Nature's Best in Langkawi

Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi

PULAU PAYAR MARINE PARK is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Malacca, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands if Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca. The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation. Pulau Payar is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal for snorkelling, diving and swimming. Among the enchanting dive spots is the Coral Garden, an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals. Just off the beach, one can indulge in the thrilling experience of feeding baby sharks.

Visitors can get to Pulau Payar from Kuah Jetty by catamaran takes about 45 minutes to get to Pulau Payar while the speedboat takes an hour. It is advisable to book the catamaran service a day before the trip. Apart from the fare, a levy of RM5 for adults and RM2.50 for children is charged for entry to the marine park. For further information on the catamaran service, kindly contact Langkawi Coral at 04 966 7318 or Coral Island at 04 966 1368.

Lake of Pregnant Maiden (Tasik Dayang Bunting), Langkawi

LAKE OF PREGNANT MAIDEN or Tasik Dayang Bunting, with its uniquely coined name, is sure to enthral you with its beautiful surroundings and mysterious past. The name of this largest freshwater lake in Langkawi is attributed to the legend of a lovely fairy princess who married an earthly prince. Her first child died shortly after birth. She was so sad and depressed that she buried the child in the crystal clear waters of the lake. Before she returned to her celestial abode, she blesses the waters to that any childless maiden who bathed in the lake would conceive thereafter. To reach the lake one has to get to he island of the Pregnant Maiden first and then take a short walk through the forest reserve.

SOUTHEAST ASIA'S FIRST GEOPARK

Langkawi, which has the distinction of being the first geopark in Malaysia and the region, has many geosites that offer outstanding sights for visitors. There are three geoforest parks in Langkawi - the Machinchang Cambrian is reputed to be the oldest geological formation in the country. At the Kilim Karst, one can view magnificently formed landscapes of nearly verticle to surrounded karstic hills as well as pinnacles of various shapes and sizes. The Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park boasts fine marbles.

SUNGAI KILIM offers some truly unforgettable sights and experiences for adventurous travelers to Langkawi. A tour that is bound to provide plenty of thrills is the boat cruise to Kilim Nature park, an escapade to another world. Spread over an area of 100 square metres, Kilim Nature Park features a beautiful mix of well-protected green mangrove forests, isolated white beaches and blue lagoons. On the trail, along the calm winding river, you will be exposed to the wonders of the park's marine ecosystem and flora and fauna like the overhanging Bogak Trees, Brown Eagles, Tree Crabs, iguanas and macaques. Enjoy the scenic and spectacular view of unique limestone rock formations emerging from the floor of the mangrove swamps and the sea. These fascinating geological wonders have been dubbed the Temple of Borobudur, the Elephant Stone and the Hanging Gardens. Be a part of the eagle feeding experience as these predators wait silently to swoop down on the feed thrown into the water by the boatmen.

THE HOLE IN THE WALL FISH FARM is a 10-minute boat ride from the Kilim river jetty. Try your hand at feeding the tame stingrays at the fish farm. Located in the Kilim mangrove area, which covers about 1,309 hectares, the stingrays are fed half a kg of fish daily.

SEVEN WELLS or Telaga Tujuh, located in the north-western corner of Langkawi, is a geological marvel. The waterfall is so named because the cascading waters are broken by a series of seven natural pools. The lush green forest that surrounds the waterfalls adds a mystical touch to the natural splendour. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the waterfall to bathe and frolic.

DURIAN PERANGIN WATERFALLS is suitable for picnics, a relaxing dip and recreation. This 14-tier waterfall, north from Kuah, is truly a sight to behold and is accessible after a short trek through the rainforest.

CAVES in Langkawi worth exploring are Gua Cerita which is easily accessible and only 30 minutes by boat from Tanjung Rhu. Inside are interesting rock formations steeped in fabled tales of mystery and romance. Look out for ancient inscriptions on the walls. Another interesting cave is Gua Kelawar nestled in the heart of a mangrove. A wooden platform allows visitors easy access through the cave. Gua Pasir Dagang, about 45 minutes by boat from Kuah has a shallow stream running right through the cave.