If you are looking for the perfect beach getaway, look no further than Pangkor Island to satiate your holiday needs. The island is located a mere 10-minute distance from the mainland, and is packed with family-friendly activities and luxurious beaches that will instantly transport you into a relaxed state as you bathe in the warm sun and sea, and soak up interesting historical sites the island has to offer.
Located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Pangkor Island is notable for its scenic beachside views and the carefree state of mind it can leave you with. The island is also dotted with scenic fishing villages, which you can visit to learn more about the everyday lives of Malaysian fishermen.
There is also an array of seafood processing factories around the island where you can stop by to sample a variety of seafood snacks; the most popular snack being the Fish Satay.
While in Pangkor Island, you will also want to splurge at duty-free stores that can be found around the island selling decadent chocolates, travel accessories and many more goodies.
Not only is Pangkor Island famous for its relaxing ambience, but it is also known for its rich historical heritage. Located in the heart of the island is a 17th-century Dutch fort that stands proud and tall for visitors to explore. Back in the day, this fort was originally built to control Perak’s tin trade.
Back to the present day, there are a few other beaches that can be visited around Pangkor Island. Some famous ones include Teluk Nipah, Coral Bay and Pasir Bogak. Round up your friends and family for some quality time by the beach as you take in the calming sounds of the lapping waves and the chirping of birds around you. The best time to visit the beach is during sunset where you can dip your toes in the cooling waters as you bask in the sun as it sets upon the horizon.
Safe to say, there is no time for boredom during any trip to Pangkor Island. Enjoy thrilling activities that await you by the beach such as kayaking, snorkelling, island-hopping or jet skiing. If you want something a little calmer, simply laze by the seaside while you soak in the sun and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Just a short distance from Teluk Nipah Beach too, is where you can try your hand at Hornbill feeding. With free admission, you will get to participate in the feeding of these colourful birds that can be found soaring around the island. Fully guided, all you have to do is stand straight with your arm in the air holding the treat for the hornbills. Don’t forget to strike a pose for the cameras as the birds swoop down to grab the treat. You’ll want to be here at 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM so as not to miss out on your opportunity to partake in this exciting activity.
Alternatively, stop by two of the most beautiful mosques on the island, Masjid Seribu Selawat and Masjid Seribu Doa.
Masjid Seribu Selawat or also known as the ‘Floating Mosque’, sits upon stilts on the waters of Pangkor Island. Masjid Seribu Selawat was built in 2016, making it the first floating mosque to be built in the Perak state. The interior of the mosque is beautifully decorated with blue detailing, and amongst the designs of the mosque, you will be able to spot over 1,000 engravings of the Arabic phrase “Selawat”- a phrase expressed by Muslims in their everyday prayers.
Masjid Seribu Doa on the other hand, also has its own uniqueness. The design and architecture of the mosque is heavily influenced by Chinese architecture. The mosque dons colours of white, red and green making it stand out from other mosque designs.
Another religious heritage that you can visit in Pangkor Island is the Fu Lin Kong Temple. This Taoist temple was built at the foot of Pangkor Hill and is the biggest Taoist temple in Pangkor. Aged over 100 years, the temple is decorated with a magnificent arch that welcomes its visitors. A mini ‘Great Wall of China’ can also be spotted in the garden at the back of the temple.
Pangkor Island is located approximately 250 kilometres from the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur, 90 kilometres from the Perak state capital, Ipoh and 180 kilometres from Penang Island.
The easiest way to get to Pangkor Island is by ferry. The Marina Island Jetty Complex, which is located in Lumut, provides direct ferry services to Pangkor Island. From here, the journey to Pangkor Island takes around 15 to 30 minutes. As you hop onboard the ferry, don’t forget to whip out your phone or camera to capture the stunning scenery that surrounds the island, from its blue waters to the luscious greenery for a view you certainly won’t want to forget.
Ticket prices for the ferry are as follows:
*Prices are subject to change. Visit Pangkor Ferry’s official website for price confirmation
Once you are on the island, getting around Pangkor Island is easy. Rent a taxi for the day to tour this captivating island - the taxis in Pangkor are pink vans that are located at the Pangkor Jetty and can take you around to explore the wonders that the island has to offer.
It is highly recommended that you spend at least a night here to truly experience the island. Various accommodations with top-notch hospitality and services are ready to host you, so look no further and book a stay at some of these fabulous accommodations that can be found in Pangkor or near the island.
If you are looking for a stay near Pangkor Island, then Double Tree by Hilton is your go-to. Nestled in the coastal town of Lumut, Double Tree by Hilton will offer nothing short of a luxurious and relaxing stay.
With options that are fit for a king, you may not want to leave the comfort of your room. Multiple rooms offer different views from the balcony so you will be spoiled by either a glorious sea view of the straits of Melaka or a breathtaking garden view.
The hotel is also packed with an array of services for you to enjoy. Relax and unwind at the hotel’s spa where you can take a break from the daily toil. As you enter the spa, the soothing scents of essential oils will immediately calm any frayed nerves. What also makes this spa extraordinary is its astonishing view overlooking the blue seas that surround the hotel.
Also, don’t miss out on having the best fun at the hotel's swimming pool. Designed as a mini theme park, this pool is perfect for little ones to splash about under the warm sun. There are multiple slides and other fun activities across the 5 types of pools for you to enjoy. The pool is open everyday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Since Double Tree by Hilton Damai Laut is a 40-minute drive to the Marina Island Jetty, you also have the option to enjoy a fun day-trip to Pangkor Island.
Book a stay at Alun Retreat to experience staying in unique container rooms. Located along one of the many beaches in Pangkor Island, you will wake up to the views and sounds of waves crashing along the shoreline.
Each room is creatively designed with repurposed shipping containers that provide a modern and stylish ambience to the retreat. Guests are more than welcome to watch the sunset from their rooms as some rooms are designed with big windows that overlook the sea. There are four types of rooms that can be found at Alun Retreat - the Family Beachfront, Family Garden Front, Oceanfront & Oceanview and the Executive Beachfront, which are all designed to provide the utmost comfort to their guests.
Alun Retreat’s motto is embracing sustainability. The resort believes in being a fully-fledged eco-hotel by using only repurposed containers for their stays and outdoor lights around the resort that are fully solar-powered to reduce its carbon footprint and by extension, contributing to a greener and cleaner environment.
Photo by Pangkor Laut
This is the ultimate private and luxurious stay at Pangkor Island. With a minimum requirement of two nights stay at the resort, you will be able to properly take in the beauty and hospitality that the resort has to offer.
Photo by Pangkor Laut
Pangkor Laut Resort is located on a private island, which is just a stone's throw away from the main island of Pangkor and runs a private ferry service that takes you right to the resort’s doorstep. Nestled amongst an ancient rainforest, Pangkor Laut Resort exudes a tropical feel, offering a variety of experiences for its guests to immerse themselves in nature. What’s even better? Guests also have the opportunity to sample extraordinary culinary delights from their talented chefs who take you on a gastronomic journey unlike any other, completing a wholesome experience that is truly fit for royalty.