West of Tanjung Rhu is Langkawi’s much touted but ultimately disappointing ‘black-sand beach’. It isn’t technically a black-sand beach, but mineral oxides have added their colour scheme to the coast. There’s a children’s playground, a small tourist market and, as a disturbing backdrop, the Kedah cement plant, which stands out like a post-apocalyptic, smoke-belching thumb amid the green.
Pantai Pasir Hitam
Pulau Langkawi
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
8.67 MILES
The series of freshwater rock pools at Telaga Tujuh, located at the top of a waterfall inland from Pantai Kok, makes a refreshing alternative to splashing…
4.9 MILES
The jetty near Tanjung Rhu is the main departure point for boat trips into the extensive mangrove forests with stunning limestone formations that edge…
8.87 MILES
The highlight of this family-friendly amusement park is SkyCab, a cable car that whisks visitors to the top of Gunung Machinchang (713m). For an extra RM6…
Ko Tarutao Marine National Park
23.92 MILES
This 51-island marine national park, covered with well-preserved virgin rainforest teeming with fauna and surrounded by healthy coral reefs and radiant…
24.79 MILES
Around 7km southwest of Kangar, the small but impressive Muzium Kota Kayang houses displays on local history, including neolithic tools, royal regalia and…
2.98 MILES
On the north coast, Tanjung Rhu is one of Langkawi’s wider and better beaches, fronted by magnificent limestone stacks that bend the ocean into a pleasant…
8.07 MILES
On the far northwestern corner of Pulau Langkawi, the beaches at Teluk Datai are arguably some of the island’s most beautiful and secluded, but are really…
10.11 MILES
The busiest and most developed beach is the 2km-long strip of sand at Pantai Cenang. The beach is gorgeous: white sand, teal water and green palms. There…
Nearby Pulau Langkawi attractions
2.64 MILES
The swimming pools here are a 10-minute walk up paved steps through the forest, with pagoda-like shaded seating areas along the way. The water is always…
2.98 MILES
On the north coast, Tanjung Rhu is one of Langkawi’s wider and better beaches, fronted by magnificent limestone stacks that bend the ocean into a pleasant…
4.25 MILES
The tallest mountain on Pulau Langkawi (881m) can be reached by a snaking, paved road through the jungle. It’s a spectacular drive to the top with views…
4.38 MILES
This beautiful, secluded public beach, with its soft white sand, clear water, shady trees and jungle backdrop, is popular with locals on weekends; during…
4.68 MILES
Established by prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was born in Kedah and is credited with transforming the fortunes of Langkawi by granting it duty…
4.9 MILES
The jetty near Tanjung Rhu is the main departure point for boat trips into the extensive mangrove forests with stunning limestone formations that edge…
5.48 MILES
While there are plenty of animals around (with an emphasis on exotic birds), feeding is encouraged and animals are kept in relatively poor conditions…
5.7 MILES
A brief walk from the main road up to Teluk Datai, the falls here – the island’s tallest – are worth a look, though beware of food-stealing monkeys. The…