Langkawi: Floating Restaurant & Snorkeling Trip

This tour offers a combination of mouthwatering seafood, scenic boat rides, and peaceful snorkeling at some of Langkawi’s less crowded spots. While it’s not the longest or most comprehensive experience, it provides a nice snapshot of Langkawi’s natural beauty and local flavors.

What we love about this trip is the chance to enjoy a floating restaurant in the middle of Kilim River, the secluded snorkeling at Dangli Island, and the informative mangrove tour. The relaxed pace and close-up encounters with marine life make it particularly appealing for travelers seeking an authentic and laid-back adventure.

A potential drawback is the short duration of the snorkeling activity and overall trip, which some guests found to be underwhelming relative to the price. If you’re expecting a full-day adventure or multiple snorkeling stops, this might feel a bit rushed.

This experience suits those who appreciate nature, local cuisine, and quiet, scenic boat rides. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a budget-friendly way to explore Langkawi’s coastline and mangrove ecosystems without the crowds.

Key Points

• Unique dining experience on a floating restaurant amid mangroves
• Accessible snorkeling at Dangli Island, suitable for all levels
• Informative mangrove tour with wildlife sightings and fish farm visits
• Short but scenic trip, great for a quick taste of Langkawi’s natural beauty
• Affordable price point for groups up to 12, with options for food and gear rentals
• Flexibility in meal choices and booking, with pay-later reservation options

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This Langkawi tour combines multiple highlights—dining, wildlife, and water activities—all in a compact, well-organized package. It’s designed for those who want a taste of local life and natural scenery without having to commit to a full-day adventure or a more commercialized tour.

The starting point is the Kilim Jetty, where you’ll meet your guide or assistant. From there, the boat ride takes about 7 minutes to reach the Floating Restaurant & Fish Farm, set in the calm waters of Kilim River amidst limestone cliffs and lush mangroves. The setting alone is a reason to choose this trip; the floating structure appears as if it’s part of the landscape, and observing the marine life—sea bass, stingrays, and moray eels—is both fun and educational.

The Floating Restaurant & Fish Farm

The highlight here is the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood while surrounded by nature. The restaurant specializes in Malay and Thai-inspired dishes, and guests can select from a menu featuring prawns, crabs, and groupers straight from the farm. Many reviewers appreciate the authenticity and simplicity of the meal, which is often ordered à la carte or as a package during booking.

Guests also get a chance to hand-feed stingrays—a memorable, interactive moment. The fish farm setup allows for close-up views of marine creatures, and although there’s no guide during this part, many find it straightforward to wander at their own pace.

One reviewer, Ishhaq, noted, “we were free to tour the fish farm at our own leisure. Yes there was no guide but that was fine given the experience.” This suggests it’s an informal but genuinely enjoyable addition to the trip.

Mangrove Tour and Wildlife

Next, the tour continues through the Kilim Geoforest Park, where you’ll see mangrove wildlife and rock formations. Expect explanations about the ecosystem and maybe spot eagles, herons, or kingfishers. The tour is generally relaxed but informative, perfect for nature lovers wanting a snapshot of Langkawi’s ecological richness.

Snorkeling at Dangli Island

The snorkeling part is often described as the most anticipated aspect of this tour, but reviews reveal it’s a shorter activity than some might expect. Dangli Island is a tiny, rocky islet with clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.

The marine life is surprisingly diverse considering the island’s size—colorful fish, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, and sometimes moray eels or reef sharks. The coral reefs are noted to be relatively healthy, and the shallow waters make it accessible for beginners.

However, one guest, GetYourGuide, mentioned, “The snorkeling was only in one spot, only from 10 to 12 PM, which is quite short for a sightseeing trip scheduled from 9:30 AM to 3 PM.” This indicates the snorkeling might be more of a quick highlight than a full exploration, so if your priority is extended underwater time, this may be a consideration.

Snorkeling gear is available for rent at the jetty for RM15 per set, and it’s recommended to wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile marine environment.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Kilim Jetty: Meet your assistant or guide, and prepare for the boat ride.
• 7-minute boat ride to Floating Restaurant & Fish Farm: Enjoy scenic views of limestone cliffs, mangroves, and calm waters.
• Floating Restaurant & Fish Farm visit: Savor fresh seafood, observe marine life up close, and feed stingrays.
• Lunch: Pick from à la carte menus or pre-booked packages. Many reviewers find the simple meals satisfying, though some note that the food quality can be inconsistent.
• Kilim Geoforest Tour: Glide through mangroves, see wildlife, and learn about the ecosystem.
• Snorkeling at Dangli Island: Spend around 1-2 hours exploring the reefs and marine biodiversity.
• Return: The tour concludes back at the meeting point, usually around early afternoon.

