It won’t come as a surprise to learn that the Malaysian islands of Langkawi and Penang are well connected to the mainland by ferries and other boating services. Before both these tourist islands were opened up with the construction of international airports, it was ferries, boats, and, in the case of Penang, cruise liners that serviced the islands.

Being strategically located along the Straits of Malacca, Penang has always been a popular port of call, especially in the days of grand ocean cruising but even today with cruise liners making regular stops at Swettenham Pier. While cruise ships still berth here, most visitors now arrive by air. But seafaring transportation brings its own rewards, so with that in mind, here are five fabulous boating activities that are available in and around Penang and Langkawi.

1. Penang ferry

There are now two lengthy bridges across the Straits of Malacca and many visitors to Penang drive across these from Butterworth on the mainland to reach the island of Penang. Nostalgic visitors should head into downtown Butterworth and join the queue for the car ferry which crosses the Straits at regular intervals. Passengers can also cross on the ferry, and those who arrive into the new Butterworth Train Station can walk directly from the train platform via covered walkways to the ferry terminal. Prices are cheap enough and no visitor can say they have truly experienced going to Penang until they make the ferry crossing. Buses depart from a stop immediately in front of the ferry terminal on Penang Island.

2. Mangrove tour, Langkawi

Not so long ago, wetlands were considered wastelands but now, one of the most popular recreational activities in Langkawi is to take a mangrove tour through the coastal wetlands. Wetlands come in various forms with those fringing many parts of Langkawi supporting mangrove swamps. Yes, swamps are now sexy in Langkawi as tourists queue up to head off by small boats into these undisturbed forests to view the unique aerial roots of the mangroves and hopefully to spot some of the wildlife that calls the area home.

Macaque monkeys are commonly sighted, along with reptiles like monitor lizards, but it’s the birdlife that captures the interest of most visitors.White-breasted sea eagles and Brahminy kites are commonly sighted feeding on the abundant fish life here. Most tours will also visit a fish farm located in an isolated inlet.

3. Boat to Rebak Island

The name Langkawi Island is a little misleading as there are, in fact, 99 islands (or maybe 104, depending upon the height of the tide when the island count is taken). Island hopping is another term visitors will frequently hear while on the island, and hopping from island to island by boat is almost as popular as the mangrove tour. Most trips hop across to Dayang Bunting to see a picturesque suspended lake amongst the limestone karst topography that typifies much of the landscape in northern Malaysia and southern Thailand.

Only three Langkawi islands have any development of substance, with Rebak Island the home for Vivanta by Raj Rebak Resort. Rebak is the island for those who think the main island is too crowded or developed (which it isn’t), seeking solitude and tranquility, find the near-deserted Rebak perfect.

There is also a marina on Rebak and the ferry service between the island and the main island is well supported by yachties heading off for supplies or hard-to-get parts or supplies.

4. Langkawi ferries

Langkawi is well-serviced by ferries from the Malaysian mainland and to various parts of southern Thailand. Large ferry boats depart from Kuala Perlis (60-minute journey) and Kuala Kedah (105-minute journey) during daylight hours on a regular basis to arrive at the Langkawi Ferry Terminus in Kuah.

Ferries back to the mainland operate a similar frequency from the same terminus. Ferries also depart from here for the southern Thai port of Satun, while those to Koh Lipe in Tarutao Marine National Park to the northwest of Langkawi depart from Telaga Harbour. Neither is as frequent as those to the mainland, but both open up new travel routes for intrepid travellers.There is also a daily ferry between Penang and Langkawi Islands.

5. Penang’s less-visited west coast beaches

Visitors seeking a beach holiday on Penang mostly head to the strip of resorts lining the sands of Batu Ferringhi. Few venture to the national park situated on the island’s northwest, but those who do will discover beaches that are superior to the main beaches and lack the crowds.

Gaining access to these beaches isn’t so easy, though but there are trails as well as fishing boats which can be hired in a few fishing villages like Kuala Sungai Pinang. Camping just behind the beach is also possible for those seeking a completely unique experience.

This article was originally published in Senses of Malaysia (Jan/Feb 2017) which is available online or in print.