Top Things to Do and Best Stays to Enjoy While Exploring Tanjung Rhu Beach
Tanjung Rhu Beach is one of Langkawi’s most captivating spots, known for its powdery white sand and calm turquoise waters framed by limestone cliffs. The beach feels almost hidden away, giving visitors a sense of exclusivity that’s rare even in a popular island destination.
What makes it even more special is the balance it offers. It has peaceful stretches perfect for relaxing walks, and adventurous activities like kayaking or boat tours that reveal caves and mangroves.
With luxury resorts lining the shore and charming stays tucked nearby, finding the right place to rest is as much a part of the experience as the beach itself. Keep reading and be guided to the top things to do and the best stays to enjoy while exploring Tanjung Rhu Beach!
Where is Tanjung Rhu Beach?
Tanjung Rhu Beach is situated on the northern tip of Langkawi Island in Kedah, Malaysia, offering a coastal escape known for its powdery while sand and clear waters. It’s part of the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, celebrated for its tranquil beauty and picturesque limestone surroundings.
How to Get to Tanjung Rhu Beach
Closest town: If you’re coming from Kuah Town in Langkawi, it’s about a 30-minute drive by taxi or rental car to Tanjung Rhu Beach. The road is well-paved and easy to navigate.
For those already staying near Pentai Cenang, the trip takes around 40 minutes by car. Renting a scooter is also a popular way to get there.
Alternatively, fly into Langkawi International Airport and then take a taxi or Grab directly to the beach—it’s roughly a 25-minute ride.
Best Time to Go to Tanjung Rhu Beach
The best time to visit Tanjung Rhu Beach is between November and April during Langkawi’s dry season.
Another exciting time is during local festivals like Langkawi’s International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA). The island buzzes with events, and the beach becomes a peaceful escape from the crowds.
What to Do and See in Tanjung Rhu Beach
Take A Kilim Geoforest Park Mangrove Tour
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Address: Kilim River Tourism Jetty, Mukim Kampung Kilim
Contact details: +6049592323
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- RM350.00 (Per boat for 2 hours)
A mangrove tour in Kilim Geoforest Park is the kind of experience where you’ll see nature from a completely different angle. The boat ride takes you through winding rivers lined with tall limestone cliffs and thick mangroves.
Along the way, you can spot eagles swooping down, visit bat caves, and even stop by a floating fish farm. If you’re up for more adventure, some tours also include kayaking or snorkeling in clear waters nearby.
What makes this one of the best things to do near Tanjung Rhu is how much variety you get in just a few hours. Between wildlife sightings, cave exploring, and time on the water, you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve seen a hidden side of Langkawi
Walk across the sandbar
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Address: 07000, Kedah
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Have you ever stepped on a pathway that looks like it leads straight into the sea? That’s exactly what happens when the sandbar at Tanjung Rhu Beach shows up—stretching out nearly 1 km during extremely low tides and connecting you directly to Chabang and Kelam Baya Islands.
When the water drops, the beach transforms into a natural bridge you can walk across, surrounded by clear, shallow pools that hide little sea creatures if you’d bother to look. It’s a surreal game of land and sea—only here one moment, gone the next—and makes for a photo you’ll still be bragging about next year.
This spot stands out because it’s just a beach walk—it’s nature putting on a show. Time it right, and you’ll feel like you’re crossing into a secret world with the water gently rippling on either side as your backdrop.
Visit the famous Bat Cave and other nearby caves
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Address: 07000, Kedah
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- RM2.00 – General admission fee
Think eerie and impressive—that’s what you’ll encounter at the Bat Cave in Kilim Geoforest Park. Hundreds of bats hang overhead as you glide in by boat, walking through on a looped path if the water’s low, or turning back the way you came at high tide.
That Bat Cave isn’t your only stop here. Nearby is the Crocodile Cave, a limestone formation that earns its name from its shape, and you’ll often see eagles diving or monkeys peering in as you pass.
This spot stands out as one of the best if you love nature’s surprises—craggy rocks, wildlife, and that rush when entering a cave full of bats. It’s not just another photo stop, but a real moment of discovery amid Tanjung Rhu’s coastal scenery.
Kayak to the islands
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Address: 07000, Kedah
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- RM314.05 – Minimum of 2 pax
Paddle out from Tanjung Rhu and you can glide through peaceful waters toward hidden coves and limestone formations—a subtle way to feel part of the scenery. From the calm mangroves to the open sea, kayaking here brings you face-to-face with nature’s quieter side.
Imagine drifting during sunset—it’s like nature’s own light show, with golden light on the water and a chance to spot wildlife from your kayak. It’s peaceful, scenic, and maybe the best way to slow down and notice details you’d otherwise miss.
Kayaking is a great activity that still feels immersive. You’re not just passing through—you’re part of the scene, paddling in, around, and under Langkawi’s coastal beauty.
Explore the area on an ATV
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Address: 07000, Kedah
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost:
- RM130 – Per adult
Ready to trade your flip-flops for horsepower? While sticking entirely to Tanjung Rhu Beach, you can tap into ATV tours that include a splash of adventure.
