If you’re dreaming of white sand, turquoise waters, and colourful coral reefs, Koh Lipe is calling. This tiny Thai island is located at the southern part of the Andaman Sea, near the Malaysian border. Because of its location, you can simply take a ferry from Langkawi (Malaysia) to Koh Lipe (Thailand).
It’s a quick and scenic journey, but you need to know how the ferry works, which documents are required, and what formalities you will go through at the border. This guide will take you step by step from Malaysia to Koh Lipe.
Travelling from Malaysia to Koh Lipe by Ferry
If you’re taking a ferry from Langkawi (Malaysia) to Koh Lipe (Thailand) soon, here’s what you should know:
- High Season (mid-October to May): Daily direct ferries operate between Langkawi and Koh Lipe from mid-October to May. You can therefore choose a ferry that suits your schedule and travel with ease.
- Low Season (June to September): No direct ferries operate from Malaysia to Koh Lipe during this period. If you still wish to travel during the off or low season, you will need to take a ferry from Langkawi to Satun (northern border province in Thailand). Your Koh Lipe immigration paperwork will be stamped here. Post that, you can take a bus or a cab to Pak Bara Pier to get a speedboat to Koh Lipe.
Langkawi and Koh Lipe Immigration Office Details
Since you’re crossing from Malaysia into Thailand, you must clear both exit and entry procedures. Understanding where the Langkawi to Koh Lipe immigration offices are can help make the journey easier:
- Langkawi Immigration Office (Departure): You’ll find immigration counters at both Kuah Jetty and Telaga Harbour Marina, where you complete the Malaysian exit process. You should arrive early, as queues can build up, especially in the high season.
- Koh Lipe Immigration Office (Arrival): Once you arrive at Pattaya Beach, you’ll pass through the Koh Lipe immigration office, which is set up right on the beach (next to the Bundhaya Resort). Here, you’ll hand over your passport and supporting documents. After receiving your entry stamp, you’re free to start exploring the island.
Overview of Ferry Services from Malaysia to Koh Lipe
| Details | Key Points |
| Operation Period | Mid-October to May (direct ferries available). No direct service June–September. |
| Journey Duration | Approximately 90 minutes (42 km by sea). |
| Arrival Point | Pattaya Beach (Koh Lipe Immigration Office) |
| Boarding Points | Telaga Harbour Marina Kuah Jetty |
| Ferry Operator List | Satun Pakbara Speed Boat Langkawi Bundhaya Speed BoatBaanpun Travel FO |
| Ferry Schedule | Varies depending on Travel date and operator. First ferry from Kuah Jetty: 10:45 AM First ferry from Telaga Harbour Marina: 10:30 AM |
| Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ticket Price | Starts from MYR 133.62 |
Departure Points in Langkawi
If you’re travelling from Malaysia to Koh Lipe, you can choose between two departure points. Since these two jetties are approximately 27 km apart, one may be more convenient for you depending on where you are staying in Langkawi.
Telaga Harbour Marina
If you’re flying into Langkawi, Telaga Harbour is the most convenient option. It is only 10 km or a 15-20 minutes from Langkawi International Airport. This terminal is also very close if you are staying near Pantai Cenang.
Kuah Jetty
Kuah Jetty is located in Langkawi’s main town. It is a good option if you are staying in or around Kuah. The area features numerous duty-free shops, allowing you to do some last-minute shopping before your trip. The jetty is well connected by road, so you can reach easily from anywhere on the island.
Ferries from both jetties arrive at Pattaya Beach, where the Koh Lipe immigration office is located.
Step-by-Step Guide on Langkawi to Koh Lipe Immigration Procedures
When you arrive at Kuah Jetty or Telaga Harbour Marina in Langkawi, your journey through immigration begins. Because this is an international sea crossing, you’ll clear exit formalities in Malaysia first and then complete entry formalities with the Koh Lipe immigration office once you reach Thailand.
Knowing the steps in advance makes the Langkawi to Koh Lipe immigration process much less stressful.
Step 1: Malaysian Immigration in Langkawi
At the ferry terminal, you’ll check in and collect your boarding pass. Then you’ll pass through Malaysian immigration, where your passport is stamped and taken for safekeeping. All passenger passports are placed in a sealed bag and handed to the captain, who delivers them to the Koh Lipe immigration office.
Step 2: Boarding the Ferry
Once immigration is complete, your luggage is tagged and stored. Keep valuables with you in your hand luggage. Boarding closes approximately 30–45 minutes before departure, so please arrive with plenty of time to spare.
Step 3: Arrival at Koh Lipe
When the ferry reaches Pattaya Beach, it anchors offshore. From here, you’ll transfer onto a longtail boat for the short ride to the beach. This little hop across the water is not only practical but also a beautiful way to see the island for the first time.
