Pulau Payar Marine Park is located about 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi, 32 nm north of Penang and 15 nm west of Kuala Kedah. The island was gazetted as a marine park in 1994. If you are coming from Kuah, Langkawi, it takes only about an hour of boat ride.

The Pulau Payar Marine Park is literally a heaven for divers and snorkelers. There are some smaller islands scattering around Pulau Payar. A few islands that are ideal for diving and snorkeling are Lembu, Segantang and Kaca. Diving and snorkeling around Pulau Payar and these islands is an eye-opening experience for someone who is seeing the underwater world for the first time. In addition, diving and snorkeling in Pulau Payar is ideal for first timer since it’s cheaper and the shore current is not too strong.

Coral Reefs at Pulau Payar Marine Park

Even though Pulau Payar is being developed as a tourist destination, the development here is limited and is extremely restricted. Therefore, there are no resorts being built on Pulau Payar. But you can find some basic facilities such as a restroom and a changing room near the coast. Moreover, there are gazebos, picnic table and restroom facilities at selected areas for visitors.

Other than diving and snorkeling, hiking is also an ideal activity in Pulau Payar. Two hiking trails are available for visitors to explore the fascinating terrestrial flora and fauna on the island.

Map of Pulau Payar Surrounding Islands

One of the most interesting things to do is marine mammal and fish watching as Pulau Payar Marine Park is part of the migration route for these marine life. Pulau Payar and its surrounding islands’ cluster of coral reefs are teeming with marine life such as moray eels, large groupers and black-tipped reef sharks.

The Coral Garden in the sheltered, clear waters off Pulau Payar is enduringly popular and is said to have the largest number of coral species in Malaysia. Here visitors can also feed baby sharks under the supervision of experts. To visit, it’s best to book a day in advance with a tour group.

Baby Shark at Pulau Payar

Pulau Payar Marine Park

What Others Are Reading

Discounted Hotel in Malaysia