Nature’s Best in Langkawi Nature’s Best in 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 of 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.
Visitors can get to Pulau Payar from Kuah Jetty by catamaran or speedboat. The catamaran takes about 1 hour to get to Pulau Payar while the speedboat takes about 30 minutes. It is advisable to book the catamaran service a day before the trip. An entry fee to the marine park is chargeable. For further information on the Pulau Payar Marine Park, kindly contact Unit Taman Laut Negeri Kedah (Kedah State Marine Park Unit) at +604 733 9086.
SOUTHEAST ASIA’S FIRST GEOPARK
Langkawi, which has the distinction of being the first geopark in Malaysia and in the region, has many geosites with outstanding sights for visitors. There are three geoforest parks in Langkawi – the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park is reputed to be the oldest geological formation in the country. At the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, one can view magnificently-formed landscapes from nearly vertical to subrounded karstic hills as well as pinnacles of various shapes and sizes. The Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park boasts fine marbles.
LAKE OF THE PREGNANT MAIDEN or Tasik Dayang Bunting, with its uniquely-coined name, is sure to enthrall you with its beautiful surroundings and mysterious past. The name of Langkawi’s largest freshwater lake 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 blessed the waters so that any childless maiden who bathed in the lake would conceive thereafter. To reach the lake one has to get to the Island of the Pregnant Maiden first and then take a short walk through the forest reserve.
Admission Fee: √
Tel: +604 959 3099
SUNGAI KILIM offers some truly unforgettable sights and experiences for adventurous travellers to Langkawi. A tour that is bound to provide plenty of thrills is the boat cruise to Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, an escapade to another world. Spread over an area of 100 square kilometres, 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 Borobodur, the Elephant Stone and the Hanging Gardens.
TEMURUN WATERFALL Located within the Machinchang Geoforest Park near Datai Bay, the Temurun Waterfall is Langkawi’s tallest waterfall. This seasonal waterfall is best visited during May to October as the water would be reduced to a mere trickle during the dry season. A refreshing respite from the hot and humid weather, this waterfall is clearly visible from the road.
SEVEN WELLS or Telaga Tujuh, located in the northwestern 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 waterfall adds a mystical touch to the natural splendour. Legend has it that fairies used to come down to the waterfall to bathe and frolic. Waterfall Abseiling is available at the above waterfalls.
CAVES in Langkawi worth exploring include Gua Cherita which is easily accessible and situated 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 onthe walls.
Another interesting cave is Gua Kelawar nestled in the heart of a mangrove forest. 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. The boat journey to the cave itself is an adventure of sorts. Guides can be engaged for cave expeditions.
LANGKAWI NATURE PARK Langkawi Nature Park (LNP) is strategically located within the enclave of Kilim Geoforest Park. It is part of the larger Langkawi Geopark and one of the biggest hotspots of ecotourism in the entire region. Visitors can enjoy boat rides to see Kilim Geoforest Park and have the incredible experience of walking through the thick natural mangrove jungle via the 800 meter-long boardwalk.
Opening hours: 9am – 7pm
(Ticket counter closes at 5.45pm)
Tel: 019 709 4769