Langkawi, Malaysia

The Datai Langkawi

1 / 10

The takeaway

Choose The Datai for a stay that makes Langkawi’s rainforest as immediate as its beach, with nature-led experiences beyond the usual resort routine.

About the hotel

On Langkawi’s northwestern tip, The Datai Langkawi sets 121 rooms, suites and villas between rainforest and Datai Bay. The main building sits back from the shore on a forest ridge; other accommodations rise among the trees or open onto the beach. Designed by Kerry Hill and opened in 1993, the resort’s architecture draws on regional cultural influences and local materials. Nature walks, resident naturalists and access to the bay make the surrounding landscape central to the stay.

Choose it if

You want rainforest walks and wildlife interpretation alongside a resort beach, rather than choosing between jungle and coast.
You value a choice of settings, from canopy rooms and streamside rainforest villas to villas opening directly onto Datai Bay.
You are travelling with children and want age-specific nature and cooking activities, plus a family pool and toddler wading area.

Skip it if

You want a base close to town: the resort says Kuah is about a 60-minute drive away.

The property

In photographs.

Guest discussion

What real people are saying.

Reddit excerpts · separate from Rex’s editorial judgment

Guests describe The Datai as combining a rainforest-lodge setting with a beach-resort feel. One guest liked the room’s design and comfort but found the shower small with weak pressure; another felt the pool area was less secluded than hoped, as monkeys watched for food.

“The Datai manages to be both a high-end rainforest lodge and luxury beach resort at the same time.”

r/FATTravel ↗ · Apr 12, 2026

“while our room was beautifully designed, comfortable and stylish, the shower was small and lacked strong water pressure”

r/chubbytravel ↗

“I wanted to be secluded in the rainforest enjoying the pool. It wasn't very secluded, and the pool wasn't very fun because the monkey's would keep an eye on you just in case you brought out food.”

r/TrueChubbyTravel ↗

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Plan your stay

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