Step 4: Thai Immigration on Koh Lipe
On the beach, you’ll be guided to the Koh Lipe immigration office. The captain hands the sealed bag of passports to Thai officers, who then process everyone’s entry. Your passport is stamped and returned to you. At this stage, you’ll have to pay the Tarutao National Marine Park fee at the Marine Fee Counter.
Remember that immigration queues can get long, especially during the months of December and January, so have your documents ready to ensure a smooth journey.
Langkawi to Koh Lipe Ferry Ticket Prices
If you’re planning a trip to Koh Lipe from Langkawi, understanding Koh Lipe immigration requirements is not enough. You also need to know the approximate ferry ticket prices.
| From | Adults (Approx) | Child (Approx) |
| Telaga Harbour Marina | From MYR 140 (one-way)From MYR 280 (return) | From MYR 120 (one-way)From MYR 240 (return) |
| Kuah Jetty | From MYR 134 (one-way)From MYR 267 (return) | From MYR 107 (one-way)From MYR 214 (return) |
Ferry ticket prices from Langkawi to Koh Lipe can vary depending on the date of travel and your selected travel operator. Some online ferry ticket booking platforms, such as redBus Malaysia, offer seasonal discounts and child fare options at reduced rates. You can claim these offers to reduce your overall travel cost.
Documents Required for Langkawi to Koh Lipe Immigration
Before travelling from Malaysia to Koh Lipe, make sure you have the necessary documents prepared to avoid delays at immigration. Here’s what you need:
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your entry date into Thailand. This rule is strictly enforced, so double-check before you travel.
- Visa Requirements: Malaysian citizens do not require a visa for visits to Thailand of less than 60 days. But if you plan to stay longer, you must apply for the correct visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. If you’re a citizen of a different country, remember to check your visa requirements for Thailand before departure.
- Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Complete the online arrival card at tdac.immigration.go.th before travelling. Fill in your personal details, travel information, health declaration, and accommodation address. A PDF will be emailed to you, which you must present upon arrival.
- Return or Onward Ticket: Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel. Keep a printed or digital copy of your onward ticket ready.
Extra Costs Related to Koh Lipe Immigration
In addition to your ferry price, all foreign visitors must pay the Tarutao National Marine Park entry fee upon arrival in Koh Lipe. The fee helps fund conservation efforts and maintain the park’s fragile ecosystem.
The current Tarutao National Marine Park fee structure is given below:
| Category | Fee |
| Foreign Adults | THB 200 per person |
| Foreign Children (Ages 3 to 14) | THB 100 per child |
Travel Tips for Crossing the Border to Koh Lipe
Here’s a list of some handy travel tips you can use to make the Langkawi to Koh Lipe immigration process smoother:
- Try to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 90 minutes before departure so you have enough time for check-in and the Langkawi to Koh Lipe immigration procedures.
- Always carry Thai Baht in cash because ATMs on Koh Lipe are limited and may run out of money. You will need cash for the national park fee and taxi fares.
- Pack light, as you will be transferring from the ferry to the beach on longtail boats, and smaller luggage bags are much easier to handle.
- Most ferry operators allow one medium-sized suitcase (up to 20 kg) and one small carry-on bag. Extra or oversized luggage may incur an additional charge which varies based on the operator.
- Check the weather forecast before travelling, as the sea can be rough during the monsoon season, and ferries may be delayed or cancelled.
- If ferries are delayed, operators typically shift passengers to the next available departure. If the ferry is cancelled, most operators refund your entire ticket price or shift your ticket to another date. Read the booking policies carefully to understand what’s offered by your selected operator.
- Keep printed and digital copies of your passport, tickets, and hotel booking, as you may be asked to present them multiple times during your trip.
- If you plan to snorkel or dive, you may be asked to present your Tarutao National Marine Park fee ticket. This ticket is valid for 7 days, so make sure you keep it safe.
- Apart from the Marine fee, you may also encounter small extra expenses such as beach taxi transfers and optional hotel pick-up services. These fees typically need to be paid in cash.
- If you need visa-on-arrival, you should carry at least 10,000 THB per person (or equivalent) in proof of funds, as Thai immigration may request it. Always have a return or onward ticket ready, as officers will verify this before stamping entry. Avoid overstaying your permitted duration—fines for overstays start at THB 500 per day.
Travelling to Koh Lipe in the Low Season
If you decide to visit Koh Lipe in the low season (June to September), you’ll discover a very different atmosphere compared to the busy high season. Yes, this journey is longer than the direct ferry option. But if you travel to Koh Lipe in the low season, you will experience quieter beaches, fewer tourists, and the chance to enjoy the island in its most peaceful state.
