Snorkeling- Penang or Langkawi suggestions?

[Runaway Parent]

We want to do some snorkeling in one of these ports. What can you suggest?

 

Are there opportunities to grab something when we get off the ship? 

 

Any advice would be appreciated. 

[JourneyJim]

I don’t have personal experience with Penang and Langkawi. According to our research, Langkawi’s beaches are nicer, but Penang’s food is tastier. Penang’s water is usually cloudy and jellyfish can show up unexpectedly. You can snorkel at some of Langkawi’s beaches, but the water is not very clear either. We chose Redang Island for snorkeling in Malaysia.

[CRUISERTN]

Would highly recommend snorkeling to Menjangan island from Celukan Bawang port.  We just returned a few days ago from a similar itinerary on Millennium - used West Bali Explorer tour company - due to ships hours in port we didn’t try to snorkel in Langkawi and did other things in Penang.  Also went to Gili islands for snorkeling from Lombok. Was very disappointed in the poor visibility at all 3 of the Gilis but found Menjangan to be a wonderful experience.  It is almost 2 hour drive each way to get to the boat and 30 min boat ride each way to Menjangan.  It was a long and tiring day but well worth it for the great snorkeling.  

[JourneyJim]

Thank you for sharing another snorkeling destination in Malaysia, @CRUISERTN. It sounds like you had a blast snorkeling in Menjangan island, despite the long journey.