On the way back from Malaysia to Thailand we decided to visit a small Pangkor Island, which is notable for its quiet beaches, tranquility and a huge number of fun hornbills— local "pigeons".
- small island in the Malaysian state of Perak with a population of 25 000 islanders Distance from Penang to Pangkor - 200 km, from the capital Kuala Lumpur— 250 km. Pangkor Not especially popular How tourist destination, you will not find a single 5-star hotel here and, as a result, on Pangkor will not discomfort from crowds vacationing tourists. There is a flow on the island calm and measured life. Main tourist area - Teluk Nipah.
How to get to Pangkor Island from Kuala Lumpur
The best way to get to the island from the capital of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur- use bus to the city Lumut where they come from ferries directly to the island. Bus travel time - no more than 4 hours.
Map of Pangkor Island with ferry schedule from Marina Island
As part of our trip to Southeast Asian countries, we rode without any problems on a scooter purchased in Thailand. 250 km. from KL to the city Lumut, where we agreed on the ferry cross us and scooter to Pangkor Island. Motorcycles are carried on the ferry unofficially; no ticket is purchased. But for 10 ringit the ferry crew will agree to take your motorbike on board and will even tie it to the deck with ropes for safety :) Also, it should be noted that ferries depart from 2 places in the city Lumut- With main pier cities - it is used mainly by locals (only here they will agree to take your motorcycle on board) and from the pier Marina Island- more focused on tourists. Ferries go to Pangkor Island every hour from 6:30 am to 17:30 pm.
This is how our faithful horse got to Pangkor The island is notable for its calm, secluded and very picturesque beaches. Unfortunately, the cleanliness of the water on the island’s beaches is not impeccable and the presence of all kinds of corals and algae prevents you from fully enjoying swimming. But this does not in any way affect the feeling that you are on paradise island .
One of wild places Pangkor Islands Hornbill of Pangkor Island
Speaking about it is impossible not to mention the characteristic peculiarities islands - it is a little more than completely inhabited rare Rhinoceros Birds(Hornbill Bird). They are here instead of pigeons and there are a huge number of them here. Every evening at 17:30 people gather near the territory of one of the guesthouses feed Rhino birds, which gather at this time great amount and they even put on shows like stretch your hand with a banana up and wait for one of the bravest birds to snatch the food. You don’t have to worry about your fingers, as the birds take the food very carefully, smoothly and carefully. So, buy bananas and enjoy feeding these sweet and kind creatures.
Rhino Bird feeding place on Pangkor Island on the map
Feeding the hornbill 
There are a lot of rhinoceroses here 
Hornbill 
Hornbill 
Rhinoceros Birds 
They are not afraid and eat straight from your hand 
Hornbill 
They really love bananas :) 
They are everywhere Cost of housing on Pangkor Island
Housing the island is represented by many inexpensive guesthouses, bungalows and a couple of 3-star hotels. We traveled around the island in border season- V November and found a very decent guesthouse with air conditioning for $9/day - Seagull Beach Village Resort - located next to the bird feeding area - you can find it on the map above. IN high season price the cheapest housing begins on Pangkor Island from 15$ for a room for two. There is also a crazy campsite on the island, which, given the complete lack of guests, asked us as much as $5 for the opportunity to put up our tent on their territory on the beach. And this despite the fact that they did not provide any amenities other than a shed-toilet.
Getting around Pangkor Island
For movements on Pangkor Island you can use numerous pink taxis and tuk tuks.
Also, at Pangkor you can rent a scooter or a bicycle.
But, to be honest, there’s not much to move around here.
Attractions of Pangkor Island
The main attraction of Pangkor Island is its calm and cozy atmosphere. Also, of course, the hornbills are very pleasing.
And among the places that you can visit on Pangkor Island there are quite strange chinese temple, with figures of cartoon characters. This temple is located in the most popular tourist area — Teluk Nipah.
Dejected Donald on the territory of a strange temple on the island of Pangkor Another one sight islands - the ruins of a small Portuguese fort since colonial times:
Sunset at Pangkor This small island is connected to the mainland by high-speed ferry and Berjaya Air flights from Kuala Lumpur. Pangkor is quite small: only 12 km long and 4 km wide. Fishing villages, small settlements and world-class luxury hotels coexist peacefully here. The island boasts a sapphire blue ocean and natural fine sand.
The island is home to Tiluk Nipah Marine Park, the best on the west coast of Malaysia.
How to get there
Berjaya Air flies five times a week from Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor and back.
You can take a ferry from Kuala Lumpur to the town of Limut on Pangkor. There are several marinas on the island: SPK Jetty in the village of Sungai Pinang, Pangkor Jetty in Pangkor Town and Pangkor Island Beach Resort Jetty at Teluk Dalam resort. The latter is used only by hotel guests.
Search for flights to Kuala Lumpur (closest airport to Pangkor)
Beaches of Pangkor
The main attraction here is the beaches, the most beautiful of which is Pantai Puteri Devi (Princess in Love Beach). Popular spots for snorkeling include Pasir Bogak Beach and Teluk Nepah Park Marine Reserve.
Popular hotels in Pangkor
Entertainment and attractions
In the town of Sungai Pinang Besar, in the Fu Ling Kong Temple you can admire a small copy of the Great Chinese wall. And in the Pangkor Forest Reserve - the splendor of the exotic flora and fauna of the island. Finally, it is worth visiting the ruins of an ancient Dutch fort in Teluk Gedung. The fort was built in 1670 and was used to protect against pirates.
