Pulau Singa Besar
The "Big Lion Island" — a pristine wildlife sanctuary of mangroves, rainforest, and emerald seas. No resorts, no crowds, just raw Malaysian nature.
The Big Lion Island
Location & Geography
Pulau Singa Besar is part of the Langkawi Archipelago, lying just south of the main island and west of Pulau Dayang Bunting. It spans roughly 6.5 km north to south and 2.5 km east to west, with a distinctive C-shaped coastline of hidden bays and limestone headlands.
- 17 km from Kuah Jetty
- Between Dayang Bunting & Beras Basah
- Part of Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark
Wildlife Sanctuary
Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1988, the island is a refuge for sea eagles, hornbills, monitor lizards, monkeys, and even deer left over from a former menagerie. There are no hotels or resorts — only jungle trails and wild beaches.
- White-bellied sea eagles
- Brahminy kites (reddish-brown eagles)
- Peacocks, mousedeer, wild boar
Legend of the Name
"Singa Besar" means "Big Lion." Local legend tells of Mambang Sari, the fairy guardian of the island, who placed lions here to protect it. Today there are no lions, but the island’s lion-shaped silhouette and wild spirit live on.
Lion Marine Park
The surrounding waters are a protected marine park, with vibrant coral reefs, sea urchins, and tropical fish. Snorkeling and kayaking reveal an underwater world that’s as rich as the rainforest above.
Witness the majestic eagle feeding
See howWild encounters
Eagle Watching Point
The island’s most famous attraction: boats pause in the bay while chicken skin is tossed into the water. Within seconds, 30–40 eagles — Brahminy kites and white-bellied sea eagles — swoop down in a spectacular display.
- Best time: morning tours (9 AM–12 PM)
- Eagles fly as close as 6 feet from the boat
- Population has risen to over 500 wild eagles
Jungle Trekking
Disused forest paths cross the island, leading from the northern bays to the southern cape of Tanjung Genting. The trails are moderate, passing through dense rainforest and mangrove swamps — a true off-the-beaten-path adventure.
Snorkeling & Swimming
The clear, turquoise waters around Pulau Singa Besar are ideal for snorkeling. Coral reefs shelter colorful fish, sea urchins, and other marine life. The beaches are quiet, with soft sand and shaded spots under the trees.
Camping & Picnics
There are no lodges, but camping is allowed with permission from local authorities. Bring your own gear and enjoy an overnight stay under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the sea.
Travel tips & practicalities
Getting there: Most visitors arrive via island-hopping tours from Pantai Tengah or Porto Malai. The standard 3-island tour (Dayang Bunting, Singa Besar, Beras Basah) takes about 3–4 hours. Private boat charters are also available.
Time on the island: Boats typically stop for 5–10 minutes at the eagle feeding point — it’s fast and spectacular. If you want to go ashore, arrange a private tour. There are no facilities, so bring water and snacks.
Best season: The dry season (November to March) offers calmer seas and clearer skies. Morning tours are best for eagle activity and cooler temperatures.
What to bring: Sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, camera with zoom lens (for eagles), swimwear, and a dry bag for electronics. There’s no food or water for sale on the island.
Respect the wildlife: Keep a safe distance, don’t feed the animals yourself, and follow your guide’s instructions. The island is a protected sanctuary — leave no trace.