Langkawi's most tourist-friendly beach. This 2km stretch of soft white sand is lined with coconut trees, beach umbrellas, jet ski vendors, and beach bars. By day, sunbathers, swimmers, and watersport enthusiasts dominate the sparkling shoreline. As the sun softly sets, a series of beach bars become the center of attention as beanbags and cocktail menus are brought onto the sand.
Pantai Cenang is the most popular place to leave for a jet-ski tour to explore the nearby islands. Jet-skis are also available for short-term hire while other watersports available include banana boat rides, parasailing, and kayaking.
Hungry beachgoers don't have to wander far for a satisfying meal. The beachfront main road is lined with international restaurants like Mexican, Thai, Italian, and Chinese cuisines. Shoppers can indulge in the several duty-free shopping outlets and local clothing and souvenir vendors.
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Look Around
Who Will Like Pantai Cenang
Relaxation Guru
Spread a towel on the sand to soak up some vitamin D while admiring dreamy views of the island-speckled sea. Later, plonk down on a bean bag and sip your favorite cocktail while waiting for a colorful sunset.
Nightlife Star
Pick your favorite beach bar or try out a few to party the night away with cheap drinks, neon lights, and good music.
Thrill Seeker
Hire a jet-ski to fly over some waves, take a short banana boat ride, or soar above the crowds while parasailing.
Fun Expert
Spend a day at the beach with your family and friends. Play some beach sports, go for a swim, or simply chat under the shade of a coconut tree.
Insider Tips For Pantai Cenang
- Jet ski tours are best booked online to avoid being scammed by local vendors.
- Always rent jet-skis from reliable vendors, like Mega Watersports, who provide evidence of permits and insurance to avoid being scammed.
- Expect to pay around RM200 (USD$47.38) per person for on-beach parasailing, RM250 (USD$59.22) for 30-minute jet ski hire, or RM30 (USD$7.11) per person for a banana boat ride. Jet ski tours should cost around RM650 (USD$153.97) for 1 rider or RM700 (USD$165.82) for 2 riders for a 3-hour tour visiting 4-5 islands.
- Try Yellow Beach Bar or Mali Mali Beach Bar for delicious cocktails.
Video
How To Get There
Car
Street parking along the western side of Jalan Pantai Cenang. Alternatively, small public car parks are available around Cenang Mall.
Free
Rideshare
Grab drivers pick up and drop off near the central square or anywhere along the main road.Motorbike
Free parking for scooters and motorbikes along Jalan Pantai Cenang, opposite Cenang Mall.
What To Bring
- Jet-ski hire or tour voucher (on smartphone) if pre-purchased online.
- Beach towel and swimsuit.
- GoPro or waterproof camera.
- Waterproof bag to keep belongings dry on jet-ski.
- Sun protection like hat, sunscreen, sunglasses.
- Cash for jet-ski hire and drinks.
- Drinking water.
- Valuable belongings like passports or jewelry.
Tech & Photography
Wifi
Public wifi access: None
Photography
Photography allowed: Yes
Tripod allowed: Yes
Selfie sticks allowed: Yes
Best time to shoot: Sunset
Tips: The public square at the center of the beach has a pretty sign that makes for a solid foreground for west-facing sunset photos.
Drones
Drones allowed: Yes (subject to national/regional rules)
Bags
Backpacks allowed: Yes
Secured bag lockers available: No
Food & Drink
Some beachfront bars like Yellow Beach Café serve meals like pizza, salad and steaks. The main road opposite the beach entrance, Jalan Pantai Cenang, is lined with dozens of restaurants with options including seafood, Indian, Mexican, Italian, Thai, Chinese, and local Malay.
Backstory
Pantai Cenang has been one of Langkawi's main tourist hubs since 1986 when the Malaysian government announced a plan to transform the local fishing island into a major tourism destination. Pantai Cenang is the most developed beach along Langkawi's west coast.
Etiquette
- Swim away from jet-skis and look out for other members of your group in the water.
- Respect hired water sports equipment and ensure it is not damaged under your care.
- Drink responsibly at beach bars.
- Leave belongings unattended while enjoying water sports.
- Swim or do watersports after drinking alcohol.
Scorecard
- Beauty of white beach sands, clear waters, and surrounding islands.
- Availability of watersports like parasailing and jet-ski hire.
- Advanced infrastructure. Several jet-ski tours are available to book online for peace of mind.
- Proximity to beach bars with unique décor and themed cocktails.
- Proximity to main tourist district with hotels, restaurants, and shopping stores close walking distance.
- Quantity of jet-ski vendors can take away from the enjoyment of sunbaking and swimming.
- Large crowds during peak tourist seasons.
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But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.
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