Langkawi Tanjung Rhu

Tanjung Rhu Beach, at Langkawi’s northernmost point, stands apart. This wide, empty crescent of fine white sand, framed by ancient casuarina trees, faces a dramatic seascape of limestone islets pushing up from emerald water. It’s easily one of Southeast Asia's most pristine beaches.

Part of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, it’s recognized for geological formations over 550 million years old. At low tide, sandbars appear, linking the main beach to offshore islands. You can walk through knee-deep Andaman Sea water to these islands.

The adjacent Kilim Karst Geoforest Park offers rivers lined with mangroves, sea caves, and a geological timeline thousands of years long. Explore it by boat. Watch the skies: white-bellied sea eagles and brahminy kites constantly circle. Langkawi means 'island of the reddish-brown eagle' in old Malay, after all.

This 2-kilometer stretch of sand remains remarkably peaceful, a stark contrast to other Southeast Asian beach hotspots. Only a few resorts dot its edge.