|
|
 |
|
| |
Things to see and do > Nature & wildlife |
 |
|
|
| |
| |
| Beaches |
With some of the most idyllic beaches in Malaysia, Langkawi has plenty in store for sun worshippers. Popular, restaurant-lined beaches; deserted stretches of pure white sand and hidden alcoves with magnificent sunsets – this island has it all. (Pantai is the Malay word for beach). Many resorts also have their own sections of private beach. |
Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah
GPS: N 06 18.34 E 99 43.45
On the south western tip of the island is Langkawi’s most popular beach, Pantai Cenang. Towards its southern end, you can find its equally beautiful yet quieter cousin, Pantai Tengah. Together, these two beaches have an impressive 3km stretch of soft golden sand and invitingly clear water to match.
Small schools of fish that dart away from your feet as you wade into the transparent water and the edge of the beach is lined with palm trees. There are many small restaurants and gazebos right on the sand, where you can enjoy a massage, a meal or a freshly squeezed fruit juice right at the water’s edge.
Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah have something to suit every taste and budget: Laze on a deck chair and sip a cocktail or hop on a Jetski and ride the length of the palm-lined beach on the blue water. Stroll through the shops that line Jalan Pantai Cenang and then stop and have your tired feet massaged by a skilled Thai masseuse. If you want to stay here, you can check in to any of the budget and midrange hotels or splurge on the 5 star and boutique resorts and be treated like royalty. |
Pantai Kok
The scenery of Pantai Kok was made famous in the movie Anna and the King which was partially shot here. It is situated at the north western part of the island, with the peak of Mount Mat Cincang towering in the background.
It is easy to see how this picturesque beach was chosen as the backdrop for an enchanting film. Jungle-clad hills and limestone cliffs rise right behind the sandy bay and in front, sailboats from the Telega Harbour Park make their way out to sea.
As there are few resorts or facilities at the public part of the beach, it remains quiet and is the ideal spot for those that are seeking some seclusion in a gorgeous location. Many of Langkawi’s other attractions – such as the Seven Wells Waterfall and the cable car ride to the top of Mat Cincang are close by. |
Pantai Tanjung Rhu
The sheltered bay at the northern tip of the island holds one of Langkawi’s most scenic beaches. Removed from the towns and hubs of the island, it is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the quiet lapping of the waves at the shore.
Tanjung Rhu beach is also known as the ‘Casuarina Beach’ because of the many Casuarina trees growing here. The water is warm, shallow and clear and at low tide you can wade over to the sandbank to two small islands off the coast, Pulau Pasir and Pulau Gasing. The bay faces to the west, making this the ultimate spot for a spectacular island sunset. |
Pantai Pasir Tengkorak – SandySkullsBeach
Langkawi’s locals are adamant that this is the island’s best beach. The way this curve of white sand is sheltered by tall trees and the huge boulders flanking it on either side brings to mind the days when Langkawi was not a haven for sun seekers, but a haven for pirates. It is rumoured that remains of skulls, broken bones and shipwrecks can still be found here.
It is a popular picnic spot on weekends. Shaded by trees up to the shoreline and hidden from the roadside, it offers luxurious privacy and seclusion. |
Pantai Pasir Hitam – BlackSandBeach
This beach is set apart from the others on the island by its dark, shimmering sand. The black colour of the grains is believed to be due to the heavy deposits of iron and tin ore in the area, but true to Langkawi’s legendary nature, other more mystical explanations abound.
The most popular legend tells of the love between a Chinese princess and a Roman prince. The mythical giant Phoenix, Garuda, opposed their imminent marriage, sure that such a powerful union would threaten the smaller kingdoms. The prince’s forces employed the help of Jentayu, another mythical bird, and waged a fierce battle against Garuda, singeing the sand at Pantai Pasir Hitam black. Despite all its efforts, the prince was reunited with his love and the shamed Garuda disappeared forever.
There is an old jetty, serving the nearby fishing community and the beach is a tranquil retreat. |
Pantai Datai
Ranked by the Discovery Travel Channel as one of the best beaches in the South East Asian region, this beach is breathtaking. Dense jungle and rounded hills form the backdrop, the sand is soft and the water is crystal clear.
Pantai Datai is the domain of The Datai and The Andaman resorts and can only be accessed through the jungle paths that lead down from these resorts to the shore. |
Pantai Teluk Yu – Bay of Sharks
Pantai Teluk Yu is a continuation of Pantai Pasir Hitam (Black Sand Beach) but without the pigmented sand that characterises the latter. Despite the name, the water here is completely safe for swimming and you will not be encountering any man-eating sharks.
This is a tranquil beach, with white sand sloping gently into the still water. The Teluk Ewa jetty is also located here. |
Pulau Beras Basah – WetRiceIsland
The island was so named when a boat carrying rice capsized on its shore in a terrible tropical storm. The storm is said to have been brought on by the sailors’ indifference to asking the blessing of Dayang Bunting.
The beach on this island is a popular picnic spot and is best reached with one of the island hopping tours. The water is calm and a clear blue, gradually getting deeper, and is an excellent place to cool off in the heat of the day. Sea sport equipment, such as a banana boat, kayaks and snorkelling equipment are for hire and there is also a small stand selling soft drinks and snacks. |
Pulau Singa Besar – Big Lion Island
This island is right next to the famed Pulau Dayang Bunting (Pregnant Maiden Island) it is said that the lion was put here as a guardian for Dayang Bunting.
Set aside as a wildlife sanctuary, you can find the elusive mouse deer, giant monitor lizards and hornbills here. As this is a popular stop on the island hopping tours, the pristine beaches of this island are best reached in this way. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Home | Locations | Hotels and Resorts | Things to see and do
Getting there and getting around | Travel Tips | About us | Contact us
All information, images and videos on this website are copyright of myOutdoor.com, all rights reserved.
We take care and go to great lengths to provide accurate and comprehensive information about our destinations. However we cannot provide
an absolute guarantee on the accuracy or completeness of the information provided here and disclaim any liability from its use. |
|
