By Dr Rahim Said
Once upon a time, Langkawi was the jewel of Malaysian tourism – an island wrapped in legend, where Mahsuri’s curse gave way to sunset cruises, duty-free shopping, and glossy promotional videos promising paradise.
But today, the reality is far less mythical: visitor numbers are down between 30 and 39% compared to last year.
Instead of flocking to Langkawi, Malaysians are packing their bags for… Hatyai.
Yes, Hatyai – the bustling southern Thai town with cheaper hotels, better connectivity, livelier nightlife, and food that doesn’t cost three times the price of a roadside stall in Alor Setar.
For the price of a round-trip to Langkawi, you could probably get a massage, feast on seafood, and still have spare baht for souvenirs.
Langkawi’s problem isn’t its natural beauty. The beaches remain spectacular, the cable car still climbs into the clouds, and eagle square still poses for Instagram.
The problem is accessibility and affordability. Ferry services remain unreliable, flight tickets are ludicrously priced, and the once-appealing duty-free shopping feels dated in an era when everyone can get anything online.
Tourism operators talk about “reviving Langkawi” with mega sales and discounts of 15 to 60%.
But can slashing prices really be the solution?
Or is it just putting lipstick on an island slowly losing relevance?
Tourists don’t just want a cheap room – they want an experience worth their money.
Right now, Langkawi feels trapped in nostalgia while its competitors innovate.
The implications are serious. If Malaysians increasingly choose Thailand over their own backyard, billions in tourism revenue will slip across the border.
When domestic pride turns into domestic disinterest, Langkawi risks becoming an expensive museum of past glories.
So, what now, Langkawi?
Do we continue to patch holes with discounts and hashtags?
Or do we finally confront the real issues: fixing the ferries, regulating flight prices, diversifying attractions, and promoting fresh narratives that resonate with today’s travellers?
Because if Langkawi remains stuck in legend, it may wake up to find the tourists have written a new one – in Hatyai.
(The views expressed here are entirely those of the writer)
WE