Langkawi Beaches
Langkawi’s beaches are the main attraction on these islands. It is not glittering gold sands that you see but perpetually stretches after stretches of soft white beaches, which is most alluring.
Pantai Batu Hampar – Laying Stones Beach
Fronting the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort, this little stretch of beach is bounded by rocky outcrops on both ends. Coconut and mangrove trees preserve the beach’s natural environment, providing welcome shade.
Pantai Teluk Burau – Burau Bay Beach
Once the haunt of the Piped Hornbill, the rugged coastline here is broken by lush tropical vegetation. On the west coast of Langkawi Island, this stretch of coastline features the Kuala Teriang fishing village, Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls and Padang Matsirat. Facing the beach is Burau Island, a roosting place for migratory birds. So bring your binoculars and do a bit of bird watching as well as it is also a haven for the hornbills.
Pantai Kok – Kok Beach
This stretch of beach 24.8 km away from Kuah boasts white sand and swaying palms, ideal for lazing about while you view the yachts and sailboats drifting gently against the azure backdrop of the Andaman Sea. Resorts are dotted along the shore, offering the most pleasant accommodation. This beach was the Summer Palace location of the movie “Anna and the King”.
Pantai Pasir Hitam – Black Sand Beach
During the wet season, the sands here are more black than white, due to the tin and mineral ore deposits which wash up on the shore. An ancient fishing jetty lends it a sense of history, making a very picturesque scene that’s popular among locals conscious tourist. The black coloration comes from ilmenite, tourmaline, zircon deposits. However, the waters here are not conducive for swimming.
Pantai Cenang – Cenang Beach
About 18.4 km from Kuah, this beach is the liveliest stretch on the island, with restaurants and bars offering a range of local, Western and fusion cuisine to those who prefer a more lively pace of beach life. There are also many quaint resorts with chalets that cater to the more budget-conscious tourist.
Pantai Datai – Datai Beach
Characterized by boulders at both ends of the beach and dense forest in the background, Pantai Datai slopes gently into clear blue waters. Facing the beach directly is the delightful little island of Pulau Anak Datai.
Pantai Teluk Baru – New Bay Beach
The small bay of this stretch of beach forms a natural shelter for fishing boats, and you may even persuade a fishing boat to let you accompany them on a trip.
Pantai Tengah – Middle Beach
Located just next to Pantai Cenang, it offers calmer and quieter tourist spots than Pantai Cenang.
Pantai Beringin – Banyan Beach
Situated near the town of Kuah, one will notice mangrove stumps at one end that tell story of bygone days and at the other end, a calm and serene beach, fringed by swaying coconut palms.
Pantai Tanjung Rhu – Casuarina Cape Beach
Located on the northernmost tip of Langkawi island, this wide sloping beach is fringed by the casuarina trees from which Pantai Tanjung Rhu gets its name – Tanjung means cape while rhu is casuarina. During low tide, it is possible to walk across a sandy stretch to the rocky outcrop of Pulau Chabang. Nearby are a number of caves as well as mangrove swamps.