Coast of Pangkor
Diving at Pangkor
Tiluk Nipah is an island marine park, the best on the west coast of Malaysia. Situated in a quiet sea backwater surrounded by coral reefs, it has become an excellent place for divers - both beginners and experienced. All diving equipment can be rented here on special catamarans moored off the coast.
Other popular place for diving at Pangkor: " White Rock"- standing alone in the sea, with steep slopes and a lighthouse at the top.
27 km from Pangkor, around the Sembilan island group are great places for diving. Nine uninhabited islands that require travel arrangements with local operators (usually based in Kuala Lumpur). Season: November to March. The landscape consists of large boulders, covered with sea sponges, and mostly hard corals everywhere. Marine World: Fusiliers, Parrotfish, Groupers, Seahorses, Wrasses, Groupers, Rays, Reef Fish and Barracudas.
- Where to stay: On four of the 99 inhabited islands of the Langkawi archipelago, on the main island of the same name, tourists have excellent “fours” and “fives”. Pangkor is a peaceful coexistence of fishing villages, small settlements and world-class luxury hotels. Penang is famous for its luxurious beaches and vibrant nightlife, and George Town has a colorful life to boot. Tranquility and excellent diving are worth looking for in Redang and Perhentian, and Tengol, Kapas and Payar are attractive due to their almost complete “separation” from civilization.
- What to see: Magnificent underwater world in coastal waters
In the amazing and beautiful Malaysia there are many islands, each of which is unique in its own way. Pangkor Island is a piece of paradise located off the western coast of the Malay Peninsula. In translation, the island means “beautiful”, which fully corresponds to it. If you look at Pangkor from a bird's eye view, you can see a strip of snow-white beaches, which are looming over dense jungle, separated by small rivers and hills. And near the island you can see colorful coral reefs.
Pangkor is an island off the west coast of Malaysia. Geographically, it belongs to the state of Perak. The island is located 90 km west of Ipoh city and 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur. In terms of size, Pangkor is a relatively small island. Its area is only 8 square meters. km. The length of the island from north to south is 9 km, and the maximum width is 3.5 km. But, despite its unimpressive size compared to other Malaysian islands, Pangkor is still popular among tourists.
The highlight of visiting this island for travelers is its untouched beauty wildlife and the life of the local population, unspoiled by crowds of tourists. Most of the island is occupied by dense jungle, and only small fishing villages with wooden huts are scattered along the shores.
Historically, Pangkor was a refuge for local merchants, fishermen and pirates. In the 17th century, the Dutch built a fort to control the tin trade in Perak and defend the province from invasion. In 1690, the Dutch were driven out by local rulers without receiving the promised protection. In 1743 they rebuilt the fort, but five years later they finally abandoned it.
Another significant event in the history of the island was the so-called “Treaty of Pangkor”, which was signed on January 20, 1874. It marked the beginning of the British colonial era in the Malay Peninsula. With the advent of the British, the island was renamed Pulau Kera (“Monkey Island”), then Pulau Aman (“Peaceful Island”), and then Pulau Pangkor (“Beautiful Island”). Beginning in the 1970s, tourism gradually began to develop in Pangkor.
The island's name comes from the Thai word "Pang Ko", which translates to "beautiful". In fact, the name refers to a whole group of islands: Pangkor acts as the main island and three small islets (Pangkor Laut, Mentagor and Giam). Pangkor Laut is best known for the resort built on this island with the same name, Pangkor Laut Resort.
Pangkor is a mountainous island. The most high point is located at an altitude of 266 meters. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and has a number of international hotels and resorts. It receives quite a lot of guests during holidays and weekends. There is no best time to visit the island because it is largely protected by the island of Sumatra and the weather varies little throughout the year.
About 30,000 people live on the island, many of them in the city of Pangkor and villages along the east coast. Since ancient times, Pangkor's economy has been based on fishing and dried seafood production. The Malaysian government is trying to develop tourism, but fishing and other related industries remain the main industries.
Beaches
Of all the Malaysian islands, Pangkor has the quietest beaches. There is still peace and tranquility that many other beaches in Malaysia have lost. In Teluk Nipah and Pasir Bogak you can ride banana boats, and rent jet skis and kayaks. In addition, you can rent a boat and go around the island. Or stop at Giam Island for some snorkeling. Similar services are not available on other beaches. In general, the water is more or less clean, the sand is white, but the beaches themselves are often littered with waste
Pasir Bogak is located a few kilometers from the city of Pangkor in the west of the island. It is the most popular of all the beaches in Pangkor, most likely due to its proximity to big city islands. The beach has white sand, but it is quite narrow and the water is murky and gets crowded during holidays and weekends. There are many food stalls along the beach where they grill fish, squid and other seafood. Tourists can go jet skiing, snorkeling, kayak rental, fishing and even diving on Sembilan Island. Vacationers are offered accommodation from luxury hotels to spartan apartments.
Teluk Nipah is the most beautiful of all the beaches of Pangkor. It is located a few kilometers north of Pasir Bogak. This beach and neighboring Coral Bay have the cleanest water on the island. Teluk Nipah is located in a secluded place from the villages, thanks to which it has retained its natural beauty, you can even admire the hornbills. On the near horizon you can see the islands of Giam and Mentagor. They are both uninhabited and have good beaches for relax. Giam Island is attractive for snorkeling. The coast there is shallow and there are a lot of corals, as well as fish. If you wish, you can rent a kayak and go to these islands on your own. There are kiosks along the beach where you can try local seafood. There are many hotels in the Teluk Nipah area as the beach is quite popular among tourists.
