Beaches · Langkawi · Malaysia
The best beaches in and near Langkawi
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Pantai Cenang (About 10 minutes from the airport). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 5
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 30°C (86°F)
The beaches
About 10 minutes from the airport · Sunsets, water sports and convenience
1.Pantai Cenang
The main beach: long, sandy, sunset-facing and lined with bars, restaurants and water sports.
About 5 minutes south of Pantai Cenang · Couples and families
2.Pantai Tengah
A smaller, calmer beach south of Cenang with resort hotels and restaurants.
About 40 minutes from Pantai Cenang · Scenery and quiet
3.Tanjung Rhu
Casuarina-shaded beach with shallow water and limestone islets offshore on the north coast.
About 25 minutes from Pantai Cenang · Combining with the cable car
4.Pantai Kok
A calm bay below the mountains near Telaga Harbour and the cable car.
About 45 minutes from Pantai Cenang · Luxury seclusion
5.Datai Bay
A secluded cove backed by rainforest, mostly used by guests of the resorts there.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C (82°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| February | 29°C (84°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| March | 29°C (84°F) | 34°C (93°F) |
| April | 30°C (86°F) | 33°C (91°F) |
| May | 30°C (86°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| June | 30°C (86°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| August | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| September | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| November | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| December | 28°C (82°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$ · Best for first-timers, budget, nightlife and beach
Pantai Cenang
Pantai Cenang is a long stretch of pale sand on the southwest coast and the island's busiest base. The road behind it is lined with seafood grills, cafés, mini-markets and budget-to-mid-range hotels, and Underwater World and Laman Padi sit at the beach. The airport is about ten minutes away by car, and sunset bars fill the sand in the evening.
- Good
- Most restaurants and bars on the island; Walkable beach strip; Short ride from the airport
- Watch out
- Jet skis and parasailing make the sea noisy by day; Main road is busy with traffic in the evening
- Nearby
- Underwater World Langkawi, Laman Padi, Pantai Tengah, Langkawi International Airport
Getting to the beaches
- Car — Hire cars are widely available and inexpensive, and roads are quiet by Malaysian standards.
- Scooter — Scooters can be rented along Pantai Cenang, but you need a valid licence and helmet, and heavy showers and traffic make them risky for inexperienced riders.
- Ferry — Ferries link Kuah jetty with Kuala Perlis (about 1 hour 15 minutes) and Kuala Kedah (about 1 hour 45 minutes) on the mainland, and with Penang (about 3 hours).
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in December–March. The busiest of those is January, so book early.
Beach safety
Langkawi is relaxed for visitors; the main risks are road accidents on scooters, strong sun and rough seas during the monsoon. Keep belongings away from macaques at waterfalls and jetties, and follow lifeguard flags where they are posted. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Langkawi have beaches?
Yes: Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Tanjung Rhu, Pantai Kok and Datai Bay.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Langkawi?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Langkawi?
Pantai Cenang: The main beach: long, sandy, sunset-facing and lined with bars, restaurants and water sports.