Pasir Pantai Cenang Beautiful Beaches

One of the most popular beaches in Langkawi is undoubtedly Pantai Cenang. And no wonder, with the variety of accommodation facilities, from five-star resorts, to budget chalets, as well as restaurants and bars dotting this 2km long stretch of beautiful beach. Occasionally being referred to as the 'Waikiki of Langkawi,' Pantai Cenang owes its origin to Haji Din, the owner of Sandy Beach Motel.

As endearingly narrated by Haji Din, the story goes that a couple of Caucasians or 'Mat Sallehs' backpackers made their way to Langkawi and wanted to stay the night in Pantai Cenang. This was back in teh days when there weren't any chalets, motels or resorts there as tourists were still far and few in between. As the visiting couple was passing through Haji Din's place, they spotted his barn and asked him if it was okay for them to put up there there for the night. Haji Din, every friendly and warm, happily obliged and in a show of typical Malay hospitality to travellers, even provided some meals for them.

When the couple left Langkawi for Bali and Bangkok, they promoted Langkawi and Haji Din's warm hospitality to fellow tourists. Many, who came to Langkawi later on, would go and stay at Haji Din's place. Motivated by this, Haji Din decided to venture into setting up budget chalets. He built several A-shape chalets from photographs he took in Koh Sa Mui, Thailand whilst on holiday. Today, at the very spot where the barn once stood is the 100-room Sandy Beach Motel.

Today, Pantai Cenang is still one of the places where warm hospitality abounds and chalet owners like Haji Din can still be found if you look hard enough among the many accommodation outfits along this beach.

Pantai Cenang (sometimes spelled Chenang) offers two kilometres of fine powdery sand fringed by coconut trees and casuarinas. A combination of relaxing beach ambiance and modern comforts, the beach is lined with a number of resorts, luxury class hotels, chalets and restaurants.

Popular during the peak tourist season, it makes a good base for "island hopping" to the nearby islands like Pulau Rebak. Located at the south-western tip of Langkawi, about 18 kilometres from Kuah.
 
 
 What to Do

 
  Go island hopping, take day trips to offshore islands or explore some of the local attractions...
 
 
 Underwater World

 
  Featuring a 15-metre walk-through a tempered glass tunnel, Underwater World has more than 5,000 species of fish and marine creatures. From the majestic predators to tiny tropical fish.
Part of a complex which has a duty free shop, a restaurant, Rice Museum and mini golf-course.
Open daily: 10am - 6pm Price: RM10 per child and RM18 per adult.
 
 
 Laman PADI (Rice Garden)
 
  The only one of its kind in Malaysia, the Laman Padi is an ideal place to learn more about one of Asia's staple foods. Visit the Rice Museum, Rice Farm, Rice Restaurant and Rice Garden where rice is cultivated right on the roof of the building.
 
 
 Pulau Rebak Island

 
  Take a leisurely stroll along the beach at low tide and walk across to the island of Pulau Rebak Kecil close by, remembering you'll have to make tracks for home not too long after as the tide only stays low for about two hours. Boats are available for hire to visit some of the other nearby islands.
 
 
 Shopping - Duty Free
 
  Shoppers will appreciate the Zon Duty-free Shopping Complex where visitors can "shop til they drop."

Electrical goods, cigarettes, beer, a wide range of imported foodstuffs like chocolates, biscuits and jams, as well as branded clothes and items.