Coral Bay. If you go north from Teluk Nipah, you will find yourself in the beautiful Coral Bay. It is quieter compared to its southern neighbor. Those who continue walking to the end of the beach will see the Lin Je Kong Chinese Temple. From his side it opens beautiful view to the beach and the island, which is covered with forest.
Teluk Kepatang is located between the two more famous beaches of Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah. This beach is translated from Malay as “Turtle Bay”. It is named after the rare leatherback turtles that often lay their eggs there. Of all the beaches on the island, this is one of the most underrated. Teluk Kepatang is very quiet, even on holidays and weekends it is mostly empty. There are no hotels here, but the beach is very good. In the pier area, boaters are waiting for vacationers who can take them on a trip around the island.
Teluk Segadas is one of the lesser known beaches of Pangkor. Not all vacationers know about the existence of this small beach, there is not even a road to it. It is advisable to take water and food with you, since there are no shopping kiosks on the beach. The water there is calm and perfect for swimming.
Teluk Belanga is located a few kilometers north of Teluk Nipah. Beach access is limited to Pangkor Resort guests only Island Resort. The beach is a two-kilometer strip white sand, it is constantly cleaned by the resort staff. The beach is clean, but the water is a little cloudy. Here you can often see hornbills, which can hang on tree branches. The resort has a special feeding area on the beach where hornbills can come down and eat.
What to see
The main attraction of the islands is the beaches. But Pangkor has more than just beaches; there are also other attractions that make tourists’ stay on the island even more interesting.
Fu Lin Kong Temple is the most famous Taoist temple of Pangkor. It is built at the foot of a hill in the village of Sungai Pinang Besar. The temple has a small but beautiful park, partly located on the hillside. Nearby, a miniature copy of the Great Wall of China is recreated.
Dutch fort. To the south of the city of Pangkor is the village of Teluk Gedung, the site of an old Dutch fort. In Malay it is called "Kota Belanda". The Dutch fort was built not only for defense against pirates. Perak was the main tin production center in Peninsular Malaysia during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Built in 1670, the fort controlled tin in the region. He also had to prevent the expansion of the British, who by that time had become active trade competitors. Local rulers dissatisfied with Dutch rule destroyed the fort in 1690. But the confrontation did not end there. The Dutch later returned with a larger force and took control of the fort and also rebuilt it. In 1748, the fort was again captured by the Malays and from that period remained abandoned until 1973, when National Museum did not restore it in its current form.
The fort is a short walk from the sea and consists of three brick walls with round openings. There is a small park and souvenir shops nearby.
Batu Bersurat(“Stone with an Inscription”) is located near the Dutch fort. The stone dimensions are about 10.7 m long, 4.6 m wide, 4.3 m high. Currently, a small canopy has been made over the stone. The stone bears the inscriptions "If Carlo 1743" and "VOC". The stone also features an engraving of a tiger carrying off a child. The story of the drawing is based on real events and is that a child who was playing near this stone disappeared without a trace. Local legend says that the Dutch child was stolen by a tiger, but it is more likely that the child was lost or killed by the local population, who were hostile to the Dutch. In memory of this incident, the Dutch depicted it on a stone, representing the Malays in the form of a tiger.
Local Satay Factory. Dried seafood is the specialty of Pangkor Island. There are many shops in the main town that sell seafood. The Satay plant has become famous for its seafood, mainly dried squid, jellyfish and more. The plant is located in Sungai Pinang Kecil. On a sunny day, near this factory you can see part of the production process - sun-dried fish. It is open to tourists.
Lin Je Kong Chinese Temple is an unusual Chinese temple, which is located on the rocks on the outskirts of Coral Bay. The temple is located on the seashore with an amazing panorama of the neighboring bay and the nearby island.
Pangkor city – main city island, which is located on the east coast. He is big village with one main street along the coast. There are a number of souvenir shops, dried seafood outlets and small restaurants.
Fishing villages. Fishing still remains the basis of the island's economy. There are three fishing villages on the eastern side of Pangkor: Sungai Pinang Besar, Sungai Pinang Kecil and Kampong Teluk Kecil. Some of the houses are built on stilts in the sea. In the villages you can taste local seafood.
Things to do
Hiking through the rainforest. The most famous trail into the mountains starts from Pasir Bogak Beach and leads to the other side of the island to the village of Sungai Pinang. Somewhere in the middle of the road the trail heads towards the top of Tortoise Hill. Climbing to the top of this hill offers panoramic views of the countryside, Tortoise Bay and the Strait of Malacca. Here you can take wonderful photographs of the island and observe the flora and fauna of the island.
Boat trip. One popular activity on the island is to travel around Pangkor or the surrounding islands by speedboat. But you don’t have to travel around the entire island; you can rent a kayak from Teluk Nipah Beach and visit neighboring Pasir Bogak. You can also go to Giam Island by kayak and spend a few hours there.
Fishing. Around Pangkor, which lives on fisheries, there are plenty of good places For fishing. You can negotiate with local fishermen and go with them.
