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Updated on October 2024: The dates for Ironman Langkawi 2025 and Ironman 70.3 Langkawi 2025 are to be announced.
Are you ready for one of the toughest and most beautiful editions of the Ironman circuit?
The Ironman Langkawi in Malaysia is an amazing experience, but the heat and the humidity are a constant in this race, bringing an extra challenge to this tough triathlon.
Here you will find all the information you need about Ironman Langkawi and tips about Langkawi, Malaysia.
We visited Langkawi back in March 2015, and we fell in love. Nature is absolutely stunning! You can find all shades of green in its forests and mangroves. Beaches have a calm sea and soft white sand. Not to mention the delicious food.
When I heard that they have an Ironman competition I was thrilled. At that time, I had no idea about my future travel plans but I had this voice in my head: “I’ll be back to Langkawi”.
If you plan to attend the Ironman Langkawi I suggest you arrive about 1 week before to get acclimatized. Seriously the heat and humidity there are crazy, even Ironman champions like Patrik Nillson mentioned that the hardest thing in Langkawi Ironman is the heat.
Spare some days to enjoy the island, I will give you precious tips on what to do in Langkawi.
Read my Ironman Langkawi race review here!
Pre Race – Ironman Langkawi
First of all the registration must be done on Ironman’s official website. The action starts a few days before the race with the Athletes’ Check-in, the Ironman Expo, and the opening of the info booth.
A day before the race go for your swim training, transitions tours, official dinner, and the race briefing.
Also read: Ironman Frankfurt Guide
The Race – Ironman Langkawi
The race starts at 7:00 am. At 5:45 am the transition area (T1) opens.
Ironman Langkawi Swin Course
The swim will take place on the sheltered waters of Pantai Kok beach. Two laps with a 20m run between laps. A wetsuit is not permitted, expect a very warm sea in October, and the water temperature will be around 30C!
Ironman Langkawi Bike Course
The 180km course will cross the whole island and you will be able to enjoy its nature. It consists of 2 loops, except steep hills and flat areas. I would suggest training some climbing! Also, a lot of attention when passing the “Monkey Zone”, for your safety and the monkeys’ safety too.
Ironman Langkawi Run Course
Again, a 2 laps course. This one is mainly flat and with a pristine landscape. You will finish the race on a palm-fringed beach. 🙂
One great feature of this race is the air-conditioned T2. Yep! After hours on the bike, you can cool down during the transition. I’m sure my T1 will be way faster than my T2 (I was wrong, check out my race review here)!
I started training for the Langkawi Ironman in Bulgaria, a small village in the mountains. My cycling training was done with an MTB, it was not easy to keep cadence in the hilly Bulgarian countryside. To run was great, empty roads, fresh air, and some wild encounters [snakes, wolves…]. There was no swimming over there.
While living in Bangkok I have a swimming pool in my condo, and the streets for running training were quite ok. Although cycling was hard. The traffic is chaotic, from 6 am to 11 pm the cars and motorcycles take the roads.
One advantage is that I was getting used to the heat, the temperature is always over 28ºC, sometimes over 35ºC. I’m getting used to running in warm & humid places, In 2014 I ran the Angkor Wat Half Marathon.
My coach, Lucas Helal, from Luquitri Assessoria Esportiva, was a big support in training and motivation. Since we have a short period for the training and I have some travels before the competition we need focus and solid planning.
How to get to Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is easily reached via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore airports. Low-cost companies such as Air Asia, Fire Fly, and Tiger Air serve Langkawi Airport. Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines also fly to Langkawi. Find the best fares on Skyscanner.
If your flight requires a layover in Kuala Lumpur we suggest staying at Sama-Sama Hotel in Terminal 1 of KL airport. Check rates here.
Where to stay in Langkawi
Langkawi hosts several international events such as Ironman Langkawi, Le Tour de Langkawi, LIMA and ISAF. There are plenty of options, and the hotels are used to handle special requests such as a place to store your bike or help you find a van to transport your luggage + sports equipment.
Usually, I don’t like to stay in the official hotel. Yes, it can be handy for some events but is too busy and noisy.
For Langkawi Ironman my choice was Berjaya Langkawi Resort. It is located less than 10 minutes from the starting area. On our first visit to Langkawi, we stayed in Berjaya and loved it.
The Chalet in the jungle is gorgeous. Five-star quality in the middle of the rainforest. If you want to splurge go for the Water Chalet. Literally on the sea!
Accommodation in Langkawi ranges from hostels and guesthouses to luxury resorts. There are options for all tastes and pockets. I recommend you check your accommodation on Agoda.com and Booking.com.
What to do in Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi is a tropical paradise. I strongly suggest you spare some time to explore the island.
There are a lot of things to do in Langkawi, Malaysia. Snorkeling and diving in transparent waters full of life, boat tours in the mangroves, Skybridge, eagle watching, water sports, island hopping, exploring the Night Market [try the Laksa soup!!!], and even some shopping since Langkawi is Duty-Free.
To make your life easier check our previous posts. One is for the couples traveling to Langkawi and the other is for those looking for adventure.
Update: Check how was my Langkawi Ironman Race here!
Have you done an Ironman? Have you thought about racing the Ironman Langkawi?
Ps. I was invited by LADA to race the Ironman Langkawi. Doesn’t matter who pays the bill you always get my honest opinion.
