Pulau Payar | Payar Island, Kedah : journeymalaysia.com

Pulau Payar

Getting there is an easy 1-hour or so ride on comfortable speedboats or luxury cruises. Clear shimmering waters surrounding this island is perfect for a spot of snorkelling or even diving. Having been cordoned off as a marine park in 1985, the marine life here has rejuvenated from the days of blast-fishing, trawling and heavy sedimentation. Now this park has been made a study centre for marine researchers and is one of the best dive sites in the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

With this protection the fish have grown accustomed to the many strange visitors found dipping into their territory. These little freeloaders love the breadcrumbs and titbits that visitors bring along with them. And sometimes in their excitement, they mistakenly nip the visitors too! The little bites are not life threatening nor do they draw blood but can get a little unnerving for those whose closest encounter with animals happens to be the neighbour's dog!

We've heard about the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the diversity of its sea life. But really......we can get a glimpse of that here, in our own backyard. Pulau Payar is a great place for novice divers and snorkellers alike. The island waters shelter a variety of fish and corals, enough to encapture one's attention for hours on end! The dives reveal large groupers, fusiliers; groups of horse jacks, snappers; a variety of dacyllus, young black-tip sharks, spotter and brown moray eels, lionfish, black-spotted puffers, butterflyfish, angelfish, anemonefish, sea urchins, seastars, barrel sponges, sea cucumbers and lots more. There are the agropora corals, Tubastrea sp. and Antipathes among other species. (click coral reef and fishes if you would like to know more about Malaysia's marine life).

The waters closer to the island are generally calmer during the drier seasons. If you're a new diver, try not to dive here during the rainy season as the sea can get pretty rough. Pulau Payar's neigbouring islands namely Pulau Kaca and Pulau Segantang can get a bit rough as they are fully exposed to the sea. There are no bays or coves to shelter.

At most times, you may not get the place to yourself. Tours to the island come in from Pulau Pinang and Langkawi. The Langkawi Coral Pontoon moored at the island has an underwater observatory for those who would rather watch from aboard. But whatever you wish to do at Pulau Payar, there's plenty of time. This trip takes an entire day, from 9.00am to 5.00pm..so only if you have time. Overnight accommodation is not available on the island. However, camping is allowed with prior permission obtained from the Fisheries Department in Alor Setar Tel: (6)04-7342135 Fax: 04-7304623 or in Kuala Lumpur Tel: (6)03-2982011 Fax: 03-2910305. Be warned: it may be more hassle than it's worth unless you're there to complete your theses on marine fishes or something like that or you don't mind the normal run around in governmental departments.

Please note: At different times of the day, you may be able to see different marine life. Also weather conditions vary with the season and tidal change. All these and other factors may affect the diving condition at the location. What we have here is a general observation at time of dive. Do check with your dive instructor on the conditions at the dive site you wish to explore.

What's happening to Pulau Payar? The Alor Star City Council has taken on the task of making Pulau Payar more accessible to those who cannot afford to pay the high prices for daytrips to the island, currently offered by tour operators. The RM6million project will include the additions of 12 day-use chalets. However, it is noted that there will also be control over the number of daily visitors arriving at Pulau Payar so as to minimise on their environmental impact. The ferries will ply the Kuala Kedah-Pulau Payar-Kuala Kedah route. The issue concerning NGOs currently is that huge impact on the wildlife and coral reefs especially once the island is opened to daytrippers. As of now, the high prices to pay for trips to Pulau Payar has indirectly managed to maintain its pristine conditions. What next?

Langkawi & Surrounding Day Tours ~ Kedah

Day Tours ex-Langkawi Island

Day tours within Langkawi Island	Hrs	Pick up/Drop off	Departure		Min Pax	Include	Rate
Day tours within Langkawi Island	Hrs	Pick up/Drop off	AM	PM	Min Pax	Include	Adult (RM)	Child (RM)
Half Day Tour (A) (Itinerary)	4	Jetty/Airport/Hotel	9.00		2	-	65	45
Half Day Tour (B) (Itinerary)	4	Jetty/Airport/Hotel		2.30	2	-	65	45
Full Day Tour (A & B) without Lunch (Itinerary)	8	Jetty/Airport/Hotel	9.00	2.30	2	-	130	90
Duty Free Shopping & Dinner (Itinerary)	4	Jetty/Airport/Hotel	-	6.30	2	Dinner (Own Expense)	65	50
Duty Free Shopping + Night Market & Dinner (Itinerary)	4	Jetty/Airport/Hotel	-	6.30	2	Dinner (Own Expense)	65	50
Langkawi Day Discovery (Itinerary)	6	Kuah town / Awana Jetty	10.30	-	2	-	95	75
Island Hopping & Eagle Watching (Itinerary)	4	Jetty/Airport/Hotel	9.00	-	2-4	-	80	65
Mangrove River Safari (Itinerary)	4	Jetty/Airport/Hotel	9.00	-	2-4	-	120	90
Mangrove Kayak Adventure (Itinerary)	7	Jetty/Airport/Hotel	10.30	-	2-7	Packed Lunch	270	-

