Some time ago, I learned a new word — thalassophile — that means lover of the sea. If you deem yourself to be one, then snorkelling, scuba diving, island hopping, and even fishing might be something you enjoy. But what about touring an island, like Langkawi, on a jet ski?
If you’re intrigued by the prospect, then we’re on the same boat, as I only discovered such a thing back in 2019, when my in-laws chose Langkawi to be our vacation destination. And what an exciting discovery it was!
While Langkawi is an island that we’d visited in the past, I’d never explored it this way. And though I also don’t consider myself a thalassophile, it was still something I’d enjoyed! Without further ado, here’s the trendiest way to explore Langkawi Island. These five jet ski operators will (literally!) blow your hair away:
1. Mega Water Sports
Mega Water Sports may be one of the pioneer operators in Langkawi that started the jet ski tours throughout the island. Well-renowned amongst Malaysians, their tours have been are often fully booked weeks in advance. Depending on what your holiday itinerary looks like, they offer excursions that can last as little as two hours to a full day’s outing, which usually takes around eight hours.
Friendly tip: To maximise your spending (and time), I recommend booking an early morning tour for you to enjoy clear skies! The tour ranges from RM450 and up to RM1,000, all of which offers a variety of activities.
2. Paradise 101
Get to know the Andaman Sea like never before with Paradise 101. Hop on a jet ski, and together with their experienced guide, you can ride to the surrounding islands of Langkawi, like Dayang Bunting and Tuba Island! Depending on your group size and budget, their Magical Island Tour is highly recommended, with various types to choose from.
With offers starting from RM884, their four-hour Jet Ski Tour package will get you a lunch set, free entry to Paradise 101, beach towels, and more than five island visits. What a steal! Kids from age seven are allowed to join the tour accompanied by adults. There’s also a sunset tour to end an exciting day of speed and adventure with!
3. Langkawi Go Tours
With 10 years of tour experience, Langkawi Go Tours is no rookie when it comes to offering visitors a memorable time. It’s great to note the experience is one of the most affordable on the island. With over 300 bookings each month and two types of packages to choose from, these guys come highly recommended by TripAdvisor.
Both adrenaline-fuelled packages vary in price, from RM500 to RM550, with a three- to four-hour jet ski ride across eight islands. For those who check-in at hotels around the Chenang Beach area, you can enjoy complimentary pick-up services. Tours can happen between 10am to 2pm.
4. Seeman Water Sports
Seeman Water Sports are known as the leading water sports provider in Langkawi. From snorkelling, parasailing, to night safari cave tours that are open for all ages, you want it, they’ve got it. When browsing through their website, the first thing I notice is that their Jet Ski Tour is fully booked until 15 October 2021. This is expected, as Malaysians are seeking to revenge travel after months and months of countless lockdowns.
Offering packages from RM550 to RM850 per Jet Ski Tour, Seeman Water Sports has reasonable rates. For the first package, the tour will cover a distance of 30 kilometres with three island visits, while the second package offers 60 kilometres with more than five island stops. If you’re worried about another lockdown, the operator allows cancellation with a full refund during the pandemic.
5. Klook
If collecting points and cashback offers are up your alley, Klook is your best friend. Offering between three and a half- to six-hour jet ski tours around the jewel islands of Langkawi, the price starts from RM710 to RM1,840 per person. Which is quite a steal in the world of holiday activities!
Opt for the six-hour package, and you’ll score yourself an entry to Beras Basah Island, some snorkel time at Intan Kecil Island, a visit to Pregnant Maiden, hotel transfer, and also insurance coverage. The tour is only available in the morning. If you change your mind, feel free to cancel within 48 hours before your tour to receive a full refund.
So, there you have it! But a final word from me. Based on my experience, it’s advisable to choose a morning tour as the weather can be unpredictable in the evening. We were stranded on Singa Besar Island for 30 minutes as we picked the 1pm slot, and the tour was cut short.
Sitting through a boat ride in the rain is no easy feat too, as it’s taxing on the body! It felt as though we were being slapped multiple times as we rode in the rain. Another tip to keep in mind is to bring a waterproof bag that will ensure your electronics remain safe and dry. But other than that, just enjoy the ride!