The beaches of Langkawi Island are some of the best-hidden gem beaches in the world. Instead of dealing with the hustle and bustle of the city, escape on the perfect beach getaway to Langkawi Island, Malaysia.
It’s made up of 99 islands and is a mix of pristine white sands and jungles, creating a unique blend of nature views.
Langkawi Island is easy to get to via plane ride from Kuala Lumpur. There are many beautiful beaches in Malaysia, but here is a list of the best beaches in Langkawi Island to help you decide which to visit.
The best time to visit Langkawi Island is between November and April, which is in the same interval as the best time to visit Malaysia.
Best Beaches in Langkawi Island
Pantai Pasir Tengkorak Beach
Nestled in the Hutan Lipur Pasir Tengkorak Recreational Forest, Pantai Pasir Tengkorak Beach is also known as Skull Sand Beach or Sandy Skull Beach.
It is a local favorite and is still untouched by tourism. The talcum white sands and clear blue waters are lined by lush, green forests, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Since Pasir Tengkorak Beach is part of the Recreational Forest, you can find plenty of activities and local foods right by the beach. When you get hungry after swimming, you can buy food and drinks at one of the many food stalls right outside the main gate.
Pantai Tengah Beach
On the edge of Pantai Cenang, is the exciting Pantai Tengah Beach. Not only is it a stunning Malaysian beach, but Pantai Tengah is filled with activities for those that want a bit more action during the day.
Experience the wonders of Langkawi Island through an island-hopping tour, a visit to the Mini Water Theme Park, or a Mangrove Safari boat trip.
Tengah Beach is also known for having some of the best spas in Langkawi Island, so get all the knots in your back taken out and relax. After all that action, it’s nice to end the day with a nice massage.
Black Sand Beach
As the name suggests, Black Sand Beach Langkawi is a mix of white and black sands that create a unique marble-like effect. Though the waves here aren’t great for swimming, it is a hot spot for locals to enjoy the weekends.
Take a 20-minute drive to Black Sand from the Langkawi Cable Car, and host a picnic with your closest friends on the soft, marbled sands.
There is an old wooden port that is still used today by local fishers. While having your picnic, sit back and watch as the old ships come into port, or maybe join in a fishing trip by boat with a local.
Tanjung Rhu Beach
About 14 miles via taxi or rented car, you can access the gorgeous Tanjung Rhu Beach. When you are approaching the beach, you will pass through dense jungle first, providing a breathtaking journey for an even more incredible destination.
Due to its secluded nature, Tanjung Rhu is peaceful and not too crowded.
The shorelines are exquisite and have crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming. There are a few stalls on the road selling local Langkawi snacks for whenever you get hungry.
Tanjung Rhu Beach is famous for having cooler weather compared to other beaches on the island, great for those who want to escape the Langkawi Island humidity.
Datai Bay Beach
To get to the gorgeous Datai Bay, it’s best to rent your own car or motorbike in Kuah before heading there. Don’t worry, google maps in Langkawi works perfectly.
There aren’t many tourists that visit Datai Bay, so you will have much of the clear blue ocean waves to yourself. You may not see many visitors here, but you may see some monkeys, iguanas, and peacocks that are native to the area.
The waves at Datai are great for swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding. Close to the beach, you can find some of Langkawi’s most interesting places like the Ibrahim Hussein Foundation Museum and a crocodile farm.
It’s great for those that want relaxation and excitement.
Burau Bay Beach
Burau Bay is surrounded by many Malaysian beach resorts, but the middle portion is open to the public. Only a 10-minute walk from Langkawi Cable Car, you can find this exciting Langkawi beach.
It is an awesome spot for swimming, but also provides some of the best views in Langkawi. From the white sands, you can see Gunung Mat Cincang, Sarasota Island, and Burau Island.
Due to the many hotels at Burau Bay, there are many activities for visitors to enjoy here. Take an island-hopping tour, or try banana boating and jet skiing. It’s a great way to get the heart racing while appreciating the clear waters.
