Pangkor

Pangkor Island, Perak

Pangkor, with its charming mix of fishing settlements and resorts, is a fascinating and convenient holiday destination. It presents the visitor with a rare chance to live near fishermen and observe their lifestyle and also to simply enjoy the fine beaches and resort amenities.

Located about 90km south west from lpoh and reachable by ferry from Lumut in only 35mins, Pangkor Island is 8 square km big and inhabited by circa 25 thousand people, mainly fishermen. They live in scattered fishing settlements, especially on the eastern coast, and their catch consists mainly of cuttlefish and anchovy. Pangkor is intensively promoted as a budget tourist destination, however it’s still fishing and dried seafood to be the main industry.

The fishermen live in scattered settlements on the eastern side, facing the town of Lumut and Teluk Batik. Visitors get a chance to see some of them on the 40-minute ferry ride from Lumut as the ferry stops at the main settlements of Sungai Pinang Kecil and Sungai Pinang Besar before landing at Pangkor Town.

The most beautiful beaches are Nipah Beach and Coral Beach, both situated in Nipah Bay on the west-northern coast, popular among foreigners (mainly Europeans and Australians) as well as locals. With tiny islets nearby (Giam and Mentagor) surrounded by corals, fish and sea cucumbers, this place is a fully satisfactory snorkeling spot. If you are into other watersports- they are easily accessible everywhere around the island. For active and adventurous- there’s an uphill jungle trek across the island (takes around 4hrs). Pangkor has a lot to offer also to bird watchers- among many interesting species, amazing hornbills can be easily spotted.
Put the cherry on top with having a night swim-being surrounded by blue glowing plankton feels like dancing with stars.