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Marine biologists will be thrilled by it, but you do not need to have a degree to fall in love with Pulau Payar Marine Park. With expansive rainforest and luxuriant vegetation, calm and crystal clear waters, long and pristine beaches, rich and dazzling marine wonders—a trip to Pulau Payar is not only a voyage down to the underwater kingdom, it is a spring to the arms of Mother Nature.
Located in the north of the Straits of Malacca, Pulau Payar is merely 19 nautical miles off the southern coast of Pulau Langkawi or only a 60-minute boat ride away. Measuring only two kilometres in length and a quarter kilometre in width, it is one of the four islands that have been collectively gazetted as the Pulau Payar Marine Park. The other three are Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca.
Mother Nature Beckons
Pulau Payar offers four sandy beaches which combine to provide a total length of about 200 metres. Teeming with coral reefs, the waters surrounding the four islands have an average visibility of between nine to 15 metres, making the marine park an ideal place for scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and picnicking. Two hiking trails have also been made available for visitors to explore the flora and fauna of the island. Other amenities provided include picnic tables, barbecue pits, gazebos and restrooms at strategic points. Note that cooking is only allowed at allocated areas.
Collectively, the marine park is known as a sanctuary for an extensive range of marine organisms and more than 90 species of fish, which include pennant butterfly fish, red-spotted sweetlips, ghost pipe fish, rock fish, porcupine fish, lion fish, goat fish, bat fish and banner fish, among others.
Lying on the south-western tip of Pulau Payar is a site known as Coral Garden. It is one of the best spots for divers, offering spectacular views of multicolored and vibrant soft corals. Other popular spots are the flat terrain to the east of the island and the area to its west around Pulau Segantang that offers steep diving conditions.The latter also provides an added incentive—you can literally have various sea creatures as company as you swim and explore.
Three artificial reefs, each with its own lovely views, can also be found in the waters between Pulau Kaca and Pulau Lembu. They are prominently marked with yellow buoys and written codes. The 'TR' is for the two Tyre Reefs, while the 'BR' means Boat Reef. Note that these reefs are not meant for mooring.
Non-divers need not fret. Waters around this marine park are so clear that below the shimmering glassy surface you can feast your eyes on various corals and fish, with 'baby' black-pit sharks being one of the most prolific. The other attraction on Pulau Payar is the floating reef platform—anchored about 100 metres off the island named Coral Langkawi. A private coral park, it provides various facilities and activities so that tourists can really appreciate and enjoy the charms of the marine park. On board its platform, one has the opportunity to have a panoramic view of some of the treasures offered by the marine kingdom without having to get wet. Built with a tunnel-like chamber located at the bottom of the platform more than 10 feet below the sea, its Underwater Observation Chamber is the closest encounter a landlubber can have with the world below. Package tours are available.
Coral Langkawi also offers glass-bottom boat rides to selected sites of coral gardens, a platform for introductory course in scuba-diving and a wading deck for swimming and beginners’ snorkelling. It is also equipped with a dining area, a snack bar and a sun deck for sunbathing.
Before and After
The marine park does not provide accommodation facilities. Visits are thus confined to day trips only and permits are required. Camping is only allowed for those with permits. Both permits can be obtained at Pulau Langkawi’s Kuah Fisheries Office (604-9666464), Kuala Kedah Fisheries Office (604-76216700), Kedah/Perlis State Fisheries Office (604-7342137), Penang State Fisheries Office (604-6261002), Department of Fisheries Malaysia (Ministry of Agriculture) in Kuala Lumpur (603-2982011).
Besides permit applications, the fisheries offices can also provide you with information about the marine park. You are also advised to bring enough water for your own consumption, as water is limited there.
Upon arrival, it is worth your while to spend some time at the Visitors’ Centre located on Pulau Payar. Here, further information on the marine park and marine life in general comes in various forms from brochures and maps to slide and video shows. The centre will not only help plan your trip, it will also enlighten you to better appreciate the park and its marine life. And do not forget to find out the do’s and don’ts on the island.
Getting There
The easiest way is to book a package tour with Coral Langkawi, which offers services from Penang or Pulau Langkawi to Pulau Payar. The package includes hotel transfers and lunch aboard the floating platform. For details, you can call 603-9667318. There are, however, numerous tour agencies and hotels on Pulau Langkawi which can give you various options.
The island is good for visiting throughout the year, with the period between February and November being the best.
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