Langkawi beaches Travel Guide

About Langkawi beaches

Over the last decade the Malaysian island resort of Langkawi has emerged as a popular Asian beach holiday destination. Over 100 islands make up an archipelago where the largest island of Langkawi boasts an ever-increasing array of hotels, restaurants and nightlife options.

Beach:

Langkawi's main island boasts a number of excellent sandy beaches, which fringe the coastline of the main island. The most popular beach is Pantai Cenang, while many of the island's resort hotels also enjoy sweeping stretches of their own beach. With so much beachfront to choose from, there is always plenty of space for holidaymakers to unfurl their towels for the day. Pantai Kok is another local favourite and is dramatically set amidst a fold of limestone mountains.

Beyond the beach:

Langkawi offers plenty to do, whether it is exploring the main town of Kuah with its shopping malls and busy tourist industry, or heading out to explore the more undeveloped parts of the islands where the local Malay culture is still alive and thriving. The Langkawi International Book Village is home to a collection of traditional houses as well as an array of historic books. A number of activities and watersports can also be arranged by the resort hotels.

Family fun:

Langkawi is increasingly gearing itself towards families, with the resort hotels often offering dedicated children's facilities and eating and drinking outlets that are very much family-friendly. The beaches are an obvious attraction as is the Underwater World (Pantai Cenang), one of the largest aquariums in Asia.

Exploring further:

Day trips ferry tourists out to some of the other islands in the Langkawi chain. Tours leave regularly from Kuah and Pantai Cenang, taking in a few different islands in one day, with the opportunity to get ashore and the chance to snorkel too. Private charters are also available for groups. Sailings can be curtailed outside the dry season.