Pulau Payar Marine Park comprises four small islands — Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang, and Pulau Kaca — located within Kedah State on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The park is a well-known marine sanctuary that protects a rich ecosystem of corals, tropical fish, and other marine life.

The main island, Pulau Payar, features crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. A highlight of the island is Coral Garden, where visitors can admire vibrant coral formations and encounter diverse marine species, including parrotfish, clownfish, and reef sharks, all observable safely in their natural habitat.

Wooden walkways and floating platforms provide easy access around the main beach and diving areas. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving, swimming, and boat tours to explore the surrounding islands, observing marine life and the underwater environment up close. Most visitors arrive on day trips from Langkawi or Penang, as overnight stays are not permitted to protect the fragile ecosystem.

The Department of Fisheries enforces strict rules to preserve the park’s natural resources. This includes limiting the number of visitors per day, prohibiting the collection of corals or shells, forbidding feeding or touching marine animals, and requiring all visitors to respect the natural environment.

Pulau Payar Marine Park is an ideal destination for snorkellers, divers, nature enthusiasts, photographers, and eco-tourists, offering a rare opportunity to experience unspoiled tropical waters and thriving coral ecosystems while learning about marine conservation.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from February to October, when sea conditions are calm and visibility for diving and snorkelling is optimal.

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How to Get There

From Langkawi:

• Take a speedboat from Kuah Jetty to Pulau Payar — the trip takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. Several local operators offer half-day and full-day tours that include boat transfers, snorkelling gear, lunch, and park fees.

From Penang:

• Travel by high-speed ferry (about 2.5 hours each way). Most visitors join a one-day package tour that includes transport, meals, and a guide.

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Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: November – April, when the sea is calmest and visibility highest.

• Avoid the monsoon season (May – October), as some services may be suspended.

• Always wear a life jacket and never stand on corals.

• Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.

• Bring an underwater camera or GoPro for amazing photos of the marine park.

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Admission Fee:

• Malaysian Citizens: Adults RM 5 / Children RM 2

• Foreign Visitors (including Thais): Adults RM 30 / Children RM 15

Day Tour Packages (including boat & snorkelling gear):

• From Langkawi: RM 250 – 350 per person

• From Penang: RM 400 – 500 per person

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from: 09:00 – 16:00.
  Closed or partially restricted during the monsoon season (May – October) depending on weather and sea