Although Langkawi is known for its blissful beaches, delicious food and a laid-back atmosphere, its true persona is hidden within the rice fields, traditional village life, and community night markets. When you are holidaying here, you can experience the backcountry culture of this island in the form of night markets. Also known as Pasar Malam in Malay, these bazars are held in different locations in Pulau Langkawi on different days of the week from dusk till late night.
At the Langkawi night markets, streets are filled with kiosks set by vendors from the villages who are selling souvenir, knick-knacks, clothing, and household products. Most of these items are either handmade or imitation goods, and you can bargain your heart out to bring the prices further down. Strolling around the night markets is a fantastic way to eat traditional Malay foods such as nasi lemak, keropok lekor, nasi ayam, fresh fruit juices and mango salads. The food stalls here usually don’t have a sitting area. If you don’t want to try or buy anything, just walk through the narrow streets and feel the culture, listen to stories and enjoy the fragrance of street food.
Kuah hosts the biggest night market in Langkawi on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Here, you will also find a food court to sit and eat in leisure. The Sunday night markets held at Padang Matsirat, opposite the field of burnt rice is another large market where you can find a wide choice of reasonably priced street food. Here, you can shop for cheap electronics and groceries as well. Some of the other food and night markets are held at Ulu Melaka on Monday nights, Kedawang on Tuesdays, a smaller Tamoyong night market at Pantai Cenang on Thursdays and at Ayer Hangat Padan Lalang on Fridays. If you are unsure about the directions to these markets, check with your hotel or just ask the residents, “Mana Pasar Malam,” and they will point you in the right direction.