Entrance fees :
Places	Adult	Child	Adult		Child
	Malaysian		Foreigner
Cable Car	RM15.00	RM10.00	RM30.00	RM20.00
Under Water World	RM28.00	RM18.00	RM38.00	RM28.00
Bird Paradise	RM15.00	RM 10.00	RM28.00	RM 18.00
Galeria Perdana	RM 6.00	RM 3.00	RM 6.00	RM 3.00
Makam Mahsuri	RM 7.00	RM 3.50	RM 15.00	RM 10.00

Please Note :

* All rates are nett per pax * All tours are based on join in basis (Seat-in-Coach) *All tours based on minimum of two (02) adults per departure * A driver cum English / Malay speaking guide will be provided * SIC tour Not Available pick up or drop off at Datai, Andaman, Tanjung Rhu & Four seasons * Can be arrange for private tour, rates available upon request * Special group price available upon request * SIC for morning trip only *City tour & Langkawi Day Discovery tour does not include entrance fees * All tour itineraries will be followed strictly by our guides. Any change in the itinerary will not be entertained * All tours must be finished on the same day and cannot be brought forward to another day * If Langkawi Cable car will be closed during bad weather conditions, it will be substituted with Cultural Craft Complex. Strictly NO REPLACEMENT of Cable Car forward on another day.

Tour Conditions

Every person participating in the tour organised by the Company is regarded in every respect as carrying his or her risk regarding loss or injury to person or property. The company accepts no responsibility for losses or expenses incurred due to delay, sickness, weather, strikes, war or other causes. Such losses and expenses shall be the responsibility of the traveler.

Postponements of Trip:

* Please be advised that the trip will not be allowed to be postponed unless we are advised of any changes at least 3 working days before trip commencement date

**Please Note that there will be a non-refundable handling charge on payment made. Conditions apply.

Specialised Day Tours ex-Langkawi Island

Day tours within Langkawi Island	Hrs	Pick up/Drop off	Departure		Min Pax	Remarks	Rate
Day tours within Langkawi Island	Hrs	Pick up/Drop off	AM	PM	Min Pax	Remarks	Adult (RM)	Child (RM)
Jungle Trekking * Itinerary	3	Jetty/Hotel	9.00		2	Daily except Mon	150	100
Bird Watching In Langkawi * Itinerary	4	Jetty/Hotel	7.30	-	2	Every Tue, Thu & Sat	200	-
Langkawi Geopark Tour * Itinerary	4	Jetty/Hotel	9.00	-	2	Daily	200	150
South Island Geopark Tour * Itinerary	4	Jetty/Hotel	9.00	-	4	Daily	200	150
Kayakking & Swimming Trip * Itinerary	4	Jetty/Hotel	10.00	-	3	Every Wed, Fri & Sun	220	140
Mangrove & Limestone Cruise * Itinerary	4	Jetty /Hotel	10.00	-	4	Daily except Mon	200	110
Herb Walk in the Rainforest * Itinerary	4	Hotel	10.00	-	4	Every Tue, Thu & Sun	150	-
Ethnobotanical Tour in the Mangrove * Itinerary	4	Hotel	10.00	-	6	Every Mon & Wed	150	-
Escorted Nature & Wildlife Photography * Itinerary	4	TBA	7.30	-	1	EveryTue , Thu & Sat	450

