Kubang Badak Mangrove Reserve

Kubang Badak Mangrove Reserve is best explored by boat, with 12 stops available to delve into the region's 500-million-year old geology and more recent history linked to fishing villages and Siamese settlers.

From the banks of the Kubang Badak River, balance on rickety jetties at the foot of Bukit Menorah to see remnants of 18^th century Thai villages and charcoal factories. Walk through the jungle to reach the 6,000-year-old Pinang Cave where over 1,000 smelly bats take refuge from the sun. Then, watch magnificent and white-bellied sea eagles and Brahminy kites swiftly dive down to snatch fresh fish from the river.

As the river mouth meets the Andaman Sea, the landscape drastically shifts from flat plains of mangrove trees to steep islands. Among them are fishing island Pulau Jemuruk, part of the oldest rock formation in Langkawi where rare gaseous bubbles originating deep below the seafloor can be seen at the surface, and Pulau Dangli, the only place in Langkawi to snorkel with tropical fish.

Look Around

Signage and ticket desk at jetty entrance

Jetty to boats

Boat on Kubang Badak River

Kubang Badak Jetty

Approaching mangrove forests

Mangrove trees on Kubang Badak River

Boat traveling along the river

Mangrove seed up close

Mangrove seedling

Mangrove habitat on the river

Old fishing hut

Charcoal factory

Ruins of Siamese village and charcoal factories

Eagles coming in to feed

White-bellied sea eagle

Brahminy kite

Eagle watching

Climbing towards the cave

Elephant-shaped flowstone outside cave entrance

Entrance to Pinang Cave

Inner chamber

Bats hanging from cave ceiling

Pinang Cave

Pulau Jemuruk Beach

Pristine white beach sands

Pulau Jemuruk

Snorkeling area off Puau Dangli

Fish from above the water

Fish from below the water

Snorkeling at Pulau Dangli

Who Will Like Kubang Badak Mangrove Reserve

Nature Lover

Escape to the calm and quiet Kubang Badak River, less known by tourists than other areas of Langkawi. Hear the melodic call of the kingfisher as you float along in a boat or kayak. Book a tour with a nature guide to delve deeper into the mangrove forest's unique and diverse habitats.

Photography Whiz

Capture some award-worthy landscapes of the captivating Kubang Badak River, various wildlife species, and untouched sandy islands.

Culture Buff

Learn about Thai immigrants who settled in this area during the 18^th century. See remnants of their villages and the charcoal factories they used to work in. Visit Pulau Jemeruk for a taste of the local fishing culture that still thrives in the Kubang Badak region.

Bucketlist Bandit

Snap a photo of Langkawi's iconic sea eagle as it soars across the sky then dives down to catch a piece of fresh fish. Bring your swimwear and jump into the clear turquoise sea and snorkel with friendly tropical fish.

Fun Expert

Book a boat tour along the river and sea to witness majestic sea eagles swoop down for food, then throw breadcrumbs to fish near Pulau Dangli.

Insider Tips For Kubang Badak Mangrove Reserve

• The region is most commonly explored via boat, but kayak tours are also available.
• Boat tours can be booked onsite, through hotel concierge, WhatsApp, either on +60 134455644 or +60 12-573 6453, or Facebook. It's recommended to book at least 2-3 days in advance if possible.
• Tour stops vary depending on the duration of tour booked, ranging from 1-4 hours.
• 3-hour private boat tours cost RM350 (USD$79.11) for up 8 people or RM550 (USD$124.32) for up to 12 people. The price includes snorkeling equipment and drinking water.
• Some of the old wooden jetties near Bukit Menorah are very wobbly and dotted with holes. Be very careful walking along them, or opt to stay in the boat if your fitness levels aren't up to it.

Jetty through mangroves

Balancing on the refurbished section of the jetty

Old jetties near Bukit Menorah

• Inside Pinang Cave is too dark to see without a flashlight so shine the flash from your phone on the ground to light the way. Don't shine the light onto the bats as it will irritate them.
• Staff usually bring fresh fish to feed eagles but always ask what they have to feed the eagles before it is thrown into the water. Some less reputable operators feed squid stuffed with polystyrene and others feed hormone-enhanced chicken, both can harm the birds of prey.
• Staff also bring bread to feed fish near Dangli Island. If you don't want to swim or snorkel, you can stay in the boat and feed the fish. If you do choose to snorkel, be mindful that the water is approximately 4 meters deep and be careful not to touch the seafloor as some coral and sea urchins are poisonous.
• If you enjoy fishing, stay overnight at Jemaruk Island Resort where fishing packages are available. Groper is the most common fish to catch.

Video

How To Get There

Tech & Photography

Southeast beach

Boat stopping on the beach

Drone shots of Pulau Jemuruk

Food & Drink

A small food vendor selling local meals like fried rice and seafood is located by the jetty but is only open during peak season.

A handful of local restaurants and food vendors are located along main road, Jalan Teluk Yu, a 2-5-minute drive from the jetty.

Backstory

The Kubang Badak Jetty was constructed in 2009 for local fishermen, then upgraded in 2012 to encourage tourism in the region. Many sites in the area are geologically significant, with embedded seashells in Pinang Cave revealing the sea level from thousands of years ago, and Pulau Jemaruk connecting underwater to Langkawi's second-highest mountain, Gunung Machichang.

In the 18th century, Siamese immigrants settled in the area due to its close proximity to Thailand. They established a small community dependent on fishing, charcoal, and rubber production. 13 charcoal factories were once operational with 9 still visible at the foot of Bukit Menorah. These sites were later abandoned.

Locals in the area have a strong connection to nature, with many native plants having medicinal properties. Many locals are still fishermen while others have converted their boats to operate tours.

The diverse river ecosystem at Kubang Badak is lined with 50-to-150-year-old mangrove trees and is home to wildlife ranging from fiddler crabs and mudskippers to otters and kingfishers.

Etiquette

Scorecard

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