Todays article is all about the best beaches in Langkawi. Langkawi is both a district and an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea approximately 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. It’s tourism flourishes due to the pristine beaches, so lets take a look at the best…
Pasir Tengkorak Beach
Tengkorak Beach provides an air of calm and a feeling of privacy. It is a small yet popular beach surrounded by a forested area, the geography meaning it is set away from urban development. Trees provide shade onto the sand and the sea is a perfect blue. The sea on this beach is especially marvellous as it gives that incredible clarity; in rocky areas you can see perfectly through the water to the rocks and pebbles below. Across the ocean, there are islands on the horizon which makes the view quite spectacular. This beach is a great spot for tanning, climbing trees, playing catch in the sea, reading books and generally living the paradise island life.
Shark Bay Beach (Teluk Yu)
This beach is a great one to seek real privacy. It is known as Teluk Yu by the locals and is tucked away by the side of a cement factory. This proximity is off putting for many visitors making it very quiet and not overrun by tourists in the slightest. The view over other islands from Shark Bay Beach is next to none and this beach provides a super sunset viewing spot. Don’t be misled by the name, this beach is far too calm for any shark activity!
Tanjung Rhu Beach
Do you love paddling between rockpools while the sunset light hits the sea? Then this beach is for you! It faces the incredible Langkawi sunset and at low tide you can walk between the little rock formations and islands in the water. There are so many interesting things to see here, from monkeys to mangroves. The soft sand and shallow beach entrance makes this beach excellent for kids. One thing to watch out for: this is a public beach but staff at the nearby resorts sometimes tell you it is for Four Seasons Hotel guests only. However, this is only applicable to part of the beach leaving most of it open to the public with no fee.
Cenang Beach
This beach is the place to go for water sports. You can opt for island hopping tours to visit the nearby islands; Pulau Rebak Kechil and Pulau Rebak Besar. You can jet ski or banana boat and get the adrenaline pumping! It’s a popular and touristic place with shops and eateries but in a great way that gives Cenang a vibe. After a fun day of water sports you can make friends with other holidaymakers in the nearby bars and enjoy drinks as you watch the fantastic sun go down.
Beras Basah Island
Head to this wonderful island to experience the best blue sea and white sand that Langkawi has to offer. Some people visit the island as part of a boat tour but there are also options for a day trip to spend the day enjoying the remoteness of a tiny island. A little into the sea from Beras Basah are diving sites where divers and snorkelers can see colourful fish. It’s also a great place for a swim because the sea is calm but deep and is clear and free of weeds. Watch out for cheeky monkeys on this island as they approach you and try to grab your food!
Burau Bay
This beach is on the western coastline of Langkawi and the middle section is open to the public. There is so much natural beauty to see and experience, from the trees to the birds that settle in the area. Hotels and resorts nearby offer spa experiences and exclusive dining, so there is an option for a little luxury for those staying at Burau Bay. The beach itself is fantastic for swimming and also offers water sports. Notable landmarks and activities surround Burau such as the Langkawi Cable Car and Telaga Harbour Park with many diverse eateries and cafes, so it’s a great place to stay for a few nights and get the balance of a relaxing beautiful beach and activities to fill the day.
Datai Bay
This area of Langkawi offers a true escape from reality. It’s not touristic aside from the visitors to the few resorts, so the best way to travel here is to stay for a few days. Rent a simple beach bungalow or opt for a more luxury choice with a private pool and rainfall shower at the Datai Bay resort. It’s the honeymoon vibe that everyone needs as a little guilty pleasure!
Black Sand Beach
Ironically, the sand here isn’t completely black. Instead there are black streaks from a nearby hot spring. The name comes from old folklore but the stories are fantastic. There are boats all around and rustic piers jutting out into the ocean. It’s best for a day trip to walk along the shore, sunbathe or swim in the blue waters. It’s a perfect place to take photographs because of the way the sunset hits the sea and wet sand streaked with black. The contrast of this natural light with the boats moored on the sand creates a picturesque view and a memorable photograph.
Pantai Kok
Find this area on the western side of Langkawi. It is a perfect balance of local meets tourism but neither is too intense. The welcoming atmosphere makes you want to stay for weeks which is why it’s an excellent place to use as a base to explore the local attractions. These include waterfalls and a cable car experience, riding up to the peak of Mat Cincang Mountain. There is a marina here for yachting and boat trips and there are many resorts to choose from for a stay, ranging from all-inclusive to slightly more basic and cheap. With all the restaurants, bars and activities there is plenty to keep entertained, but there is always a relaxing spot to find when you need to truly chill out.
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