West coast Malaysia is blessed with this nice stretch of coral, but for years it is under great pressure by visiting tourists. I understand that people want to make a living; but throwing kilos of bread into the water on a daily basis is not helping in keeping a healthy balance. Also all these fishes depending on tourists for their daily dinner is also not a good sign. I visited Pulau Payar once in 2000, and it has evolved into a massive attraction since. Back in 2000 only a handful visited the small island daily, now boatloads arrive every day. I hope the place will stay as wonderful as it is now, but I am afraid the corals will not be able to cope with all the tourists at some point.

Tourists that only visit this part of Malaysia (sometimes due to monsoon at the east coast) will probably have a splendid time at Payar Island.

Ilya

Webmaster of Wonderful Malaysia

Nice of you to drop by Ilya~

During a bleaching event, the brownish algae disappear from the tissue of the corals, leading to a change in coloration from brown to a brilliant white, purple or green. This loss of the ‘nutrient factory’ in corals may lead to death of the corals, or the corals may slowly recover. However, even if they recover, their reproductive capacity is reduced, leading to long-term damage to the reef systems.

Elevated water temperatures due to global warming have been found to be the major cause of coral bleaching. Sea temperatures are predicted to continue to rise and bleaching is expected to occur more frequently, thus leading to the death of large areas of coral reefs worldwide within a few decades.

on coral bleaching, the decisive action taken by taman laut negeri kedah is highly commended. tourists can still visit pulau payar as only coral garden and beach in front of taman laut office is closed.

Wow! That’s a very clear explanation to the coral bleaching problem. Thanks for sharing Wong. At least the public would be aware that the occurrence was not due to any pollutions as I’m sure Langkawi Coral would adhere to all the strict guidelines set by the Kedah Marine Park Department. If not, as a nature lover, I too would discontinue their operation license.

Read more on:
http://wchinner.blogspot.com/2010/06/good-news-and-great-relief-to-pulau.html

Hmmm… I do not think the platform is closed to the public except for a few sections of the island that has been gazetted by the Kedah Marine Park Department to be free from any human activities. The coral bleaching problem is commonly caused by the sudden change of the weather and temperature behavior, not only locally but all around the world. That caused the corals to be stressed out and turned white.

It’s good for the department to have the initiative to prevent further coral bleaching but we are not in control of Mother Nature’s sudden decision to change the weather. I’m sure that you are aware of the global warming phenomenons that had occurred throughout the world? The Malaysian weather and temperature have changed too but not as drastically threatening as those countries that had killed the ozone layer even more. You won’t believe it but last Wednesday, Taiping, the wettest town in Malaysia had a 10 minute hail storm. We can’t stop that… can we?

the water looks absolutely inviting weii!

It was an impromptu trip. You in KL what.. LOL!

Not being photographed as well? LOL! Anyway, this was just an impromptu trip

If you come, then no problem. Haha!

Next time must bring you to float there.. haha!

Haha.. wait lar. So hard to join here and there with limited time.

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Thanks SG… Haha… Must show how “miang” the trainee photographer is mar.. LOL!

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Thanks Min. I would love to see yours too.. soon

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No problem Patrick… I hope you recovered from your sun burn soon.