Description

Lying off the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, about 30 kilometers from Kuala Perlis and 51 kilometers from Kuala Kedah, Pulau Langkawi, as it is popularly known, covers an area of 32,848 hectares. The island is divided into six districts namely Mukim Kuah, Padang Matsirat, Ayer Hangat, Bohor, Ulu Melaka and Kedawang and has a population of approximately 45,000 inhabitants with most of them being the Malays.

Out of the 108 (99 during high tide) islands, only Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Tuba and parts of Pulau Dayang Bunting are inhabited. With a geological history dating back to 500 million odd years, the islands contain unique rock formations. Numerous caves like the mystical Gua Cerita, the 'haunted' Gua Langsiar and Gua Kelawar with their stunning stalactites and stalagmites, taunt the adventurous.

Most diving is done around Pulau Payar Marine Park Group of islands. The Pulau Payar Marine Park, established off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia consists of Pulau Payar, Pulau Kaca, Pulau Lembu and Pulau Segantang. It is located approximately 15 nautical miles west of Kuala Kedah, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi Island and 32 nautical miles north of Pulau Pinang.

The four islands of Payar Island Marine Park are surrounded with coral reefs and are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. The calm and clear waters enable the visitors to enjoy the enchanting marine life. The average 30-50 feet visibility in waters at the Payar Island Marine Park ensures satisfaction for diving activity at all times.

Strict conservation laws enforced by Marine Park Rangers around the islands have resulted in prolific marine life. A unique highlight in Pulau Payar is the presence of up to 20 juvenile black tip sharks providing excitement to the many snorkellers who visit the Marine Park centre. Although at times the plankton-rich waters can be reduce visibility, the abundance of fish makes up for it, fusiliers, jacks, black tip sharks, barracudas and groupers are sighted on a regular basis. Coral life is a mixture of hard and soft corals. Pulau Kaca is a favourite for easy, shallow wreck diving, with dozens of sunken fishing trawlers providing refuge for a variety of marine animals. The Pulau Payar group of island offers the best diving along the west coast.

On the south western tip of the island there is an area known as the "Coral Garden". This dive site features both hard and soft corals along the island's rocky terrain with depths from 5 to 18 metres. Visibility averages between 5 to 15 metres. Huge boulders carpeted with dendronephthya soft corals offer numerous crevices that attract marine life seeking refuge from predators. Fish life is abundant, with damsels, fusiliers, lion fish, schooling jacks and occasional huge groupers.

There are also artificial reefs which consists of 3 type reefs and boat reef. Any of these areas will ensure the diver of an unforgettable experience. The artificial reefs are marked with yellow buoys with corresponding codes; Type Reefs (TR) and Boats Reefs (BR). There is a school of tame baby black-tip sharks in shallow waters just in front of the Marine Park Centre which can be hand-fed by visitors.

WDR.