Pangkor Island is a quiet, paradise place that is designed for... have a relaxing holiday. The beauty of visiting this island is that tourists who come here can both enjoy nature and spend time on the beaches and get acquainted with the way of life of fishermen who have preserved their originality. Pangkor is a great place to spend a family holiday, Honeymoon or just take a break from the fast pace of big cities. Once on Pangkor, tourists are left alone with themselves, nature and beautiful beaches.
Traveler, peace seeker and relaxation surrounded by exotic landscapes will undoubtedly find what they want on Pangkor Island, Malaysia. Clean beaches, not trampled by tourists, the primitiveness of the wild jungle and hornbills circling in the air every year arouse more and more interest among sophisticated tourists. This is not a resort where you will find a variety of hotels and large shopping centers with crowds of vacationers. Pangkor is a haven of calm and balance, where the traveler harmonizes with nature and is charged with its energy.
General information
Pangkor Island, whose name translates as “beautiful,” is located northwest of the Malaysian mainland between popular resort Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Malay is recognized as the official language here, but many residents speak English quite well, which was facilitated by long-term dominance British Empire on Malaysian territory. Over the past decade, the authorities of Pangkor have been actively involved in the development of the tourism sector on the island, but fishing still remains the main engine of the economy.
The majority of the population (about 30,000 people) are Malays and indigenous people, but Chinese and Indians can also be found here. Since Malaysia is very tolerant in matters of religion, representatives of various religious movements live on Pangkor. Although Islam is the official religion here, practiced by about 53% of the population, the island is home to many Buddhists, Christians and Hindus, as well as followers of Taoism and Confucianism.
Tourist infrastructure and prices
Pangkor Island in Malaysia is not one of those resorts where noisy crowds of tourists are found everywhere, but night life seethes non-stop. This is a secluded place that cannot boast of an abundance of luxury hotels and an avalanche entertainment programs. However, one of the most beautiful islands Malaysia is ready to provide its visitors with all the necessary conditions for organizing a decent holiday.
Hotels
Several modern hotels have been built at different points on the island, and you can also find many budget guest houses here. Thus, budget travelers have the opportunity to stay overnight in a hotel for only $15 (for two). On average, prices in the budget segment range from $20 to $45 per night, while more luxurious hotels with a spa center, gym and golf course will cost $120 to $200 per night.
Find out PRICES or book any accommodation using this form
Food and drink
Pangkor cannot be called a center of culinary delights, but the island has many restaurants and cafes where you can have a tasty and inexpensive lunch. Since fishing is developed here, many establishments offer an extensive seafood menu, where you can taste dishes from crabs, squid, shrimp, oysters, sea bass, etc. There are also restaurants specializing in Malay, Chinese and Indian dishes.
Fish curry To fully enjoy the exoticism of Malaysia, it is worth trying the local cuisine, the main dishes of which include rice boiled in coconut milk and seasoned with nuts, fish curry, and, of course, rice noodles with vegetables and shellfish. Local salads made from exotic vegetables and fruits, as well as healthy drinks such as freshly squeezed juices and coconut milk, deserve special attention.
So that you are not tormented by the question of where to eat on Pangkor, we offer you our own selection of the most worthy restaurants to visit:
Uncle Lim's Kitchen - "Uncle Lim's Kitchen"
- "Fisherman's Cove"
- Nipah Deli Steamboat & Noodle House
- Island One Cafe & Bakery
- "Daddy's cafe"
Average check for lunch in local cafe will be 10-12 $. A glass of beer or cocktail in a restaurant will cost you $2.50, water – $0.50.
Transport
There is no public transport on the island, so you can only get around it by taxi or rented bike or car. The taxi on the island is a minibus painted in pink color. The cost of a trip on this transport is $5, but if you find travel companions, you can split this cost in half.
An alternative to a taxi can be a rented car or scooter. The minimum price for renting a car per day is $20. A scooter is a more popular and less expensive means of transportation on Pangkor; renting it for a day costs an average of $7.
Some travelers prefer to rent mountain bikes: unlike Kuala Lumpur and others major cities Malaysia, traffic flow The traffic on the island is not so intense, and the roads themselves are in good condition. You can rent a bicycle for only $3.5 per day.
Events
It's not only good to drive at Pangkor carefree holiday, but also to explore the territory, get acquainted with local animals and vegetation. What can you do on an island in Malaysia?
Catching fish with your own hands and frying it on the grill - what could be more enjoyable? Local fishermen will help you get to the most popular fishing areas for a small fee. Here you can fish with a net, rod and spinning rod. Gear for every taste is sold right on the shore.
From Pasir Bogak Beach there is a famous trail leading to the unexplored nature of the rainforest with its hills and panoramic views to the countryside. Here you can watch animals and birds, explore new plants.
Snorkeling and diving
Local residents invite tourists to go on a tour to explore underwater world islands. You can also go windsurfing and kayaking here.
Boat ride
Any traveler has the opportunity to swim around Pangkor and visit the adjacent islands. To do this, just rent a boat, the rental of which will cost $20-25 per hour.
Thus, on the island of Pangkor, all the necessary conditions have been created that can provide a good rest. Children will also find it quite interesting here: even such a simple event as feeding hornbills will leave the most vivid memories in their memory.
Beaches of Pangkor
Pangkor has about a dozen beaches, for which most tourists come here. Getting to them is not difficult, but not all of them have clear waters and white sand, so it is important to study the most worthwhile options in advance. On the eastern coast of the island there are many villages, whose inhabitants rely on fishing, so the water and sand there are quite dirty and not suitable for tourists.
