Langkawi ~ Island Hopping

� Pulau Dayang Bunting � Pulau Beras Basah � Pulau Singa Besar �

While in Pulau Langkawi (Langkawi Island), you should not miss out on visiting the pristine islands of Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Beras Basah and Pulau Singa Besar. Located in the south they are within easy reach by chartering a boat, or joining in on a half day island hopping tour



Pulau Singa Besar name means "Island of the Bid Lion" although physically there's no resemblance. Located 17km from Kuah, Pulau Singa Besar is nestled between the smaller island of Pulau Beras Basah to the west and Pulau Dayang Bunting to the east.


Pulau Dayang Bunting (Island of the Pregnant Maiden)
Pulau Dayang Bunting, or the Isle of the Pregnant Maiden, is the second largest island in the archipelago. Located 17.6km from Kuah, Its about fifteen minutes' boat ride from Langkawi main island and definitely worth a day trip. Its name 'The Island of the Pregnant Maiden" is inspired by the legends which surround the lake or by the physical appearance of the island itself which resembles the belly of a pregnant woman.
 
On the island are found the well-known 'Lake of the Pregnant Maiden' and 'Gua Langsiar' (Banshee Cave), which was so named because of the banshee wailing like sound produced by the blowing wind.

The cave is very heavily forested and sits on top of a limestone hill towering 91 metres above sea level, on the island's west coast. Dayang Bunting has impressive limestone hills and most of the island is still covered by dense forest. 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.

The large lake, set in tranquil surroundings 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. Fringed with mangrove swamps, the island flourishes with rich ecosystems. It offers excellent snorkelling.


Pulau Beras Basah (Island of the Wet Rice)
Pulau Beras Basah literally means Island of Wet Rice. It features lush,
mysterious jungle with mountains looming in the background.

You can expect to see spectacular sights like the breathtakingly beautiful beach with its white powdery sand and blue-green waters. Do some snorkelling or swimming...or simply relax in the sun. Watch out for monkeys at the beach.


Pulau Singa Besar (Singa Island)
located three kilometres off the southern tip of Pantai Tengah. It is a designated stop for the island-hopping boat. The sedimentary rocks on this island are reputed to be among the oldest in Malaysia going back 500 million years. The flora and fauna here differ greatly form that on the mainland, with lush abundance of the Diptherocarp, kelubi and cycas.



A wildlife sanctuary for many species of animals have been released on the island. If you're lucky you may be able to catch a glimpse of monkeys, mouse deer, various reptiles and birds - possibly peacock displays. Mangrove swamps dominate the perimeter of the island, while rainforests reign supreme inland. The bird and insect population are high, width over 90 species of birds including the hornbill, kingfisher, drongo, woodpecker and kite.

Wooden walkways and paths have been delineated on the islands shores for nature lovers and a trek around the island takes about 8 hours. To conserve the island's natural surroundings, no hotels or chalets have been built. Instead, camping is encouraged. However, visitors will have to bring along their own tents and camping equipment

Note
July to mid-September is the monsoon season and most trips don't operate due to choppy seas when the weather can make day trips unpleasant. The monkeys on the islands can be especially mischievous, so take care.