Being a lush tropical island, Langkawi is surrounded by beautiful beaches. So as you can guess, the beaches are a huge attraction not only on the main island but also on the surrounding islands.
Despite the abundance and variety, Langkawi's beaches are noticeably different from those in other parts of the world.
They are often less differentiated from the shoreline than those of the Caribbean, for example, and tend instead to be almost nestled up against the lush rainforests that the island is famous for. With the warm colour of the golden sand and emerald waters, Langkawi's beaches also have a sense of relaxed tranquillity.

The more popular beaches in Langkawi can be happening places, where you can swim, water ski, jet-ski, kayak, sail and parasail.
Other beaches have a pace that is a little slower and quieter. Swimming can be done all around the island.The water towards the north of the island tends to be clearer, as it is facing towards the open Andaman Sea.
Around the island, the link between sea and land remains close as kelongs, the traditional fishing villages of coastal Malaysia, are still built out over the water on stilts.

Pantai Cenang
Pantai Cenang is the most happening place on the island and a favourite for local visitors and occasional
back-packers. As Langkawi's liveliest beach, it has a few international hotels as well as budget hotels, chalets. New shops, and some originals, and many restaurants, mostly local food, and what little nightlife there is. Swimming, jet skiing, water skiing, wind surfing, catamaran sailing and parasailing are the activities you can find here, and there are adequate changing and restroom facilities.

Pantai Tengah
Just south along the Cenang strip is Pantai Tengah with its own established hotels, and seafood restaurants.
You can also find a range of more upmarket shops and excellent international cuisines, and although this stretch of the tourist area is less hectic, it is improving rapidly

Pantai Tanjung Rhu
Pantai Tanjung Rhu on the north-east corner of the island is where the pace is much slower. It is distinctive for its swaying casuarina trees, wide expanse of beach, pristine sea and distinctive limestone outcrops off the shore.
The Tanjung Rhu resort and the newly opened Four Seasons have exclusive rights over part, but most of its stunning beach is still open to the public.

Pantai Kok
Just north of the airport is Pantai Kok at the base of Gunung Matchincang. Its relatively remote location means there are fewer visitors, leaving you to enjoy the shade of the casuarina trees and white sand though there are no facilities.
The beach was used for shooting of the movie Anna and the King, though the nearby devel-
opment of Telaga Harbour is proving a bigger attraction with a mix of smart restaurants and shops.

Pantai Pasir Hitam
The Black Sands Beach has a myth associated with it, as the sand was apparently turned black by an angry Mermaid when a fisherman stole her magic ring.
The colour actually comes from mineral deposits and has faded over the years, though the water here is not the best for swimming.
Facilities are limited, but there are plenty of local visitors shops.

Pantai Tengkorak
Another beach on the north of the island that overlaps with myth is the Sandy Skull Beach. As if referring to its name, the coral washed on the shore does resemble bits of bone!
There are facilities here, including a grill area, and the sheltered bay and clear water make for excellent swimming.
Check out the nearby Air Temurun waterfalls, at its best during the wet season.

Datai Bay
Nominated one of the best beaches in the world, this has clear water, coral reefs, rainforest and pristine white sand. The best activities to be found here include sailing, kayaking, snorkelling or watching the resident sea-eagles fly over the Matchincang mountain range.
The beach is available to guests of the two exclusive resorts here, the Datai and the Andaman,
making this a secluded piece of luxury.

The nearby islands of Pualu Tuba, Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Tepor are accessible by boat and have some beaches as well.

Leave nothing behind by taking all rubbish with you and remember that fires are not permitted on the beach in Langkawi.