Western countries are considered more favorable for relaxation. coastline, where in addition to clear water and clean sand Water activities are provided for visitors (jet ski rental, snorkeling, etc.). The good news is that most At the time, the beach areas are empty. Only in holidays and the weekends are filled with Malays coming from the mainland to relax with their families. What beaches are worth visiting in Pangkor? Among them:
Pasir Bogak
You can get to it in just a few minutes from the pier of the village of the same name. It is considered the most favorite holiday destination on the island due to its close location to the city. The sand here is white, the water is clean, but slightly cloudy, which was a consequence of the popularity of the place. There are several shops along the beach where you can cook grilled shrimp and squid. Pasir Bogak offers a wide range of water activities, from kayak rentals to diving tours.
Teluk Nipah
Considered the most beautiful beach islands will delight the traveler with its clear water and snow-white sand. Teluk Nipah is quite narrow, but the palm trees and trees growing on its banks give cool shade and that very exotic atmosphere. There are also several cafes and restaurants here, and local residents offer water activities.
Coral Bay
You can get here in 10 minutes from neighboring Teluk Nipah. It has become the best beach on Pangkor due to its wide coastal area, crystal clear water and white sand. At the same time, it is quite calm and serene here, there are few tourists, so Coral Bay is great for solitude with nature.
Teluk Kepatang
It is located approximately two kilometers south of Teluk Nipah, from which you can get here in 30 minutes at a leisurely pace. Usually this beach is empty, since there are no hotels nearby, but it’s worth a visit if only to meet rare view leatherback turtles, after which the area itself was named (Teluk Ketapang - “turtle bay”). This is a beautiful and clean place with clear water, but very underrated by tourists.
Climate
You can go to Pangkor at any time, because its equatorial climate provides hot weather all year round. Although the period from November to February is considered the rainy season, in reality there may be no rainfall for several days in a row, so feel free to plan your vacation during these months.
The average temperature during the day is at least 31°C, and at night the heat gives way to pleasant air cooling to 25°C. Pangkor has quite high humidity, which varies between 70-90% depending on the time of year. The island is not characterized by any natural disasters or inclement weather.
| Month | Average temperature during the day | Average temperature at night | Water temperature | Number of sunny days | Length of daylight hours | Number of rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.5°C | 26°C | 29°C | 16 | 11,8 | 11 |
| February | 31.7°C | 26°C | 29°C | 19 | 11,9 | 9 |
| March | 32°C | 27°C | 30°C | 22 | 12 | 10 |
| April | 33°C | 28°C | 30°C | 21 | 12,3 | 10 |
| May | 33.4°C | 28°C | 30.4°C | 17 | 12,4 | 10 |
| June | 33.5°C | 28°C | 30°C | 22 | 12,4 | 5 |
| July | 33,3 | 27°C | 30°C | 21 | 12,3 | 7 |
| August | 33°C | 27°C | 29.8°C | 19 | 12,2 | 10 |
| September | 32°C | 27°C | 29.7°C | 13 | 12,1 | 10 |
| October | 32°C | 27°C | 29.5°C | 14 | 12 | 16 |
| november | 31.7°C | 27°C | 29.5°C | 6 | 12 | 19 |
| December | 31°C | 26.5 °C | 29.5°C | 10 | 11,9 | 16 |
How to get to Pangkor from Kuala Lumpur
Pangkor Airport Pangkor is located north of Kuala Lumpur, and the distance between them in a straight line is about 170 km. Although the island has a small airport, Pangkor Airport, it currently does not accept regular flights from Kuala Lumpur and other cities in Malaysia and only serves private flights (information as of January 2018). However, you can get to Pangkor not only by air, but also by land.
The most optimal and inexpensive option to get to Pangkor from Kuala Lumpur will be such transport as intercity bus. In order to get to the island, you first need to get to the port city of Lumut, from where the ferry to Pangkor departs throughout the day. The cost of travel from Kuala Lumpur to Lumut by bus is $7, and the trip itself will take about 4 hours.
The bus from Kuala Lumpur departs from KL Sentral and Pudu Sentral stations and drops off its passengers at Lumut near the pier from which the ferry departs to the island. Ferries from Lumut to Pangkor depart every half hour from 7.00 to 20.30, the fare is $1.2, and the travel time is 45 minutes. Upon arrival on the island, you can use the services of a pink minibus (taxi), which will take you to your desired hotel for $4-5.
If, while traveling around Malaysia, you decide to go to Pangkor from Kuala Lumpur and you have a rented bike, then you can also drive to Lumut, and then take a ferry to the island with a scooter. The vessel does not officially transport vehicles, however, for a nominal fee ($3-5) the team will load your scooter on board. Of course, to get from Kuala Lumpur to the ferry, you can use a taxi, but this is a very expensive option ($180).
Compare Housing Prices Using This Form
Conclusion
If you are in search of the pristine beauty of exotic spaces untouched by human civilization, go to Pangkor Island (Malaysia). This exotic place is always ready to welcome new seekers of unique sensations.
Author: Ekaterina Unal
Related posts:
Liliya Khakimova
Moscow - Pangkor Island - Kota Bharu - Kuala Lumpur - Moscow. This is what the route of our first joint trip to Southeast Asia looked like.
