Pangkor Island

     The name Pangkor may have originated from the Thai word Pang Ko meaning 'beautiful island'. However others believe it may have been a memorial to Pang Koi, a legendary Chinese adventurer said to have lent his skills in seamanship to the bands of pirates this island once sheltered.

Pangkor's main attractions are undoubtedly the wonderful offerings of its pristine beaches on the western coastline. Named after a legendary lovelorn princess, Golden Sands Beach or Pantai Puteri is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Located on the northwest of Pangkor, this 1.2km stretch boast warm turquoise water fringed with tall swaying coconut palms. The beach here is ideal for sunbathing and recreational as fishing or bird watching. Look out for hornbills said to roam the area.


Pasir Bogak Beach, a snorkelling site with an extensive reef and shallow waters, faces the channel between Pangkor and Pangkor Laut. Located nearby Pangkor town, this popular destination is a favourite haunt for picnickers due its shady trees. Here, visitors can enjoy a kayak run or the simple pleasure of beachcombing.

Teluk Nipah is where tourists can enjoy both solitude and excitement by the beach. A walk across to Giam Island at low tide will reward you with a treasure trove of marine life.

Head to the Pulau Sembilan group of islands, 27km south of Pangkor for suberb diving experience. The nine islands(sembilan means 'nine' in Malay) are uninhabited with an abundance of colourful marine life.

Pangkor Laut is a world-renowned tropical island destination. A 20-minute boat ride from Pangkor; it boast one of the finest beaches in the Straits of Malacca. Sunset cruises can be specially arranged upon request. Couple can choose to have dinner by Emerald Bay which affords scenic views for a trully romantic experience. Pangkor Laut houses an exclusive resort named after the island. For those seeking complete rejuvenation, pamper yourself at the luxurious Spa Village.

Lumut is the staging point to Pangkor if arriving by the road or rail. Located 83km from Ipoh, the state capital, it is home to the country's principal naval base and a port which services the hinterland. Teluk Batik, south of Lumut is popular for camping, fishing, boating and windsurfing. Nearby is Teluk Rubiah, another fine beach with a golf course. The Lumut International Yacht Club is a stopover while sailing the Straits of Malacca.
Lumut is a 3-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Highway. It can be reached by taxi or bus from Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur or Butterworth.

Getting There

By Sea
Pangkor is a 15-minute ferry ride from Lumut. There are departures every half hour.

By Air
The private carrier, Berjaya Air operates direct flights from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport nearby Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor.