Pantai Chenang Beach on Langkawi island often flies under the radar for tourists, but trust me, it's a must-visit destination. The beach is surprisingly quiet and peaceful, making it an ideal spot for families or those seeking a relaxing getaway.
Chenang Beach on Langkawi - review
Beach.
The first thing that strikes you on the beach is its cleanliness. Every morning, cleaning trucks roll in to pick up trash left behind by visitors or washed up by the sea. It's impressive to see how well-maintained the beach is.
The sand on the beach is incredibly soft - it's a pleasure to walk on it. In fact, it reminded me of the sand on Boracay, with its fine powder texture. You can walk on it without sinking in, and it's dense yet still very soft.
Of course, there are areas where shells accumulate when you wade into the water. But that's just part of the beach's charm.
And let's not forget the tiny crabs scurrying around, turning the sand into little balls. It's adorable to watch.
I loved walking along the beach in the mornings. You can walk barefoot and feel super comfortable - the sand is that soft.
When you look out at the ocean, you'll notice little islands on either side of the beach. We actually paddled up to one of them on a jet ski, but we were too scared to get off. The islands are a great spot for snorkeling or simply enjoying the views.
Check out how the color of the water changes when you're moving away from the beach. It's this gorgeous, transparent blue, and the sunlight plays off it. Unfortunately, the water right near the beach isn't as pretty.
And on the other island, there's a resort. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the views.
Pantai Chenang is often considered the most popular beach on Langkawi, but it's actually really quiet. If you compare it to Thailand, this beach is just as popular as Patong, but it's not nearly as crowded. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
The beach is two kilometers long, and it's really wide. When the tide goes out, the beach gets even wider, so you can walk for miles without feeling crowded.
Pantai Chenang on Langkawi - review
There are beach loungers with umbrellas, and many of them belong to nearby cafes. You can grab a drink and use the lounger for free. It's a great way to relax and enjoy the views.
But a lot of people just chill in the palm trees' shade, and don't even use the loungers. It's a great way to escape the sun and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Our hotel was literally right on the beach. The path to the sea looked like this:
So, we'd just come to swim, not rent a lounger, and set up our towel. We'd swim for as long as we wanted and then head back to the hotel. It's a great way to enjoy the beach without breaking the bank.
Getting into the water.
Getting into the water is super smooth. The sand's under your feet, but you might encounter shells when the tide's out. Just be careful not to slip on the shells.
The water's murky, and you can't see the bottom. The color of the sea near the shore is a weird greenish-gray. It's not the most appealing color, but it's still safe to swim.
The swimming area's separated from the water sports. So, you can swim without worrying about a jet ski coming your way. It's a great way to enjoy the water without any distractions.
I've seen brown jellyfish only on this beach, and apparently, they're in season in January. Be sure to check online for any jellyfish sightings before heading to the beach.
A guy told me that his kid got stung pretty badly and had to buy some special cream to treat the burn on their skin. It's a good idea to bring some sunscreen and after-sun lotion to protect your skin.
We saw them floating near the shore, but not on deeper waters. That's where the plankton was biting, though. It's a good idea to stay close to the shore when swimming.
It doesn't hurt that much, but it's definitely uncomfortable. If you have sensitive skin, you might end up with some redness. It's a good idea to bring some after-sun lotion to soothe your skin.
The water in January is incredibly comfortable. You can jump right in, and when you get out, you won't feel a chill. It's a great way to cool off on a hot day.
Water Sports.
There are tons of different water activities to enjoy here. From jet-skiing to parasailing, there's something for everyone.
I've taken boat tours and island-hopping excursions from this very spot. It's a great way to experience the islands and see the marine life up close.
A 4-hour jet-ski tour around the islands will set you back 750 ringgit. It's a bit pricey, but it's a great way to experience the thrill of jet-skiing.
There are plenty of beach shacks offering water activities, but be prepared for the prices to be a bit steep. It's worth it, though, for the experience.
We went on a jet-ski ride, which cost 250 ringgit for 30 minutes. It was exhilarating! You'll feel the rush of adrenaline as you zip across the water.
Water activities on Pantai Chenang - a review
You can also opt for parasailing or a boat ride. The choices are endless! You'll find something that suits your taste and budget.
Or, if you're feeling laid-back, you can simply buy an inflatable and float around in the calm waters. It's a great way to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Fire Show.
I chose Pantai Chenang for New Year's Eve specifically because it hosts a fire show. The entire beach was cordoned off, with comfy cushions set up as seating areas, and artists kept coming on stage to perform the fire show. It was an amazing display of skill and artistry.
The fire show is not just limited to New Year's Eve, though. They also do fire shows on regular evenings, just not as big of a production. It's a great way to enjoy the beach and watch some talented performers.
Plus, we got to watch a New Year's Eve fireworks display. It was a spectacular sight to behold.
Hotels on Pantai Chenang.
There's an insane number of hotels right along the beach, and more are being built. We managed to stay in two hotels near Pantai Chenang:
It's not a luxury hotel, but it's affordable and right next to the beach - Langkapuri Resort Langkawi 3*
The hotel with a pool right on the first row - Frangipani Langkawi Resort 4*
What to visit near Pantai Chenang.
One of the main attractions in this area are the duty-free shops. You can find everything from chocolates to tobacco to alcoholic drinks. There are also shopping malls that house multiple duty-free stores.
I was really impressed with the Korean cosmetics stores. Prices aren't as cheap as they are in Korea, but they're still a lot more affordable than back home.
And don't miss out on the Underwater World Langkawi. It's a great place to see some really unique fish and watch the penguin and seal show.
Where to eat near Chenang Beach
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants near Chenang Beach to suit any taste or budget.
Rivera Coffee House is a great place to grab breakfast
Welcome to Yasmin Syrian Restaurant - that's where we had dinner.
Italian cafe on the Malaysian island - it's a must-try.
The Verdict.
Before heading to Chenang Beach, I'd recommend checking online for any jellyfish sightings. We were lucky and avoided them, but we heard horror stories about people getting stung - especially kids.
The sand is soft, and the water entry is gentle. Just watch out for shells, or you might end up with a nasty cut.
The water's murky, with a weird greenish-gray color. Sorry, but it's a total bummer.
There aren't many people on the beach.
There are plenty of water activities to enjoy.
You won't find any cafes or restaurants right on the beach, like you would in Goa or Thailand. You'll need to venture out of the beach area for food. And even then, the options are limited.
Chenang Beach is the most touristy one on Langkawi, but we didn't experience any crowds - it's spacious and almost deserted. The only time it gets busy is in the evenings, when locals and tourists alike come to watch the sunset.
For a family-friendly beach experience, I'd recommend Tengah Beach instead.
Thanks for reading!!!