BLACK SAND BEACH

Black Sand Beach is also known as the Pantai Pasir Hitam. In Malay, Pantai stands for beach, Pasir means the sand and Hitam stands for black, hence the name. There are several stories explaining the blackness of the sand. Swimming or sunbathing is not recommended here.

Located just 4 km away from the southwest corner of Tanjung Rhu beach, the Black Sand Beach offers a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded parts of Langkawi. It is also famous for its iconic black sand that is quite different from the regular golden sand found on other beaches. Due to this peculiar quality, the beach receives a lot of tourists from all over the world. The name of the island comes from the color of the sand. 

This color of the sand is due to the presence of some minerals that are found in the granites of Mount Raya, which is located quite close to the beach. The streams from the mountain carry these minerals to the beach and deposit it here, giving it the iconic black color. The beach was once part of a fishing village, and the remnants of the same can still be found here. Although it is not safe for swimming, you can enjoy fishing on this beach.

Another famous activity here is photography – for the contrast of the blue sea against the black sand makes it quite stunning. Besides its peculiar sand, the beach is also well known for the lovely market held here. You can’t miss it – the market is located right in front of the entrance to the beach. You can buy local dress materials, accessories, and other items at these shops.

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Highlights

• Check out the mysterious black sandy beach on the Pantai Pasir Hitam of Malaysia and capture eye catching photographs .
• Situated near Mount Raya, minerals flowing to this beach give it the iconic black color that brings international visitors to witness its charm.
• One of the oldest fishing beaches in Malaysia, this beach is now used for fishing and leisure activities.
• Bathing and swimming are not allowed on this beach, you can take pictures and play around in this fun place.
• Walk across the Langkawi bridge to see the captivating views of the entire island and the beach from the top.
• Catch a glimpse of 500 unique aqua species in the Underwater World of Langkawi.
• Witness the beauty of the 12m long Eagle square tall sculpture.
• Shop across a variety of local stores near the sea beach that offer you unique items at affordable prices.
• Eat your favorite snack or grab a bite of the tastiest seafood at the affordable food stalls near the beach.

How To Reach

The black sand beach is located 21 km away from the center. There are three ways to go from the center to the beach:

- Taxi: Taxis can be hired from the city center to Jalan Teluk Yu, where the beach is located. In fact, you can get a taxi to the beach from almost anywhere in the city. The beach is located at the north end of the beach, so make sure you take a taxi all the way, otherwise you will have to walk for a while.

The entire journey should take you no more than 20 minutes. You can book a taxi to the beach from the city center online. The taxi will pick you up from wherever you are in the center and drop you at your destination. 

- Rented car or motorbike: If you have a license that is valid for use in Malaysia, you can rent a car or motorbike and drive from the center or anywhere in the city to the beach. In such cases, however, you should make sure that you are aware of all the rules of driving in the country.

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the black sand beach is between the months of January and March. This is when the weather is pleasant enough for sightseeing and hanging out on the beach.

Between September and October, the island sees a lot of rainfall as it is the monsoon season. During this time of the year, rain continues for several hours every day. Although it does stop during late afternoon and at night, it is still too high in humidity to go outside. Moreover, the sea waves on the beach at this time of the year can be quite dangerous. So, it is not recommended to visit the black sand beach during these months.

The months between April and August are considered mid-season for visiting the beach and the rest of the island. This is because there are occasional rains during these months, and the temperatures in the morning and noon can get quite high. Thus, the weather is not optimal for visiting the beach or enjoying sightseeing on the island. However, the rains stop during the evening and the temperature drops too, so it is not completely out of the question to visit the black sand beach during this time.

During the months of January to March, the beach, along with the rest of the island is warm and dry. Moreover, the ocean remains calm during this time, and that is why it is considered the high tourist season. The weather is perfect for enjoying the vistas near the beach, as well as exploring the rest of the island. However, it should be noted that hotel bookings can be scarce during this season, so it is better to book your accommodation well before arrival.

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Other Essential Information

Places to Eat in and Near Black Sand Beach

1. Kelapa Grill – If you want to get some bistro style dishes, this is the place to be at. The place offers some of the best sandwiches and pizzas in town, and you can even get some ribs and steaks if you come at dinner time.

2. Serai Restaurant – This upscale Italian restaurant is perfect for those of you who love alfresco dining. With its lovely chandeliers, stone and timber décor, and laid-back atmosphere – the restaurant is a perfect place for getting some delicious dinner after spending a day at the beach.

3. Saffron Restaurant – This Mediterranean restaurant is well known for its lovely views and indoor-outdoor seating. Enjoy stunning sunsets while feasting on some of the most sumptuous dishes on the island.

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Places to Stay near Black Sand Beach

Here are some of the best places to stay near the Black Sand beach:

1. The West Langkawi Resort – This luxury property is perfect for those who value comfort and convenience over everything else. The resort is only a few kilometers from the beach, and you can access almost all the main attractions on the island from this property.

2. The St. Regis Langkawi – The hotel is within the close reach to the beach, as well as the jetty. You can easily take a trip to any of the landmarks on Langkawi island. Amenities include car service to the town, laundry, wifi, and 24-hour front desk.

3. Adya Hotel – This four-star accommodation offers some of the most stylish rooms and well-equipped accommodation options on the island. It is decorated in authentic Arab décor, and comes with en suite bathrooms, wifi, and flatscreen TVs.

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Tips for Visiting Black Sand Beach

Here are some tips for making your trip to the beach pleasant:

1. The conditions at the beach are not ideal for sunbathing or picnicking 

2. Don’t swim in the waters here. They contain some heavy minerals that can be harmful to the skin.

3. The region has a lot of mosquitoes, so make sure you always carry a mosquito repellant.

4. There are some dangerous jellyfish in the waters here, so don’t get too close to the ocean.

5. Public transport on the island can be a bit of hit and miss, so plan your trip accordingly.

6. Don’t consume water from the tap or any open water source. Always drink bottled water only. 

7. Don’t litter or throw things here and there on the beach.

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