Pulau Payar

 

Pulau Payar is a marine park situated some 35km south of Langkawi Island. Due to its nature as sheltered water, the island is ideal for snorkeling, diving and swimming.

 

The catamaran services operated by Langkawi Coral took some 50 minutes to reach the island from Kuah Jetty. Usually it will departs from the jetty in the morning around 11am and anchor nearby the island roughly at 12pm before making a return trip at 4pm.

 

 

Fishes and sharks can be swimming at the island water. Snorkeling is the best way to get close and personal with those marine creatures. Since this is a marine park, there will be a fine of RM 20, 000 imposed to anyone who try to feed the fishes or even bring back any souvenirs from this pristine island.

Small crabs can also be spotted among the rocks on the island. I heard some visitors saw some small snakes among the bushes too.

 

 

It is such a relaxing stroll around the island, enjoying the sea breeze and admiring the beauty of mother nature. Food and drinks are not sold on the island but lunch is usually included in the package trip to this island by the boat operator.

I would die for a bottle of beer but the boat operator charge some RM5 for a can of beer. Still consider cheap though compare to other places in Malaysia.

 

Pulau Payar offers a few stretch of sandy beaches. It is definitely a good place to get your skin tanned here. There is no fresh water supply on this island. Salt water is mainly used for in the bathroom and toilet.

Other side activity besides scuba diving and snorkeling is jungle tracking by negotiating some 183 steps to view the surrounding island. I reckon it only takes 10-15 minutes to reach the top.

This is definitely a worthwhile trip and I strongly recommend it to anyone who come to Langkawi Island. I would rate it better than the Manukan Island in Kota Kinabalu.