ISLAND HOPPING IN LANGKAWI
When searching for islands to go in Malaysia, one of the most popular destinations will be Langkawi Island. The Jewel of Kedah – Langkawi is situated on the west coast of Malaysia and is easily accessible via daily ferries from the mainland and Penang Island. It also has an international airport with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur. The main draw of Langkawi is for its duty-free prices, beaches, hotels and resorts to cater for all budgets.
One of the must-do activities is to explore a few of the 99 surrounding islets around Langkawi. Island hopping in Langkawi is a day-long activity which will take you to some of the island’s most illustrious islets and shouldn’t be missed during your time there.
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ISLAND HOPPING IN LANGKAWI:
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Pulau Dayang Bunting
From afar, you’ll see why this island is named as the Island of the Pregnant Maiden – a direct translation from its Malay name. The unmissable silhouette of a pregnant lady lying on her back is formed by hills and trees. There is a gorgeous lake within the island, Tasik Dayang Bunting, where you can immerse yourself in its refreshingly clear waters, shrouded by a green tropical forest. Legend has it that women who cannot conceive need only take a sip of the water or swim in the lake and she will be blessed with a child.
Thereโs a kiosk on-site selling drinks, snacks, and souvenirs, as well as kayaks, paddle boats and life jacket rentals. Entry tickets to Tasik Dayang Bunting arenโt usually included in the day-tour packages. Fees are MYR6 for foreigners and MYR3 for Malaysians.
Pulau Singa Besar
This island is a wildlife sanctuary that is home to eagles, monkeys, monitor lizards, peacocks, mouse deer and even horn bills amongst others. Although translated as “Big Lion Island”, there are no lions in sight here.
Pulau Singa Besar is undeveloped in order to preserve its precious nature has no basic amenities or lodging. You’ll find some wooden pathways and marked jungle tracks which have been built for jungle-trekking while the secluded beaches are great for swimming and picnicking. A one-day trip can be arranged with an experienced nature guide while overnight camping requires permission from local authorities. Visitors can contact the Langkawi Tourist Information Centre (+604 966 7769) before arranging for the latter with private speedboat rentals ranging from MYR500.
The island is also a popular stop for day-tours with eagle spotting and feeding being the main attraction. Although you won’t be able to get off the boat, you better get your cameras ready as you’ll be up close and personal with a variety of eagles flying around you while the boatmen feed them with raw chicken.
Pulau Beras Basah
Pulau Beras Basah, translated to “Wet Rice Island” – presumably because of the texture of its fine sand, offers its visitors crystal clear, calm, shallow waters and white sandy beaches. It is the perfect place to rest and relax after visiting the other islands and ideal for a family day out. Lie by the beach and soak up the sun or relax under the shady trees – the choice is yours on this picturesque island!
There used to be a resort on the island, however, it has since been shut down. You will find one shop selling snacks and drinks at premium prices. Be prepared with your own supplies if you want to save money and remember to take your garbage along with you.
No changing rooms and toilet facilities are available on the island so make sure you already have your swimwear on before visiting Pulau Beras Basah.
Notable wildlife on this island are the โbeach monkeysโ. These monkeys are bold and will snatch your bags in search for food. Keep watch on your belongings at all times.
WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR ISLAND HOPPING TOUR
While some tours provide a bottle of water, do remember that the island hopping in Langkawi tour takes an average of 4-hours. We suggest you take the following items with you:
– Hat (Remember to hold on to them while the boat moves)
– Bottle/s of water
– Snacks/ Picnic Basket
– Swimwear
– Towel
– Change of clothes if needed
– Camera
ISLAND HOPPING IN LANGKAWI TOUR PACKAGES & PRICES
The half day island hopping tour takes between 3.5 to 4 hours and starts from MYR35 upwards for adults and from MYR30 for children under 12 years with hotel pick-up and drop-off. The rates are generally the same wherever you look and if you would rather do a spontaneous tour, there are many travel agents offering langkawi island hopping packages along Pantai Cenang. The tour will include a minivan shuttle from your hotel or a designated pick-up point in Pantai Cenang to the Teluk Baru Jetty and back.
This island hopping tour package is usually a shared boat tour with departure times at 9am and 2pm daily.
If you prefer to charter a private boat to tour the islands at your own pace, expect to pay upwards of MYR500 for up to 8 adults for a full day. Most boatmen will also show you some secret coves, inlets and hidden beaches if you ask.
Jet Ski tours are also a popular option for those who love the thrill of adventure. Prices are from MYR600 to visit the three popular islands above for a duration of 4 hours.
To discover more about island hopping in Langkawi Island and its numerous attractions, click here.
BEST TIME TO VISIT LANGKAWI
The best months to visit Langkawi is during December to March during the driest and sunniest season. However, Langkawi is open to tourists all year long so anytime is a good time to visit the island. The rainy season in Langkawi is usually from the end of August to October which sees mostly late evening to night time rainfall.
GETTING TO LANGKAWI
By Air
Langkawi Island has its own International Airport and serves both domestic and international flights. There are daily flights to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Subang Airport.
By Sea
Ferries are another option to get to Langkawi from Penang or the mainland from Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah.
The ferries are operated daily. Kuala Perlis – Langkawi: Daily from 7:30am until 7pm (1 hour 15 minutes ferry ride)
Kuala Kedah – Langkawi: Daily from 7am until 7pm (1 hour 30 minutes ferry ride)
By Car
If self-driving is your thing, then you’d be glad to know that you are allowed to drive your own car into Langkawi. That being said, there are no road connections from the mainland of Malaysia to Langkawi Island. However, there is a ferry service from Kuala Perlis where you can travel with your own car.
The price varies depending on how big or small your vehicle is. For sedan cars, a one way fare is MYR200 based on the published fare, however it is MYR155 if you book in advance directly from the Langkawiauto.com
It is recommended to book your ferry tickets online. Bear in mind that you will also have to purchase a ferry ticket for each accompanying persons together with the vehicle.
However, the easiest and most convenient way to get to Langkawi is by flight. There are many car and motorcycle rental companies in the airport, along Pantai Cenang and even in hotels that you can use to go around the island at your own pace. Check here for the best rates and book your preferred car in Langkawi.
