Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Dayang Bunting) in Langkawi

Overview & Is It Worth Visiting

The local name for the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden is "Dayang Bunting lake". It's located on the neighboring island of Dayang island or Pulau Dayang, not far from Langkawi. The island is quite large (over 13 kilometers long), the second largest in the entire Langkawi archipelago, and it's home to a geopark that you could explore for more than a day.

What makes this lake special is that it's freshwater, despite being just a few dozen meters from the shore, which is washed by salty ocean waters. At the tourist area, there's a pontoon promenade and a walking trail along the shore. If you follow the trail, you'll reach a spot called "Miracle Border," where the boundary between the salty ocean and the freshwater lake is only 30 meters wide. You can swim in the lake or just dip in the pools built into the pontoons, and pedal boats (catamarans) are available. The lake water has tiny fish that are used for exotic fish massage treatments. You can dangle your feet in the water and enjoy a fish massage in natural surroundings, completely free. But the most important thing about the lake is its miraculous properties, or so the legend says.

According to an old local legend, the forbidden love between the beautiful Princess Sari and a commoner named Mat Teja resulted in the birth of a child. However, the infant couldn't survive and died seven days after birth. Nymphs took the body, and the child was transformed into a white crocodile. The lake became his home, where he would guard against evil forces. The princess blessed the lake's waters and asked the higher powers to help any woman who wished to have a child. From that moment on, the water became fresh and has remained so to this day. Locals genuinely believe that a sip of water from the lake or a swim in it can help even an infertile woman conceive. Is it true or not? You'll find out when you visit. There's also a simpler legend: according to it, the child was born from a union of mythical elves and died seven days after birth. The elf mother decided to bury him in this beautiful lake, after which it became magical. Adding weight to the legend are the island's hills, which from a certain point on the water resemble the profile of a pregnant woman lying on her back. Tour guides always point this out during the boat trip.

The scientific explanation for the lake's origin is much more prosaic: there used to be a mountain riddled with caves here, and millions of years ago it collapsed, forming a valley that eventually filled with freshwater rainwater.

How to Visit: Island Hopping Tour or On Your Own

The Lake of the Pregnant Maiden is on a neighboring island, so you can only get there by water. The most popular and convenient way is the Island Hopping tour. This is one of the most popular excursions in Langkawi, offered at literally every travel agency on Pantai Cenang's main strip.

The standard Island Hopping itinerary includes several attractions in one trip:

• Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Dayang Bunting lake) — you're dropped off on the island for 1–1.5 hours to swim and explore;
• Relaxing on the monkey beach on Beras Basah island;
• Eagle feeding near Singa Besar island.

Island Hopping tour prices start from 45 ringgit (11.03 USD) per person. Depending on the program, boat comfort, and whether lunch is included, prices can go up to 50–60 ringgit. You can book a tour:

• At any travel agency on Pantai Cenang (there are plenty, prices are similar);
• Online on Trip.com — book an Island Hopping tour (accepts Russian cards);
• Online on GetYourGuide — choose a tour to Lake of the Pregnant Maiden.

Visiting independently is also possible, but it only makes sense if you're traveling with a large group (up to 8 people) and want to rent a whole boat. In that case, you can book a private tour for a group of up to 8 people — cost 350 ringgit (85.75 USD) for the whole boat. You can hire a boat at the jetties in Kuah or in Pantai Cenang. But for most tourists, a group Island Hopping tour will be cheaper and more convenient.