UNDERWATER WORLD

Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast. Surrounded by turquoise sea, the interior of the main island is a mixture of green paddy fields and mountainous terrain. Well known for its off duty-free alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate. To me, Langkawi is a special place not only because of its beautiful exterior but it carries the heritage, culture and well-balance feel towards nature and development. A lot has change from my last visit 6 years ago. Chenang looks different with several new shopping malls and chalets pile up along the beach.

It was school holiday and after a hectic period form January and February, its time to take a short brake and just relaxed haha. The main attraction for this year in Langkawi would be the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Show 2015. Its a bi-annual event and probably one the best airshow in the region. Since this is family vacation day, so I’m not scheduling any fishing trip although it is enticing just to head out one day at sea. To doze of some of the itching wanting to go fishing, me and my family and cousins visit the Underwater World Langkawi, located in Pantai Chenang. At least I can share something and educate them about the importance of preserving our environment and to differentiate species that are native and non-native.

INTRODUCTION

Underwater World Langkawi (UWL) the largest aquarium in Malaysia houses a large collection of over 4000 aquatic lives. There are more than 500 species of animals and sea creatures in more than 100 specially designed tanks being exhibited here. Various animals, birds and inhabitants of the sub-Antarctic, Temperate and Tropical Rainforest regions are also on display here. More than 100 species of seashells from various parts of the world are grouped together in a unique display.The exhibits provide an opportunity for visitors and particularly nature lovers, to study and examine them in a comfortable and unique environment.

UWL is also an educational centre where one can learn about the marine and aquatic lives and study their diet and breeding habits as well as observing them while at rest and play. In addition, one can also study the various inhabitants of the sub-Antarctic, Temperate and Tropical Rainforest that are on display. One can also gather information on other marine and wild lives via the interactive Information Kiosks, and the Wildlife Gallery.

The concept and theme of UWL are geared towards Knowledge, Education and Entertainment. It is built to raise awareness on the importance of conserving our precious aquatic life forms, thus creating understanding of the deep and the inseparable bond between man and nature.

-Source, www.underwaterworldlangkawi.com 

Entrance Fees

Adults – RM40 (without MyKad) / RM30 (with MyKad)

Children (3-12 years old) – RM30 (without MyKad) / RM20 (with MyKad)

Malaysian Senior Citizens (50 years old & above) – RM24 (with MyKad)

Goverment Rate – Adults RM24 and Children RM16. One (1) Government I.D. Card entitles for two (2) adults and two (2) children.

Exhibition/Display Areas

Daily – 10:00 am – 06:00 pm

Public/School Holidays – 09:30 am – 06:30 pm

Main exhibits at the entrance, the world famous Arapaima. King of the Amazon and well known for its huge size, a dream catch for anglers.

Sultan Fish aka Jelawat is a native species in Malaysia. Famous for its powerful run and a delicacy for locals.

Iridescent Shark aka Patin is another famous species in Malaysia. Well known for its unique taste and available at every single FW fishing pond in Malaysia.

Other than fishies, they also exhibits some selection of reptiles. Showcase here is a beautiful green gecko.

Alligator Gar, a non-native species from the Americas. People at times mistaken this fish species with crocodile or alligator due to its distinctive head.

I’m no expert in lizards haha, but gecko’s are now being one of the latest animal that are accepted as a human pet.

Its a well setup place and plenty of exhibits. It feels good to share some knowledge that I gain over the years. Most people are not aware of the existence of native and non-native species. Malaysia may not have heavy weight giants like the Arapaima, Amazonian catfish or Alligator Gar. We have our prized native species such as the Striped Carp aka Temoleh and Mahseer aka Kelah to showcased to the public. Other than that we also have our native Goonch like catfish and Begahak (similar to vampire fish) which can be a great attraction to our own local species. Its not that I am against non-native species but sometimes we don’t have to look far to find unique and monster like fish species that inhabits our ecosystem.

Striped Carp aka Temoleh is probably the only native carp species. Correct me if I am wrong haha 🙂

Barb available in abundance in FW ecosystem and they stay together in large group

King of FW Fish species in Malaysia. Known for its intense strength to fend off anglers attempt in landing it.

Tin Foil Barb is a larger species of barb

Arctic seal is one the main attraction at the Underwater World Langkawi

Cute African penguins, reminds me of that Penguin movie or Batman haha

Midas Chicild is gold in color and they stay static in a group..

Tasmanian Spider Crab, very huge!!

Jellyfish, availaible in many variation. Edible and a source of protein in many country of east Asia. They are also known for poisonous stings and sometimes can kill people.

To finish off visiting all the exhibits takes probably 1 hour unless you stay for the feeding session. Worth coming for a visit and experienced what Underwater World has to offer. Next to it is a shopping complex where you can but all your souvenirs and chocolates. Located in the center of Pantai Chenang, thus its quite convenient for travelers.