Pantai Cenang

This popular beach is the longest beach on Langkawi island and probably the most attractive. Known to the natives as Pantai Cenang, the beach is a long stretch of golden white sands and is virtually a tourist paradise. The shoreline of Pantai Cenang is especially famous for the extraordinary and romantic sunset view it provides.

,

The two kilometer long coast stretch is fringed swaying with casuarinas and coconut trees. Beyond the sands lie the dense green rainforests of this tropical island and this wilderness provides fodder for the adventure thirsty younger lot.

Pantai Cenang is where most of the resorts are concentrated on the Langkawi island along with a host of shopping opportunities, exciting nightlife and convenient facilities. A number of accommodations, eateries and tourist establishments have sprung up here in recent times to cater to the burgeoning influx of visitors. A number of chalets, budget hotels and five star accommodations make Pantai Cenang one of the most developed tourist center in entire Langkawi.

Despite being the most crowded beach on the island, it’s still quiet and laid back.

Burau Bay

Burau Bay or Teluk Burau is a fairly secluded beach in Langkawi. While Burau Bay is regarded as a public beach, the crowd mostly consists of the patrons coming from the two resorts flanking on the opposite ends of this beach. The beach is estimated at 2-km long from one end to the other.

The water is pleasant enough to swim in and not as murky as most other beaches in Langkawi. In certain sections of the beach boast a fairly crystal-clear water which is considered a rare offering in the island of Langkawi.

The view from the beach is spectacular, with the jagged peaks of the Gunung Mat Chinchang nearby creates an awe-inspiring backdrop. A hive of water-based activities is normally conducted along the beach, mainly organised by the two resorts on Burau Bay. A number of beach chairs and umbrellas are provided on both ends of Burau Bay which are great for avid sun-worshippers.

Burau Bay is also a great location to view the sunset as well as the sunrise. It is probably one of the few beaches in Malaysia that geographically faces both the east and the west, albeit partially. The sunset was simply breathtaking. A combination of dark blue, pink, and purple dotted the horizon, making a memorable sunset watching experience.

To Get There:

By Taxi. 12 km to the International Airport (Langkawi)

Black Sand Beach

Pantai Tanjung Rhu

Located near the top of northeast corner of Langkawi island, Pantai Tanjung Rhu is much more secluded and exclusive. Famous for its beautiful beaches with emerald green waters Pantai Tanjung Rhu is one of those places you go when you want to get away from it all. For those staying in this area there are several tourist attractions to visit.

Tanjung Rhu is also known as the ‘Casuarina Beach’ for its abundance of Casuarina trees rather than the usual palms and coconuts. This beautiful beach is a coastline rich with coral and marine life. It is sheltered by the curve of the bay while its waters are shallow and warm. A striking feature of this beach is the little rocky outcrop of Chabang Island rising out from the sea.

Life here is low, relaxed and soothing, perfect for a therapeutic getaway. During the low tide, it is also possible to walk across a sandbank to some nearby islands; Pulau Pasir and Pulau Gasing. On clear days, you can see a number of islands within the Thailand's border such as Ko Turatao and Ko Adang. There are numerous caves nearby, namely Gua Cerita and Gua Siam. Horse riding is also available at the Tanjung Rhu Riding Center.

Pulau Payar

Datai Beach

Datai Beach is considered as the most exclusive beach in Langkawi island. Situated in the north-west of the island, it is way off the main road but it offers gorgeous sights, including a view of Thailand’s coast-line on a clear day. Besides beaching yourself, you can also explore the surrounding tropical rainforest and admire the gems of Malaysia’s natural heritage.

Getting There:

By Plane
Daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur are available via Malaysia Airlines. Optionally Air Asia also has regular flights to Langkawi.

By Rail
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) connects Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and Arau towns in Kedah. From these towns, you can catch a taxi or a bus to Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis respectively and catch a ferry to Langkawi.

By Boat
From Kuala Kedah (1 hour 15 minute ride), from Kuala Perlis(45 minutes). Ferries are also available from Penang

By Road
From the North South Expressway (NSE), head north to Kedah and take the Alor Setar Selatan exit (Interchange 177) onto the highway headed to Teluk Kechai and on to Kuala Kedah where you can catch a ferry to Langkawi island. Alternatively, you can also catch ferries from Kuala Perlis further north, accessible via the Jitra Selatan exit (Interchange 181) via Kodiang and Kangar on trunk road K3. This route is longer, at 48km from the NSE exit. Teluk Datai is about 30 km or 30 minutes drive north from the Langkawi International Airport at Padang Mat Sirat.