Weekend Getaways

Explore Pangkor Island in Malaysia

Malaysia

Far from the busy city life lies an island in Malaysia with crystal clear water and beautiful beaches, the Pangkor Island. Situated off the shore of Perak, this place is a group of 5 islands known by one name.

Because of its location, Pangkor island is not affected by the usual monsoon of Malaysia, making it the perfect holiday spot. The weather condition here is neither too hot nor too cold and stays the same throughout the year. 

Pangkor provides a wholesome package for the perfect vacation, from mountains to sparkling beaches. It is one place in Malaysia which people can visit at any time of the year. 

The specialty of Pangkor Island

Known as Monkey Island during the British era, Pangkor Island also used to be a pirate place. Today, it is a popular tourist destination in Malaysia, and its tropical climate attracts many people. 

The island is surrounded by beaches with a mountain situated right in the center. Around 30,000 people live on this island. The mountain, beaches, and clear water allow tourists to enjoy various adventures and activities, making the place one of the most sought-after weekend getaways. 

Reaching Pangkor Island

You can get to this location from various cities in Malaysia. You can easily find a bus to Pangkor from Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Johor Bahru, etc. The bus ride will take you to the Lumut Jetty, from where you need to take a ferry to the Island. You can easily book bus tickets online on the redBus mobile app/website.

There is no direct way to reach Pangkor Island. One must travel by road and then take the water route to get here. Buses are the cheapest mode of travel. There are taxis available, but they can be very costly when compared to buses. The redBus bus online ticket booking process has made it easier for people to book their trips from anywhere at any time. 

Fun activities at Pangkor Island

Pangkor Island has many things to offer apart from beaches and mountains. It has several ruins and remains of ancient times that one can visit while on the island. So, here are the best ways to explore Pangkor Island. 

Go around the beaches

The first place that attracts anyone on an island is the beach. There are plenty of beaches in Pangkor Island that you can check out and enjoy. Many of them are part of the various resorts on this place, while others are individual beaches. 

Some beaches are connected. One such pair is the Ketapang beach (a famous place) and Segadas beach (a hidden gem). You can go from the former to the latter through a jungle. The route is not easy and can be a thrilling experience for adventure seekers. Other notable beaches are Nipah beach, Pantai Pasir Bogak, among others.

Go hiking

When you visit this place, you can go hiking on the 350m tall Pangkor hill. The hike can be challenging but is quite rewarding once you reach the top, from where you can get a wonderful view of the sea and the land below. It is advisable to carry food and drinks to enjoy a picnic at the top of the hill. The hiking route starts from the Pantai Pasir Bogak beach. 

Snorkeling and other water sports

The clear water of the sea is ideal to see the underwater life and activities. You can go snorkeling on your own or can join the paid group. The payment is charged on an hourly basis. 

The other option is to take a boat ride to go around the island that usually takes more than four hours. A private boat or a tour boat are the options here for you. The other water sport activities include jet-skiing, kayaking, canoeing, etc. 

Explore the ruins

The fishing village named Kampung Teluk Gedung used to be under the Dutch a few centuries back. This village still has the ruins of a Dutch Fort that was built to store the tin ore. The remains here are a three-walled structure with no roof and circular windows used to fire cannons. There used to be a total of nine cannons housed here. 

How to explore?

The best way to go around Pangkor island is by motorbikes, which are available for rent. You can also find cabs and taxis for your convenience, but they are costlier. 

Food and stay

Pangkor Island has several resorts for you to choose from, so getting a place to stay is not difficult. You only need to explore to find the one that suits your budget, and there are multiple options to get the ideal one. 

As for food, the cuisine here suits both vegans and non-vegans. You can find many restaurants, mainly part of the resorts. The various beaches here also have cafes and restaurants on the shores. 

In a nutshell

Island vacations are some of the best holidays you will experience. Your journey to Pangkor island will start with booking online bus tickets. These tickets are easily available online on redBus. Make sure to visit and explore all the five islands here. The atmosphere, along with the breathtaking views, will make your trip an unforgettable one. 

So what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Pangkor Island today!

You may be interested in reading – Domestic travel in Malaysia

Hi, I’m Pooja

Pooja is a blogger at redBus. You will find her watching a film, animating, doodling or cooking, when she is not writing.