Island hopping is one of the must-dos in Langkawi and that's unsurprising given that its composition as a 99-island archipelago! However, the package, sold at many tour counters, seemed to consist of only 3 islands; Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Singa Besar and Pulau Beras Basah.
Nevertheless, since it's one of the top things to do; we quickly purchased the package from LV Island Travel & Tours at Cenang Mall on the day of our arrival. On the morning of day 3, we took the van that picked us up from Cenang Plaza Beach Hotel.
I wasn't wrong as the van arrived on site less than 10 minutes later! To save time, we could have driven our rented car as the Korean restaurant we visited for lunch was sandwiched between the hotel and the jetty.
Some pictures taken at the jetty.
The island with rolling hills ahead of us is actually Pulau Dayang Bunting and it would be the first stop of our island hopping tour.
To the right is Resort World Langkawi which is a good consideration for accommodation if you like the peace and the quiet. For people like me, the Cenang area is just too irresistible.
Want snacks or prefer to change your sneakers to a pair of slippers instead? You can get them from the small provision stalls located near the jetty.
Boarding from the beach, not the jetty! In the past, i hate to board via this mode as i had De Quervain's tendinitis and couldn't lift myself up to the boat.
KLW 01049 P - always remember to take a picture of the boat as you would likely be given the same one throughout the tour and with dozens of floating vessels all over the place; it's easy to get confused.
If you only remember you need to take a picture of the christened name / licence number after you board the boat; fret not as some boats would write down on the back of the provided life jackets!
Danger beckoned as this boat came too near to ours! So long the engine is not running, it's actually quite easy to push it away.
Another accommodation in the vicinity; Villa Del Porto! With 6 private villas, the pricing of RM 600 a night (minimum 2 nights) is very worth it given that each villa can sleep 6 persons!
The nearby Pulau Ular.
Time for us to kick start the journey at about 9.45 am! One thing good about this island hopping tour is that it takes up less than 4 hours of your time and you have plenty of time to relax after that!
Bypassing the limestone cliffs.
As mentioned previously, one way to island hop is to rent these jet skis for a tour that lasts about four hours. It doesn't come cheap and cost a minimum of RM 600 (about S$200) for one rider. In comparison, our package cost RM 30 per person.
Pulau Dayang Bunting - translated as the island of the pregnant maiden; did you make out the shape of the woman with a baby bump in the above photo? Red arrow points to the baby bump.
It's inevitable not to get splashes of salty seawater on the boat although in the case of the above, i bet the passengers would likely get drenched, and not splashed, with seawater!
Reaching the jetty of our first stop.
Notice the rainbow zinc roof? We have arrived at Pulau Dayang Bunting! First thing, you need to purchase the admission tickets if you would like to visit the mystical lake of the pregnant maiden!
After purchasing the tickets, let's now trek for about 10 minutes amidst the natural setting of the dayang bunting marble geoforest park.
Time-lapse taken at the lake of the pregnant maiden!
To read more about its 'legendary powers', click here.
Back on KLW 01049 P and having to face another boat inching towards us! No accident, thankfully, but frankly, safety protocols are not strictly adhered.
An abandoned shoe sole with attached barnacles! Yes, i had to pick it up from the water just so i can take a picture. If you have been following this blog for quite some time, you would be aware i do really random stuff.
The group of high SES (Socio-Economic Status) individuals on the jetski tour. I am envious although i might still be uncomfortable riding it even if i have the money to spare. Despite my love for snorkeling and the beaches; i actually have never jet-skied before.
Towards our next stop; Pulau Singa Besar! In actual fact, we didn't step onto the island as the main activity is at the water surrounding it; shall share more shortly.
Wait, isn't that shallow water?! The speedboat didn't slow down and in reality, the skipper upped the speed and continued towards the same direction!
We survived!! I went to google map to pintpoint the exact location for the above and i think we were lucky to chance upon high tide! If you are interested to know its location, search for 6°13'46.1"N 99°44'35.5"E..
Now; the activity at Pulau Singa Besar. It's eagle feeding and for more pictures, click here. Do note that the boat we were in didn't partake in distributing the feed for the eagles. Guess they have to rotate; if not, the birds of prey would be absolutely stuffed.
Next and our last destination; Pulau Beras Basah (also known as the white rice island). As with most island hopping tours in Asia, this would be the place for you to frolick in the water and laze on the beach.
Shot of Andy who was bored! The beach was pretty but we didn't go into the water. I spent my time mainly taking photos of the colony of monkeys and the group of tourists who were catching hermit crabs.
The jet-skiers again!
On our way back and reached back at Langkawi main island slightly before 1pm. Personally, i thought RM 30 per person (about S$10) for about a 3-hour plus tour is quite worth it, especially if you want to do more than just laze around the whole day on the beach.
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The island hopping package was purchased from LV Island Travel & Tours at RM 30 per person after a discount of RM 5 from the friendly lady staff at Cenang Mall.
Facebook Page of LV Island Travel & Tours
Pricing
RM 30 per adult