**Please Note that there will be a non-refundable handling charge on payment made. Conditions apply.

Yacht/Boat Trips

Yacht/Boat Trips	Duration	Yacht / Boat Operator	Rates per person (RM)
			Adult		Child
Romantic Sunset Yacht Cruise + BBQ Dinner (Itinerary)	3 hours ( 5pm – 8pm )	Crystal Yacht Holidays (Monday – Saturday)	RM250.00	RM125.00
		Tropical Charters (Daily)	RM300.00	RM150.00
Full Day Adventure Yacht Cruise + Buffet Lunch (Itinerary)	8 hours ( 10am – 6pm )	Crystal Yacht Holidays (Monday – Saturday)	RM310.00	RM155.00
		Tropical Charters (Daily)	RM360.00	RM180.00
Koh Lipe Island, Thailand (Itinerary)	9 hours ( 8am – 5pm )	Koh Lipe–Beach-Snorkel	RM378.00	RM358.00
Pulau Payar Marine Park ( Snorkel ) (Itinerary)	9 hours ( 8am – 5pm )	Langkawi Coral-Beach-Snorkel	RM180.00	RM150.00
		Langkawi Coral-Platform-Snorkel	RM295.00	RM195.00
Pulau Payar Marine Park (Dive)	9 hours ( 8am – 5pm )	Langkawi Coral- Platform-Snorkel & Dive (Beginner)	RM425.00	RM325.00
		Langkawi Coral- Platform-Snorkel & Dive (With dive certificate)	RM395.00	RM395.00

Please Note :

* All rates are nett per pax * All tours are based on join in basis (Seat-in-Coach) *All tours based on minimum of two (02) adults per departure * A driver cum English / Malay speaking guide will be provided * Above rates are not include pick up or drop off at Datai, Andaman, Tanjung Rhu & Four seasons, can be arrange & rates to be advise upon request * Special group price available upon request * All tour itineraries will be followed strictly by our guides. Any change in the itinerary will not be entertained * All tours must be finished on the same day and cannot be brought forward to another day * Hotel pick up to Jetty & drop off to hotel from jetty * Compulsory to wear jackets while on the speed boat

**Please Note that there will be a non-refundable handling charge on payment made. Conditions apply.

Boat charter ex-Langkawi Island (Part 4)

Boat Charter	Duration	Inclusive of :	Rates per boat (RM)
Island Drop (Max 8 persons)	4 hrs (9am – 1pm)	Speed Boat Ride, Drop off White Sandy Beach, Isolated Island	RM600.00 / boat
Fun Fishing on Boat Day Fishing in a Boat - (Max 4 persons)	4 hrs (9am – 1pm)	Speed Boat Ride, Fishing at nearby Langkawi, Bait & Fishing Equipments, Refreshment	RM650.00 / boat
Night Fishing in a Boat (Max 4 persons)	8 hrs (11pm– 7am)	Speed Boat Ride, Fishing at nearby Langkawi, Bait & Fishing Equipments, Refreshment	RM880.00 / boat
Day Fishing in a Kelong (Max 8 persons)	4 hrs (9am – 1pm) / 4 hrs (1pm – 5pm)	Speed Boat Ride, Concrete Kelong with Toilet & Water Supply, Bait & Fishing quipments, Refreshment	RM650.00 / boat
Mangrove River Safari (Max 8 persons)	4 hrs (9am– 1pm) / 4 hrs (2.30pm–.30pm)	A shaded 8 seater Speedboat	RM700.00 / boat

**Please Note that there will be a non-refundable handling charge on payment made. Conditions apply.

Accommodation and Holiday Packages to Kedah : Alor Setar , Langkawi and Surroundings

