Pulau Payar
An island to the south of Langkawi which can be reached
in about an hour by speedboat, Pulau Payar lies between the smaller
islands of Pulau Kaca, Pulau Lembu and Pulau Segantang. It is
the only island off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia that
has marine and coral reef life similar to that of the Indian Ocean.
Having recently been developed into a marine park, it boasts some
of the finest marine life, including the horse-eyed jack, moray
eel, clown fish, 2 meter long groupers, black-tipped reef shark
and black-spotted puffer. Pulau Payar also has the largest number
of coral species in Malaysia, among them the Tubastrea micrantha
and the semi-precious Antipathies.
The Langkawi Coral Pontoon is moored very near the
island where the adventurous can find scuba and snorkeling equipment
for hire. For those who prefer to explore the underwater world
without getting wet, there is an underwater observatory.
Overnight accommodation
is nt available but camping is allowed with prior approval from
the Fisheries Department in Alor Setar or from the Head Office
in Kuala Lumpur.
Pulau Singa Besar
Its name means "Island of the Bid Lion" although
physically there's no resemblance. Located 17km from Kuah, Pulau
Singa Besar is nestled between the smaller island of Pulau Beras
Basah to the west and Pulau Dayang Bunting to the east.
The sedimentary rocks on this island are reputed to be among
the oldest in Malaysia going back 500 million years. The flora
and fauna here differ greatly form that on the mainland, with
lush abundance of the Diptherocarp, kelubi and cycas.
The island is a wildlife sanctuary where lizards, mousedeer,
macaques, eagles and hornbills roam freely. Wooden walkways and
paths have been delineated on the islands shores for nature lovers
and a trek around the island takes about 8 hours.
Pulau Dayang Bunting
Located 17.6km from Kuah, this island is the second largest
island within the archipelago. Its name 'The Island of the Pregnant
Maiden" is inspired by the legends which surround the lake
(known as Lake Guillemard) or by the physical appearance of the
island itself which resembles the belly of a pregnant woman. The
legend that the lake bestows fertility, although not scientifically
proven, only enhances the mystery that surrounds the island.
Mangrove swamps dominate the perimeter of the island, while rainforests
reign supreme inland. The bird and insect population are high,
width over 90 species of birds including the hornbill, kingfisher,
drongo, woodpecker and kite.
Pulau Rebak Kechil
Midway between Pantai Cenang and Pulau Rebak Besar, this
island is popular with day trippers. The forested beach is sandy
for the most part and gets more rocky towards the northern end.
There are chalets for those who want to stay overnight.
Pulau Rebak Besar
Apparently named because it resembles a traditional Malay
drum or 'rebak', this island is resplendent with natural beauty.
Developed as a marina with full facilities and a marine park,
it is still in its pristine natural state with beautiful beaches
cooled by leafy foliage and refreshingly cool turquoise waters.
Pulau Beras Basah
With crystal clear waters and pure white sandy beaches,
this is an ideal place to get way from it all.
Pulau Tuba
The only inhabited island besides the main island of Langkawi
itself, Pulau Tuba allows visitors to experience traditional fishing
village life with fishermen returning home in the evenings in
their quaint fishing boats.
Pulau Intan Besar
This is an island modern-day Robinson Crusoes would love
to disappear to. Forest-clad and uninhabited, there are massive
ancient trees covering the central part of the island, while coconut
palms line the beaches. It is ideal as a quiet retreat for bird-loving
naturalists.
Pulau Tiloi
More recently known as Pulau Bunga (Island of Flowers),
this island brings the beauty of tropical flowers through a project
managed by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development
Institute (MARDI), transforming the island into a floral paradise.
There are gardens shaded by lofty trees displaying their scents
and kaleidoscope of colours.
Pulau Intan Kechil
Like its 'big sister' island, this island is also uninhabited,
with a pristine white sandy beach and translucent waters to lure
visitors. Great to spend a day at, it is only about 50minutes
by boat from Kuah Jetty.
