Pulau Payar and its adjacent islands are some of the few locations for good diving off the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Divers flock here during the monsoon season in the East Coast, making Payar but one example of Malaysia's year-round diving destinations.
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Large numbers of coral species lie embedded here, both hard and soft. Their colour and variety provide good opportunities for photography.
A large permanent pontoon offshore is a great stopover for its many amenities and the panoramic view. From here, travelling to the dive sites is a matter of minutes. Most diving is done around Pulau Payar Marine Park Group of Islands. Strict conservation laws enforced by Marine Park Rangers around the islands have resulted in prolific marine life. A unique highlight in Pulau Payar is the presence of up to 20 juvenile black tip sharks providing excitement to the many snorkelers who visit the Marine Park Centre. Although at times the plankton-rich waters can reduce visibility, the abundance of fish makes up for it, fusiliers, jacks, black tip sharks, barracudas and groupers are sighted on a regular basis.
Coral life is a mixture of hard and soft corals. Pulau Kaca is a favourites for easy, shallow wreck diving, with dozens of sunken fishing trawlers providing refuge for a variety of marine animals. The Pulau Payar group of island offer the best diving along the west coast.
Day trips are the only way of discovering Payar, although limited accommodation is available here. How ever, nearby Langkawi, the main island, makes an ideal launch pad. Journeys take from 45 minutes - 1 hour, depending on the sea conditions. With Langkawi's duty-free status and multitude of activities, there will be plenty to see and do to spice up your holiday.
