Besides the well-known eponymous main island, Langkawi’s magnificent archipelago has dozens of other islands, and a few are easily accessed for day trips or, on one of them, longer stays.

Barely needing any introduction – at least here in Malaysia – Langkawi is a name familiar to many, bringing to mind images of lovely beaches, lush rainforested mountains, and everything from luxury resorts to comfortable homestays… along with plenty of duty-free shopping, of course. But while the main island of Langkawi draws almost all of the attention, this archipelago of 99 islands is home to several lesser-known gems worth exploring. Among them, four islands stand out: Pulau Dayang Bunting, Pulau Tuba, Pulau Beras Basah, and Pulau Rebak. Each offers its unique charm, blending natural beauty with distinct experiences. These largely unspoiled islands are ripe for discovery, and here’s an introduction to them – and why they should be part of your Langkawi adventure.

PULAU DAYANG BUNTING: THE ISLAND OF LEGENDS

Pulau Dayang Bunting, the second-largest island in the Langkawi archipelago, is best known for its freshwater Lake of the Pregnant Maiden, from which the island takes its name. This jungle-fringed lake is steeped in local legend, which tells the story of a celestial princess who, after losing her child, laid the infant to rest in the lake. In tandem with the tale, the water here is said to have fertility-enhancing properties, attracting visitors seeking its mystical powers. The island’s natural beauty, with its dense forests and towering limestone cliffs, only adds to its allure.

Beyond its folklore, Pulau Dayang Bunting offers visitors various activities. The lake is perfect for swimming or paddleboating, and for those who enjoy a bit of physical activity, a short hike takes you through the forest to the lake. The island’s unique blend of adventure and tranquillity makes it an off-the-beaten-path stop for anyone visiting Langkawi, and one great way to reach the island is by jet ski. (Well-regarded local operator MegaWaterSports offers a number of packages.) However, beware of the mischievous monkeys that often linger near the paths – they are well-attuned to tourist visits and have a knack for trying to steal food or unattended belongings.

PULAU TUBA: LANGKAWI’S HIDDEN FISHING VILLAGE

Pulau Tuba is an intriguing mix of tradition and natural beauty. It’s one of the few inhabited islands in the Langkawi archipelago, and stepping onto Pulau Tuba feels like stepping back in time. Unlike the bustling main island of Langkawi, Tuba is a quiet fishing village where life moves at a slower pace.

The island is connected to Pulau Dayang Bunting by a bridge, making it easily accessible for day trips. Unfortunately, the aforementioned lake on this island is on the opposite side from where the bridge from Tuba connects (the Selat Bagan Nyior kampung), much too far and densely forested to cross on foot, so it’s not realistic to enjoy both Pulau Tuba and Dayang Bunting Lake this way.

Getting to this laid-back island is remarkably simple. In Kuah, speedboats depart from the jetty at Pekan Rabu (which means ‘Wednesday market’) seven times a day, though this may not always be super-fixed in the event of low ridership. The price, which is happily the same for Malaysians and non-Malaysians, is RM5 for adults, and RM4 for children. It might just be the best value for anything in Langkawi! Once you disembark at the jetty, you can easily rent a motorbike (RM25) and set off on your journey. The motorbikes are small, scooter-style (so no shifting required), and we saw no evidence of helmets anywhere, so assumed that going without is a way of life here.

Visitors to Pulau Tuba can explore its rustic charm through activities such as cycling or hiking through its rural landscapes. The island is also a great place to observe local life, as many of its residents are fishermen or farmers. This gives tourists a chance to experience an authentic slice of Malaysian village life, away from the crowds and tourist trappings. The island is also home to various caves and jungle trails, offering plenty of adventure for nature lovers.

PULAU BERAS BASAH: A TROPICAL BEACH PARADISE

Pulau Beras Basah, translating to ‘Island of Wet Rice,’ is a picture-perfect tropical gem, surely one of the most scenic and easily accessed islands in the archipelago. Known for its turquoise waters and beautiful white beaches, the island is a favourite among those looking to relax and soak up some sun. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling, and other water sports.

Like Dayang Bunting, a jet ski is a perfect way to reach this gorgeous little island, but a number of Langkawi-based charters or privately owned boats anchor offshore and come to the island in their boat’s tender. We only spent a couple of hours here, but if the weather is good, Pulau Beras Basah really is like stepping into a postcard – easily one of Langkawi’s most Instagrammable places.