This schedule offers a balance of scenic boat rides, wildlife encounters, and leisure time, but the overall duration is relatively short—about 4 hours—so don’t expect a full-day outing.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: $114 per group for up to 12 people, which provides good value given the combined activities and the private group setting.
• Meals: Not included in the base price; options include ordering at the floating restaurant or pre-selecting a package meal during booking.
• Snorkeling gear: Available for rent at RM15 per set—bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer, or rent on-site.
• Timing: The trip generally starts around 9:30 AM and ends by early afternoon. Keep in mind the snorkeling is only about two hours.
• Group size: Limited to groups of 12, which helps keep the experience intimate and flexible.
• Language: Tours are conducted in English, making communication straightforward.
• Cancellation: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

Reviews and Authentic Insights

While the overall rating is 3/5 from four reviews, the feedback offers useful insights. Ishhaq’s 5-star review highlights the scenic boat ride, engaging fish farm visit, and friendly guides. He appreciated the leisurely exploration and the quality of the snorkeling gear rental, emphasizing that it’s a great value for the price.

Kelly rated it a 3, feeling that the trip didn’t quite meet her expectations in terms of duration or depth, but still enjoyed the beautiful views.

The more critical reviews point out that the snorkeling was very brief—only about two hours total in one spot—and that the food quality was lacking, with one reviewer describing their lunch as “terrible.” Another mentioned the short duration of the overall tour compared to the advertised schedule, which might leave some feeling shortchanged.

These reviews suggest that expectations should be tempered—if you’re after an all-day, in-depth snorkeling or a gourmet meal, this tour might fall short. But if you’re after a scenic, relaxed experience that showcases Langkawi’s natural charm with decent food, it can be quite enjoyable.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is a good pick for families, couples, or small groups looking for a half-day escape into nature. It’s perfect if you want a taste of local seafood, a quick snorkel, and some wildlife encounters without a huge time commitment.

It’s also suitable for beginners or those new to snorkeling, thanks to the shallow reefs and availability of rental gear. However, if you’re expecting a full-day adventure with extensive underwater exploration, you may want to look elsewhere.

The Sum Up

This Langkawi Floating Restaurant & Snorkeling Trip offers a charming blend of culinary delights, scenic boat rides, and marine encounters. The experience’s highlight is undeniably the floating restaurant—an unusual setting to enjoy fresh seafood in the middle of the mangroves. The snorkeling at Dangli Island provides a glimpse into vibrant reef life, though it’s brief and suited for beginners or those looking for a quick underwater fix.

For nature lovers seeking tranquility and a local flavor-based experience, this tour delivers a relaxed, authentic taste of Langkawi’s ecosystems and culture. It’s an excellent choice if you value value for money and small-group intimacy over extensive activity time.

However, those craving a longer, more in-depth snorkeling adventure or gourmet dining might find the schedule and offerings somewhat limited. Keep your expectations aligned with the short duration and focus on the scenic, less commercialized aspects.

Overall, it’s a straightforward, enjoyable trip that captures the essence of Langkawi’s natural environment, especially if you’re okay with a slightly quick and simple experience.

FAQ

Is the floating restaurant accessible by boat?
Yes, it’s about a 7-minute boat ride from Kilim Jetty to the floating restaurant.

What kind of seafood is available?
The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood including prawns, crabs, and groupers, which you can select from the fish farm for your meal.

Can I feed the stingrays?
Yes, guests can feed stingrays at the fish farm, making for an interactive experience.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The reefs are shallow and the marine life colorful, making it ideal for those new to snorkeling.

What should I bring?
Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and possibly your own snorkeling gear if you prefer. Gear can be rented at RM15 per set.

How long does the entire tour last?
Typically around 4 hours, starting in the morning and ending early afternoon.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included in the base price but can be ordered à la carte or as a package during booking.

In summary, this tour offers a charming, budget-friendly way to explore parts of Langkawi’s natural beauty and cuisine. While it may not satisfy those seeking a lengthy or highly detailed experience, it’s perfect for a quick, scenic, and authentic outing—especially if you enjoy seafood and marine life.

You can check availability for your dates here: