langkawi magazine

To Do SECTION

Langkawi Outlying Islands - Part 2

Next on the itinerary is Pulau Dayang Bunting, or the Isle of the Pregnant Maiden. With no accommodation facilities available, this stop will have to be a day trip. A mere fifteen minutes' boat ride from Langkawi, it is the second largest island in the archipelago. There are two places of interest here, namely, the Gua Langsir (Cave of the Banshee) and Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden). Marble is also quarried here and sent by ship to the mainland for processing.

GUA LANGSIR

Gua Langsir is the cave that locals believe is haunted by a banshee. There are thousands of bats that make their home in the cave and that, according to some, is the reason behind the 'haunting'. However, the locals cannot be faulted for believing as they do, for the cave is very heavily forested. It is also atop a limestone hill that towers 91 metres above sea level, on the island's western coast.

TASIK DAYANG

Bunting Tasik Dayang Bunting is the freshwater lake the island is named for. It is a large lake, with tranquil surroundings and is suitable for swimming. Its waters are also said to possess magical powers that will enable barren women to bear children if they drink water from the lake. This island has an awe-inspiring view. It has limestone hills and most of the island is still covered by dense forests. A jetty has been constructed near the lake to enable the boat to drop its visitors off and tourists normally alight here before heading off to the cave, which is about eight kilometres to the north About thirty kilometres south of Pulau Langkawi lies a group of islands known as the Pulau Payar Marine Park.

This marine park is named after Pulau Payar, the biggest island of the group. A haven for divers, there are beautiful coral reefs and many schools of tropical fish. Divers will inevitably be drawn to the coral garden, about thirteen kilometres away from the peninsula as it has the most species of coral in the country. What's more, they get to enjoy the sight of colourful fishes darting playfully in and out of the corals. Revel in the company of shoals and shoals of fishes as they go about their busy way. Various seashells, shellfishes and slugs that are scattered all over the seabed complete the wonderful underwater vista. There is a sense of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of life in the water. The tranquil surface belies the teeming life below. For those who do not dive or snorkel, marvel at the spectacular sights below the surface from the large floating platform moored off Pulau Payar.

The platform has a restaurant and an underwater chamber where visitors who do not wish to get wet can get a good look at the reef. Alternatively, they may rent glass-bottomed boats, which will reveal to them the magical life beneath the waves. Getting To Pulau Payar It is very easy to get to the Pulau Payar Marine Park as hotels and agents take bookings for day tours leaving the Kuah jetty for this upmarket marine tourism destination. The Langkawi Coral has an office at the Kuah Ferry Terminal and they will be delighted to book you on their trips, which cost around RM220 per day.

For this price, the company will pick guests up from their respective hotels, provide lunch and the use of their reef-viewing platform. All their snorkelling equipment is also at the guests' disposal. Island and Sun at Kelanas in Kuah provides a similar service, for RM150.This price does not include hotel transfers and they take visitors out to Pulau Payar in small speedboats.The experience of being in a speedboat itself is quite exhilarating, especially with the wind against your face and water spraying out right next to you. Enjoy it while it lasts. For the speedboat experience. A day trip to the Pulau Payar Marine Park is the only option for most tourists as there is no accommodation on the islands. However, for the more adventurous tourist who would like to rough it out with nature, camping is allowed with permission from the Fisheries Department at Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah state.

Langkawi