The Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Malacca, near Kuala Kedah and thirty kilometers south of Pulau Langkawi. It is a very popular tourist destination.
The Pulau Payar Marine Park covers two nautical miles off four little islands - Pulau Payar (the largest), Pulau Kaca, Pulau Lembu and Pulau Segantang. None of the island is inhabited, except by on-duty officers of the Fisheries Department, who enforce the law. Fishing, either for hobby or commercial, is strictly prohibited around the islands. There is no accommodation on the islands. However, for the more adventurous tourist who would like to rough it out with nature, camping is allowed with permission from the Fisheries Department at Alor Setar, the capital of Kedah state. Call them at 04-732 5573.
A day trip to the Pulau Payar Marine Park is the only option for most tourists. This tourist spot can be accessed from three major points-Kuah, on Langkawi Island, Kuala Kedah on the mainland, and Penang Island. From Kuah or Kuala Kedah the boat ride takes about 45 minutes, whereas from Penang, it may take slightly more than an hour.
You can book your trip at the office of the Langkawi Coral at the Kuah Ferry Terminal, which cost around RM220 per day. For this price, the company will pick guests up from their respective hotels, provide lunch and the use of their reef-viewing platform. All their snorkelling equipment is also at the guests' disposal.
Island and Sun at Kelanas in Kuah provides a similar service, for RM150. This price does not include hotel transfers and they take visitors out to Pulau Payar in small speedboats. The experience of being in a speedboat itself is quite exhilarating, especially with the wind against your face and water spraying out right next to you. Enjoy it while it lasts..
Several company's from Penang are organizing trips to Pulau Payar. You can better ask the reception of your hotel, which is the best.
