Malaysia is probably not the first place you think of when planning a beach vacation, but there are many reasons why you should! Beaches in Malaysia offer tropical islands, turquois bays, coral reefs, and jungle-backed shores. They also offer luxury resorts at prices that are way less than you will find in Hawaii, the Maldives, or the Caribbean. Here are beaches in Malaysia you should consider adding to your itinerary.
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Langkawi
Located in northwestern Malaysia, Langkawi consists of a group of tropical islands clustered together. These islands are home to the most popular beaches in Malaysia. Not only are there miles of gorgeous coastline, there’s also ancient rainforests, mangroves, waterfalls, and limestone cliffs. Langkawi offers plenty of amenities, top attractions, and duty-free shopping.
Beaches
The most popular beaches in Langkawi are:
- Pantai Cenang – this is Langkawi’s main beach with many amenities like restaurants, shops, and beach activities.
- Tanjung Rhu – this quiet beach is known for its white sand, peaceful vibe, and scenic views of limestone karst formations and casuarina trees.
- Datai Bay – this beach is crescent-shaped backed by an ancient rainforest and is the location of high-end resorts.
Top Attractions
No matter which of these beaches in Malaysia you choose to visit, don’t miss these top attractions in the region.
Panorama Langkawi
Panorama Langkawi offers the opportunity for great views and some thrilling experiences. It is located about 40 minutes by car from Kuah town in Oriental Village within the UNESCO-recognized Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park.
There are a ton of things to do here. The Langkawi Sky Bridge is a pedestrian cable bridge providing beautiful views of the area. To get to the bridge, you will have to take the Langkawi SkyCab to the Top Station. Then you can walk up the 10 minute jungle trail to the bridge. If you want a few more thrills, take the SkyGlide, a glass compartment that takes you up to the top of the mountain on a funicular track. From the Middle Station on the SkyCab, you can visit Eagle’s Nest SkyWalk, a glass platform over 2,000 feet above sea level.
If you have kids with you (or are a kid at heart), you will love these other attractions in Oriental Village. The Skydome offers a 360° projection show. There’s also 3D Art Langkawi featuring opportunities to be immersed within art sculptures. SkyRex takes you a 4D simulated journey through the Jurassic period. And 6D Cinemotion offers a movie experience unlike any you’ve ever had before. If you are into something a little more low tech, visit the Machinchang Petland Langkawi exotic animal petting zoo.
Telaga Tujuh Waterfall
About two miles away from Oriental Village is Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells Waterfall). You can reach the lower pools by climbing up about 200 steps. Here you will see an almost 300 foot vertical waterfall. If you are willing to hike a little longer, visit the upper pools. After about an hour climb (638 steps), you will see seven interconnected pools and enjoy a nature waterslide.
How to Get There
It’s easy to get to Langkawi from both Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The fastest way is by direct flight from Penang (about 40 minutes) or Kuala Lumpur (about an hour). Non-stop flights are super cheap – less than $40 one way. But if you prefer the scenic option, take a ferry. The shortest ferry route is from Kuala Perlis, which is about a 2.5 hour drive north of Penang. It takes a little over an hour. Another good option is from Kuala Kedah, which is less than two hours by car from Penang. This option takes 1.5 hours. You can also take a ferry directly from Penang, but it can take up to 3 hours and it can be a rough journey if the weather is bad. All ferry options arrive in Kuah Jetty, the main town in the area.
Where to Stay
If you are on a budget, you can stay at the Cenang Plaza Beach Hotel at Pantai Cenang for less than $100 per night. If you have a little more to spend, the Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi is a good choice. It’s less than $200 per night. Also consider the Berjaya Langkawi Resort, It’s near all of the top attractions in Langkawi and is also less than $200 per night If money is no object, consider The Detai Langkawi. Better yet, plan a night or two in all of these hotels. You will experience the top beaches in Malaysia as well as the top attractions!
What are you most looking forward to while visiting the beaches of Malaysia?
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