Despite its relative popularity, the island retains a laid-back, unspoiled charm (and even boasts some wild boars that we saw). There are very few facilities here, so it’s advisable to bring your own food, water, and other necessities. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the white sands or take a leisurely stroll along the shore, with the warm waters lapping at their feet. For the more adventurous, there’s the opportunity to rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the surrounding waters.

One of the island’s appeals is its relative seclusion compared to the busier beaches on Langkawi’s main island, so Pulau Beras Basah offers a quiet escape from the crowds, making it perfect for those looking for a more peaceful beach experience. If it’s an uncrowded, beautiful island beach is what you seek, you need only make the effort to get there, and you’ll be well-rewarded.

PULAU REBAK: A RESORT-LOVER’S DREAM

For those seeking a hidden retreat, Pulau Rebak – technically named Pulau Rebak Besar (as it’s the larger of two islands named Rebak) – is the place to be. This private island, just off the coast from popular Pantai Cenang on the main island, is home to the exclusive Rebak Island Resort, part of the Tradewinds group.

Unlike the other more rustic islands, Pulau Rebak is all about comfort and leisure. Guests can enjoy upscale accommodations and facilities, a beautiful pool complete with swim-up bar, a marina, and plenty of opportunities to rest and relax. Dining at Rebak Island Resort is also a treat, and Senari restaurant comes highly recommended, as does the Beach Bar with its nightly happy hour specials!

Rebak Island is also a haven for those who love sailing, thanks to its popular marina. The island’s beautiful waters and scenic surroundings make it a popular stop for yachts and sailboats. Beyond the marina, Rebak offers serene beaches, lush tropical greenery, and indulgent spa treatments for guests looking to unwind.

Despite being a private resort island, Rebak still offers opportunities for exploration. The island’s walking trails lead visitors through mangroves and along the coastline, providing views of the Andaman Sea from the lovely Red Rock Beach on the island’s west coast. Despite the natural beauty here, however, it must be noted that ocean currents unfortunately seem to favour this beach for the accumulation of seafaring plastic, driftwood, and other debris, so even with regular cleaning efforts, visitors should expect to see some trash. There are also beaches on the north and east coasts of Rebak Island, too.

For those staying at the resort, there are various organised activities, including sunset cruises, jungle treks, and beachside barbecues. Guests also enjoy numerous complimentary speedboat transfers from the Cenang jetty, just next to Tubotel and Tapaz restaurant. The seven-minute ride drops people off at the marina’s jetty, just a short stroll from the resort’s lobby. For people who want to go to Langkawi, but have a bit of a different experience, Rebak Island provides just that – the boat ride required to get to and from the resort adds just that extra bit of unique flair, and yet, with the frequency of the transfers, the main island is never far removed from the day’s options.

BONUS ISLAND: PARADISE 101

Paradise 101 is a private island off the coast of Langkawi at Telaga Harbour, just near The Danna. This little island serves up an enticing blend of relaxation and recreation. Known primarily for its fun day trips and evening social hours, the island is accessible only via a short boat ride from the nearby harbour. Visitors to Paradise 101 can indulge in a range of water sports, such as jet-skiing, banana boating, and parasailing, or simply unwind on its pristine beach. The island also features a bar and restaurant, providing a perfect spot to enjoy sunset cocktails or a leisurely meal. A number of value-priced ticket packages are available online.

WHY VISIT LANGKAWI’S LESSER-KNOWN ISLANDS?

While Langkawi’s main island is undeniably beautiful and engaging, with plenty to do on offer, exploring the surrounding islands can provide visitors with a deeper, more varied experience. For our part, we had visited the main island many times before taking the plunge and venturing out to each of these other four islands, just a fraction of those comprising the beautiful Langkawi archipelago. From the legends and natural beauty of Pulau Dayang Bunting to the traditional charm of Pulau Tuba, the idyllic beaches of Pulau Beras Basah, and the laid-back resort vibes of Pulau Rebak, each island has something unique to offer.

These islands are easily accessible through Langkawi’s popular island-hopping tours, which typically include stops at several of these destinations. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone just looking for a bit of relaxation, Langkawi’s lesser-known islands provide an excellent complement to the main island’s attractions, and offer a glimpse of a side of Langkawi not always seen by visitors.

As we discovered, incorporating these islands into your Langkawi itinerary not only opens up your travel experience, but also underscores the rich diversity and natural beauty of this inviting archipelago. So next time you visit Langkawi, consider venturing beyond the main island – if your experiences are anything like ours, you won’t be disappointed.