Pulau Payar, Malaysia

Destination #5: Pulau Payar, Malaysia

Year of Visit: 2007

Pulau Payar is one of the hidden snorkeling and diving gems of the west coast of Malaysia.

Situated in the northern part of the Straits of Malacca, Pulau Payar can be assessed from Pulau Langkawi, Penang and Kuala Kedah on the mainland.

Image courtesy of http://www.malaysiasite.nl/payar.htm

There are no accommodations on this island but if you wish to live the semi-castaway life of Robinson Crusoe you may request for a permission from the Fisheries Department in Alor Setar, Kedah to camp on the island. The marine life at the Pulau Payar Marine Park is very much alive and kicking but be please be reminded that fishing is strictly prohibited.

Most tourists make a day trip to the Pulau Payar Marine Park from Pulau Langkawi, Kuala Kedah (approximately 30 minutes ferry ride) and Penang (approx. 1 hour).

I, for instance, took a day trip from Swettenham Pier, Penang.

This is how the Pulau Payar Marine Park looks like. The ferry will first drop you off on a large Langkawi Coral floating platform. That's where you leave your belongings behind, put on your snorkeling or diving attires, apply your lotion, listen to instructions, get your shower and off you jump into the water.

The turqoise water and corals beneath.

When we were there we brought along with us loaves of bread to feed the fishes.

I'm not sure if it's still permitted though. Ask the operators when you make your reservation.

Feeding the marine fishes was really exciting and plenty of good fun. Hundreds of them will swim to you so quickly as if they have not eaten for years and it's also the best time to prank your friend by throwing bread at him. The fishes will nibble him all over thinking that he's a giant piece of bread.

For those who don't dive, you can marvel at the spectacular sights below the surface from the observation chamber at the floating platform.

A barracuda and a diver close by.

You can also dive near the observation chamber to have your photo taken - like this!

The Langkawi Coral floating platform.

Just before the buffet lunch, you will be transported to the beach in a glass bottom boat for a walk on the sandy beach and also to witness a shark feeding session.



Shark feeding session.

The black-tip baby shark, similar to the one in Maldives!

You don't have to go to Maldives to see it, haha!

Remember to bring your camera with you when you're transported from the floating platform to the island! You won't wanna miss out on the shark feeding photos!!

The school of fishes and baby sharks was a very pretty sight.

The giant floating platform and the corals of Pulau Payar Marine Park.


A group photo taken from the observation chamber on the floating platform.

For more information of the Pulau Payar Marine Park, log on to:

• Langkawi Coral
• Ping Anchorage