Pulau Pangkor Travel Guide
While it may not be as vibrant and exciting as other more popular islands like Langkawi, Pulau Redang, and Perhentian, Pulau Pangkor is still one of our favourite islands in Malaysia. Located just two hours from Ipoh and a 20-minute ferry ride away, Pangkor Island is laid-back, tranquil, and has a small-town charm that's easy to fall in love with. If you're considering an island getaway not too far from KL, this little slice of paradise is perfect for you.
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Best Time To Visit Pulau Pangkor
Unlike the islands on the East Coast that are affected by the annual monsoons, Pulau Pangkor has a stable, tropical climate pretty much all year round, which means you can plan a Pangkor island getaway any time of the year! The best time to visit Pangkor is in February, March, June, and July, while the wet season runs from September to December.
Getting To Pulau Pangkor
Getting to Pulau Pangkor is quite a breeze. Located in the state of Perak between Penang and Kuala Lumpur, all you have to do is make your way to the town of Lumut - you can get here by bus or car. Ferries depart every hour from the jetty in Lumut to Pangkor Island, with an easy journey of under 20 minutes and cheap tickets that cost only RM7.
Where To Stay: Best Hotels & Resorts In Pulau Pangkor
From cosy, affordable guesthouses to chic beachfront resorts, we've compiled a list of the best hotels and resorts in Pulau Pangkor for you. Which hotel's your cup of tea? 🍵
1. Pangkor Laut Resort
Right at the top of our picks is none other than the Pangkor Laut Resort, a haven with beautifully appointed villas set high amidst the forested hills, nestled within lush gardens or resting on stilts above the waters. Each luxe unit here comes with WiFi, a minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities, as well as balconies or verandas. Some even have private pools!
Enjoy a guaranteed luxurious staycation experience here as you dine at their refined eateries, including a seafood restaurant and a poolside dining outlet, then go for a spa treatment, yoga classes or exciting water sports activities. You can even end your day with a fun night at their beach club or have a laidback hangout with your loved ones at one of the resort's bars.
- Price: from RM1150 per night (book on Klook)
2. AVI Pangkor Beach Resort
A modern take on island accommodations, AVI Pangkor Beach Resort is a chic hotel located just a short walk away from the Pasir Bogak Beach. The hotel is sleek and furnished with hints of nautical-inspired decor - our favourite area is their vibrant restaurant where you can dine on a wide selection of local and international fare, paired with a stunning view of their outdoor pool and the lush rainforest.
Stay in the comfort of their modern rooms, each equipped with your own balcony and various amenities that you'd need for your stay, including a flat-screen TV, a minifridge as well as tea and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms even offer a beautiful view of the Malacca Strait!
- Price: from RM276 per night (book on Klook)
3. Anjungan Beach Resort
Strategically located between two of Pangkor's best beaches, it's no wonder that the Anjungan Beach Resort is a popular pick among families and groups of friends. Just cross the street from the hotel and you'll find yourself at Nipah Bay, while Coral Beach is just a few minutes walk away.
The hotel features a blend of modern and tropical designs (with a hint of Mediterranean-inspired furnishings), with a pretty cool sampan-shaped outdoor pool at the centre of their courtyard. The spacious, laid-back rooms here also feature private balconies, satellite TV, minibars and coffeemakers.
- Price: from RM216 per night (book on Klook)
4. Pangkor Sandy Beach Resort
Located along the Pasir Godak beach, the Pangkor Sandy Beach Resort offers a memorable stay experience, with many exciting things to do in this tropical paradise. Facilities here include a swimming pool, kids' pool, seaside restaurant, and multiple recreational activities including jet skiing, kayaking, jungle trekking, banana boat and more!
The resort itself is a laid-back getaway spot and their cosy rooms are the perfect place to retreat to after a long day out under the sun. Take your pick from their standard rooms, poolside deluxe rooms, or even private chalets facing the beach!
- Price: from RM265 per night (book on Klook)
5. Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel
Located just a short boat ride away from Pulau Pangkor, Marina Island is actually a manmade island, complete with its own lagoon and marina bay. A stay at the stylish, yet affordable Marina Island Pangkor Resort & Hotel is the perfect choice for you to experience all that this vibrant island has to offer.
