Things to See, Do and Eat at Tanjung Rhu Langkawi
With many people heading to the island of Langkawi in Kedah, Malaysia, I have compiled a general list of things to see, do, and eat in the Tanjung Rhu area of the island.
This will give you information about the northern part of Langkawi Island, which many travellers often overlook. The Langkawi Geopark is also located nearby.
Things to See, Do and Eat at Tanjung Rhu Langkawi
The Tanjung Rhu area is located in a secluded area of Langkawi Island and is probably home to one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Driving from Pantai Cenang or Kuah Town only takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and only one main road leads to Tanjung Rhu.
Tanjung Rhu is located in the Kilim Geoforest Park, which spans over 100 square kilometres from the northeast to the north of the island.
There are several beautiful attractions to see around this area, and just to reinforce, this is a natural area with no manmade tourist attractions. (Well, except for the floating fish farms and restaurants)
Visitors exploring the Kilim Geoforest Park mangroves. |
What are the Things to See and Do at Tanjung Rhu?
- Kilim Mangrove Tour—This is the best thing anyone can do here, and you should always engage a credible tour company specialising in this. Too many un-sanctioned tour operators or unethical operators just do it for the money. I strongly recommend booking a tour from reputable companies that practice responsible and ethical tourism experiences.
- Famous Tanjung Rhu Beach Karst Island – This is easily spotted from the main Tanjung Rhu beach, directly facing the Tanjung Rhu Resort. The best time to experience this is during the full or new moon each month when the tides go all the way out. You can walk to the karst island from the beach along a sandbank.
- Explore the main Tanjung Rhu Beach—This commercial part of Tanjung Rhu attracts many beach lovers. The pristine white sand beach has mushroomed with businesses renting deck chairs, water sports activities, and local hawkers selling food and drinks.
- Go Bird Watching in Tanjung Rhu area—Tanjung Rhu is one of Langkawi’s popular bird-watching locations. By walking the resort road or the main road here, you can easily spot over 20 species of birds. The best time is in the mornings or late afternoons, but I recommend you use a professional bird guide.
The sandbank and Karst Island are outside of the Tanjung Rhu Resort. |
Tanjung Rhu is also known to be one of the bird-watching spots in Langkawi. |
Langkawi’s most famous fish and chips at Scarborough, Tanjung Rhu. |
What are the Things to Eat at Tanjung Rhu?
For those wanting great food, there are many resorts and local restaurants along the main Tanjung Rhu Road and the jetty area.
- Eat at Scarborough Fish and Chips Restaurant – Probably the most famous fish and chips restaurant in Langkawi and the north of Malaysia. Scarborough Fish & Chips Restaurant Langkawi has been around for more than ten years and made a massive name for itself. It’s a recommended place if you love Western food or just fish and chips.
- Eat at Tanjung Rhu Resort – The main resort at the end of Tanjung Rhu offers several open restaurants for the public to walk in and dine in. The Sands Restaurant offers ala-carte Asian and Continental cuisine, while the Sands Pool Bar offers interesting snacks like pizzas, burgers, and fries.
- Eat at Four Seasons Langkawi—A fantastic Ikan-Ikan restaurant that resembles a traditional Malay home setting and serves award-winning traditional Malay cuisine. However, it is targeted at the well-heeled market.
- Eat at the Local Shops at the End of Jalan Tanjung Rhu – Just before the main Tanjung Rhu mangrove jetty at the end of the road, several local restaurants sell seafood and other local Malay dishes, which are also recommended to try.
- Try Local Malay Food around Tanjung Rhu—There are several local Malay warungs at the main roundabout here, and one of them to try is D’Bendang Nasi Campoq, by the main Ulu Melaka Road. This warung serves some fantastic local Malay mixed rice and is open for lunch only.
- Eat at Dawan Thai Kitchen at Tanjung Rhu – This new Thai restaurant is the talk of Tanjung Rhu, with many locals coming here to eat. However, it is not your Bangkok Thai good; it is more of the Southern Thailand style of cuisine.
The new Rumah Ikan Fish House at the Four Seasons Resort. |
Dawan Thai Kitchen along the Tanjung Rhu road. |
One of the floating fish farms and restaurants at Tanjung Rhu. |
What NOT to do at Tanjung Rhu
Eating Expensive Seafood—In 2021, there was controversy about an expensive seafood meal in Langkawi at one of the floating fish farms near Tanjung Rhu. Seven locals paid RM1,852 for the meal, including RM1,196 for a Siakap fish.
This says you should be cautious when eating at certain tourist places in Langkawi and always double check the seafood price before confirming your order.
Moving Around Langkawi
Renting a Car or Motorbike – Always ensure that the person or company you rent from has proper insurance coverage for any car or bike you rent. There have been cases where cheap car and bike rentals are offered without insurance coverage, and if you do get into an accident, the problems start.
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A map showing how long it takes from the airport to Tanjung Rhu. Photo Google Maps |
Where is Tanjung Rhu Located in Langkawi Island?
It is located in the island’s northern part and away from commercial areas like Pantai Cenang and Kuah Town. Most visitors to Langkawi will depart from the Langkawi Airport, and the journey to Tanjung Rhu will take around 25 minutes to drive one way.
Only one main road leads to Tanjung Rhu, the 112 road known as Jalan Ulu Melaka. Jalan is the Malay name for Road, and if you use any of the location maps on your phone, you should not have any problems finding this place.
When you reach the small roundabout at Air Hangat, just continue straight to Road 111, Jalan Tanjung Rhu. Keep on this road until the end, and you have reached the main jetty area. The Tanjung Rhu Resort is located on a private road on the left.
The resort at night. |
What is at Tanjung Rhu?
There is only one main resort in the core area: the Tanjung Rhu Resort. This 5-star semi-luxurious resort caters to singles, couples, and family travellers who want a peaceful getaway in Langkawi.
At the end of the main road is the famous Tanjung Rhu Mangrove Jetty, where visitors can book tours to Kilim Geoforest Park. Around the jetty area are also local Malay restaurants and souvenir shops.
Before you enter the core Tanjung Rhu area, you will also pass the commercial beach of Tanjung Rhu, where several homestays and restaurants are found. And before you enter the mangrove area of Tanjung Rhu, you will pass the Four Seasons Langkawi Resort on the left of the main road.
How to Get to Tanjung Rhu?
From Kuah Town, you can just take a taxi or rent a car and drive up to the northern part of Langkawi. Tanjung Rhu is located in the middle of north Langkawi.
All roads will connect to the main Ulu Melaka road, which connects to Road 111, the Tanjung Rhu main road. Use Waze or Google Maps, and you will be easily led there.
Conclusion
This article was created for anyone who plans to visit the Tanjung Rhu area of Langkawi Island. It is in the island’s northern part and is connected by one main road, easily accessed by all areas. You can also support me by booking a room at Tanjung Rhu Resort, which takes you straight to Agoda.
While first-timers may have questions about this place, the things to see, do, and eat at Tanjung Rhu highlight most of the questions, except for the places to stay.
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