With many people heading to the island of Langkawi in Kedah, Malaysia, I have come up with a general list of things to see, do and eat at the Tanjung Rhu area of the island.
This will give you information about the northern part of Langkawi Island, which is often overlooked by many travellers heading here. Also, the Langkawi Geopark is located around here too.
Things to See, Do and Eat at Tanjung Rhu Langkawi
The Tanjung Rhu area is located in one of the secluded areas of Langkawi Island and is probably home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
To get here, it only takes about 30 to 40 minutes to drive from Pantai Cenang or Kuah Town, and only one main road leads to Tanjung Rhu.
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| Visitors exploring the Kilim Geoforest Park mangroves. |
While Tanjung Rhu is located in the area of 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)
Kilim Mangrove Tour - This is the best thing anyone can do here, and you should always engage a credible tour company specialising in this.
This is because 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.
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| The sandbank and Karst Island are outside of the Tanjung Rhu Resort. |
The Famous Tanjung Rhu Beach Karst Island 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 and water-sport activities with local hawkers selling food and drinks.
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| Tanjung Rhu is also known to be one of the bird-watching spots in Langkawi. |
Bird Watchers Paradise - Tanjung Rhu is one of Langkawi's popular bird-watching locations. By just 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 engage a professional bird guide for this.
Among the guides, you can always contact Tanjung Rhu Resort as they have nature and bird guides available, or as an alternative, you can look for Wendy Nature Guide, one of the recommended bird guides.
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| Langkawi's most famous fish and chips at Scarborough, Tanjung Rhu. |
What are the Things to Eat at Tanjung Rhu?
For those wanting some great food, there are many resorts and local restaurants along the main Tanjung Rhu Road and all the way to 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 10 years and made a massive name for itself. Definitely, 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.
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| The new Rumah Ikan Fish House at the Four Seasons Resort. |
Eat at Four Seasons Langkawi - A fantastic restaurant called Ikan-Ikan resembles a traditional Malay home setting and serves award-winning traditional Malay cuisine. However, this is targeted towards 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.
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| Dawan Thai Kitchen along the Tanjung Rhu road. |
Local Malay Food around Tanjung Rhu - There are several local Malay warungs found 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.
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, but more of the Southern Thailand style of cuisine.
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| 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. The meal was apparently had by seven locals who paid RM1,852 for a meal, including an RM1,196 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.
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.
Where is Tanjung Rhu Located in Langkawi Island?
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| A map showing how long it takes from the airport to Tanjung Rhu. Photo Google Maps |
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.
There is only one main road leading to Tanjung Rhu, the main 112 road known as Jalan Ulu Melaka. By the way, Jalan is the Malay name for Road.
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 the left, on a private road.
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| The resort at night. |
What is at Tanjung Rhu?
You can find only one main resort in the core area: the Tanjung Rhu Resort. This is a 5-star semi-luxurious resort that 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 Resort on the left of the main road.
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| A beautiful sunset at the Tanjung Rhu Resort. |
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 connecting 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.
While first-timers may have questions about this place, the things to see, do and eat at Tanjung Rhu highlight most questions, except for places to stay.