Tanjung Rhu Beach in Langkawi: Photos, Reviews and How to Get There

Tanjung Rhu Beach (also known as Casuarina Beach) is located in the northeast of the island, about 30 kilometers from the tourist hub of Cenang. It's one of the farthest beaches in Langkawi, along with Skull Beach. When asked which beach is the best on the island, locals almost always recommend Tanjung Rhu. And we agree — provided you understand where you're going and are prepared for the distance from the main infrastructure.

Strictly speaking, there are two beaches here, which for convenience we'll call near and far. They're on the same coastline but separated by a rocky headland, and you can't walk between them along the shore.

How to Get to Tanjung Rhu Beach

The easiest way to get to Tanjung Rhu is by taxi or rental transport. From Langkawi Airport, you can book a Grab — the trip takes about 40–50 minutes and costs 45–60 ringgit (11.39–15.19 USD).

If you're coming from Cenang, a taxi costs from 45 ringgit (11.39 USD), and travel time is about an hour. There's free parking at both beaches for rental transport. Note that at the far beach, parking might be on a sandy unpaved area — inexperienced drivers could get their wheels stuck.

If you stay at one of the hotels in Ayer Hangat village and the surrounding area, you can even walk to the beach. For example, the near beach is only 1.5 kilometers from the approximate center of this area (the traffic circle), and some hotels and rental villas are right along the beach. In any case, if you choose accommodation here, we'd recommend looking for something within walking distance of the near beach and near the traffic circle, since this is where any infrastructure is located. If you stay further out, you'll definitely need transport.

For more details on all transport options on the island, check out our article Transport in Langkawi: Getting Around.

Two Beaches of Tanjung Rhu: Near and Far

Near Tanjung Rhu Beach

The near beach is located next to Ayer Hangat village (near beach on map). This is a local island oasis — the nearest area where you can stay. There's no developed tourist infrastructure yet, but there are hotels and inexpensive guesthouses, as well as villas for rent, including beachfront ones. The village itself has basic urban infrastructure: a market, a gas station, and a few grocery stores. The area is gaining popularity and developing, so it's already worth considering as a place to stay. However, be prepared that everything is spread out and infrastructure is still somewhat limited, especially compared to Cenang. It's hard to imagine staying here without a rental vehicle, but if necessary, you can hire a car with a driver or take a taxi if you need to go somewhere.

The near beach itself is magnificent. The water here is noticeably clearer than at Cenang, tides are barely noticeable — you can swim at any time. There's a developed promenade with a row of cafes (like a food court), with great prices, typical of local establishments without tourist markups. There's free parking, a restroom, and a shower. So you can come here for a full day and enjoy your stay.

Far Tanjung Rhu Beach

The far beach is located a bit further — just a couple of kilometers along the coast, but separated from the near beach by a rocky headland (far beach on map). Unlike the near beach, it's more "wild" and natural, pristine. There's no promenade here.

Yet the beach is far from deserted — on the contrary, there are often more people here than at the near beach. Even locals love to come here, having picnics and gatherings. There's plenty of shade from trees — unlike the near beach, where this is an issue. There's no promenade or facilities on the shore, but nearby there's an area with cafes and stalls selling beach goods. Prices are also low.

There's no real area here — it's almost 3 kilometers to the center of Ayer Hangat village. But there are several hotels with beachfront grounds where you can stay. Among them is Tanjung Sanctuary (Tanjung Sanctuary on Trip.com). In terms of beach conditions and swimming, the far beach is almost identical to the near one: equally clear water, barely noticeable tides.

Where to Stay in the Tanjung Rhu Area

If you decide to stay in this area, your choice is Ayer Hangat village and its surroundings. Here you'll find:

• Hotels and guesthouses of various levels — from budget guesthouses to comfortable options;
• Villas for rent, including beachfront ones;
• Hotels with their own grounds on the far beach, such as Tanjung Sanctuary.

Infrastructure in Ayer Hangat is basic: there's a market, a gas station, a few grocery stores. There are few cafes and restaurants, but the beaches themselves have excellent options with inexpensive local food.

Important: without a rental vehicle, things will be a bit difficult here. If you're not planning to rent a car or motorbike, be prepared to use taxis (Grab works in this area) or hire a car with a driver for trips.

Beach Infrastructure and Features

Water Activities

Water activities at Tanjung Rhu are limited — mainly catamaran and kayak rentals. Their availability may vary depending on the season and tourist influx. However, boat tours to nearby islands are actively offered here — this is a great way to explore the scenic surroundings. It's best to check prices on the spot; haggling is appropriate.

Pros and Cons of Tanjung Rhu Beaches

Pros:

• The clearest water among all Langkawi beaches;
• Tides are barely noticeable — you can swim at any time;
• The near beach is developed: there's a promenade, cafes, restrooms, a shower, free parking;
• The far beach is for those who prefer a wilder experience, with natural shade from trees;
• Inexpensive food at local cafes (unlike touristy Cenang).

Cons and nuances:

• Distance from the main tourist infrastructure (about 30 km to Cenang);
• Difficult to get around without a rental vehicle;
• Parking at the far beach is on sand — you can get your wheels stuck;
• Little natural shade at the near beach;
• Infrastructure in Ayer Hangat village is limited (not many cafes and shops to choose from).

Useful Tips

• Definitely rent a vehicle (car or motorbike) — it will make your stay infinitely more comfortable.
• If driving to the far beach by car, be careful with parking on sand — it's better to leave your car on solid ground and walk.
• At the near beach, bring an umbrella or tent if you plan to be there on a sunny day — there's almost no natural shade.
• If this is your first time in Langkawi, consider staying in Cenang instead, and come here for a day trip.
• Don't miss the boat trip to the nearby islands — it's the main attraction in this part of the island.

Video: Tanjung Rhu Firsthand

To get a better sense of the atmosphere at Tanjung Rhu and how the area is laid out, watch our video.

Check prices or find other accommodation options using the links above or the search forms below.