Pangkor Island – Pulau Pangkor : an island in West Malaysia

Pangkor Island is one of the Malaysian islands known for the quality of its beaches. Generally in the islands of Malaysia, you will find various water activities, as well as hiking and cycling. If you want to know more about the islands of Malaysia, do not hesitate to consult our article malaysia island.

For lovers of beautiful beaches and relaxing climate, Pangkor Island is an excellent choice that we highly recommend. Pangkor means beautiful island in Thai, and the island fully deserves its name. In this guide, we will give you all the information you need to plan your next trip to Pangkor Island.

Pangkor Island : geography, history, weather and transportation

I. Geography and history of Pangkor

Pangkor is located off the Lumut coast in Perak, 3 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. The history of the island is fascinating. For many decades, it served as a refuge for local merchants, pirates and fishermen. After the Dutch colonization, the island became an important trading place in the Asian region.

II. Weather in Pangkor

the island has a humid and tropical climate. Like all other islands in Malaysia, it has two seasons. The dry season is between March and November while Monsoon is between December and February. The average temperature is 32 ° C during the day and 23 ° C at night. The ideal time to visit the island is between January and February or between August and September. While the worst period is between November and December.

III. Transport from Pangkor

Regarding transportation, you will have a wide choice. You can travel by air from Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor Island. The bus is a very good alternative. You will have to take the bus from Kuala Lumpur to the town of Lumut. From the port of Lumut, take a ferry to the island. Some hotels help you book your ferry before you arrive, otherwise there are several public ferries. The journey takes about 40 minutes. The time interval between each ferry is 30 minutes.

Tourist activities on Pangkor : what to do?

Several tourist activities are available in Pangkor Island. Between walks on the beach, water sports or historical visits, you will be amply satisfied. We recommend that you :

1. Take a walk on the beach

Pangkor has many beaches like Nipah Beach or Coral Beach. Two beautiful beaches to take your breath away. There are several other beaches such as Pasir Bogak. A splendid place to discover the sea breeze and the golden sand. Swimming in the beaches of the island is possible during the day and night. The water temperature stays warm, which makes swimming very pleasant no matter when you do it. Another very popular beach is Ketapang beach. It has beautiful white sand and an observation tower to see the horizon.

2. Scuba diving and snorkeling

Pangkor is an ideal place for scuba diving or snorkeling. You will find several stores offering diving equipment. You will be able to admire the underwater world and the varieties of exotic fish that it shelters. The Mentagor or Giom islands are highly recommended for this type of activity.

3. Other nautical activities

Snorkeling is not the only water activity you can enjoy in Pangkor. Many other water activities are possible. You can do parasailing, jet skiing or banana boat. You can also take a tour of the island by kayak.

4. Visit the Dutch fortress

Malaysia was once colonized by the Netherlands. The colonizers built several magnificent buildings including the Dutch fortress. Built in 1670, the fortress served as a warehouse for tin supplies. Today, it is a historic site that recalls the country’s wartime past.

5. Discover the jungle

The island has one of the best routes for jungle hiking. Pangkor Hill offers tourists the chance to experience the dense rainforest. The hike starts from Bogak beach. On the way, you can admire the Pinang River. Don’t be afraid to get lost, you will find markers along the way. After two hours of driving, you will find the summit.

Which hotel to choose on Pangkor Island: accommodation, price, budget

I. Hosting

Pangkor is home to several places of accommodation. The choice will depend on your budget and your needs. The majority of the hotels on the island are budget hotels (3 stars). However, if you are looking for a luxurious vacation, there are several 5-star hotels. These stars are located in Pangkor Laut, a private island separated from the main coast.
Among the most popular options for ideal accommodation on the island are two hotels. Pangkor Sandy Beach Resort and Coral Bay Resort. Both hotels offer premium services and have panoramic views thanks to their strategic locations.

II. Duty Free Island

The Malaysian government has granted special status to the island to boost tourism. Since January 2020, the island is tax free. Several products are included in the list of exempted goods, including cigarettes. However, keep in mind that alcohol can be expensive in Pangkor. It would be best to stock up in Kuala Lumpur. In addition, the Malaysian government has launched a program to modernize the island’s ferry and cab services. The development plan also includes the construction of a shopping center and a three-star hotel.