Langkawi has 99 islands. Most visitors see one or two — their hotel beach, maybe a sunset cruise. Island hopping lets you see the best of the archipelago in a single day, with a local guide who knows exactly which islands are worth your time and which ones are just scenery from the boat. This guide tells you everything you need to know before you go.

1. What Is Langkawi Island Hopping?

Island hopping in Langkawi is a guided speedboat tour that visits three to four islands over a full day (typically 5–6 hours). You depart from Kilim Jetty in the morning, visit a mix of natural and scenic stops, swim and snorkel in the Andaman Sea, and return in the afternoon.

The tour is suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. Life jackets are provided and worn during transit. You don't need to be a strong swimmer — most of the stops have shallow, calm water, and your guide will always be nearby.

Island hopping tours run daily from FBO Langkawi. Both private (just your group) and shared boat options are available — private gives you more flexibility on stops and pace.

2. Dayang Bunting — The Pregnant Maiden Lake

The most famous stop on any Langkawi island hopping tour, and one of Malaysia's most unique natural attractions. Dayang Bunting (literally "floating pregnant maiden") is a large limestone island with a freshwater lake hidden inside it — separated from the sea by just a narrow strip of land.

The lake is ringed by limestone cliffs and jungle, and the water is perfectly calm and cool — a striking contrast to the warm salt water outside. You can swim here freely. Local legend holds that drinking or bathing in the lake's water brings fertility, and many couples visit specifically for this reason.

A wooden walkway leads from the jetty across to the lake. The short walk takes about 5 minutes and passes through dense jungle where you'll often spot macaque monkeys waiting hopefully for dropped food (don't feed them — they can become aggressive). The lake itself is genuinely beautiful, and the contrast of the fresh mountain water against the surrounding karst is hard to describe. Just go.

3. Beras Basah Island

Pulau Beras Basah is the quintessential tropical island stop — white sand, clear turquoise water, swaying casuarina trees. It's small enough that you can walk the beach in 10 minutes, and uncrowded enough that you'll usually have a good stretch of sand to yourself.

This is the swimming and sunbathing stop. The water is shallow for a long way out, warm, and clear to the bottom — ideal for families with children. There are basic facilities on the island including toilets and cold drinks, so you can refresh before heading back to the boat.

The island faces the open Andaman Sea, and on a clear day you can see the mountains of southern Thailand on the northern horizon. It's one of those views that makes you feel genuinely far from home in the best possible way.

4. Pulau Singa Besar — Wildlife Sanctuary

Bear Island, as it's colloquially known, is a government-designated wildlife sanctuary that protects some of Langkawi's rarest fauna. Brahminy kite eagles, hornbills, and monitor lizards are commonly spotted here from the boat or from the jetty.

We typically stop here for eagle watching and feeding — your guide will toss fish from the boat while eagles swoop to collect them from the water. It's the same spectacular experience as the mangrove tour's eagle feeding, and the backdrop of the island's forested hills makes for even better photographs.

5. Snorkeling

One of the highlights of island hopping over the mangrove tour is the snorkeling stop. We anchor over a shallow reef in the Andaman Sea where the water is crystal clear and the fish are abundant — parrotfish, angelfish, wrasse, and the occasional blacktip reef shark if you're lucky (harmless, and a genuine thrill).

Snorkeling equipment — mask, snorkel, fins — is provided as part of the tour. Even if you've never snorkeled before, the shallow, calm conditions here make it straightforward. Your guide will get you comfortable before you enter the water. Children love it. Adults who've never tried it usually say it's one of the best moments of their Langkawi trip.

6. How to Book with FBO Langkawi

The easiest way to book is directly via WhatsApp at +60 19-577 6730. Tell us:

  • Your preferred date
  • Number of people (and ages of any children)
  • Whether you'd prefer private or shared boat
  • Any special needs or requests

We'll confirm availability, share pricing, and arrange a meeting time at Kilim Jetty. Most bookings are confirmed within minutes during business hours (7am–6pm daily). No online forms, no third-party platforms, no booking fees.

Pricing varies by group size and private vs shared option — message us for the current rates. Children under 3 are generally free. Group discounts are available for 8+ guests on a private charter.

7. Practical Tips

  • Best time of year: November to April (dry season) for the calmest seas and clearest skies. The tour runs year-round, but June–September can be windier.
  • Best time of day: Morning departures (7–9am) benefit from calmer sea conditions and better light for photography. The sea can get choppier in the afternoon.
  • What to bring: Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, hat, camera, light snacks, water, and motion sickness tablets if you're prone to seasickness (take before departure).
  • What to wear: Light, quick-dry clothing over your swimwear. Water shoes or sandals are fine — you'll be on sandy beaches and boat decks.
  • Is it safe for kids? Absolutely. We've taken guests as young as 2 years old. Life jackets are provided for all ages and sizes.
  • Mobile signal: Good at most stops, but patchy out on the open water. Download offline maps and tell someone your plans before you go.