A Serene Untouched Destination
The Langkawi archipelago, constituting 99 islands, sits on the Andaman Sea and radiates the empyrean splendour of a serene and undisturbed world. The prehistoric mountains, transparent waters, dense forests, and limestone caves capture the charm of its natural wonders. Currently, only four islands in the archipelago are inhabited, and the easiest way to hop between them is through Island-hopping tours. Renting a Jet Ski gives the additional freedom of getting close to the other islands with the added bonus of bouncing off the waves on a high-speed floating scooter. Langkawi Island Hopping tours are the best way to visit the remote and uninhabited islands.
The Island Langkawi
Pulau Langkawi is the largest and the most happening destination on the archipelago. One can easily say that all boats lead to Palau Langkawi, as it is the first port of call for all travellers. The island spans a little more than 25 km in all directions. Two mountains, Gunung Mat Cincang and Gunung Raya dominate the island and create some breathtaking photo opportunities. Pulau Langkawi is the hub of all tourist activities on the archipelago. With several hotels, resorts and other accommodation options, it attracts millions of visitors each year.
Pulau Dayang Bunting
Home to the lake of pregnant maiden, Pulau Dayang Bunting is located 17 km south of Pulau Langkawi. This island itself is a Geopark featuring large limestone and marble structures, underwater caves and green forests. It is easily accessible on a boat from the Kuah Jetty, and a visit to the island is a part of island hopping tours. Young couples frequently visit the island and dip in the lake of the pregnant maiden, hoping that she will assist them in having their own bundle of joy.
Pulau Payer and Neighbouring Islets
The Pulau Payar marine park is a well-developed snorkelling and diving site. It is the only diving location on the entire western coast of Malaysia. A variety of coral and colourful marine life of the Andaman Sea invite throngs of tourists to the park. The marine park comprises four islets including Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang, and Pulau Kaca. A short catamaran or speedboat ride can reach it, and it is a little over 30 km from the Kuah Jetty.
Rebak Island
Tradewinds Hotels & Resorts privately owns Rebak Island. An exclusive beach accessed only by the patrons of Rebak Island Resort offers an incredibly romantic experience. Filled with native flora and fauna and overlooking the crystal clear sea, it is a great place for those who are after a romantic beach holiday. The island also has a fully functional marina with latest amenities for sailboats. Regular boat rides are available from Rebak to the other Langkawi Islands for sightseeing activities.
Pulau Beras Basah
Pulau Beras Basah, which translates to “island of the wet rice,” is situated on the western side of the archipelago. Ornate with long sandy beaches and shallow blue waters, it is one of the four inhabitable islands in Langkawi. You can enjoy a variety of water sports or just take a stroll or sunbathe on the beach. It is also a part of Langkawi island hopping tours from the main island.
Palau Singa Besar
The Palau Singa Besar, which translates to the island of Giant Lion, is located between Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Beras Basah. It is a remote escape covered with dense forest and interesting rock formations. This island is home to a huge variety of exotic wildlife such as Iguanas, Mouse deer, Peacocks, and Macaques. Convocations of eagles fly high above the island and approach the boats for food. Langkawi island-hopping tours include the island, but it remains undeveloped and lacks facilities. Private day tours are the only way to access remote beaches.
Pulau Tuba
A part of the Dayang bunting Geoforest Park, the Tuba Island is one of the populated islands of the archipelago. The Tuba plant named it after itself and it consists of six villages (Kampong) that make up a small farming and fishing community. Surrounded with paddy fields and a distinctive traditional Malaysian charm, Pulau Tuba is a perfect place to experience kampong homestay. Other accommodation options are also available on the island, and visitors can access it by taking a 20-minute boat ride from the Kuah Jetty. Tuba was the first island in the archipelago to bear the brunt of the Japanese invasion during World War II. The Gua Wang Buluh, a cave used by the villagers to hide during the invasion, still tells the tale of that time.
Pulau Bumbon Besar and Pulau Bumbon Kecil
The islets shaped like the letters C and M are the Pulau Bumbon Besar and Pulau Bumbon Kecil. They are located in the southeast region of Pulau Langkawi. The beaches and coves of these islets are only ten minutes boat ride from Kuah Jetty, but they offer solitude and peace to those who wish to avoid the crowd on the main islands. Here you can snorkel, swim or sunbathe and laze around without bother. However, do carry your own food and drinks and don’t forget to take the trash when heading back. Private Day trips and group tours can be organised from Pulau Langkawi.
The names Pulau Kentut Besar and Kentut Kecil translate to big fart and small fart. Legends say that when the children of the great mountains Gunung Mat Cincang and Gunung Raya got married, the groom accidentally let out two toots after devouring the wedding feast. The mighty toots caused ruckus in water and created these islets. But don’t let the names or the story behind them make your nose wiggle, because these islets set the bar very high when it comes to pristine beach islands. Both these islets can be visited on an island hopping day trip from Langkawi. You can not only enjoy a peaceful time at the beaches but also camp and fish.
