langkawi magazine
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Langkawi Outlying Islands - Part 1
PULAU TUBA
If you make it a point to visit Langkawi when it has fine weather, then you could take one or several trips to the nearby islands, starting with Pulau Tuba, about five kilometres south of Langkawi island. It is the only other island that offers accommodation to tourists but it is a case of 'take it or leave it' as there is only one place to stay. Sunrise Beach Resort has its own swimming pool but if you're the type of tourist who prefers the backpacking style of travelling and accommodation, then you'll probably have to head back to Langkawi for the night.
Pulau Tuba is mostly filled with mountains - there is very limited lowland. This is clearly seen especially at the rim of the island as there is hardly even enough space for the dirt track that surrounds the island. Activities are limited to perhaps a spot of hiking - check with the hotel for information on trails to follow. Being undeveloped, this island is without a doubt still a natural habitat to an interesting array of wildlife - those on land, in the air, the water and even those in the treetops. Bird-watching or walking may thus bring you in close proximity to some interesting creatures. Even the deserted beaches would be an incentive for the sea creatures to put in an appearance.
Getting to Pulau Tuba is a matter of hiring a small speedboat. Each return trip is estimated to cost about RM 6. Nature-lovers must not miss Pulau Singa Besar, which is a wildlife sanctuary located three kilometres off the southern tip of Pantai Tengah on the west coast of Langkawi. It is a designated stop for the island-hopping boat. If you join an organised one-day trip, you'll get the services of a guide who will take you around and explain about the flora and fauna on the island. Many species of animals have been released on the island and how many animals you are able to catch a glimpse of will depend on your luck as the monkeys, mouse deer, various reptiles and birds are not confined in cages, but are allowed to live as they do in the wild. If you're lucky, the peacocks might just decide that it's a good time to preen their feathers to an audience when you're there.
PULAU BUMBON
Ten minutes from the Kuah jetty lies yet another island, Pulau Bumbon. There are some pleasant beaches there and you can get to Pulau Bumbon by booking yourself a day trip at the price RM 25. A pleasant enough place to spend a few hours of peace and quiet on a deserted island.
If you make it a point to visit Langkawi when it has fine weather, then you could take one or several trips to the nearby islands, starting with Pulau Tuba, about five kilometres south of Langkawi island. It is the only other island that offers accommodation to tourists but it is a case of 'take it or leave it' as there is only one place to stay. Sunrise Beach Resort has its own swimming pool but if you're the type of tourist who prefers the backpacking style of travelling and accommodation, then you'll probably have to head back to Langkawi for the night.Pulau Tuba is mostly filled with mountains - there is very limited lowland. This is clearly seen especially at the rim of the island as there is hardly even enough space for the dirt track that surrounds the island. Activities are limited to perhaps a spot of hiking - check with the hotel for information on trails to follow. Being undeveloped, this island is without a doubt still a natural habitat to an interesting array of wildlife - those on land, in the air, the water and even those in the treetops. Bird-watching or walking may thus bring you in close proximity to some interesting creatures. Even the deserted beaches would be an incentive for the sea creatures to put in an appearance.
Getting to Pulau Tuba is a matter of hiring a small speedboat. Each return trip is estimated to cost about RM 6. Nature-lovers must not miss Pulau Singa Besar, which is a wildlife sanctuary located three kilometres off the southern tip of Pantai Tengah on the west coast of Langkawi. It is a designated stop for the island-hopping boat. If you join an organised one-day trip, you'll get the services of a guide who will take you around and explain about the flora and fauna on the island. Many species of animals have been released on the island and how many animals you are able to catch a glimpse of will depend on your luck as the monkeys, mouse deer, various reptiles and birds are not confined in cages, but are allowed to live as they do in the wild. If you're lucky, the peacocks might just decide that it's a good time to preen their feathers to an audience when you're there.
PULAU BUMBON
Ten minutes from the Kuah jetty lies yet another island, Pulau Bumbon. There are some pleasant beaches there and you can get to Pulau Bumbon by booking yourself a day trip at the price RM 25. A pleasant enough place to spend a few hours of peace and quiet on a deserted island.
Langkawi 04/04/2005
