Malaysia with a child. Pangkor Island

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 the strip snow-white beaches, on which dense jungle advances, 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 relaxation. 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 its side there is a beautiful view of the beach and the island, which is covered with forest.

Teluk Kepatang is between two more famous beaches 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 east coast. It is a large 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 to 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, heavenly place, which is intended 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.

I didn’t have to enjoy the madness of Kuala Lumpur at night for long: early in the morning I left for Pangkor Island. How to get to Pangkor? Very simple.

I took a taxi to bus station and boarded a bus heading to Lumut. It is there that there is a small port from where a passenger boat goes to Pangkor Island several times a day.

The road to Lumut took about 3 hours. We were amused by the Malay speed bumps - yellow stripes across the highway with clear edges protruding several centimeters above the asphalt. There can be from 10-12 such lanes in a section for forced reduction of speed to infinity. It looks like our zebra, only yellow and stripes across the road, not along it. The feeling is as if you are driving on sleepers!

For those who are interested: the cost of travel from Kuala Lumpur to Lumut by bus is 50 ringgit. Boat ticket to the island and back – 30 ringgit.

This is what the seaport looks like in Malay.

The view from the room is magnificent. The sound of the sea is soothing. The sound of cicadas is soothing. By the way, sleeping on the island is extremely sweet and peaceful. What else do you need to enjoy your vacation?

© Text and photos - Noory San.

A traveler looking for peace and relaxation surrounded by exotic landscapes will undoubtedly find what they are looking for in 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 the popular resort of Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Official language Malay is recognized here, but many residents speak good English, which was facilitated by the long rule of the 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 driver 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 everywhere and the nightlife is vibrant 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, you should try local cuisine, whose main dishes 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"

The average check for lunch at a local cafe will be $10-12. A glass of beer or cocktail in a restaurant will cost you $2.50, water – $0.50.

Transport

Not available on the island public transport, so you can only move around it by taxi or rented bike or car. The taxi on the island is a minibus painted pink. 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, the traffic flow 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

At Pangkor it is good not only to have a carefree holiday, but also to explore the territory and get acquainted with the 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 the underwater world of the island. 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 make a living fishing Accordingly, the water and sand there are quite dirty and not suitable for tourists.

The western coastline is considered more favorable for recreation, 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. Considered the most favorite place for a holiday 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 large selection water activities, ranging 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 locals 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 is worth a visit if only to meet a rare species of 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 there is a small airport on the island, Pangkor Airport, it does not currently accept regular flights from Kuala Lumpur and other cities in Malaysia and serves only 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 would be such transport as intercity bus. In order to get to the island, you first need to get to port city Lumut, from where the ferry departs throughout the day to Pangkor. 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).

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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 always ready to welcome new seekers of unique sensations.

Author: Ekaterina Unal

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The season at Pangkor is summer. Starts in March and lasts until October. Good and sunny weather will be in April, May, June, July, August and September. The winter months are the rainy season.

The air temperature is approximately the same all year round. On average +30 +32. The sea is always warm. Water temperature +26 +28 degrees. But in the low season, the water may be dirty, and there is a greater chance that garbage will be taken out.

It is not recommended to come to the island on weekends and holidays. Because locals love to travel on weekends. Malay tourists fill all the hotels and beaches. This circumstance applies to all islands in Malaysia.

How to get to Pangkor

To get to Pangkor from Kuala Lumpur or Penang you need to take a bus. First, 4 hours to the city of Lumut, then 30 minutes by ferry, taxi to the hotel and you are there.

Buy bus tickets in Russian - 12Go Asia or in English - Easybook(more flights). We recommend an Arwana bus with 3 rows of wide seats.

From Kuala Lumpur, buses depart from Bandar Tasik Selatan metro station.

Get off at the terminus. The bus takes you almost to the pier. To get to the pier you will need to walk a little forward across the road.

Ferry tickets can be purchased at the ticket office before departure. There is no need to book them in advance. A round-trip ticket costs 14 ringit. Ferries leave every 30 minutes. Get off at the second stop. Read more about the route in the article -.

Where to stay on Pangkor island

Hotels should be chosen in the area of ​​the best beaches Teluk Nipah and Coral beach. Exactly this good place for relaxation, since there is a good beach for swimming within walking distance and a developed tourist infrastructure, cafes, shops. Book a hotel in the area using direct links:

• Anjungan Beach Resort
• Nipah Guesthouse Pangkor
• MNY Hotel & Resort
• Nipah Bay Villa

Watch this short video we made on best beach Coral beach:

Beaches of Pangkor. What's the best beach on the island?

We visited all the beaches of the island and this is what we found out:

• Swimming beaches are located on the western side of the island (on the map on the left). To the east are fishing villages and piers, so it's dirty.
• Total 6 beaches
• There are several wild beaches, which you need to follow a path through the forest and mountains (don’t expect a bounty, no one cleans up trash there).
• One beach is closed (Teluk Belanga). This bay is home to the once luxurious Pangkor Island Beach Resort, which has closed for years of renovation. At the entrance to the beach there is a guard and a barrier.
• The best beach for swimming is Coral beach (Teluk Nipah area).

