Nature-lovers must not miss Pulau Singa Besar, which is a wildlife sanctuary located three kilometres off the southern tip of Pantai Tengah on the west coast of Langkawi. It is a designated stop for the island-hopping boat.
If you join an organised one-day trip, you'll get the services of a guide who will take you around and explain about the flora and fauna on the island. Many species of animals have been released on the island and how many animals you are able to catch a glimpse of will depend on your luck as the monkeys, mouse deer, various reptiles and birds are not confined in cages, but are allowed to live as they do in the wild. If you're lucky, the peacocks might just decide that it's a good time to preen their feathers to an audience when you're there.
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.
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.
