Langkawi Permata Kedah (Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah) in Malaysia lives up to its official title with pristine beaches, laid-back vibe and of course, duty free shopping. The island is a perfect getaway for locals wanting to escape city life, while foreign tourists will no doubt find paradise here. This week we round up our top 5 beaches in Langkawi.
Words and Photography by Danny Lau
1. Tengkorak Beach
In English, the name of the beach is loosely translated as Sandy Skulls Beach because of a dreadful legend. However we can promise you there’s nothing scary about it as you’ll find a beautiful little beach located on the northern shoreline of Langkawi, relatively far from tourist-populated areas. If you decide to travel here, the payoffs are soft white sands, crystal clear blue waters and the absence of crowds.
2. Shark Bay Beach (Teluk Yu)
The beach is named so because of the stone sharks that are on display at the beach promenade (don’t worry, there are no actual sharks here). It’s a great picturesque family beach that is perfect for picnics, with ample parking and seating. Located nearby is the Craft Cultural Complex, an interactive museum featuring Malay arts and crafts where you can take the family after a day at the beach.
3. Tanjung Rhu Beach
Not only do you get white sandy beaches with blue emerald water, there are also many islands forming the scenic backdrop, ideal for taking pictures. Tanjung Rhu Beach is located on the far north eastern end and requires a bit of a drive, but seriously, if you’re on Langkawi island, this beach should not be missed whether you’re travelling as a family or as a couple. Besides the beach, you can also join the boat tour of Kilim Geopark and Mangroves which can be accessed from the river side near the beach.
4. Pantai Kok
Relatively quiet with clean sands and clear waters, Pantai Kok is located on the western coast of Langkawi. And unlike other public beaches, there are no hotels or resorts here, so visitors will surely be able to enjoy their time uninterrupted where you can enjoy the rhythm of the waves and watching the boats pass-by.
5. Pasir Pantai Hitam
Like many beaches this one is also associated with a legend involving a war between land people and sea people. As they were outnumbered, the land people lit firewood along the beach to deceive their enemies and the ashes turned the beach black. There is also a scientific reason but whether you choose to believe the legend or science, this beach is definitely worth a visit just to see the uniqueness of this dark-coloured beach. There are also several stalls selling food and various souvenirs for tourists.
6. Datai Bay
Datai Bay is an exquisite white sandy beach with a curved stretch that offers a spectacular view of the sea and islands ahead. During low tide you can even walk to Anak Datai for your private excursion. A great place to spend the day and watch the sunset.
GETTING THERE AirAsia flies to Langkawi from various destinations. For lowest fares and flight info, visit airasia.com.
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