Here’s how you can still make the journey:
- Travel from your hotel to Kuah Jetty (Langkawi)
- Take the ferry from Langkawi to Satun (Thailand)
- Complete the immigration procedure
- Continue by road to Pak Bara Pier
- Catch the ferry from Pak Bara to Koh Lipe
Final Thoughts
Travelling from Malaysia to Koh Lipe by ferry is one of the most scenic sea-border crossings in Southeast Asia. The journey is short, with stunning views, and the Langkawi to Koh Lipe immigration process is straightforward. With your documents in order and some Thai Baht in hand, the Koh Lipe immigration office is simply the final step before you can relax and enjoy this tropical paradise.
You can easily book your Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry tickets online through redBus Malaysia for a smooth start to your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you visit Koh Lipe from Malaysia?
Yes. You can visit Koh Lipe from Malaysia by taking a direct ferry from Langkawi. Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferries run from mid-October to May (high-season) and the journey takes about 90 minutes. Immigration is handled at the departure and arrival terminals.
2. How do I arrive at Koh Lipe?
If you’re travelling from Malaysia, you can:
- Take a ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe, Thailand. Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferries depart from Telaga Harbour Marina and the Kuah Jetty during the high-season.
- Take a ferry from Langkawi to Satun (Thailand) if you are travelling from June to September. After that, you can take a bus or a cab to Pak Bara Pier to get a speedboat to Koh Lipe.
3. Can you travel from Malaysia to Thailand by boat?
Yes. You can take a Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry to travel from Malaysia to Thailand by boat. These direct ferries run from mid-October to May every year and take about 90 minutes to complete the journey. You can take the ferry from either the Telaga Harbour Marina or the Kuah Jetty.
4. How do I go from Kuala Lumpur to Koh Lipe?
To go from Kuala Lumpur to Koh Lipe, you have to:
- Take a flight from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the Langkawi International Airport
- Next, take a taxi or shuttle from the airport to the ferry terminal (Telaga or Kuah Jetty as per your ticket)
- Lastly, take a Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry
5. Do I need a visa to visit Koh Lipe?
You will need visa if your nationality requires one for initial entry into Thailand. Malaysians do not require visa for visits to Thailand of less than 60 days. Many nationalities can enter Thailand visa-free but some may need e-Visa or Visa on Arrival. Its always best to check the latest visa rules before planning your Koh Lipe trip.
6. What is the best route to get to Koh Lipe?
The best and most recommended route for Malaysians is to take a ferry from Langkawi to Koh Lipe. The ferry takes about 90 minutes and offers scenic views of the Andaman Sea along the way.
7. Is it normal for your passport to be taken at departure on the Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry?
Yes, it’s normal. After Malaysian immigration stamps you out, your passport is collected and kept in a sealed bag with the others. The ferry captain hands it to the Koh Lipe immigration officers, who stamp it and return it to you.
8. Where do ferries to Koh Lipe depart from in Langkawi?
Ferries to Koh Lipe depart from the Telaga Harbour Marina and the Kuah Jetty. The former is closer to the Langkawi International Airport, while the latter is more convenient if you are staying in town.
9. How long is the ferry ride from Langkawi to Koh Lipe?
The ferry crossing takes around 90 minutes. But the time taken for the journey also depends on the weather and sea conditions.
10. How much does a Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry ticket cost?
A one-way adult ticket costs about MYR 134. However, prices can vary depending on your departure point, the ferry operator, and the date of travel.
11. Do I need a visa for Koh Lipe immigration if I am travelling from Malaysia?
Visa rules depend on your nationality. Malaysian citizens do not require a visa for short stays, while many other travellers can enter Thailand visa-free for tourism purposes. Always check your requirements in advance.
12. Do I need to go through immigration at both Langkawi and Koh Lipe?
Yes. You will have to clear Malaysian immigration at Langkawi before departure. On arrival, the Koh Lipe immigration office at Pattaya Beach handles the entry process into Thailand.
13. Do I have to pay a national park fee at the Koh Lipe Immigration Office?
Yes, as the island is part of Tarutao National Marine Park, you need to pay a fee of 200 THB (foreign adults) in cash upon arrival.
14. Can you book Langkawi to Koh Lipe ferry tickets in advance?
Yes, you can book online through platforms like redBus Malaysia in advance. This is a great idea, especially if you plan to travel during the peak season when ferry tickets often sell out quickly.
15. What documents will I need for the Langkawi to Koh Lipe immigration process?
You should carry:
- Your passport with at least six months’ validity
- Your return ferry ticket
- Thai Baht in cash
- PDF copy of your TDAC (Thai Digital Arrival Card)
16. Are ferries available in the low season?
There are no direct ferries between Langkawi and Koh Lipe during the low season, which is from June to September. During this time, you need to travel via Satun in Thailand to reach the island.