Pangkor Island Destination Guide
OVERVIEW
Across the Manjung Straits opposite Lumut is a bustling fishing
village on Pulau Pangkor, the largest of nine islands in a small
group of islands. The name Pangkor might have originated from
the Thai word Pang Ko meaning 'beautiful island'.
However, others believe it might have been named after Pang
Kui, a legendary Chinese adventurer said to have lent his skills
in seamanship to bands of pirates this island once sheltered.
Pangkor, with its quaint mix of fishing settlements and resorts,
is a fascinating holiday destination. It presents the visitor
the rare chance to live near fishermen and observe their lifestyle,
or to simply enjoy the fine beaches and resort amenities.
The fishermen live in scattered settlements on the eastern side,
facing the town of Lumut and Teluk Batik. Visitors get a chance
to see some of them on the 40-minute ferry ride from Lumut as
the ferry stops at the main settlements of Sungai Pinang Kecil
and Sungai Pinang Besar before landing at Pangkor Town.
Pangkor's two popular beach areas of Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah
offer sun and sea enthusiasts activities like scuba diving,
Snorkeling, wind-surfing and fishing. While Pasir Bogak is
quite developed, Teluk Nipah still retains its kampung, or village,
atmosphere.
The island has accommodations to suit every budget and visitors
can hire vans and motorbikes for island sightseeing. Food is
available in most locations around the island and there are
some good seafood restaurants in Pangkor Town itself.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air
The private carrier Berjaya Air flies 5 times a week from the
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport just outside Kuala Lumpur to
Pangkor.
By Road
Access by road via the North - South highway to Lumut. If travelling
from the south, exit at Gopeng interchange and turn left after
Pangkor/Sitiawan/Batu Gajah signboard. Upon arrival in Lumut,
parking space are available here and Lumut town offers regular
ferry services to Pangkor Island.
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By Coach
Public transport are available from Kuala Lumpur to Lumut and
from Lumut to Kuala Lumpur.
By Ferry
Pangkor is a 40-minute ferry ride from Lumut. There are departures
every half hour.
MOVING AROUND
You can take a bus, taxi or even hire a motorbike great for
some nice biking or motorbiking around. Bicycles and motorbikes
can be rented in Pangkor Town or in the hotels.
PLACE OF INTEREST
Pangkor Town
The mystique of this pretty fishing village has never failed
to charm tourists from all over the world. Past the Pangkor
Island Jetty is the main village offering a wide variety of
fresh and dried seafood and souvenirs crafted from seashells
and local materials. Don't forget to visit Sungai Pinang Besar
village where this village is popular for boat building and
repairs.
Dutch Fort
At Teluk Gedung lies the 300-year-old stone foundations of a
Dutch Fort Built in 1670, it was one of the Dutch strongholds
against pirates and local Malays.
Pasir Bogak Beach
This narrow stretch of white sand is one of the most popular
spots for tourists from the mainland and gets crowded during
holiday seasons and weekends. There are shallow, crystal clear
waters and areas of still unspoilt coral reefs for Snorkeling
enthusiasts.
Teluk Ketapang
North of Pasir Bogak is Teluk Ketapang, or Turtle Bay, where
the turtles make an annual pilgrimage to lay their eggs. The
best months for turtle watching are between May and July.
Nipal Bay
Teluk Nipah further north has a wider beach and is less crowded.
It is a beautiful strip of beach, and at a place known as Coral
Bay, the water is a beautiful emerald green.
Pantai Puteri Dewi
This beautiful beach paradise was named Pantai Puteri Dewi (Beach
of Lovely Princess). Pangkor Island Beach Resort (formerly Pan
Pacific Pangkor Island) has a prime location along this stretch
of beach and offers elegant rooms and facilities, including
a sports complex and a golf course. There are some wildlife
to be found here, including monkeys, lizards and hornbills.
Pangkor Laut
On the nearby island of Pulau Pangkor Kecil is the Pangkor Laut
Resort, an international standard resort. The beach at Emerald
Bay is touted as one of the best Malaysian beaches.
Fu Lin Kong Chinese Temple
Your trip is not complete without a visit to the temple. You
can see the mini Great Wall of China here.
The secluded Emerald Bay in Pulau Pangkor Laut.
The waters surrounding Pulau Pangkor abound with marine life.
Pictures courtesy of:
