Malibest Resort

The low-frills Malibest doesn't live up to its resort moniker, but its location right on Pantai Cenang's beach and buzzing main drag is unbeatable. The tiny lobby sets the simple tone, outfitted in mismatched woods, blue plastic chairs, and wall-mounted Malaysian portraits. Dingy drapes and exposed wiring here enhance the budget feel, and with no restaurant or bar, there are no common areas except for the pool (which lacks loungers). Accommodation varies, and our 2017 visit saw construction underway for what will be a new wing. Dated or poorly maintained rooms in the main building have motel vibes from exterior walkway access, as well as maintenance and noise issues. The 2016-constructed beach cabins or Tree Houses are in better shape, and many offer room-to-beach access, although this translates to sand-filled floors. Although inexpensive rates reflect the property's caliber, the beach setting is fantastic.

Its location right on Pantai Cenang's white-sand beach is why travelers choose Malibest Resort. Pristine shores and warm, tropical waters here are great for swimming, and loungers and umbrellas can be rented. Water sports are available from the front desk (fee) or independent operators on the beach. The adjacent drag is packed with street food, local or fast-food restaurants, bars, markets, and stores. Cenang Mall is six minutes away on foot, with the Zon Duty Free Shopping Centre and Underwater World are twice that. A 7-eleven is next door. The Langkawi Cable Car and town of Kuah are a 30-minute drive away. Langkawi International Airport is about a 20-minute drive.

Straightforward rooms come in a range of categories, from two- or four-person units in the main building, to stand-alone cabins or Tree Houses that sleep six and are directly along the beach. Largely neutral-toned decor is fairly spartan, consisting of minimal basic wood furniture, white linens, and tile or patterned-carpet flooring. Colorful accents are limited to old-fashioned floral-print curtains or busily patterned carpet. It's worth upgrading to the 2016-built Deluxe Cabins or Tree Houses, where log or wood-beam paneling is cozy, sea views are guaranteed, and direct access to the beach is sensational. Prepare for sand-filled floors in the these units though, while older rooms suffer minor maintenance issues, and those near the pool can be noisy.

Desks, tea- and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs with limited English-language channels, mini-fridges, AC, and ceiling fans come standard Worn or modern bathrooms have handheld, wet room, or rainfall showers. Some units offer tubs or outdoor spaces (furnished or unfurnished), and a select few (during our visit) have free Wi-Fi. Equally lacking are crib availability, TV remotes in some rooms, and hairdryers (reception cab loan them, though). Note, many rooms require a stair approach, which is particularly steep for Tree Houses.

Limited features let the beach take center stage here. It also helps keep rates low, and with guests generally heading to the sand, the limitations aren't too problematic. Endless nearby eateries make up for the lack of on-site dining, and the only real complaints are regarding the lack of parking (street parking is limited). The 24-hour reception can arrange water sport rentals for the beach, which is the undeniable highlight here.

The outdoor pool overlooks the ocean and backs directly onto it. It lacks loungers, umbrellas, towels, or a pool bar, but it's well-maintained. It also gets the sun, and small or large blue waterslides here are reached by fun tree house structures. Poolside potted plants and palm trees give the space some character. The hotel doesn't accept pets. Free Wi-Fi is only accessible in the lobby, save a few rooms.