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Beras Basah Island
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Island
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Beras Basah Island is a memorable destination located in the western part of the Langkawi archipelago, bordered by the clear waters of the Strait of Malacca. Its name, which translates to 'Wet Rice Island' in Malay, stems from a local folklore about a cargo of rice that was soaked during a sudden thunderstorm centuries ago. The island is celebrated for its expansive stretches of powdery white sand and shallow turquoise waters, making it a favorite spot for families and snorkeling enthusiasts. Although uninhabited, it is a key highlight of Langkawi's popular island-hopping excursions, offering visitors a chance to relax away from the more commercialized main island. The lush jungle interior provides a natural habitat for crab-eating macaques, who are frequently seen near the shoreline. With minimal development and no permanent accommodations, the island retains a serene atmosphere that perfectly captures the essence of an untouched tropical paradise.
- Location: Malaysia
- Top sights: Ancient tomb Makam Purba · Sunset · Resorts World Langkawi
- Nearby: Langkawi (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 66 | 29 | 127 | 170 | 217 | 198 | 206 | 220 | 249 | 270 | 218 | 132 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The island is most easily accessed by joining popular island-hopping tours or by hiring private speedboats originating from the main island of Langkawi, typically departing from Pantai Cenang or Kuah Jetty.
Best season
The good time to visit is during the dry months from December to April, when the surrounding sea is exceptionally calm, the skies are bright blue, and underwater visibility is excellent for snorkeling.
Terrain & paths
The main attraction is composed of soft, white sandy beaches and shallow coastal waters, which gradually transition into lush, mostly inaccessible tropical jungle terrain dominating the island's interior.
What to bring
Swimwear, a large beach towel, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and ideally your own reliable snorkeling gear are essentially everything you need for a perfectly relaxing day out on the pristine beach.
Parking
There are zero vehicles on the island itself; cars or scooters must be securely left at the parking lots of the mainland piers on Langkawi before you step aboard any of the outbound excursion boats.
Safety
Visitors should keep a close eye on the notoriously cheeky macaques known to snatch unguarded food or bags; never feed the wildlife and make sure to only swim comfortably within the clearly marked zones.
Time needed
Most guided island-hopping boat tours usually allocate about one to two hours on this specific island, which provides ample time for swimming, taking leisurely beach walks, and enjoying a quick picnic.
Geography
Facts
- Located in the western cluster of the 99 Langkawi islands.
- The name refers to a legend of rice getting wet during a storm.
- The island has no permanent inhabitants or modern infrastructure.
- Positioned strategically within the busy Strait of Malacca.
- Famous for its exceptionally soft, white silica sand beaches.
- Home to a significant population of wild long-tailed macaques.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Beras Basah Island (13)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How to get to the island?
Only by boat, usually as part of an island hopping tour.
Is the island safe for kids?
Yes, the shallow water at the beach is good for splashing.
Are there restrooms?
There are very basic facilities, but no luxury restrooms.
Should I bring my own food?
Yes, there are hardly any permanent restaurants there.
What is the best time for a visit?
Morning, before the large tourist crowds arrive.
Beras Basah Island: where is it located?
Beras Basah Island is located in Malaysia.
Beras Basah Island: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ancient tomb Makam Purba, Sunset, Resorts World Langkawi.
Beras Basah Island: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Beras Basah Island: why is it worth visiting?
Beras Basah Island is a memorable destination located in the western part of the Langkawi archipelago, bordered by the clear waters of the Strait of Malacca.
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