These off-road rides take you through local villages, rice paddies, and rubber plantations before wrapping up near the waterfall, a total change-up from a typical beach day.
What’s cool is how the ride blends nature with local life. You rev through lush fields and rubber groves, spot wildlife, then finish with a peaceful waterfall stop—makes for one unexpected detour off the sand.
Where to Eat and Drink in Tanjung Rhu Beach
Chef’s Table @Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi
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Address: Tanjung Rhu Resort, Mukim, Pulau
Contact details: +6049591033
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday, Sunday – 6:30 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$$
Dining at Chef’s Table feels like stepping into a little piece of Italy by the sea. The menu leans on handmade pastas, wood-fired pizza, and seafood dishes that highlight fresh flavours.
You’ll notice how the kitchen plays with classics—lobster bisque, fondant chocolate, or a perfectly cooked lamb—all delivered with a focus on taste rather than unnecessary frills. The portions are generous, but you can always request smaller servings if you prefer.
What makes this one of the most memorable spots is the way the food and setting work together. Eating while the sun drops over Tanjung Rhu turns dinner into more than a meal—it feels like part of the whole island experience.
Rhu Bar
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Address: Jalan Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi
Contact details: +6049508888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 3 to 11 PM
Cost: $$
Rhu Bar is all about easy evenings with the sea right in front of you. You can sink into a cushioned seat or sway gently on a hanging swing while sipping your favourite drink.
The menu mixes tropical cocktails with a good range of wines and beers, plus light bites that pair perfectly with the setting. If you’re into variety, there’s even shisha and a pool table to keep the night going.
What sets this spot apart is how the view steals the show. Watching the sun dip into the Andaman Sea with a glass in hand feels like the kind of memory you’ll carry long after you’ve left Langkawi.
Pantai Tanjung Rhu
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Address: Pantai Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: $
Sometimes the simplest meals taste best when paired with the right view, and here the view is everything. A few small stalls offer drinks, light bites, and beach essentials without pulling you away from the sand.
It’s not about variety but about convenience—grabbing a cold drink, some snacks, or even a quick massage while you enjoy the calm water and soft sand. The atmosphere stays relaxed because vendors keep things easy and low-key.
This is one of the best spots if you want your food to come with peace and quiet. Eating here isn’t about the menu, it’s about being able to look up from your plate and see one of Langkawi’s most beautiful stretches of coast.
The Beach Grill
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Address: The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, PT 313, Jalan Pantai Kok, Teluk Nibong
Contact details: +6049524888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$$
Eating here means you’re right by the water, with views that stretch out as far as the horizon. The design takes cues from traditional fish traps, giving the place a unique character that fits the setting.
Seafood is the highlight, with grouper and jumbo prawns being crowd favourites thanks to the house marinades. Steaks and desserts also get special attention, often tailored to what you’re craving rather than sticking strictly to the menu.
This is one of the best places to settle in if you want a dinner that feels like an occasion. Between the sound of waves, personalised touches from the staff, and food that keeps you wanting another bite, it’s a meal that stays with you.
Where to Stay In and Near Tanjung Rhu Beach
De Balqis Chalet
– Media credit: de_balqis_resorts
Address: Jalan Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi
Contact details: +60174140002
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: $$
De Balqis Chalet gives you a stay that feels close to nature without losing basic comforts. The rooms are simple but clean, and the ocean breeze makes the best soundtrack you could ask for.
What you’ll probably love most is the view—sunsets from your balcony are incredible, and the sound of waves carries right into your room. It’s not about flashy extras, but about being able to relax without distractions.
This spot is best if you want an affordable escape with a real sense of place. Between the beachside dining option, friendly staff, and the calm atmosphere, it’s a stay that makes slowing down feel easy.
Nazrat Residence
– Media Credit: nazratresidence
Address: Lot 1388 Jalan Tanjung Rhu, Mukim Ayer Hangat
Contact details: +60134200915
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 3 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: $$
Nazrat Residence is the kind of place where the beach feels like your front yard. You can step straight from your chalet onto soft sand, with the sea stretching out just a few metres away.
The rooms are simple but spacious, with enough comfort to make you feel at home without taking away from the natural charm of the setting. Waking up to the sound of waves and ending the day with glowing sunsets is part of the experience here.
What makes this spot stand out is how peaceful it feels while still being close to conveniences. You’ve got local eateries and even the well-known Scarborough nearby, yet the vibe stays calm and unhurried—perfect if you’re after a slower pace.
Langkawi Primrose Seaview
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Address: Jalan Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi
Contact details: +601118501366
Operating hours:
- Check-in: 2 PM
- Check-out: 12 PM
Cost: $$
Waking up here means the ocean is the first thing you see and hear. You can step out for a swim, stretch on the sand, or just sip coffee while the sun rises over the water.
The rooms are basic but practical, with daily cleaning and little touches like brooms to sweep away sand after your beach walks. It’s not about luxury—it’s about being right where the sea meets your doorstep.
What makes Primrose Seaview a favourite is how calm the beach feels compared to busier parts of Langkawi. With food stalls just a short stroll away, you get both peaceful seclusion and easy access to local flavours.