Langkawi

Dive Payar:
Situated in the northern part of the Straits of Malacca, 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi, the 2 km long; 0.25 km wide Pulau Payar Marine Park comprises four islands, i.e. Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca. All the islands are surrounded by well-protected coral reefs that promote the healthy existence of the marine environment. The calm and clear waters with an average visibility of between 30 to 50 feet, make the islands a very attractive destination for swimming, diving and snorkeling. For the diver, the marine park offers a variety of diving conditions; you can chose between the flat terrain to the east of Pulau Payar or plunge the steep slope to the west and around Pulau Segantang.

Hiking
Two hiking trails have been built to facilitate exploration of the jungle-clad island. There are also gazebos, picnic tables, barbeque pits and rest room facilities located at selected areas. Visitors are permitted to cook only at allocated areas. Open fires for cooking or camp fires are not allowed. Chopping down of trees for firewood is also not prohibited. Mooring buoys are provided by the Department of Fisheries for mooring of boats in the waters of the Pulau Payar Marine Park. Visitors are required to moor their boats to the buoys and are not allowed to anchor directly over reefs to prevent destruction of the reefs.

As there is insufficient fresh water on Pulau Payar Marine Park, it is highly advisable to bring an adequate supply for your own use. Visitors are requested to help protect the island of Pulau Payar and its marine environment by taking their rubbish/waste back to the mainland.

HOW TO GET TO PULAU PAYAR MARINE PARK:
The nearest point of departure is from Kuala Kedah. There are also travel agencies and hotels in Pulau Langkawi such as the Tiara Langkawi Hotel complete packaged providing day trips and diving excursions.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
Pulau Payar Marine Park is open all year round but the best time is from February until November. Plan your arrival during high tide to make it easier disembarking.

HOW TO APPLY DAILY VISITING/CAMPING PERMITS
Visitors are advised to apply for a permit to visit the Pulau Payar Marine Park. Permits can be obtained from:
Department of Fisheries Malaysia
Ministry of Agriculture
8th & 9th Floor, Wisma Tani
Jalan Sultan Salahuddin
50628 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2982011 Fax: 03-2910305
Kedah/Perlis State Fisheries Office,
5th Floor, Wisma Persekutuan,
Jalan Kampung Baru, 05000 Alor Setar,
Kedah Darul Aman
Tel: 04-7342137/7342135
Fax: 04-7304623
Kuala Kedah Fisheries Office,
06600 Kuala Kedah
Kedah Darul Aman
Tel: 04-7621670
Kuah Fisheries Office
Pulau Langkawi
Kedah Darul Aman
Tel: 04-9666464