Timur and I have never been to the equatorial zone and have never been to an island. Malaysia, one of the most unpopular resorts in Asia among Russians, was chosen by us because we found cheap tickets there. My husband visited the neighboring state of Indonesia a month before this trip, was surprised and intrigued by the area, so the decision to buy tickets to Malaysia was made literally in a few hours. During the same time, my parents were also involved in the adventure, who had already learned the taste of traveling with us, first in Spain, then in Egypt. Moreover, Malaysia is different high level welfare, it is the third largest economy in ASEAN (Association of Nations South-East Asia). So we have almost freed you from stereotypes and doubts about whether you should go there with your child, if you had any.
In this post I will tell you about how we planned our route, how it took us a day to get to the appointed place and, in fact, about the holiday itself on a Malaysian island.
Route planning
After purchasing quite profitable tickets on the Moscow - Kuala Lumpur airline route Etihad(with a 5-hour layover in Abu Dhabi) we almost immediately started planning the route. I have read a million reports from desperate parents of small children, some of which were useful, but most of them drove me into a dead end, because many of the reports, yes, bright, yes, colorful, but just terribly not detailed, as if 90 percent of the Russian population were traveling in Asia three times a year. At the same time, I read Seryozha’s reports, and then we spent two or three nights trying to create our almost two-week itinerary.
Problems we encountered while planning a trip to Malaysia:
- There are a lot of photographs and a huge amount of travel around the islands, but there is no information about what kind of transport to get there, what schedule it runs on, what real alternatives exist, how much it costs. Part of this problem is due to the fact that people had time and could afford to wander around for several days, wondering whether to go somewhere or not to go.
- There is practically no such information on at least accessible English language not only in reports, but also in the Internet space. To understand something, you have to scour forums, check everything with a map, and transport connection Changes every now and then, therefore the information becomes outdated
- There are some problems finding accommodation on the island. Many people come to the island and look for accommodation on the spot, but we arrived at night, so this option did not suit us. It’s not so easy to find something decent on the usual booking sites and airnbnb. In short, we had to choose from what was available. There is also a purely Asian housing search service, agoda.com, which, by the way, also has quite a few unflattering reviews.
There is one more nuance that is worth mentioning. The dates we have chosen ( end of November - beginning of December) It is officially considered the rainy season in Malaysia. If you are in doubt about whether to go there during this season, the answer is to go. And don’t let the forecast with clouds for every day at a temperature of 31 degrees Celsius scare you, because these rains are not like ours. They occur mainly at night or in the evening, they are very warm and pass quickly. However, at this time you should refrain from visiting East Coast Malaysia (where the South China Sea is, this also includes the Perhentian Islands), if your goal is to lie on the beach and swim. Moreover, the island of Borneo, as they say, can be visited in any season.
Our way there
We took off from Moscow in the afternoon at 2 p.m., flew five hours before United Arab Emirates, there at Abu Dhabi airport we waited another five hours for a transfer. And finally, we flew for about seven more hours to the capital of Malaysia. The airline is great, zero complaints.
As an experienced aerophobe, I officially declare that flying is very calm and comfortable. The food was so delicious that I even forgot about my problem (I think it was all about the food). Seryozha ordered me a seafood menu, so they even added fish to the omelette.
When our plane landed in Kuala Lumpur, local time it was 14:30. According to the trip plan, the bus we needed from the airport to the port city of Lumut or the neighboring city of Citiawan departed at approximately 15:30. The schedule and cost can be found on this website, where you can also buy tickets.
We didn’t buy tickets in advance because we didn’t know for sure whether there would be flight delays or how quickly we would get our bearings at the airport. By the way, they did the right thing, because you can buy everything on site at the bus station at the airport. There at the bus station in the open waiting room you can dine on inexpensive Malaysian food (very spicy!)
The journey to Sitiawan took us another four hours in a very comfortable bus, in which I rested much more than on the two previous planes. Wide seats, large space in the aisles, free water, air conditioning.
There is one drawback - the air conditioning makes it very cold, so a warm blanket became an indispensable assistant on this trip. From Sitiawan we urgently needed to go to the pier in Lumut, because in a few minutes the last ferry to the island departed from there (at 20:30). We took a taxi and 10 minutes later we were already at the ferry ticket office. If we didn’t have time, we would have had to spend the night in Lumut.
The ferry departs from 7 am to 20:30 pm on average every half hour (telephone ticket office in Lumut 05-683-58-00, 05-683-21-88. full ferry schedule). We made it to the ferry safely. Tickets, by the way, are sold immediately there and back. The journey by ferry to the final pier takes only 40 minutes; there is only one stop along the way - in a fishing village. So, it’s night and we are there. Hooray!
Pangkor Island
Among all the islands on West coast We chose Pangkor Island for our holiday in Malaysia. What were you guided by? It is considered the most rustic and not party island, in contrast to those located to the north of Penang and Langkawi, which, by the way, many put it in the negative. We learned that Penang is not the best best beaches, and Langkawi is too party-oriented, besides, there is a duty-free shopping area, cheap alcohol (in the rest of Malaysia there are high taxes on alcoholic drinks and they are really very expensive, even in chain stores). All we needed was the sea. We also discarded the idea of moving between islands (many routes assumed exactly this), because my husband is not a fan of beach holiday(he could hardly bear these seven days on the island!).
