[PLACE] 20130804 Pulau Dayang Bunting @ Langkawi

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Pulau Dayang Bunting (translate: Pregnant Maiden Island) is the second largest island in Langkawi which is located at the south of Langkawi Island. It has a large fresh water lake known as the Lake of Pregnant Maiden. I was told by my parents long time ago during my first visit to Langkawi that the water of the lake possessed special powers according to the legend.

Legend says that any woman who take a dip in the water of the lake would become fertile, hence the name. Quoted from the source "a man named Mat Teja met and fell in love with the princess Mambang Sari at the lake. They eventually married and the princess gave birth to a son. However their son did not live long and soon died. Having reconciled with their misfortune, they decided to lay their son in the water of the lake and allow him to rest in peace. The gracious princess also blessed all women having difficulty in conceiving a child."

The beautiful limestone cliffs and the lake, coupled with the legend has made this island a popular spot to visit and is one of the island hopping stop. Visitors are required to climb about 15 minutes hike followed by a downhill track to the lake where there's a floating platform with a pontoon for visitors to go for a dip (please prepare your own swimsuit before hand). Solar powered or manual paddle boats are available for rent for those who fancy a paddle ride on the lake. Rental of the paddle boat costs RM20 (manual) and RM30 (solar) back then and I believe the price should have increased.

You can also discover and explore the natural tracks around the lake if you opt not to go for the paddle boat or swim. We are allowed to explore the island for one and a half hour before proceeding to the next destination.

The facilities on the island lacks maintenance during my visit and hopefully things have changed this year since they have started to implement entrance fee for visitors. Adult fee costs RM5 while children fee will cost RM3.

Pulau Dayang Bunting
Telephone: Nil
Opening Hours: Nil

TO GO


The island is remotely located at the southern side of the island and is usually part of the island hopping package which is available via many tour agents on the island. If you are visiting during peak season then my advice is for you to book in advance to avoid disappointment. However, if you are visiting during non-peak season, then you will have the luxury to bargain tour packages with the travel agents. Island hopping packages can be as long as RM20/pax up to RM150/pax, depending on number of islands and season.

Alternatively, you can arrange your own private tour or join the jet ski group island hopping. Do click on the street view to have a feel on the island hopping trail along Pulau Beras Basah, Eagle Cove and Pulau Dayang Bunting.


ATTRACTION



The island hopping tour brought us to the Pulau Dayang Bunting as the final stop after feeding the eagles at the Eagle Cove. The nice weather and calm sea was very welcoming.


Other tourist boats approaching the jetty one by one. 


The entrance signboard has shown that the island is lacking maintenance and something must be done to upkeep this popular tourist destination.


The pathway to the lake requires some climb uphill along the steps. Not recommended if you have difficulty in hiking.


The pathway is surrounded by undisturbed forest and trees.


... and also naughty "locals" who always keeping an eye on what you are carrying. They will not hesitate to grab your bag or food. Hence, it's advisable for you to keep food away from their sight and stay alert of these pesky snatchers.


Of course there will be some cute ones around as well..


After the 10 minutes "dreadful" climb, the pathway will then lead to a downhill slope towards the Lake of Pregnant Maiden.


Behold! The lake of the Pregnant Maiden! This picture is actually taken from the middle of the lake when I'm on the paddle boat. Take a look at the shape of the mountain range and apply some imagination. It's not surprising how the legend and blend in so well with the landscape.


Here, meet "Ducky", my cute (or rundown) paddle boat. It cost RM20 for a 30 minute (or more?) ride on the lake.


The lake was formed when the underground cave collapsed due to downward pressure applied by the accumulating waters. Hence, you may want to think twice before challenging the depth of the lake water. The natural limestone and marble cliff surrounding the lake with the deep green lake water. It gives me a chill when I try to look into the water, not knowing what weird creature might suddenly appear from the deep murky lake water. Too much movie, perhaps.


Despite being enclave by mountains, the lake was actually quite windy and my Ducky will turn into a surf boat when the wind is strong enough. Something is indeed magical with this island. 

Besides swimming and paddling, other activities include jungle trekking along the pathway around the lake which is also part of the geoforest. Pulau Dayang Bunting is the last stop of my island hopping tour which covers some interesting points although I was hoping for more stops. The journey back to Kuah jetty took us another 15 to 20 minutes before calling it a day.


SUMMARY


The legend of the Pregnant Maiden Island gives a very mystical feel about the island (placebo effect?) which makes you feel everything on the island is magical. The Lake of Pregnant Maiden is worth a visit, not really for the view, but more of for the legend. I will recommend visitors to Langkawi to at least visit the island once to experience the legend, as Langkawi is an island full of legends.

Attraction
☆☆☆☆
for the experience
Cleanliness
☆☆☆☆
low maintenance but clean
Entrance Fee
RM5 (Adults)
RM3 (Children)
Starting 1st Feb 2015.
Opening Hours
Always
Wifi
Nil
Parking
Nil
Website
Nil

GPS: 6.204696, 99.783706

farscope

Malaysian lad, engineer by background, banker by profession whom passionate in photography, food and travelling.

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