Best Langkawi Beaches Compared: A Personal Travel Guide Experience

During my trip to Malaysia, I dedicated two days to exploring the serene beauty of Langkawi, focusing on a simple beach stay without engaging in any water activities. Here’s a personal and subjective overview of the major beaches I visited:

Pantai Cenang (p1-p4):
Pantai Cenang is the largest and most vibrant beach in Langkawi, boasting an array of water activities. The sand, especially further from the shoreline, is incredibly soft, almost like fine flour. However, the downside is that it can get quite crowded and noisy, and the seawater tends to be a bit murky.

Tanjung Rhu Beach (p5-p7)
Nestled farther from Pantai Cenang, Tanjung Rhu Beach offers a more secluded and tranquil experience. Surrounded by mangrove forests, this beach is home to some high-end hotels, with parts of the beach reserved for their guests. The fewer crowds make it a peaceful retreat, and the seawater is notably clear.

While the sand isn’t as fine as other beaches, it’s still a lovely spot. If you’re staying near Pantai Cenang, it might not be worth the extra journey, but it’s a great choice for those seeking solitude.

Sandy Skull Beach (p8-p10)
This was my absolute favorite beach in Langkawi. The seawater, viewed from a distance, has a light green hue, which is my favorite among all the beaches. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is just as fine as Pantai Cenang, perfect for lying down and soaking up the sun. Despite its remote location, the beach attracts more visitors than expected, mostly white foreigners. Renting a motorcycle and riding over is a fantastic way to reach this hidden gem.

Central Beach (p11-p13)
I only visited Central Beach to watch the sunset, and found it to be rather unremarkable. The sand isn’t as soft as Pantai Cenang, but the beach is less crowded and cleaner, with clearer seawater. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a quieter place to sunbathe while staying near Pantai Cenang. The highlight of Central Beach is the sunset performance at the nearby hidden restaurant (p14-p15), which is truly spectacular and adds a magical touch to the evening.

A must-do in Langkawi is to stock up on chocolate; it’s incredibly cheap and delicious.

For accommodation, I highly recommend Bed Attitude (p17-p18). This hostel is exceptionally clean, mainly occupied by foreigners, and features evening singing sessions, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.