At home, we carefully studied the map of the island and realized that we needed to look for housing in its western part, where the main beaches are located. In the east of the island, as you can see, there is a port where ferries from Lumut arrive, as well as fishing villages.
We realized that we were in a village as soon as we got off the ferry and landed on the ground. The taxi driver took us to the hotel, which had been pre-booked through booking. The hotel is terrible, I will give you a link to it, and you try never to go there. In short: everything stinks, everything is old, full of holes, all the taps are leaking, the bed linen is dirty and other delights of life. We were told that we were not satisfied with the room provided that same evening. In the morning they promised to change our room, but the promise remained just a promise. Therefore, this is my advice: book a room in advance for only one night, and then decide whether to stay in this place or look for something else. For clarity, a photo of a lovely hotel.
On the second day we went for a swim in the sea and realized that the beaches were completely empty. Have you forgotten that it’s winter here?! We looked around and decided that we should still change our place of residence, so Seryozha and I set off to look for something more decent. All the bungalows were occupied (and most importantly, it’s not very clear by whom, because the beaches are really empty), so we decided to look for hotels and settled on this hotel with access to the beach.
There turned out to be quite a decent restaurant with not only Asian but also European cuisine (this is important, but details later), a swimming pool, very clean and pleasant rooms.
As for the beaches, we lived in the southwestern part of the island, but then we realized that all the best beaches are located a little to the north. Look at the map of the island and choose accommodation near the beaches Teluk Nepah And Coral Bay.
These beaches are cleaner and more beautiful than those in the south, plus from there you can take a boat to small islands for snorkeling. IN last days we went to these beaches. The sea deserves special praise. I have never swam in such a warm sea! You can spend an hour in the water and not even feel the cold. An ideal place for children.
Dad and I, remembering our wonderful snorkeling experience in Egypt, decided to see what this activity was like in the Strait of Melaka. Well, what can I say... there is nothing special to see where all the tourists are taken en masse. The spectacle is, of course, funny. A crowd of Asians in orange vests crowds near the shore to watch the fish. As I understand it, none of them knows how to swim, so they don’t swim more than a couple of steps from the shore.
My dad and I decided to sail around this small island. Of course, we didn’t see any fish there, but dad saw a monitor lizard and picked a beautiful wild fruit that looked like a pineapple. The system for sending to small islands works like this: you pay 20 ringgits per person and you are taken to the island along with a mask, and you name the time when you want to return before departure. You can spend at least the whole day there. It's actually worth it because it's also home to a marine park that happens to be one of the best in western Malaysia. Simply put, this is such a quiet lagoon that is surrounded by coral reefs and clear water. My dad and I swam there and were delighted!
A separate song. Taught by the bitter experience of vacationing in resort towns, we knew that it was hardly worth even trying to look for accommodation with a kitchen on the island, because we wouldn’t find normal food there. They thought correctly. Asian food is very unique and spicy, so it’s not for everyone. With a child, this point must be taken into account and be sure to take cereal with you (however, we take it on any trip). We were saved by that very restaurant in our hotel, where there was European cuisine, because even though we love spicy food, it’s unbearable to eat it three times a day. As you probably guessed, there are no normal shops on the island either. And why are they needed?! By the way, there are good restaurants on these two beaches. Fruit can only be bought in the eastern part of the island near the port in small tents.
If you don't even know English, then learn the word western. This word will save you from gastritis when you want some ordinary potatoes without spices or Bolognese pasta... Sometimes this word is written on the menu, thereby indicating that there is Western cuisine. And also learn the word spicy, because if you are with a child, then every time you come to a restaurant you should begin with a question if they have anything that is not spicy. Just don’t put much faith in these Malays! They are very cunning! What is not spicy for them, for us... we can sometimes climb the wall. Timur was so used to it that before every meal he asked whether it was spicy or not.
Transport
Not on the island public transport, because no one needs him here. For tourists, there are taxis that cost between RM10 and RM15, depending on the distance. They all look like this.
.jpg)
All other people ride scooters. And they even carry newborn children on them. Scooters can be rented. You just need to take into account that traffic in Malaysia is on the left, and you need to get used to it.
Dad rented a scooter and he and Seryozha drove around the island in a couple of hours. When renting, we were given a map that showed all the attractions, as well as gas stations. Gasoline on the island is not expensive, and gas stations are staffed by women in bright clothes.
You can also go to the beaches this way. There are also bicycle rentals on the island. We knew about this, so we took Timur a bicycle helmet in advance, but when I saw the serpentine roads that stretch on the island along the jungle and when we once walked along such a side and came across a flock of monkeys (more on this later), I decided that with It is dangerous for a child to travel this way. Seryozha was indignant for a long time that I was a coward!
.jpg)
Flora, fauna and our smaller friends
I have never seen the jungle as close as I did at Pangkor. This is truly an island of untouched nature. The main inhabitants of the tropical forest are monkeys. All maps in hotels even indicate places where there are especially many primates. We are used to imagining monkeys as cute animals, but there they are something like... our rats, if only they could climb trees and jump. They steal food and things from tourists, and they can even attack if they deem it necessary. When we were walking along the jungle along the road, a whole flock of monkeys ran out to the side of the road and began to be indignant. It became scary because these cute creatures can take a stone or other heavy object in their paws and throw themselves. But the animals we are used to are also there (in the photo, by the way, there is a cemetery).