We begin the inspection. What are the beaches on Pangkor really like? Is the sea clear or muddy and brown like in Penang? Our fears were only partially justified, but the sea exceeded all expectations.

Coral bay

Optimal for swimming in the sea. There is depth, but it grows smoothly. The sand is fine and clean, the water is clear, and there are usually no waves. There are several cafes on the shore with decent food.

The sea at Pangkor is clear and clean (but this is not always the case)

Teluk Nipah

The beach in the tourist village of Teluk Nipah is good, but somehow we personally are not conducive to swimming. Since the entire embankment is lined with tents and cafes, there are boats in the sea. But locals and tourists swim.

Teluk Ketapang

Wild beach, no hotels, but quite clean. There are no people at all. There is shade from the trees. Beautiful views. On the right side there are more stones in the water. On the left is the pier. Monkeys may come.

Pantai Pasir Bongak

A long beach with a promenade and overhanging trees providing plenty of shade. A little unkempt, almost no people, no sun loungers, the road is right behind the beach. But the water is clean and transparent. The island of Pangkor Laut is visible on the horizon.

Teluk Dalam

Village local residents near the old airport. The beach is quiet, the water is always calm, there are no tourists, it’s shallow. There may be fishermen. The pier on the left side is closed, but there is a good view of the bay near it. On the right side is the abandoned Teluk Dalam Resort hotel. Didn't swim here, but liked the place.

Where to stay in Pangkor with a good beach

The best beach in Pangkor is Coral beach. For a stop, you should choose the Teluk Nipah beach area, which is a 3-minute walk from Coral Beach. There are many in the Nipah Beach area inexpensive hotels and there is infrastructure in the form of cafes and shops.

Here good options accommodations in Teluk Nipah where we stayed ourselves:

• Ombak Chalet— cheaper, breakfast available
• Anjungan Beach Resort- more expensive and with a swimming pool

Coral Beach

Where can I order a transfer from the airport?

We use the service - KiwiTaxi
We ordered a taxi online and paid by card. We were met at the airport with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to the hotel in a comfortable car. You've already talked about your experience In this article

It's better to swim in the morning

We noticed this feature. Around 8 to 11 am is the ideal time to swim at this beach. There are no waves, the water is clear and clean, blue. Then by midday the water starts to deteriorate. And the garbage floats in

This was not the case on our second visit; the water was clean all day. So, it's a seasonal phenomenon. We really hope that you are lucky and don't encounter any rubbish. But if it’s still dirty, just come swim early.

You can catch such a sea at Pangkor in the morning from 8-11 o’clock

- The main disadvantage of the beach

Garbage. Sometimes there is a lot of it, sometimes there is not. It feels like the dirt is not being removed. In the morning, the current carries everything away from the shore, but by lunchtime all this beauty floats again and is carried to the beach. It's very sad that no one monitors the cleanliness. If it were not for the dirt, one could call this beach ideal.

The coastline requires urgent intervention. Old houses, ridiculous buildings and stones mixed with household garbage spoil the overall appearance of the beach. It's a pity that this island is not a popular resort. If it were a popular place to relax, it would immediately be transformed in terms of grooming and cleanliness.

Animals on the beach

When located under the trees on Coral Beach, be vigilant, close your bags, and do not leave food. Monkeys live here. They jump in the trees and sometimes come out onto the sand.

There are also dogs - a rarity in Malaysia. They live at the Indian cafe Daddys (you eat meat for dinner, and someone sits next to you and looks pitifully into your eyes).

Attractions of Pangkor

What to see on the island on your own? There are only 5-6 attractions here. All of them can be visited in 1 day if you rent a scooter. We visited all the points in the first half of the day.

• Pulau Pangkor inscription. You can take photos against the backdrop of large letters at the turn from the beach to the town.

• Chinese temple Fu Lin Kong Temple. Worth to visit, beautiful temple and a great view from observation deck at the top point.

• Fishing villages. You will have a ride through the villages of local residents on the way to other attractions. The neatest and most well-groomed Chinese village near the temple.

• Danish fort. An attraction for show. There is absolutely nothing to see here, but as they say, for lack of anything better, you can stop by. On the square in front of the “fortress” you can buy souvenirs.

• Floating mosque Masjid Terapong. A large and beautiful mosque built on water. We didn’t go inside, the most spectacular view was from afar from the road.

• Abandoned airport. The inactive airport at Pangkor can be viewed from the road in the Teluk Dalam area. You cannot enter the territory, it is closed, there is security.

• Pangkor Waterfall. A small stream, which the locals proudly called a waterfall. Come here only if you have absolutely nothing else to do.

• Chinese temple on Coral beach with an observation deck. Lin Je Kong Temple is a small “Mickey Mouse temple”, as it is called because of the cartoon statue at the entrance. It is interesting because you can climb the hill along the steps and look at the bay from above.

• Secret white sand beach. Tiny wild beach with stones and white sand that appears at low tide. There is a short trail (5 minutes) through the jungle that starts from the Chinese temple on Coral Beach. You can take a dip and climb the boulders.

