Located on Langkawi's north coast, Black Sand Beach is remarkable for its marble-textured black and white beach sand. Several theories claim to explain the two-toned soil, from local folklore about a battle between land and underwater kingdoms, to scientific studies revealing the presence of minerals washed down from Langkawi's tallest mountain, Mount Raya.
Several vendors line the carpark and form a small covered mall, inviting visitors to purchase a new dress, t-shirt, sarong, painting, or souvenir. Black Sand Beach is a popular fishing spot for locals but also a relaxing place to sunbake or picnic while enjoying views of surrounding islands and mountains. Swimming is better enjoyed at nearby Tanjung Rhu Beach with its cleaner waters.
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Look Around
Shady beachfront
Onyx sands
Black and white sands side by side
View of local fishing boatsWho Will Like Black Sand Beach
Culture Buff
Read the most popular local myths and scientific theories behind the marble-textured beach sand on a series of informative plaques opposite the shore. Take a stroll along the beach to see fishing boats bobbing near the remnants of a jetty that once formed part of a local fishing village.
Relaxation Guru
Lay out a beach towel under a shady tree to relax with your favorite book while waves softly lap at the shore.
Nature Lover
Wander along the coastline to enjoy this slice of nature away from tourist crowds.
Fun Expert
Let the kids play on the colorful playground before enjoying a family picnic on the beach.
Insider Tips For Black Sand Beach
- The black beach sand can get very hot. Wear flip-flops to protect your feet and always sit or lie on a blanket, towel, or sarong.
- Store vendors' children may ask you to purchase items from their stalls. Don't feel pressured into buying just because they're cute.
- Save some time for your kids to play on the playground in front of the parking lot.
Shopping stalls between carpark and beach
Playground near parking lot
Second playgroundVideo
How To Get There
Car
Public carpark accessible off main entrance.
Free
Carpark
Way to the Beach
Path Leading to the BeachWhat To Bring
- Picnic blanket and basket full of yummy snacks.
- Cash for shopping and snacks.
- Flip-flops or comfy shoes to protect your feet from the hot sand.
- Sun protection including hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Valuable belongings like passports, precious jewelry, or large amounts of money.
Tech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: Yes
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Midday
Drones
Drones allowed: Yes (subject to national/regional rules)
Tips: Take a drone flight in the late morning on a clear day to capture the vibrant colors of the sea.
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
A handful of food vendors are located within the cluster of stores between the carpark and beach. Some sell drinks and snacks like fruit juice, fresh coconuts, and packets of chips while others sell Malay meals like fried rice, laksa, and fried seafood.
Backstory
The black colored sands lining the stretch of beach have been the subject of speculation for many decades.
Local folklore proposes legends to explain the dark soil. The most popular legend tells of a mermaid from an underwater kingdom who fell in love with a prince of the land kingdom and moved to the land. In order to reclaim her, the underwater kingdom attacked the land kingdom but in defense, the land kingdom set fires along the beach, causing the invaders to flee and leaving permanent black marks along the waters edge.
Scientists have proven the color comes from the geological presence of Tourmaline and Ilmenite minerals washed down from the Mount Raya, while others still argue the sand is discolored by pollution from the local cement factory.
The various stories are presented on plaques opposite the shore inviting visitors to make up their own minds.
Etiquette
- Barter with vendors to secure a good price.
- Share the limited shady space with other beach visitors.
- Leave belongings unattended while walking along the beach.
- Leave rubbish from picnic food.
Scorecard
- Marble texture beach sands and interesting stories that accompany them.
- Quiet and uncrowded compared to more popular beaches like Pantai Cenang and Tanjung Rhu.
- History as a local fishing village. Still many fishing boats visible today.
- Murky waters due to seaweed and proximity to local concrete factory.
- Hot sand difficult to walk on without shoes.
- Limited shady trees to sit under and escape the sun.
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