Local residents advise fighting off monkeys with sticks, but to do this you need to find a leader in the pack and fight him, because he decides for everyone whether the object is dangerous or whether it is better not to touch it. From Chinese temple at the end of Coral Bay beach, the jungle path begins (it is marked on the map as Jungle Trak). There are also wild, untouched beaches that tourists love very much. This is where these cute creatures will lie in wait for you. Never leave valuables unattended and never feed monkeys, because they will bring their friends and will not leave you alone next time, even if you have no food.
I was able to take a photo with them once near the Coral Bay beach when they were robbing some house nearby.
There is also a hornbill living on Pangkor Island. Many hotels and restaurants are named after this bird - Hornbil. You may not see this bird up close, although they are said to be very tame, but you will always hear it: they have a very characteristic singing. Despite the fact that the beak of these birds can scare many, you still need to look for such family birds: they look after each other, clean their feathers, the male always chooses a nest for the female and invites her there so that she can evaluate and give the go-ahead. In addition, the male takes care of the chicks and their mother until the children mature. There is a place on the island (this bird is shown on the map) where hornbills are fed, you can come and see this spectacle (though we never went).
What else?
Malaysia is a Muslim country. There are many mosques here, there are two of them on the island (a crescent moon on the map). Almost every hotel, every public place, and train stations have specially equipped prayer rooms.
In every hotel room there is even an arrow on the ceiling indicating the direction in which to pray. Then I found out that many Russians are annoyed by this (just think, an arrow!). However, the lack of popularity of alcohol in this country is another reason why Russians do not often consider Malaysia as a holiday destination.
Dutch fort. One of the few colonial period landmarks in Malaysia. The fort was built by the Dutch in the 17th century to control the Strait of Malacca: to protect against the pirates for which these waters were until recently famous, and local tribes. The fort was then destroyed and rebuilt in 1743 to serve as a garrison for Dutch soldiers. Reconstruction of the ruins was carried out already in the 20th century. Now there is a mini-bazaar for tourists here.
Here, near the Dutch Font, there is a garden, from where the road leads to the Jungle. We didn't dare go there.
Even in ancient times, the island was a refuge for merchants, pirates, and sailors sailing along the Strait of Malacca. In addition, sailors have always lived on Pangkor. There is a huge amount of different fish, both simple and exotic, as well as turtles, stingrays, and crabs. Fishing still makes a significant contribution to the island's economy.
Here you can visit fishing villages, go fishing, and also visit a factory where fish is produced. And dried and dried fish itself is sold on almost every corner: any market or shop with fish smells a kilometer away - so you won’t pass by!
Infrastructure. There are two banks on the island that are open from 9 am to 4 pm, Friday is a short day, Saturday and Sunday are days off. ATMs work a little longer, but they often run out of money. Ideally, of course, you need to come to the island with ringgit. Cash is a must.
In addition to banking infrastructure, the island has a fire and police station, an ambulance station and even a library.
There is also tourist centre(it is located near the port, just between the street of banks and the fire station), whose opening hours are also limited. We never managed to get into it. All infrastructure is located in the eastern part of the island.
The week on the island flew by very quickly. I think that for such an island this time is enough, but nevertheless, it always seems that two days were not enough. We left rested, and some of us were sunburnt (by the way, you can get sunburned here even in the shade, so fanatically apply cream!). During our entire stay at Pangkor, we did not meet a single Russian, moreover, we only saw Europeans there once. I’ve never been to such a place in my life, it’s even indecently unusual.
So, briefly. In what case, in my opinion, should you go to Pangkor Island?
1. If you want to relax in a place without fuss, people and parties on beautiful sandy beaches with emerald water;
2. If you are ready to sacrifice some of your comfort, such as a five-star all-inclusive hotel, for a week in such a semi-wild place;
3. If you want to visit an island near the capital of Malaysia, then Pangkor is ideal. You can spend several days here, and then, without wasting time, go to the capital or some other city. This island (like neighboring Penang and Langkawi) is definitely not worth spending the entire trip here, like, for example, the famous Borneo (Kalimantan) or Perhentian Islands in the South China Sea.
So our journey will continue in the eastern part of Malaysia.
Financial part (including flights + transfers to and from the island)
Flight Moscow - Abu Dhabi - Kuala Lumpur (and back) = 18,250 rubles (for children it cost exactly 15 thousand)
Bus from Kuala Lumpur Airport (on ticket purchasing sites it is designated as KLIA - Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to Sitiawan (or to Lumut, depending on your luck) = 48 ringgits (in rubles, something like 720 rubles) per person (children under four years old travel for free)
Ferry from Lumut to Pangkor Island (round-trip ticket, you can’t buy a one-way ticket) = 10 ringgit per person (something about 150 rubles). Again, the child rode for free.
Accommodation = $90 per night for a two-bedroom room at DJ Resort Pangkor; A double room at Puteri Bayu Beach Resort cost RM155 per day (a child under four years old stays free).
Scooter rental = RM 30 per day (excluding petrol cost).
Bicycle rental = RM10 per day
Average bill in a cafe = 50 ringgit (about 750 rubles) for 4 people
Cream of Chicken Soup = RM5
Tom yum soup = RM10
French fries = RM5
Main course (fish or meat) = 8 riggits
Fresh juice = RM5-8
Taxi on Pangkor Island = 10-15 ringgit (our average price for a trip). And here is the full tariff schedule:
.jpg)
For organization independent travel to Malaysia, use our
