Trip to Pulau Payar

Located in the north of the Straits of Melaka, off Kuala Kedah and about 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi and 40 nautical miles north of Penang, this marine park encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Segantang, Pulau Lembu and Pulau Kaca. The first marine park to be established off the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, it is a sanctuary to many endangered species of marine life. At Pulau Payar you will find sloping beach with mostly hard corals to a depth of 30 to 45 ft and rock shores and bays with lots of soft corals and anemones. In general the max. depth is 45 to 60 feet at its fringe. Also you will find rocky outcrops and rock cliffs. Some are steep to a depth of 130 ft. The best time to visit the park is from November until March, although it can be visited all year round. Pulau Payar, the largest of the islands in the marine park is reputed to support the most number of coral species in the country. Its calm and clear waters make it suitable for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. In the south-western tip of the island is the breath-taking beautiful "Coral Garden", so called because of the proliferation of soft, multi-hued corals. Payar is also home to a multitude of sea fans, cone shells, sea squirts, sea slugs, hermit crabs, feather star fish, sea anemone, rainbow runners, rock fish and ghost fish. Payar has a Visitor's Center, hiking trails, gazebos, picnic tables, barbecue pits and restroom facilities. The trip to the island from Langkawi by catamaran or speed boat takes about an hour. is about RM 220 and RM 140 for children (3-12 years), inclusive of lunch.