Accommodation :
Alor Setar	\| The Regency \| Hotel Grand Crystal \| Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites \| Hotel Seri Malaysia \| StarCity Hotel \| Sentosa Regency Hotel \|
Sungai Petani	\| Emerald Puteri Hotel \| Park Avenue Hotel Sungai Petani \| Hotel Seri Malaysia \| Swiss Inn \|
Kulim	\| Hotel Seri Malaysia \|
Ulu Muda Forest Reserve	\| Earth Lodge \|
Gunung Jerai	\| Peranginan Gunung Jerai Resort \|
Pulau Langkawi	Pantai Cenang ~ 5 star \| Pelangi Beach Resort \| Casa Del Mar \| 3 star \| Langkawi Boutique Resort \| Budget motel & resort \| Adina Drive In Motel \| Malibest Beach Resort \| Landcons Hotel \| Langgura Baron Resort \| Best Star Resort \| Nadia's Inn \| Sandy Beach Motel \| Lagenda Permai Chalet \| Chandek Kura Resort \| Amzar Motel \| Gecko Guesthouse \| Grand Beach Motel \| Cenang Rest House \| Langkapuri Beach Resort \| Delta Motel \| Tanjung Malie Resort \| Tanjung Melati Resort \| The Box Chalet \| Concept Resort \| Bon Ton Resort & Restaurant \| Beach Garden Resort \| Temple Tree at Bon Ton \| Pantai Tengah ~ 4 star \| Favehotel \| The Frangipani Langkawi Resort \| Holiday Villa \| Aseania \| 3 star \| The Lanai \| Federal Villa \| Concept Resort \| Sunset Beach Resort \| Villa \| Villa Molek \| Island Retreat \| La Pari Pari Langkawi \| Mukim Kedawang ~ SA \| TM Resort \| Pulau Rebak Besar ~ 5 star \| Rebak Marina Resort \| Kelibang ~ Motel \| Akasia Hotel \| Kuah Town ~ 3 star \| Bella Vista Resort & Spa \| Bayview Hotel \| Citin Hotel \| Langkawi Seaview Hotel \| Grand Continental Hotel \| My Hotel \| 2 star Azio Hotel \| Eagle Bay Hotel \| Langkasuka Hotel \| Budget motel & resort \| Region Hotel \| Baron Hotel \| Langkawi Budget Inn \| Apartment Hotel \| Kondo Istana \| Century Suria \| Tanjung Rhu ~ 5 star \| Tanjung Rhu Resort \| Four Seasons Resort \| Datai Bay ~ 5 star \| The Andaman Datai Bay \| The Datai \| Mukim Ulu Melaka ~ 4 star \| Kampung Tok Senik Resort \| Pantai Kok ~ 5 star \| Tanjung Sanctuary \| The Danna \| Teluk Nibong ~ 5 star \| Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort \| Padang Matsirat ~ 5 star \| Langkawi Lagoon \| 4 star \| Four Points by Sheraton Langkawi Resort \| 3 star \| Bella Vista Hotel \| Budget \| The Box Chalet \| Langkawi Airport nearby ~ 4 star \| One Helang Hotel \| Kuala Muda ~ 4 star \| Langkasuka Beach Resort \| Burau Bay ~ 4 star \| Mutiara Burau Bay Resort \| Inn ~ \| Geopark Hotel \| Tanjung Malai ~ 4 star \| Awana Porto Malai \| Private Villa ~ \| Villa Del Porto \| Pantai Dato Syed Omar ~ 5 star \| Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa \| Gunung Raya ~ Boutique \| D'Coconut Hill Resort \|
Trips & Packages :
Pulau Langkawi	Island Day Tours \| 1/2 Day Tour Round Langkawi Island \| Full Day Round Langkawi Island Tour (No Lunch) \| Langkawi Day Discovery \| Langkawi Island Hopping Tour \| Langkawi Duty Free Shopping Trip \| Mangrove River Safari \| Mangrove Kayak Adventure \| Entrance Fees \| Yacht / Boat Trips \| Boat Charter \| Romantic Sunset Yacht Cruise + BBQ Dinner \| Full Day Adventure Yacht Cruise + Buffet Lunch \| Koh Lipe Island, Thailand \| Pulau Payar Marine Park ( Snorkel ) \| Pulau Payar Marine Park (Dive) \|
Langkawi Specialised Tours	\| Jungle Trekking \| Birdwatching in Langkawi \| Langkawi Geopark Tour \| South Island Geopark Tour \| Herbwalk with Dr. Ghani \| Herbwalk in the Rainforest \| Ethnobotanical Tour of the Mangrove \| Kayakking and Swimming Trip \| Mangrove & Limestone Cruise \| Escorted Nature & Wildlife Photography \|
Pulau Payar	\| Yacht / Boat Trips \|
Combination Trips
Nature/ Highland/ Island / Culture / Heritage	\| 5 Days 4 Nights Kuala Lumpur & Penang - Cooking Class + Food Trip Package \| 5 Days 4 Nights Kuala Lumpur Cooking Class + Food Trip Package \| 7 Days 6 Nights Peninsular Malaysia Nature & Island Trip \| 7 Days 6 Nights Peninsular Malaysia Animals , Nature & Island Trip \| 8 Days 7 Nights Kuala Lumpur, Penang & Langkawi Tour Package \| 9 Days 8 Nights Peninsular Malaysia Highland, Nature & Island Trip \|