Langkawi Island - Beaches

Pantai Cenang

Only 3 km from the Langkawi International Airport and about 25 km south-west of Kuah is the famous beach of Pantai Cenang where most of the beach chalets and resorts are located. It is a lively beach with a number of restaurants and bars offering good food and drinks. There are facilities for sailing, canoeing, snorkeling and fishing. You can also hire boats for island-hopping there.

Opposite Pantai Cenang is the island of Pulau Rebak. At low tide, a sandbar allows visitors to walk to Pulau Rebak and view marine life caught in the tidal pools. Not far off is another island worth exploring called Pulau Tepor, which can be reached by a hired boat from Cenang Beach.

Pantai Tengah

At the southern end of Pantai Cenang is another stretch of quieter beach known as Pantai Tengah which curves past a rocky point. There is less development here, but like Pantai Cenang, there are sailboats, catamarans and canoes for hire. Nearby is the Langkawi Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course which fronts the beach.

Teluk Datai

Teluk Datai to the north-west of the island is way off the main road, but it has the most exclusive golf course on the island. There is a beach near the resort meant mainly for resort guests. There are several jungle trails that take you down to the sea. There is a crocodile farm on the way to Teluk Datai where visitors can view the crocodiles and be entertained by shows in the mornings and afternoons.

Tanjung Rhu

At Padang Lalang there's a roundabout with a turn-off to the north to Tanjung Rhu. The beach is lined with whispering casuarinas trees and has a pleasant, relaxed feel. Tanjung Rhu has one of Langkawi's best beaches. The shallow water makes it fine for swimming, and a sandbank links it to a nearby rocky outcrop. The Gua Cerita, or Cave of Legends, is just around a promontory and can be reached by boats that are hired on the beach.

Pantai Pasir Hitam

Some 2 km west of Tanjung Rhu is Pantai Pasir Hitam, a beach streaked with black sand. The black streaks are caused by the deposits of mineral oxides from a nearby spring. The sea in the area is dotted with large boulders. Along the beach is a jetty where fishing boats moor. Attractions include food and souvenir stalls that sell local crafts and trinkets.