Pantai Cenang - White Sands, Swaying Palms, and the Andaman Sea
Hugging the southwestern coastline of Langkawi, Pantai Cenang is the most popular beach on this Malaysian paradise island, and it’s not hard to realise why. The balmy water of the Andaman Sea combined with soft white sand is enough of a draw in itself. Add to that the laid-back beach vibe of the town, along with a scattering of top seafood restaurants and some hip beachfront bars, then you have the ingredients for a winning combination. Time drifts by merrily in Pantai Cenang, so make sure you give yourself plenty of it when you visit.
Relaxing Days on the Beach, Fresh Seafood by Night
Let’s face it, you’re not going to book a hotel in Pantai Cenang unless you like the beach, so it’s no surprise that spending your days on the sand is a number one activity here. There’s usually a swaying green palm to catch some shade under if the sun gets too much, or a quick dip in the turquoise waters should be enough to cool yourself down. When a refreshment is in order just duck into one of the bar shacks overlooking the sea, where all manners of freshly prepared tropical juices are just a quick buzz of a blender away. Once the sun drops towards the horizon it’s time to switch your attention to the ocean’s offerings filling the fish tanks outside seafood restaurants. You can quite literally pick the fish, crab, or lobster you want on your plate, and all you need to do is point. Dinner doesn’t get much fresher than that!
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping with Some Wild Water sports
Water sports go hand-in-hand with popular beaches, and Pantai Cenang is no different. Just a short stroll along the seafront will quickly reveal to you the wide variety of activities that can be enjoyed in the sea here. Many hotels and resorts on the beach have dedicated water sports centres. If you are with a group then banana boat ride is a great choice as you can all do it together. For speed junkies, twisting the throttle on a jet ski will no doubt quench your cravings, or if something a little slower takes your fancy then why not try your hand at windsurfing. Water-skiing and wakeboarding are also both on the menu here, along with parasailing if you’d rather soar above the water than along the surface of it. If you want to get out on the water but would rather stay dry, then booking up a joyride on a boat is a good option.
See Amazing Marine Life at Underwater World Langkawi
For a day out, you won’t forget you should head straight to Underwater World Langkawi, a convenient activity when the weather turns bad and rain sets in. It’s one of the largest marine centres and aquariums in the whole of Malaysia, home to a staggering number of sea creatures. There’s an amazing underwater tunnel that stretches for 15 metres through a tank that contains half a million litres of sea water, along with shoals of colourful tropical fish and lurking sharks. Other attractions to visit include a freshwater fish aquarium, the koi pond, a display of weird and wonderful seashells, and a coral reef exhibition. There is lots of hands-on learning here, making it a great place to take children who are inquisitive about life under the sea. Located at the southern end of the beach, it’s easy to walk to from most hotels in Pantai Cenang, and it’s worth asking at reception whether they can offer you discounted tickets!
Shop Until You Drop at Cenang Mall and the Markets
If what you desire is some retail therapy in the comfort of a modern air-conditioned shopping centre then you’re in luck! A huge complex right on the beachfront houses a hotel, multiple restaurants, and the all-encompassing Cenang Mall. Home to a multitude of duty-free shops covering fashion, electronics, souvenirs, and other luxury items, once you’re weighed down with bags duck into one of the coffee shops or fast food diners for a quick bite and refreshment. If you’re after something more traditional then there are other shopping options in Pantai Cenang too. Once the sun has set local traders set up their stalls at the night market, where you can find all sorts of handicrafts, trinkets, toys, and clothes, not to mentions the food. To get a taste of real Malaysian cuisine you have to sample some of the street food, and a vegetable and fruit salad called rojak is just one dish to try!