The white sand
A long strip of fine sand on a calm sea.
NickLubushko — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CyberTroopers — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CyberTroopers — CC BY-SA 4.0 · CyberTroopers — CC BY-SA 4.0
Langkawi's best-known and liveliest beach: a long strip of fine white sand on a calm sea, backed by hotels, restaurants and shops, with small islands on the horizon. Most of the island's visitors stay here, and many boat trips set off from it. The water is warm and calm most of the year and the beach shelves gently, which suits children. All along it, water sports are on offer: jet skis, parasailing behind a boat and inflatable rides, all paid directly to operators on the sand, so bargain and ask for a life jacket. Sunset is the daily event: people gather on the sand as evening comes and the sky colours behind the islands. In the evening the restaurants along the beach and the parallel road come alive, many of them halal, since the island is majority Muslim; some restaurants and bars serve alcohol, so watch the signs. From November to April the sea is calmer and the sky clearer; from May to October afternoon rain is more common and the waves can bring in some jellyfish, so ask the lifeguards before swimming. The beach is free and always open.
A long strip of fine sand on a calm sea.
The sky colours over the horizon every evening.
Many beach and street restaurants are halal.
Bandar Cenang, south-west Langkawi
Cenang is livelier and closer to restaurants, shops and activities. Neighbouring Tengah is quieter, for those who want to unwind. Families with children usually prefer Cenang, where everything is easy.
