Sunset in Langkawi - Savour the Best at These 8 Sites!

A trip to Langkawi is essentially incomplete without sparing dawn or dusk for witnessing the stellar sunrises and sunsets the island has to offer. Being a tropical region lying near the equator, the magical hues of the sky during the rising or setting of the sun passes quickly. But despite the short duration, the landscape of this region offers several places which provide an excellent sunset in Langkawi.

1. Pantai Cenang

Pantai Cenang is the main beach in Langkawi's and is therefore visited by crowds of tourists during the afternoon. But despite the crowd, there is a magnetic charm to the ambience at Cenang at sunset. One can hit up the popular haunt called Yellow Cafe a little earlier since they offer happy hours on beer from 4-6 PM; or go to the Cliff Bar and Restaurant located atop a rocky highland, offering a great vantage point for the perfect sunset in Langkawi. 

How to reach: Pantai Cenang is 10 minutes’ drive away from the Langkawi Airport. The 5 km distance can easily be covered in a taxi or shuttle from outside the airport. It is a central location on the island where most of tourists gather.

2. Pantai Tengah

Pantai Tengah Beach looks similar to Cenang but is much less crowded and less commercialized. The stretch of warm white sand runs for 700 metres, beautifully fringed with coconut palms, leaving enough shade for the visitors to settle down for a mesmerizing sunset in Langkawi. What makes this beach special is a little opportunity at adventure - towards the northern end of Pantai Tengah, there are sporadic coastal rock formations which can be climbed for a better, more heaven-like view of the sea and the offshore islands. 

How to reach: Pantai Tengah is a continuation of the Pantai Cenang beach, hence can be reached by walking along the same shoreline or the road which is called the tourist strip. You will find the Tengah beach starting at the souther road bend of Cenang.

3. Tanjung Rhu Beach

When it comes to the most tranquil sunsets in Langkawi, it is hard to beat the romantic Tanjung Rhu beach on the secluded northern shore of Langkawi. The dying light of the sun casts mystic shadows on the water of the mangrove patches scattered around the water. Lined with casuarina trees and occasional luxury resorts, the beach is perfect for a late afternoon walk, feasting your eyes on the last rays of the day. Do not miss the fish and chips at Scarborough's Fish and Chips shop - it is hailed to be one of the best in town. 

How to reach: The beach, located on the northern shore of Langkawi, can be reached by a taxi or hired car from Kuah via the Jalan Tanjung Rhu road. The distance from Kuah town is around 22 kms, so it takes half an hour or so to reach. The main road takes a diversion to a narrower coastal road that leads to the beach. 

4. Langkawi Lagoon Picnic Area

Between the barely-there commercialization of Tengah or Tanjung Rhu and the vivid touristy atmosphere of Cenang, the Langkawi Lagoon Picnic Area meets you halfway. Located near the airport, this waterfront strip is a favourite among locals and backpackers for easy-on-the-pocket refreshment options and an absolutely free panorama of the sunset in Langkawi. The area focuses more on local delicacies, so pizzas are replaced with hot bowls of laksa and fresh fruit juices or coconut water instead of crafted cocktails.

How to reach: The area is located within 2 km west from the airport, hence an easy walk or cab ride to the location.  

5. Charlie's Bar & Grill, Fisherman's Wharf

Despite not being a natural location, the famous Charlie's Bar & Grill is a sought-after place in Langkawi for an afternoon of food, drinks and sunset. Located right beside the marina at Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC), the diner offers some great cocktails, delicious Malay and another global cuisine, and a serene vista of the sunset in Langkawi against the backdrop of the Kuah Bass Harbour and the hills in the distance. The moored boats and yachts, bobbing in the rhythm of the passing sea currents, add to the scenery painted her. 

Location: Fisherman’s Wharf, Jalan Dato Syed Omar, Kuah
Timings: 12 Noon to 11 PM, Everyday of the week
Phone: +6(04) - 961 1396
How to reach: The RLYC is situated in the south-east of the island, right by the Langkawi ferry used for waterway entry and exit. From the ferry, the eatery is a walking distance. The international airport is a half hour’s drive away.

6. Telaga Harbour Boardwalk, Pantai Kok

Telaga Harbour Boardwalk on the Pantai Kok beach is a quintessential sunset destination, offering many waterfront piers lined with bars, cafes and eateries. Perdana Quay is among the better ones, with happy hours going on till 7 or 8 PM in the bars. You can step into one of them, such as Tapas or Mare Blu Italian which offer the best views of the sunset in Langkawi, or simply spend the time walking along the promenade and taking pictures of the scenery. 

How to reach: The beach and the boardwalk are located in the Pantai Kok area on the Jalan Telok Burau road and 15 minutes away from the airport in a car or taxi. From Kuah town centre, it can take up to 30 minutes maximum to reach.

7. Gunung Raya

While the beaches of Langkawi are great for sunsets, its highest mountain peak at 881 metres of altitude is perfect for a sunrise view. One can drive up to the summit to save time and energy - the road is smooth and hassle-free. However, the trek through the Gunung Raya Rainforest in the early morning, along with the opportunity to witness native fauna, is an experience in itself. At the top, there is the D'Coconut Hill Resort and a watchtower. At RM 10 per person, visitors can go to the top of the tower and take in the magnificent 360 degrees view of Langkawi, the Andaman Sea and even parts of Thailand, all touched by the first rays of the sun.

How to reach: The road winding up to the granite mountain top is called Jalan Gunung Raya, which is connected with Kuah town via Jalan Padang Gaong and to the Langkawi airport via Jalan Ulu Melaka. Both these central locations are 40 minutes away from Gunung Raya. The rest of the road is simple with medium gradient, but through a deep forest. Taxis take around RM 60 for one way trip. The route for trekking is the same.  

8. Burau Bay

With the two ends owned and privatized by Berjaya Langkawi Resort and The Danna Langkawi, the rest of Burau Bay is open for the public and is ideal for both sunrise and sunset in Langkawi. Easily reached by the Langkawi cable car service, the beach also offers a wide range of adventure water sports like jet-skiing, banana boating and snorkelling. Other than the luxury retreats, Burau Bay is a relatively untarnished patch of beachfront location. Reasonably priced chic bars and cafes can be found at Telaga Harbour Park, five minutes' drive away.

How to reach: The beach can be reached in 20-30 minutes from Telega Harbour if you are in a mood of walking. For straight access, you will need to drive along Jalan Teluk Burau and find the beach at the western end of it. It takes 40 minutes to reach from Kuah and 25 minutes from Langkawi airport. 

Other than these paradise-like locations, sunset in Langkawi can also be enjoyed with the afternoon cruises. Sunset Dinner Cruise, Langkawi Sunset Cruises and Tropical Charters offer the best trips, sailing into the azure blue of Andaman Sea. With the sun in the horizon, the cruises take you to the faraway, little-known exotic islands around Langkawi archipelago and serve up delicious meals for refreshment.