Fodor's Expert Review Pulau Payar Marine Park

If you've never been snorkeling, the perfect way to experience it for the first time is with a day trip out to Pulau Payar Marine Park, 19 nautical miles off the southern tip of Langkawi. Made up of four islands, the park was established in 1985 as the first marine park in Malaysia. A floating platform off Pulau Payar houses an underwater observation chamber where you can view the marine life surrounding the reef—perfect even for nonswimmers. Everyone else can dive under and get a first-hand look at various types of coral and brightly colored fish. Keep in mind that during public holidays in China, this is a popular activity and can get very crowded. Given the option, it is well worth springing for the buffet lunch package rather than the bagged lunch. Langkawi Coral is one of the main tour operators for the park and can help organize day trips.