Langkawi circumnavigation - posted from Bransgore, UK

Tanjung Rhu Anchorage

 After a week or so in Rebak we headed off to cruise the local waters around Langkawi.  Previously we had stopped in a couple of anchorages amongst the southern islands of the archipelago either when arriving from the south or heading there.
On these trips we had noted that the coastal scenery rivals most of what we had seen in the rest of Malaysia and is similar toPhang Na Bay in Thailand,
Leaving Rebak we headed first to Telaga for fuel and then clockwise around the island.
First stop was Datai Bay, home to two upmarket resorts and a sandy beach, good for walks.  A small island, Pulau Datai, gave shelter from the northeasterly wind.

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus

The next anchorage, at Tanjung Rhu, was a totally enclosed shallow lagoon, with a couple of semi-permanent yachts in residence and daytime floating seafood restaurants.  The dinghy took us to the jetty used by tour boats, from where it is a short walk to some souvenir shops and small restaurants and another sandy beach with upmarket resort. A channel from the lagoon leads to one of the places where tourists go to watch eagle feedingt.  Actually the birds are mostly brahminy kites.  Although environmentally unsound it has to be admitted that the sight of 15-20 raptors swooping down to snatch the food out of the water is impressive.

Hole in the Wall

It is possible to continue in the dinghy past the eagle feeding about 10 km to the anchorage known as the Hole in the Wall.  This was our next stop, although Sea Bunny had to take the long way round.  On approach it is easy to see where the name comes  from.  It is another tourist location with numerous fast boats offering eagle feeding and cave and mangrove tours.  We preferred Tanjung Rhu.



Anchorage inside P Gubang Durat


After a short stop in the marina at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club we headed to the southern islands of the archipelago.  Avery sheltered anchorage in the channel between Pulau Dayang Bunting and Pulau Gubang Durat allowed us to visit the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden on Pulau Dayang Bunting.  We were late in the evening so most of the tourists had gone but the site is very commercialised with pedal boats, kayaks and an enclosed swimming enclosure. Richard had a quick swim in the fresh water.