Island-hopping in Langkawi is arguably the most popular activity on the islands and it's no surprise, as it offers visitors an opportunity to explore some of Langkawi's stunning islets. Tours are available all year round (weather permitting) and typically last for about four hours, starting with a hotel pickup at 9 am.
Boats depart from Teluk Baru Jetty, located in the southern part of Pantai Tengah. If your hotel is located in Pantai Cenang or Pantai Tengah, you'll likely be the last to board the van to the jetty.
What to Wear and Bring during Island Hopping in Langkawi
As you will be outdoors throughout the entire island-hopping tour in Langkawi, it is important to keep yourself hydrated. While water is provided by many tour operators, we highly recommend bringing your own beverages, bottled water, and snacks to be on the safe side. Some islands have retail outlets selling refreshments, but prices are normally much higher than on the main island.
Make sure you carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself against the scorching sun. Swimwear and a change of clothes made from breathable material are highly recommended.
Popular Islands in Langkawi
Most island-hopping tours in Langkawi stop at Pulau Dayang Bunting first, which looks like the silhouette of a reclining pregnant lady from a distance. After a 15-minute boat ride from Kuah Jetty, the lake can be reached with a 15-minute hike via a concrete stairway that passes through dense rainforest. Surrounded by mangrove trees and limestone rock formations, you can swim in the lake or relax on the many rubber platforms.
There is also a small shop nearby that sells drinks, snacks, and souvenirs, as well as offers paddleboat and life jacket rentals. Tickets to Tasik Dayang Bunting are not usually included in the package, so you will need to pay an additional fee.
After about an hour, you will be taken to visit Pulau Beras Basah, another pristine Langkawi beach with clear waters and far-reaching views of the sea where you can relax and soak up the sun and sea after a day spent trekking up to the Pregnant Maiden Lake. Its expansive beaches are great for swimming and picnicking, while its lush forest is suitable for jungle-trekking and overnight camping. However, overnight camping is not included in the itineraries of standard island-hopping tours.
The island-hopping tour ends with a quick stop at Pulau Singa Besar, a wildlife sanctuary that’s home to eagles, monkeys, mousedeer, hornbills, snakes, monitor lizards, and peacocks. Located 17 km southwest of Kuah Jetty, you may not be able to explore the island, but you can watch an exciting eagle-feeding session with your tour guide. Observe as they dive to catch their prey, chicken bits that the boat driver has thrown into the water, with deadly precision – it’s a great photo and video opportunity.