Travel Islands Around Malaysia: November 2006

The best part about this popular Island destination is the range of accomodation. You could choose from an A type hut on the beach to the luxurious and exclusive Pangkor Laut Resort. Whichever you may choose, sandy beaches, clear waters and refreshing breezes await all visitors to this well-known resort.

Just 90 km south-west of Ipoh, this fun island getaway is laden with modern facilities and water sports activities. The eastern shores are peppered with fishing villages and many visitors come to buy their year's supply of "keropok" ( fish or prawn crackers) here.

If you want a change from watersports, hire a bike and go round the island. The road is hilly at some parts, but you will be able to explore places like the old Dutch Fort, located in Teluk Gedong or the Batu Bersurat ("Inscribed Stone") close by.

It's a bliss to live almost next door to Pulau Pangkor!

Pangkor fully deserves the name Beautiful Island as it is translated. Pangkor Island is, a small island on the North West coast of Malaysia in the Straits of Malacca.

We speak now of Pangkor as one island but in fact there are nine islands in the direct surrounding. Pangkor and Pangkor Laut are the two biggest and the only two inhabited by humans.

On the islands there's a variety of wildlife while the smaller atols are basically white sand beaches and rocks. According to some legends there were even tigers living on this small Malaysian island!

Why would you go to Pulau Pangkor?

The Malaysian tourism destination Pangkor is very wellknown for the white sand beaches, crystal blue waters, canoeing, jungle treks, bright stars, excellent food, snorkeling, diving, jet-skiing and juicy fruits.

Furthermore it's quiet and relaxing, in short, gorgeous and awesome! It's the ultimate Malaysian holidayn destination, as many Malaysian people already know!

What is the attraction of Pulau Pangkor?

So, what can you do at Pangkor Island? You can go to one of the beaches and enjoy the tropical sun. But in the heat of the day, you may want to hire a boat for sea fishing or jet skiing. Don't forget to bring your snorkel, can be rented at the hotels. The corals around some of the smaller islands are beautiful.

At the entrance of Pangkor you can rent bicycles and motorbikes for going around the island. But you can also hire a taxi. It is cheap.

There are a few little fisherman's villages with traditional Malaysian houses. The little food stalls in Pangkor Town and the other villages have some of the local favorite dishes while the more up market hotels offer a range of Asian and Western food including excellent local coffee, cuttlefish and anchovies.

If you travel on tight budget, no problem, there are excellent cheap guesthouses and beach huts. And further there's everything up to 5 star hotels.

Pangkor is also a great place to fullfill your dream to wed at the beach. Play golf on one of the two international standard golf courses just 20 minutes away from Pulau Pangkor.

Stingray in the waters of Sembilan Islands

But you may want to see some attractions on the Malaysian mainland. No problem here too. In the vicinity there are some attractions worth to see. Think of the mining city of Taiping, the Royal City of Kuala Kangsar or the capital of Perak: Ipoh. The coastal area is full of fishing villages like Pantai Remis.

Visit some of the fish farms around Pulau Pangkor. The fishermen are happy for a few ringit to show you around. And you buy the fish and ask your restaurant to prepare for you.

In fact, Pangkor has for everyone, something. Maybe you like to hang out on the beach, or you are more into activities. Do you have an interest in history or temples, anyone can have their share. Whatever you imagine, Pangkor has it!

Travel to Pangkor

By air
Flying to Kuala Lumpur is possible from all parts of the world. Malaysia Airlines has services from almost everywhere. At Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), you have to transfer to the domestic airport. Flights leave from Kuala Lumpur from the domestic airport Subang Jaya, not from KLIA.

By car
It is easy to travel to Pangkor by car. However, driving a car in Kuala Lumpur can be a little nightmarish because of the traffic jams, especially during rush hours.
Keep in mind in Malaysia the driving direction is as in the United Kingdom. From Kuala Lumpur to Lumut is about 250 km. You can travel to Pangkor from the North. It is about 200 km.

By bus
To travel to Pangkor by bus you have to head to Puduraya. At this bus-station you buy your ticket to Lumut. The ticket cost about RM16 for a super deluxe VIP bus and take approximately 3 to 4 hours.

By boat
After arrival in Lumut, you have to take the ferry to Pulau Pangkor. The ferry leaves every 15 minutes during the day. It takes about 40 minutes to the ferry port of Pangkor Town.

By rail
There is no train to Lumut. If you want to travel to Pangkor by train you have to go to Ipoh. If you fly into Malaysia and you want to continue travelling by train, you have the option to take a train to Ipoh. The train is an excellent way to see Malaysia. Travelling by train is slower and a bit more expensive then by bus. Still, it's comfortable. The journey from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh cost between RM 10 and RM 67. The difference is which class and which type of train you take. See for more information our train page.

From Ipoh it is still another 80 km's to Lumut and Pangkor.

Access Pangkor Island by sea or air. Take a ferry from the Lumut Ferry Terminal. The boat trip should take 40 minutes. If you are flying, the airport is located at Teluk Dalam.

Map of Pangkor Island