Palau Langkawi, the largest among the 99 island archipelago in the Andaman Sea, is home to many tropical and unspoiled beaches or Pantai as they are called in Malay. Spread out on the northern and western coast of this island, are ten named and several unnamed beaches. Whether you prefer a secluded cove or a lively shore bustling with crowd, there is a beach for everyone in Langkawi.
Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah:
Pantai Cenang, also known as the Chenang beach, sits on the western coast of Langkawi. Tall palm trees line-up the shore of Pantai Cenang with white sandy beach and clear blue water. Pantai Tengah, situated on the south of Cenang is favoured by families and water sport lovers. Both these beaches are popular among visitors who come here to relax on the sun beds or enjoy Banana boating, Jet skiing and parasailing. To take a break from the beach, go shopping at the duty-free shopping malls such as ZON or the Cenang mall, or head to the local night markets. There are a number of cafes and restaurants nearby, and you can dance through the night with lively music and good food.
Tanjung Rhu:
Sunset chaser should not miss the unforgettable sunset seen from the secluded beach of Tanjung Rhu. Located on the north eastern edge of the island, the sky above the beach turns into different shades of pink, purple, red and orange during sunset. It is a great place to have a romantic evening stroll on powdery sand or a swim in the shallow sea.
Pasir Tengkorak:
To go where the locals go, head to Pantai Pasir Tengkorak, also known as the Sandy Skulls beach. Facing the island of Koh Tarutao in Thailand, this beach sits on the northern coast of Langkawi. Many tropical birds and monkeys descend upon this beach from the nearby dense forest. The beach has the softest sand and features half a billion-year-old rock formations. Equipped with picnic tables, shower rooms and toilets, Pasir Tengkorak is good for an easy day at the beach.
Pantai Kok:
Located near the Langkawi cable car ride and Oriental Village, the shores of Pantai Kok are lined with casuarina trees. It is home to some of the most upscale beach resorts and has ample dining, shopping and nightlife options. The shallow water at Pantai Kok is excellent for young children and cautious swimmers.
Black Sand Beach and Shark Bay:
Black sand beach gets its name from the black and white sand found on its shore. The beach has a traditional wooden jetty which was used by fishermen in ancient times. It is good for a stopover when driving to Tanjung Rhu. Shark Bay also known as Telak Yu, which is a continuation of the Black Sand beach, is another picture perfect beach for swimming and picnic. It gets its name from sharks made of stones on the promenade and is loved by the locals for its shore, parks and plenty of shaded resting place to sit and laze around.
Datai Bay
Datai Bay beach is wrapped between a lush rainforest and the Andaman Sea, on the north western coast of Langkawi. It is a private beach and can be only accessed by guests of the plush resorts nearby. There are no other tourist attractions near this beach, but if you are staying at one of the resorts, there is no reason you would miss them.
