The Malaysian island of Langkawi is known for it’s beautiful beaches, but it is also home to a diverse array of nature and wildlife. As part of my latest blogger press trip to Malaysia, we were invited to experience the full extent of this on a boat tour of the Langkawi Mangroves and the river ways that lead out to sea.
I love being on water and always find that boats are a really authentic and exciting way to explore a new place. After a 40-minute transfer from The Danna Hotel, we arrived at a busy pier on the side of the river. The jetty was buzzing with predominantly Asian tourists, mostly in big groups embracing the selfie stick! It was immediately clear that the mangrove boat tours are a popular natural attraction in Langkawi, and for good reason too.
We were met by our tour guide Keiran who had huge smile and a brilliant energy. I boarded the longboat with the rest of the group and we set off in search of Langkawi mangroves and wildlife.
We weren’t even 5 minutes into the tour when we saw 2 wild monkeys on a rock grooming each other and a huge komodo lizard laying on another rock by the water. Keiran explained how the lizard was ‘basking’ in the sun to heat up his blood before going hunting. I loved seeing the monkeys so close up and was completely amazed (and slightly scared) of the huge dragon in front of me!
It didn’t take long to see that our guide Keiran was hugely knowledgeable and very passionate about the wildlife within the Langkawi mangroves. He kept encouraging us to ask lots of questions and explained to us that the mangroves are encouraged to grow as they help to keep Langkawi safe from Tsunami damage. A little further into the trip I was amazed (and terrified) to see a python in the trees which we approached slowly for a close up shot.
We motored through the river out to sea and our landscape suddenly transformed from narrow green mangroves to an expanse of turquoise blue ocean. We followed the island round along a stunning coastline stopped for a pre-lunchtime swim stop at a small deserted beach.
The beach was set against the most beautiful rocky cliff face and the water was so warm and clear. With no other people or boats in sight, it felt like an undiscovered secret – making for the perfect photo opportunity!
After an idyllic swim stop we were taken for a simple yet delicious lunch of friend rice and spicy tom yum soup at a floating restaurant called The Hole in The Wall before making our way back to the pier. The restaurant was home to a fish farm which had barracuda, moray eels and giant sting rays. We explored the fish farm whilst our lunch was being prepared.
The Mangrove boat tour was an incredible experience as it merges two completely different landscapes into one tour. One minute we were slowly chugging through the mangrove river and the next we were pelting full speed through the ocean to a secluded sandy beach. The tour was professional and perfectly executed by Langkawi-Nature and provided the perfect amount of adventure in amongst our luxurious 5 star trip.
What did you think of my Langkawi Mangroves Boat Tour experience? Have you done something similar in South East Asia or are planning to do the same in Langkawi? If you enjoyed the post or have any questions, please do leave me a comment in the box below. I love hearing from you! x
This tour was provided complimentary by Langkawi-Nature as part of my blogger press trip with Malaysia Airlines, The Danna Hotel Langkawi and The Banjaran Hotel Ipoh.
Wow this looks brilliant – I would absolutely love this. Love anything that gets you away from the touristy parts and into the real nature, the monkeys are awesome!
Definitely worth doing if you ever go to Langkawi 🙂 xx
Nice blog. I will be in Langkawi and I wanted to know if I should do Island Hopping tour or Mangrove tour. I have limited time of 1 1/2 days only.
Also do give me your Facebook page, if you have.
Woahh! I would *love* to visit Langkawi one day, it looks absolutely beautiful! Gorgeous photos too!
C x
Lux Life Blog
Hi Catherine, thanks for your comment 🙂 It really is a little slice of paradise, which I highly recommend for a beach destination in South East Asia x
That second picture is so cute! What an amazing experience. I love those wild monkeys! Thanks for sharing.
Happy travels 🙂
Hi Lauren! Thanks so much for your lovely comment. Glad you enjoyed this post and please keep reading! I have so many more Malaysia posts to come 🙂
Jess x
Absolutely gorgeous scenery Jess! I’ve always thought Langkawi sounds beautiful! I love going on river and boat safaris – did one in Borneo last year and so so many amazing monkeys and lizards a bit like this from the distance – such a great feeling when you spot one!
Hi Shikha, thanks for your comment! Langkawi really is a beautiful corner of the world. Wow how was Borneo? I’d love to go there. Interesting to hear there are some similarities between both places? It was so exciting to see so much wildlife. Jess x
Planning to visit Malaysia in 2 weeks .. Langkawi us beautiful
Hi! You’re so lucky you will be there in 2 weeks. It’s an amazing country with so much to offer. Make sure you visit the Mangroves whilst in Langkawi 🙂