Is This $8 Island Hopping Tour in Langkawi Worth it? Langkawi Day Trip Honest Review
My husband, Waseem, and I had been in Langkawi for a few weeks, balancing work with slow island life. The rainy monsoon season had kept us indoors most days, but when the clouds finally cleared, we knew it was our chance to experience Langkawi’s famous $8 island-hopping tour.
We’re usually DIY travelers, but this tour’s popularity—and its unbeatable price—convinced us to join. With the sun shining, our hotel pickup took us to Teluk Baru Jetty, excited for a day of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable memories.
For more tropical adventures, check out our guide to the Best Thailand Tours or dive into our series about all about Malaysia Travel. These posts will inspire your next island getaway!
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Arrive at Teluk Baru Jetty
At the jetty, boats were filling quickly with eager travelers. Despite being a Monday, the tour was bustling—proof of its popularity. The boat was well-maintained, with plenty of seating and life jackets for everyone.
As the motor roared to life, we set off across the Andaman Sea. The water sparkled under the morning sun, and the lush green islands in the distance hinted at the wonders to come. Despite the boat’s speed, the ride was smooth and calming—no motion sickness tablets needed!
- Discover Langkawi’s Highlights: Half-day boat tour to explore Langkawi’s stunning islands, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Visit eagle island, visit the mythical Pregnant Maiden Lake, and relax on the pristine Beras Basah Island.
- Convenient Transfers: Enjoy optional hotel pickup from key areas like Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, and Kuah Town.
Stop 1: Beras Basah Island (Wet Rice Beach)
Our first stop wasn’t what we expected. The boat made its way to Beras Basah Island, the tour’s usual last destination. But the change didn’t bother us. As soon as we stepped onto the sand, we were captivated by the island’s beauty.
What Makes Beras Basah Unique:
- Sand Like Flour: The fine white sand felt softer than anything we’d ever experienced—almost like walking on powdered flour.
- Vibrant Colors: Colorful restrooms and small guest houses added charm to the landscape. While the guest houses seemed basic, they offered a spot to store belongings or relax in the shade.
- Activities for All: From banana boat rides to snorkeling, there was something for everyone.
Although our time here was limited to 45 minutes, it was enough to enjoy a quick stroll, marvel at the emerald-green waters, and dip our toes in the sea.
Pro Tip: Bring water shoes if you plan to explore beyond the beach.
Stop 2: Lake of the Pregnant Maiden
Next, we arrived at Pulau Dayang Bunting, home to the mystical Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. The island’s dense forest created a serene atmosphere as we followed the trail leading to the lake.
The Magic of the Lake:
- Legend and Lore: According to local myths, the lake’s waters are believed to boost fertility—a story that adds to its mystique.
- Activities Galore: You can kayak, paddle boat, or take a refreshing swim in the designated freshwater area. (Note: These activities come with additional fees.)
- Natural Beauty: The lake is surrounded by limestone cliffs and thick vegetation, making it a tranquil escape.
Unfortunately, Waseem had to navigate the trail barefoot after his flip-flops broke at Beras Basah. But even that couldn’t dampen the experience—it added an fun twist to our visit!
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy footwear for the hike, and keep an eye on your belongings—mischievous monkeys are known to “borrow” items.
Stop 3: Eagle Feeding at Pulau Singa Besar
The next stop was eagle feeding which we weren’t aware of at the time. Langkawi is famous for its majestic birds of prey, which swoop down to snatch food off the water’s surface. Watching these eagles up close is unforgettable—their wings cutting through the sky and talons skimming the water in a show of precision.
This stop is short but impactful. Now, we don’t fully agree with this activity because it seems the eagles are being trained to eat chicken skin in this area so it hinders their natural way of foraging therefore throwing off the balance of the natural food chain. The local government hasn’t done anything to remedy this so ultimately, the decision is yours. We wanted to take the tour to give a fair review of what it truly is with first hand experience.
Weather, Logistics, and Why This Tour Stands Out
Our Experience:
Langkawi’s monsoon season had kept us waiting for the right moment, and we’re glad we didn’t give up. A sunny day during the rainy season is rare, and this tour made it worth the wait.
The overall tour lasted about 3 hours, and while we wished for more time on each island, the variety of experiences—watching eagles up-close, a mystical lake, and a pristine beach—made it unforgettable.
What Sets This Tour Apart:
- Incredible Value: For just RM 40 ($8 USD), the tour offers experiences that would easily cost five times as much elsewhere.
- Unbeatable Variety: Each stop showcases a different aspect of Langkawi, from wildlife to soaring eagles and serene beaches.
- Smooth Ride: Despite the limited time on the tour, the fast boat ride was still pretty smooth.
Langkawi Boat Tour: Packing Tips and Essential Information
| What to Bring | Why |
| Sunscreen | Protect your skin from the tropical sun. |
| Swimwear and Towel | For swimming at the lake and beach. |
| Snacks and Water | Food options are limited on the islands. |
| Comfortable Shoes | Essential for hiking and exploring the trails. |
| Camera or Smartphone with Zoom | Capture the incredible eagles |
Final Thoughts on our Langkawi day trip
While this Langkawi island-hopping tour offers incredible scenery and unbeatable value, a few aspects could be improved:
- Rushed Experience: The short 3-hour duration felt hurried, leaving little time to fully enjoy each activity.
- Lack of Clear Directions: We weren’t informed about the sequence of stops, making it hard to plan.
- Long Wait Times: At Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, the queue for activities significantly cut into our allotted time.
- Hidden Fees: An additional fee for entry into the Geoforest Park was unexpected.
Planning ahead and clarifying details could enhance the experience for future visitors. Ultimately, for just $8 USD, we experienced the softest sands, a beautiful beach, and witnessed eagles up close for the very first time. It’s a tour that proves you don’t need luxury to enjoy a rich, fun day.
