Langkawi’s Black Sand Beach lies on the island’s north-central coast and is one of those rare places that seems to defy the laws of nature. After all, how often do you see a beach made of black sand?

The beach is usually an interesting and aesthetic striation of white and black sands. Due to its distance from the island’s more touristy southern and southeastern areas, it gets less traffic than many others, making it an excellent escape for those looking to unwind and enjoy nature.

Rumors abound as to the origins of the black sand; they’re as diverse as a curse by a scorned mermaid, solidified lava from the sea floor, and a mass burning and deforestation that took place in the region nearly 200 years ago. Whatever the case, Black Sand Beach is one of those places that’s a little out of the way but well worth the effort to visit.

Editor: Xie Mingshan