Transport and getting around the island

There is no public transport. Tourists get from the ferry to the hotel by taxi. Here these are such funny pink minibuses. Travel is cheap. For example, from the pier to the hotel on Teluk Nipah beach it is only 16 ringit ($4) per car. To save money, team up with other tourists. Grab taxi is not working.

Rent a bike at Pangkor

• You can rent a motorbike right at the pier, as you get off the ferry. Or on the beaches in the village. We had luggage, so we took a moped near our hotel in the village of Teluk Nipah.
• The cost is 50 ringit per day ($12).
• A passport is not required as collateral. Deposit 50 ringit.
• Gasoline may not be included in the price. You can refuel in town very cheaply. They filled our tank full for 5 ringit.
• Motorbike for rent on a sign in Malay “SEWA MOTOR” or in English “RENT MOTORBIKE”
• No rights needed. There are no police on the roads.
• They ask for your license when renting, but without them, the bike will also be rented out. In our case, they simply said that they had already ridden a bike in Thailand many times and showed that we could drive it confidently.
• Driving in Malaysia is on the left.
• Roads good quality, there are practically no dangerous slides. The rental company only did not recommend that we drive along the eastern side of the island, from the old airport to the fishing villages, designating this section as a dangerous road.
• Locals don't wear helmets. They may or may not give it at the box office, depending on your luck.
• We took a bike

Hornbill birds

One of the most interesting features Pangkor Islands - hornbills.

If in all the other countries we visited, these exotic birds can only be seen in the zoo, then on Pangkor these birds are in their natural habitat. They are everywhere here!

Hornbill birds are as common here as crows or pigeons. They sit on fences, on roofs, on wires, and can fly into beach cafes and beg for food. And this morning the birds screamed so much that they even woke us up out of habit.

Feeding the rhinos

Near the Sunset View Chalet hotel there is a free performance every day at 18.30 - you can watch the birds being fed and even take part in it yourself. Moreover, no one demands money for this. But the trainer will be happy with a tip of 5 ringit. About 20 of these birds flock to the feeder.

The main thing is not to stand under the wires when the birds are sitting on them

Contingent of tourists (many of us!)

It is believed that Russian tourists prefer Penang. But in 2 days on the island we already saw more Russian speakers than before in Penang in 2 weeks.

On the first evening we saw several compatriots on the beach, and then in a cafe we ​​heard Russian speech, then on the way to the hotel. In the morning, at breakfast at the hotel, we were recognized by the guys who read our blog. And all today we saw Russians.

And also Europeans of all ages. But most of all are Malay tourists. Especially on weekends.

We did not encounter any drunk or noisy groups. All decent people, travelers, families with children relax here.

Prices at Pangkor

There is an opinion that everything is expensive. In fact, it turned out not.

Where to eat in Pangkor

Good reviews for Daddys Restaurant in Coral Beach. We went there on the first evening. It turned out to be an Indian restaurant, but the cuisine is European. The food is delicious, delivered quickly, and the service is top notch. It is more expensive than the Malays, but we know that it’s delicious, the portions are large, the dishes are clean and gorgeous view that you envy yourself.

Dishes cost an average of 14-20 ringit ($3.5-5). Water 2 ringit, beer 9 ringit, cocktails 9 ringit. Our average bill was 50 ringit ($12) with drinks.

Tuna sandwich 16 ringit ($4)


Chicken Chop – 2 large chicken steaks, fries and salad for 20 ringit ($5)

There is also a good restaurant right on the pier, where the ferry from Lumut brings you. It's called Pangkor Kopitiam. Before leaving, the two of us ate there for only 18 ringit. Inexpensive and tasty.

Tyuna sandwich, nasi goreng ayam (fried rice with chicken) and coffee cost us 18 ringit

Sunsets

In the evening, an incomparable sunset awaits you. We haven’t seen sunsets for so long, we all somehow traveled to countries and cities where either it was not the season, or the sunset was not over the sea. And then we specially came to the beach, sat by the sea and contemplated. The sunsets here are simply magnificent!

We had dinner at a restaurant by the sea

Pangkor reviews

How many days should I allocate? I think 2-3 days will be enough. The island is small, everyone is the most interesting places You can see it on a bike in 1 day. And devote the second day entirely to a beach holiday.

Did we like it on the island? Rather yes than no. Our feedback is positive. Lush vegetation, great views, a good beach, animals and birds, silence, few tourists, low prices, accessibility - all these are the advantages of the island.

Among the shortcomings, we would only note dirt and sheds on the best Coral beach.

Pangkor Map

Map of Teluk Nipah area with points of interest. We recommend staying here to have a good beach, restaurants, shops and bird feeding nearby.

Pangkor Island on television

A program was filmed on the island (TV Channel U)

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.

On the island there is marine park Tiluk-Nipah, the best in west coast 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 sea piers on the island: SPK Jetty in the village of Sungai Pinang, Pangkor Jetty in the town of Pangkor Town and Pangkor Island Beach Resort Jetty in the resort of Teluk Dalam. 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 coral reefs, it has become a great 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, travel to which must be coordinated 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 wild nightlife, and Georgetown 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