5 best beaches in Langkawi

Langkawi is full of amazingly scenic beaches, nearly all of which feature clean white sand, jungle-covered mountains in the background, and shimmering blue seas stretching for miles in almost every direction.

Though it’s mostly the exclusive domain of wealthy jet-setters, the private beach at Teluk Datai – or Datai Bay – isn’t necessarily off limits to everyone, but you’ll need to play your cards wisely if you want to get a good look.

Teluk Datai is located in the remote and undeveloped northwest corner of the island and is one of its most beautiful and undisturbed stretches of beach.

It sits in a concave depression and is framed by majestic, jungle-covered mountains and forests that obscure most of the manmade structures in the area.

It’s a region of the island that’s the realm of all-inclusive 5-star resorts like The Andaman, and since it’s quite a drive into town, most guests rarely leave the complex.

For those who’d like a taste of this lifestyle, even if only for a short while, it’s possible to enjoy this private paradise, but you’ll need to spend a few bucks at the restaurant or spa first.

Though today Langkawi is often overrun with tourists, in years past, that wasn’t the case. Back then it was the realm of adventure-seeking backpackers and European high-rollers, and not surprisingly, it’s not as easy as it once was to find your own stretch of heaven without sharing it with hundreds of other like-minded travelers.

Located just west of the large inlet that divides the island’s north shore, Pantai Pasir Tengkorak is one beach where it’s still possible to avoid the crowds.

It’s found along the road that leads to The Andaman, but unlike their private beach, Pantai Pasir Tengkorak is public.

There is ample parking but almost no facilities, and to reach the beach from the parking area requires a moderately strenuous descent among the rocks.
Don’t expect to hear blaring music and Wave-Runners, but seabirds, swooshing palms and gently lapping surf instead.

Located on the island’s north-central shore, Tanjung Rhu is characterized by the towering rock formations jutting from the water a few hundred yards offshore, which are reminiscent of scenes from The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Unlike the movie, however, Tanjung Rhu is home to a few of the island’s oldest resorts, of which Tanjung Rhu Resort is probably the most well-known.

If you head directly from the airport to Tanjung Rhu, you’ll immediately notice that you’re heading into an undeveloped area full of expansive tracts of thick forest and mountains.

Many visitors are a bit miffed to discover that the resort’s staff are pretty adamant about keeping non-guests off their beach, so if this is a scene you’d like to avoid, give them a call and ask whether or not it’s okay to visit.

Though Tanjung Rhu is beautiful and unique, it’s not the only game in town, so ask around for nearby alternatives.

Located on the southwestern edge of Langkawi’s tourist district, Pantai Tengah Beach is in many ways the perfect happy medium, making it a popular destination for the bulk of the island’s beach-loving visitors.

Connected to Pantai Cenang, it is the quintessential Malaysian beach in nearly every respect; it’s also known for its unobstructed mountain views that are particularly amazing at sunset.

With lodging, dining, and recreation options in abundance, making Pantai Tengah your base of operations while exploring the island would be a wise choice, especially for those visitors looking to make the most efficient use of their time and funds.

Despite its proximity to town, it’s still possible to find open stretches of beach that aren’t overcrowded, that are dotted with colorful local eateries reminiscent of the Caribbean.

Parasailing, kayaking, and jet-skiing are popular activities for those looking for a shot of adrenaline.

For the most compelling combination of sheer beauty, convenience, and plentiful options, Langkawi’s Pantai Cenang is hard to beat, and it’s no surprise that it’s the island’s most popular destination.

From guided scuba and mangrove tours to some of the island’s best seafood restaurants and bars, Pantai Cenang attracts convenience and value-minded visitors in droves.

Pantai Cenang is only about 10 minutes from the airport and is particularly popular with those traveling with kids, as it’s close to Underwater World Langkawi and the Rice Garden Museum – part museum and part open-air plantation that’s a big hit with families.

Unlike some of the island’s more private, remote, and exclusive areas, in Pantai Cenang, you’ll run into a wide variety of visitors from all over the world and all walks of life. In the past couple of years, Pantai Cenang has seen an increase in the number of traditional musical and cultural drama performances that are big hits too.

Source Touropia