Diving & Snorkelling at Payar Island Marine Park

Rate:
Certified Diving:
MYR 400.00 per adult

Introductory Diving:
MYR 350.00 per adult

Snorkelling:
MYR 300.00 per adult
MYR 220.00 per child


Malaysia is situated at the epicenter of the world’s coral diversity. The extensive coral reefs found off the country’s coastline teem with a staggering variety of fascinating marine life. They are arguably among the richest environments on earth, rivaling the tropical rainforests in diversity.

Coral reefs are breeding as well feeding grounds and provide sanctuary for over 4,000 species of fish. Uniquely exquisite, they are well-protected and preserved in numerous marine parks located throughout the country.

Dive into our waters and explore the hidden depths, which abound with wondrous underwater gems. The multihued and vibrant colours of the reef as well as its inhabitants – some beautiful, others bizarre – have never failed to fascinate.

The Pulau Payar Marine Park is located in the northern part of the Straits of Malacca, off Kuala Kedah. It is about 20 nautical souths of Langkawi and approximately 40 nautical miles north of Penang. Consisting of four island, it was declared a marine park in 1985. Pula Payar, together with the smaller islands of Kaca, Lembu and Segantang form the park. It was the first marine park to be established off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and studies by WWF have documented 36 genera of hard coral, 92 other marine invertebrates and 45 genera of fish species.

For most tourists, a day trip to the park is the only option. It can be accessed by boat from jetties in Kuah on Langkawi Island (one hour) and from Penang Island (75 minutes).

The best time to visit the park are from October to March although it can be visited throughout the year.

At Pulau Payar there are four beaches sloping off with hard corals to depths of 10m to 15m. Rocky shore and bays with depths averaging 15m to 20m offer lots of soft corals and anemones. The southwestern end of the island is home to some beautiful coral gardens with lots of soft multi-hued corals. Sea ferns, sea squirts, feather starfish, anemones, rainbow runners and ghost fish are also very common.

Pulau Payar also has a visitors’ centre, hiking trails, gazebos, barbecue pits and restroom facilities.

Those who do not dive or snorkel can still view spectacular underwater domain from Malaysia’s first and only underwater observation chamber. There is no accommodation for visitors on the islands.