Pantai Cenang

Pantai Cenang is where most people stay on Langkawi: about two kilometres of west-facing sand with a single road behind it carrying hotels, hostels, restaurants, bars, dive shops and the duty-free stores that Langkawi's tax status makes a fixture, since alcohol here costs a fraction of the mainland price. The beach faces the sunset, which is the evening event, and the water is calm and shallow enough for the parasailing, jet ski and banana boat operators who work it hard. Underwater World, a large aquarium, is at the southern end. It is developed and commercial and does not pretend otherwise; the quieter beaches - Tengah next door, Tanjung Rhu and Datai in the north - are the alternative for anyone who wants less of it.

What to look for

• Two kilometres of west-facing sand - the island's main beach and sunset spot.
• A strip of bars and shops - restaurants, hostels and duty-free along one road.
• Water sports operators - parasailing, jet skis and banana boats off the beach.
• Underwater World - the large aquarium at the southern end.

When to go

December to March for the driest weather. Two days.

Practical notes

It is busy and commercial with persistent touts. Jet skis run close to swimmers. Jellyfish appear seasonally. Duty-free alcohol makes for loud nights in parts of the strip.

Nearby

Pantai Tengah adjoins; the cable car and Seven Wells are north.

Key facts