BEST BEACH IN LANGKAWI

If you’re searching for white sandy beach and crystal clear water in Langkawi, Pasir Tengkorak Beach is one of those hidden secrets on the island. This secluded beach is located north of the island. Surrounded by rainforest, Pasir Tengkorak Beach is possibly the best beach in Langkawi with fine white sand and blue sea water. It is also one of the cleanest public beaches with the clearest waters around Langkawi.

Pasir Tengkorak literally means Skull Sand or Sandy Skull. The name derived from local legends and myths of sea monsters, warriors, and a huge battle between two mythical birds – the Garuda and Jentayu. 

However, in reality, there are two reasons that could explain its name. The first reason is likely due to the remains and skulls of prisoners who tried unsuccessfully to escape from the prison island of nearby Ko Tarutao that were washed up ashore on Pasir Tengkorak.The second reason is that the appearance of a skull-like landform (tafoni) found around the area could’ve been why it was named after skulls.

Pasir Tengkorak Beach is family-friendly and the waters are calm and shallow enough for children to swim and paddle in. Swimming is allowed but be warned that there are strong currents as you get deeper into the sea. Do not attempt to swim far out as these currents can be deadly. As it is a public beach, the area is open 24 hours a day and swimming is at your own risk. There are no lifeguards on duty. This quiet beach also has no motorised water sports activities to further pollute the sea unlike Cenang Beach and Pantai Tengah, making it the best beach in Langkawi to relax and read a book.

The beach is cleaned and maintained by the Forestry Department and is located within the Machinchang Forest Reserve. Pantai Pasir Tengkorak is a sandy pocket beach between rocky beaches around the geosite. The rock formations on both sides of this soft white sand beach dates back to over 500 million years. The beach is rather small but is not as packed with tourists as it is rather far away from the popular areas. Be careful of monkeys as they target unattended bags in search of food, especially if you are closer to the forest areas. There are shady tress to lie under with ample shade for everyone when the sun gets too hot.

FACILITIES ON PASIR TENGKORAK BEACH

Food & Drinks

There is a snack cart where coconuts, ice-cream, toasts, soft drinks, coffee, tea and snacks are sold. Only cash transactions are accepted.

Toilets, Changing Rooms & Shower Areas

Separate areas for Males and Females are allocated for the toilets and shower on Pasir Pantai Tengkorak. A fee of MYR1.00 is payable to the snack cart vendor to use the restrooms and shower facilities per entry. If you’re friendly enough, the vendor might only charge you once for unlimited use. These facilities are only open from 8:00AM to 18:00PM.

Picnic Areas

There are a few free seating tables and gazebos scattered around the area above the beach based on first come first served. You are advised to bring your own picnic mats.

Rubbish Bins

There are a few rubbish bins located on the beach and around the picnic areas. Please dispose of your trash responsibly. Cigarette butts are to be thrown in the trash bins and not on the beach.

Parking

Free carpark for cars and motorcycles are available just before the entrance to the beach.

Emergency Contacts

• Hospital Langkawi – 14 km (604-9663 333)
• Balai Polis Kuah – 18 km (604-9662 222)
• Balai Bomba Langkawi – 18 km (604-9693 004)

ACCOMMODATION ON PASIR TENGKORAK BEACH

There are a handful of wooden chalets facing the beach on Pasir Tengkorak Beach, however, they are not in use. Currently there are no on-site accommodation options on the beach itself. Find the closets hotels to Pasir Tengkorak Beach by searching below:

HOW TO GET TO PASIR PANTAI TENGKORAK BEACH

Pasir Pantai Tengkorak is located about 25kms away from the bustling Cenang Beach and 40kms from Kuah Town.

By Car / Motorbike / Scooter

The best way to get to Pasir Pantai Tengkorak Beach is to rent a car or rent a motorbike/scooter as there are no day tours offered to visit this local beach. If you’re self-driving, please pay attention to the road signs and head towards the direction of Datai.

The main entrance to the beach is located on the right side as you are approaching a corner uphill towards Datai Bay. It can easily be missed so keep a lookout for the wall as seen in the photo below.

Taxi

If you rather not drive, there are plenty of taxis around. The estimated price from Cenang Beach to Pasir Pantai Tengkorak is MRY70.00 one-way. You might need to arrange with the taxi driver on a pick-up time as there is no taxi stand around the area.

Pasir Tengkorak Beach is undoubtedly the best beach in Langkawi and is popular with locals who come to swim during the evenings. If you have more days in Langkawi, why not discover the top islets throughout the area with an Island Hopping tour of Langkawi. You’ll find one of the best beaches around Langkawi at Pulau Beras Basah, which is one of the stops on this day tour.