Locally known as ‘Pasar Malam’, Langkawi’s markets are held at night. There’s a market for every night of the week, taking place at different locations around Langkawi’s main island. A diverse range of vendors set up makeshift stalls, with a street market vibe. Products on offer vary at different locations, however, in general, they are a wonderful place to seek out clothes, handbags, wallets, sunglasses, DVDs, souvenirs, gifts, artwork, and fresh produce such as fruits and juices at affordable prices. However, one of the best things about the markets is the delicious, cheap local cuisine. Here is a guide to Langkawi’s top five markets.
Pekan Kuah
Kuah is proud to present one of Langkawi’s largest, liveliest, and most popular night markets, held every Wednesday and Saturday night from 5:30pm-10:00pm close to Kuah Jetty. Browse vibrant rows of intriguing stalls selling toys, wallets, native products, clothes, shoes, food, and other knick-knacks at irresistible prices. Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables to take back to your accommodation, or sample a wide range of tasty delicacies, from locally caught seafood to mouth-watering chocolate cake.
Padang Matsirat
Padang Matsirat Night Market is also considered one of the biggest and busiest in Langkawi, alongside Kuah Town. Every Sunday evening, the car park opposite the Field of Burnt Rice is transformed into a vibrant bazaar. Local farmers sell a wide range of their fresh produce, whilst other stalls feature affordable clothes, accessories, trinkets, and DVDs. There’s also no shortage of stalls selling sensational Malaysian street food. Locals and visitors alike come together to shop and enjoy the food.
Ayer Hangat
Every Friday evening Padang Lalang comes to life with the sights, smells, and tastes of local cuisine at the Ayer Hangat Night Markets. This market is best known for its incredible Malaysian and Thai street food, so make sure that you’re hungry! There’s a wide range of tasty treats on offer, however, the speciality is delicious Nasi Kerabu, a Malaysian dish featuring blue rice. Whilst food is the main attraction, this market has a bit of everything, whether you want fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood to take back to cook, or a new outfit.
Ulu Melaka
On a Monday night in Langkawi, there’s no place better than Ulu Melaka Night Markets. Like the Ayer Hangat Market, Ulu Melaka is most visited for the tempting and diverse range of food. If you love grilled or fried meats with wok-fried noodles, this is the place for you! Sample an array of street food dishes and wash it down with quirky beverages of all flavours and colours, such as green matcha milk tea or a mango smoothie. Aside from the food, several stalls sell a selection of clothes and souvenirs.
Temoyong
Every Thursday evening from 5pm, the lively Pantai Cenang area becomes even livelier as tourists and locals alike flock to the Temoyong Night Markets. Makeshift stalls sell an array of clothing, wallets, handbags, sunglasses, paintings, trinkets, DVDs, and fresh produce. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s no shortage of tasty traditional Malay food to satisfy your hunger pangs.
