4 Islands in Langkawi for Divers, Beach Lovers and Marine Life Fanatics
If you ask any local where you can experience the best island hopping experience in Malaysia, they’ll most likely answer Langkawi—and it’s not hard to see why! It’s home to several beautiful islands, some are more remote while others feature Langkawi’s best resorts.
These destinations are perfect for every type of traveller, as they offer beautiful sceneries, laid-back spots, beautiful marine life, trekking trails and more. However, we felt like they’re not as advertised on brochures, so we decided to make this list!
So if you’re looking for your next adventure in Malaysia, here’s the perfect guide for a memorable island hopping experience in Langkawi:
Pulau Dayang Bunting
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Things to do: Caving, kayaking, swimming, birdwatching
Costs to consider: RM6 (entrance to the lake)
Location
Pulau Dayang Bunting, also known as Pregnant Maiden Island, is named that way because locals believe it can help in fertility among women. Legend says that the son of a man and a princess died and his body was laid to rest here thus giving the lake its magical properties.
Speaking of, its freshwater lake is one of the reasons why it’s so popular among tourists because of its beautiful natural limestone formations. Moreover, its calm waters are ideal for swimming—plus you can rent life jackets and paddleboats.
Spelunkers will also get a kick out of visiting Pulau Dayang because of Gua Langsir, also known as the Cave of the Banshees. You can explore its beautiful rock formations and witness its resident bats all while hearing a banshee-like wail when the winds blow—hence its name.
Pro tip:
If you grow hungry during your trip to the island, stop by the Dayang Cafe located near the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. It offers multiple local and international dishes at affordable prices while providing beautiful views of the lake and its surrounding mangrove forests.
Pulau Beras Basah
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Things to do: Picnicking, jungle trekking, snorkelling, scuba diving, jet-skiing
Phone: +60 4-966 7789
Location
Pulau Beras Basah houses one of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia, featuring long sandy shores that overlook the beautiful cerulean sea. Furthermore, its surrounding waters are shallow, making the island a perfect family-friendly destination for swimming!
If you want something more exciting, you can also try snorkelling to see the beautiful marine life up close and personal, but you do have to bring your own equipment. Meanwhile, you can also explore its bustling jungle and spot cool wildlife like iguanas, mouse deer and peacocks.
There are also various pieces of equipment for rent on the island like banana boats, parasails and jet skis if you want to try exciting watersports. If you’re coming with a group, however, we recommend the banana boat, as it can accommodate multiple guests!
Pro tip:
Since the island is underdeveloped, you won’t find any stores and food stalls, so make sure to pack your essentials. Furthermore, we recommend just booking a day tour on the island for only RM600 to RM900 from Teluk Baru Jetty and Kuah Jetty.
Pulau Singa Besar
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Things to do: Wildlife spotting, eagle feeding, jungle trekking
Location
If you prefer jungle trekking over swimming during your island hopping experience, then Pulau Singa Besar should be right up your alley! It offers one of the most interesting jungles to explore solely because of its interesting residents like hornbills, monkeys, lizards and peacocks.
However, the main highlight here is the kite and sea eagles, and the best part is you can virtually spawn them from your location! One of the best activities here is eagle-feeding where you can throw chunks of chicken into the sea and watch as the eagles come zooming down.
However, this isn’t to say that you can’t enjoy water activities here as well! You can also go snorkelling and swimming in the surrounding waters and meet beautiful sea creatures along with their bright and colourful homes.
Pro tip:
There aren’t any chalets or resorts on the island so it’s better to visit Pulau Singa Besar on an island-hopping tour. This way, you can get your money’s worth by stopping by Pulau Beras Basah and Pulo Singha Kintut.
Pulau Payar Marine Park
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Things to do: Scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming
Phone: +60 13-350 1205
Location
Website
Divers from around the world tout Pulau Payar Marine Park as one of the best diving spots in Malaysia, or the whole planet for that matter. It’s hard to argue with that claim because it’s home to a bustling marine life that’s teeming with fish, coral reefs and other sea creatures.
One of the best things about this diving spot is its untouched nature, given that it’s 30 kilometres south of Langkawi. This is why all the aquatic life you’ll find here are residents of the Andaman Sea, from clownfishes to seahorses, sharks and more.
If you’re one to just kick back, relax and enjoy the sun, you can also relax by one of the white sandy beaches of the island. Moreover, you can make the most out of your trip and visit every islet in the area, namely: Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang, and Pulau Kaca.
Pro tip:
The only way you can get to this island is by planning a trip with Langkawi Coral, which is the official tour operator of Pulau Payar. They’ll arrange a private transfer for you and your group that will take around 45 minutes from Kuah Jetty.