Islands South of Langkawi

Pulau Bunting is attached to the mainland by a controversial 2km bridge completed in 2005. The bridge is a white elephant project widely criticised because it serves no purpose other than linking an unpopulated island to the mainland.

Disenchantment of the locals remains unknown to the rest of the country. These islands are only a few miles off the mainland but remain uninhabited and are seldom visited by locals or cruising yachties because they’re well inside the main passage north to Langkawi. If you’re not in a hurry they offer great holding in complete seclusion with a few wonderful unspoiled sand spit beaches for private swimming and exploring.

Twenty miles northwest of Pulau Bunting are Pulau Payar and Pulau Segantang, the most notable islands between Langkawi and Penang. Reputed to be the best diving and snorkelling sites in the area, they are located 18 miles south of the Langkawi group. They’re good for beginner snorkelers and divers, but nothing like the water clarity and fish life found further north.

Pulau Payar has three islands and 13 dive sites, which are frequented by day boats from Langkawi, Alor Star and Penang. The area is a Marine National Park and anchorage is prohibited within two miles of the islands – but there are plenty of moorings laid at the best spots.