Batu Hampar Beach
Right in front of the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort is Batu Hampar Beach. Although the beach is part of the Sheraton hotel, you can still access the beach.
The pristine beach has two major rock formations on each side and is covered in gorgeous coconut trees. It has that laid-back island atmosphere that anyone can enjoy.
If you are not a guest at the Sheraton hotel, you will need to bring your own towels to Batu Hampar, as the facilities there are for guests only.
Paradise 101 Beach
Getting to Paradise 101 takes a bit of time but is well worth it. Near Telaga Harbour, take a short boat ride to access Paradise 101.
During the day, enjoy the numerous water sports that are offered here. There are banana boats, island hopping tours, jet skis, snorkeling tours, and even an aqua park.
Paradise 101 is known for having some of the best food on the island, so make sure to take plenty of food breaks while here. In the evening, sit back and relax while listening to live bands. It’s an awesome way to end an exciting day.
Shark Bay Beach
Don’t worry about visiting Shark Bay Beach, there aren’t actually any sharks here! The name originates from the stone sharks that lie on the coast. This beach is known for its peaceful and picturesque nature and is a great escape for the stressed soul.
To arrive here it’s best to go by taxi or a rental car and is only 15 miles from the airport. There are plenty of food stalls selling fresh local seafood along the coastline. Shark Bay is an extension of Black Sand Beach, but you will only find pristine white sands here.
Shark Bay Beach is also known as Teluk Yu Beach.
Pantai Kok Beach
Just north of Pantai Cenang Beach, you can find the local favorite, Pantai Kok. The best way to get here is by renting a car as it is difficult to find a return taxi here.
Being a local favorite, the beaches have remained clean and unspoiled by large waves of tourism. The clear blue waters aren’t the only thing that makes Pantai Cenang so loved, though.
On the beachfront, there is the new Telaga Harbour Park filled with delicious restaurants, lively bars, and shops galore. Pantai Kok has the perfect balance of tranquility and excitement.
Pantai Cenang Beach
Only 10 minutes from the Langkawi International Airport, you can find the longest Langkawi beach, Pantai Cenang Beach.
During the daytime, rent a lounge chair and relax on the soft white sand beach, or go for a swim in the gentle ocean waves. Cenang Beach is a great spot for families as it has many kid-friendly attractions like the Underwater World Langkawi for some indoor fun.
After watching the magnificent sunset, enjoy Cenang Beach’s lively nightlife. There are many bars and lounges on the beach that serve delicious cocktails. Depending on where you are, you may even hear some local live music.
Pantai Cenang Beach is known as the most beautiful and best beach in Malaysia.
Langkawi Beaches FAQ
Does Langkawi have nice beaches?
Langkawi has some of the best beaches in Malaysia. These beaches have stunning white sands, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of evening activities to enjoy.
What is the most beautiful beach in Langkawi?
Pantai Cenang Beach is known to be the most beautiful beach in Malaysia, even tho all the beaches in Langkawi Island are spectacular.
Can you swim in Langkawi beaches?
You can swim on every beach in Langkawi with the exception of Black Sand Beach. The waves in Langkawi, Malaysia are gentle and perfect for a swim.
What are the beaches like in Langkawi?
Each beach has its own specialty, but most have soft talcum-white sands and gentle blue waves. Even at peak season, Langkawi island’s beaches have enough space for everyone to enjoy.
Best Beaches in Langkawi Youtube Video Below ↓
Long Story Short,
Best Beaches in Langkawi Island
- Pantai Pasir Tengkorak Beach
- Pantai Tengah Beach
- Black Sand Beach
- Tanjung Rhu Beach
- Datai Bay Beach
- Burau Bay Beach
- Batu Hampar Beach
- Paradise 101 Beach
- Shark Bay Beach
- Pantai Kok Beach
- Pantai Cenang Beach
