Guide to Visiting Malibu Beach, Koh Phangan

Malibu Beach is a small and quiet beach on Koh Phangan that is still somewhat of a hidden gem (at least for now).

This beautiful beach is known for its crystal clear waters, soft white sand, and stunning views of Chalok Lam Bay.

If you’re planning a trip to Koh Phangan and you’re thinking of spending time at Malibu Beach, here’s everything you need to know including how to get there, what to do there, and what facilities are available to you.

How to Get To Malibu Beach, Koh Phangan

Getting to Malibu Beach is fairly easy as it’s so close to Chalok Lum, a popular resort village in the North of Koh Phangan.

The only way to reach Koh Phangan is by ferry from nearby islands such as Koh Samui or Koh Tao, or from mainland Thailand.

Once you arrive at Thong Sala Pier, the main port on Koh Phangan, you can take a taxi or hire a motorbike and drive to Malibu Beach, which is about a 30-minute drive.

I recommend you hire a scooter if you can as it’s faster and more cost-effective than the taxi services.

To get there, you need to drive to Chalok Lum and then head West. Once you see the 7-Eleven on the right opposite Wake Up! Sports Rental Shop, then you need to turn down the dirt road to reach Malibu Beach.

The car park is a wide open space with palm trees, and from there you need to cross a small bridge to reach the beach.

Things to Do at Malibu Beach

Malibu Beach is small and secluded, so most people come here to enjoy sunbathing or lying on the beach without being bothered or disturbed.

That being said, there are a few things to do at Malibu Beach to keep you entertained all day.

1. Play Volleyball

Malibu Beach may be the only beach on Koh Phangan that has a beach volleyball court.

You will need to bring your own ball with you, but you can easily buy one from one of the souvenir shops in Chalok Lum.

2. Go snorkeling

The water is too shallow for swimming (more so than other beaches) because it faces inwards of the bay.

You need to wade out for a good 100 feet before you can swim without dragging your belly along the floor.

However, it’s worth it, as there is a small reef here that’s thriving with tiny fish and marine life.

If you don’t have snorkel gear, you can rent it from Wake Up! sports rental shop which is opposite the 7-Eleven by the road into Malibu Beach.

3. Take a boat to other beaches

If you’ve turned up at Malibu Beach and you think it’s too quiet for you, then you can hail a taxi boat to take you somewhere else on the island.

The most popular beach nearby is Bottle Beach, but you can take a taxi boat to anywhere on the island such as Haad Salad or even as far as Haad Rin.

The taxi boats are quite expensive (roughly 400 baht each way), but a great way to see the island from a new angle.

Facilities at Malibu Beach

Malibu Beach is small and remote, so it lacks facilities. There are no public bathrooms or changing rooms, there is only a toilet at the Malibu Restaurant but it’s worn.

You may want to head into Chalok Lum to visit a restaurant if you need to use the bathroom.

You also won’t find any umbrellas for rent, but there is plenty of shade from the trees that line the shore.

You will need to bring everything you need for a day at the beach with you.

There is plenty of parking for cars and scooters.

Restaurants

There are not that many restaurants actually on Malibu Beach, aptly named Malibu Restaurant. You will find plenty on the main road near Chalok Lum Beach, but there is only one on Malibu Beach.

It serves a variety of Thai and international cuisine, but it’s pretty expensive for what you get. I recommend you bring your own snacks with you and then go into town for proper meals.

There is a 7-Eleven right at the road entrance to Malibu Beach.

Tips for Visiting Malibu Beach, Koh Phangan

If you’re planning on visiting Malibu Beach, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Be sure to bring sunscreen and a hat as the sun can be quite strong.
It’s also a good idea to bring cash with you as the beach vendors may not accept credit cards or charge a 3% credit card usage fee.
Buy water and snacks from 7-Eleven before visiting the beach. It says “no outside food allowed” but the restaurant is very expensive for what you get.
Wear bug spray. There are some black flies and sand flies that like to buzz around here.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Malibu Beach, Koh Phangan

Malibu Beach is a must-visit for anyone looking for peace, quiet, and seclusion on Koh Phangan.

It’s not as well developed as other beaches on Koh Phangan, which is precisely why I like it. If you’re looking for a beach that you can sit on with a good book, then this is the place for you.

With its stunning views, crystal clear waters, and soft white sand – it really feels like you’ve entered paradise.

Go now before it gets too popular!