The best beaches run down the west and north coasts. Pantai Cenang is the liveliest — a two-kilometre strip of white sand backed by restaurants and bars, good for swimming at low tide. Just north of it, Pantai Tengah is quieter and more resort-oriented. Further north, Tanjung Rhu on the north-east tip is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island: shallow, clear water, dramatic limestone outcrops, and far fewer people.
The beaches on the east coast (near Kuah) are shallow and less attractive; most visitors don't bother.