waiting/ transit time included)

1. Get to Singapore Changi Airport (30 minutes)
2. Fly from Singapore Changi Airport to Kuala Terengganu Airport. (~3 hours)
3. Take a bus to Merang Jetty (30 minutes)
4. Board the ferry to Redang Island (~ 45 minutes)

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Option 2:

Step 1: Bus (~10 hours)
Departure Location: Golden Mile Complex
Arrival Location: Syabandar Jetty

Step 2: Ferry From Syabandar Jetty To Redang Island: 1.5 hours
Departure Location: Syabandar Jetty
Arrival Location: Redang Island

17. Cameron Highlands, Pahang

There’s always something about Cameron Highlands that makes it so appealing to the masses!

Fresh air, cooler temperatures, lots of greenery, fresh produce, strawberries and many farms!

Luxurious European-style resorts make you feel like you’re somewhere distant without having to fly halfway across the world!

Cameron Highlands should be on your list of weekend getaway from Singapore.

What To Do On Cameron Highlands:

• Pick your own strawberries
• Sample wild honey at a bee farm
• Visit a tea plantation
• Have British cream tea with a cool environment
• Go on one of the abundant hiking trails
• Visit the night market (Brinchang Night Market)

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3D2N Cameron Highlands Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Ipoh → Cameron Highlands

Day 2:
Boh Tea Plantation → Strawberry Farm → Short hike → Steamboat Dinner → Brinchang Night Market

Day 3:
The Smokehouse (breakfast) → Watercress Valley → Lavender Garden → Singapore

Notes:

• This itinerary assumes that you will take a flight between Ipoh and Singapore
• Brinchang Night Market is open during weekends and school holidays

How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Singapore:

Take a 1-hour flight to Ipoh from Singapore Changi Airport.

From Ipoh, it takes another 2 hours to drive up to Cameron Highlands with no heavy traffic.

Note: The flight takes around an hour from Singapore. Allocate 5-6 hours of travel time.

18. George Town, Penang

Penang usually tops the list for first-time travellers to Malaysia.

Deep historical roots, bustling nightlife, loads of good food, decent beaches.

Its close proximity to Langkawi and Ipoh, gorgeous architecture are all viable reasons to make the trip!

What To Do In Penang:

• Locate the street murals (Armenian Street)
• Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

• Eat Penang food like at Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul shop (Assam Laksa and Chendol)
• Stroll down Little India
• Head down to the historical clan jetties at Chew Jetty
• Visit Fort Cornwallis

2D1N Penang Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Penang → Restoran Hameediyah Tandoori House (Nasi Kandar) → Go on a mural hunt → Batu Ferringhi Beach→ New Hawker Lane Centre or a Nyonya cuisine restaurant (Dinner) → Chill at a hidden bar ( Out of Nowhere)

Day 2:
Penang Hill → Tek Sen restaurant (double-roasted pork) → Prangin Mall → Skywalk tower (TOP @ Komtar) → Singapore

How To Get to Penang From Singapore:

Option 1: Flight From Singapore Changi Airport (~1.5 hours)
Departure Location: Singapore Changi Airport
Arrival Location: Georgetown, Penang

19. Langkawi

Does it even surprise you that Langkawi is on this list?

Langkawi is a tourist hotspot and also a great place for a short weekend getaway from Singapore.

The beaches are pretty, it’s affordable and there’s a tonne of things to do here!

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What To Do In Langkawi:

• Spend time at the beach
• Do some water sports
• View the whole island from the Langkawi Sky Bridge

• Have an evening stroll around Eagle Square
• Go duty-free shopping
• Visit Langkawi’s Underwater World

2D1N Langkawi Itinerary:

Day 1:
Singapore → Langkawi → Kilim Karst Geoforest Park (mangroves, limestone caves and formations, etc) → Island hopping (Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Beras Basah islets) → Singa Besar Island (eagle feeding) → Pantai Cenang (sunset dinner)

Day 2:
Hike at Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls (Seven Wells Waterfalls)→ Langkawi Sky Bridge → Oriental Village (duty-free shopping) or Kuah Town (more shopping) → Singapore

How To Get To Langkawi From Singapore:

Option 1: Flight From Singapore Changi Airport (~1.5 hours)
Departure Location: Singapore Changi Airport
Arrival Location: Langkawi

Travel Tips On Weekend Getaways From Singapore To Malaysia

• Public holidays (either Malaysia or Singapore) can significantly impact your journey times so do try to avoid going on a long weekend if you can help it!
• Short beach getaways from Singapore: Desaru, Tioman Island, Rawa Island, Sibu Island, Langkawi, Penang, Port Dickson, Batu Batu Island, Redang Island
• Nature destinations – Cameron Highlands, Endau Rompin National Park, Kota Tinggi, Sekinchan
• Family destinations – Legoland, Desaru, Kukup, Eco farms (Johor Bahru)
• Historical destinations – Malacca, Penang
• Shopping destinations – Genting Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi