DAYANG BUNTING LAKE, LANGKAWI

The island, which is about 20 kilometres from Kuah town, is modestly populated on one side and virtually uninhabited on the other where the lake is situated. 

The legend of Dayang Bunting Lake goes like this: The favourite bathing pool of a celestial princess named Mambang Sari was said to be Dayang Bunting Lake (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden). A prince, Mat Teja, fell madly in love with her and tricked her into marrying him.

 Sadly, their child died from a mysterious illness at the age of seven days. Distraught, the grieving Mambang Sari left the child's body in the lake and returned to her heavenly abode. Today, some believe that barren women who bathe in this lake will be endowed with a child.

Getting to Dayang Bunting Lake is not a difficult activity to be arranged in Langkawi. All you need to do is just basically make some phone calls to make a reservation for an island hopping tour, or alternatively, you may request your hotel to arrange the tour for you. Island hopping tour is one of the most popular activities organized by the local agent. In Langkawi, travel agents such as the Langkasia Travel & Tour Sdn Bhd, the Esteem Lane Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd and the Sala Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd do make arrangement for such tour.

Basically there are plenty of travel agents available in Langkawi. However, you do not have to visit each of them. Just call the agents to make booking 1 day in advanced, and they will arrange transportation and the tour package for you. The price for an island hopping tour costs about RM 35 to RM 60 per person. For those who travel in a group, you can choose to rent the boat for 8 persons at RM 280 or RM 300 for a 12-person boat. The tour usually starts at 10 am and the boat will depart from Awana Porta Malai terminal. Some agents do offer complimentary pickup from hotel to the terminal, especially for guests staying in Pantai Cenang.

From the terminal (which is located at Pantai Tengah), it takes about 20 minutes to reach Pulau Dayang Bunting by boat. There will be a small jetty for drop-off purpose and merely a 2-minute walking distance from the jetty, you will be able to see the entrance to the Dayang Bunting Lake (Lake of the Pregnanat Maiden) Marble Geoforest Park. While walking, take your time to enjoy the wonderful scenery as the sea in turquoise is surrounded by thick and lush forest.