The stylish resort offers over 500 serviced suites to suit your travel needs, ranging from single bedrooms to 3-bedroom units, each one complete with a picturesque view - D'Ocean rooms overlook the stunning laguna, while D'Sea offers a view of the marina yacht and the sea beyond.
- Price: from RM232 per night (Book on Klook)
Best Things To Do In Pulau Pangkor
If you're looking for a party island with a vibrant night scene, bars, and exciting beaches, the laid-back, rustic Pulau Pangkor isn't for you. Unlike many other islands in Malaysia, Pulau Pangkor exudes a refreshing, kampung vibe with its tranquil beaches and simple restaurants. Here are some best things to do on the island:
1. Relax by the beach
Soak in some vitamin D on the beaches of Pulau Pangkor. From the friendly Teluk Nipah to the more secluded Coral Bay, the stretches on the island are lined with fine sand, clean waters, hotels, and humble restaurants. Unlike vibrant stretches in other more touristy beach destinations such as Langkawi, the beaches at Pulau Pangkor are relatively peaceful, you might even get the whole beach to yourself if you come here during the off-peak season!
2. Enjoy some water activities
While the waters of Pulau Pangkor aren't as beautiful as the ones along the East Coast, they're still clean and clear enough for swimming and snorkeling! They're also great for kids and non-swimmers due to the gentle waves and shallow waters. If you're looking for some adrenaline fun, head to Nipah Bay where you can sign up for all sorts of water sports, from jet skiing to kayaking.
3. Go on an island-hopping day trip
Want to venture out of Pangkor? You can catch a boat and head to one of the nearby islands such as Pulau Mentagor, Pulau Sembilan, or Giam Island. Many of these islands offer great spots for snorkeling and diving amongst brilliantly coloured fishes and thriving marine life.
4. Visit the Dutch Fort (Kota Belanda)
Did you know that Pangkor has a colonial past? The island was a refuge for local fishers, merchants, and pirates back in the 17th century. Indulge in some history by paying the ruins of the Dutch Fort a visit, this historical site was built by the Dutch in 1670, destroyed by the locals and rebuilt in the years in between, before being abandoned in the 1700s.
5. Explore the rustic Pangkor Town or fishing villages
Want to have a glimpse into the life of the locals on this laid-back island? Visit the main settlement of the island, Pangkor Town, where you can stroll through streets lined with rustic mom-and-pop shops selling everything from seafood to snacks, souvenirs, and daily essentials. You can also head north to check out the fishing villages on the island, with colourful houses set on stilts and boats that leave out to the sea every day.
6. Befriend some hornbills
Did you know that Pulau Pangkor is home to a population of rare yet tame and shy hornbills? If you keep your eyes peeled, you may spot them all over the island playing in the trees or hopping about on the beach. Even if you feel like it, we'd recommend not to feed the hornbills you come across - many types of food are not suitable for their consumption and can damage the bird's digestive system! 🥺 However, there's actually a daily hornbill feeding session organized by the Sunset View Chalet every evening - you can head over to catch a glimpse of the spectacle, or even feed these majestic birds with your own hands.
7. Have a seafood feast
As with many destinations by the sea, Pulau Pangkor is not short of restaurants where you can have a seafood feast. From steamed fish to fried sotong, oyster omelet, and fresh prawns, you'll definitely get to satisfy your tummy during your trip.
8. Catch a breathtaking sunset
Nothing beats the fuzzy feeling of watching the sun set over the horizon on a sandy shore. If you love sunsets, make sure you head to Coral Beach along the western coast for a spectacular sunset view. You can either sit on the sand or get a seat at one of the cafes located along the stretch, many which offer refreshing drinks and good viewpoints from their terrace.
9. Catch a speedboat to the beautiful Pangkor Laut Resort
Located a short boat ride away from Pulau Pangkor, Pangkor Laut Island is home to the breathtaking Pangkor Laut Resort, a haven with beautifully appointed villas set amidst forested hills, lush gardens, or resting on stilts above gentle waves. You can book a stay here if you're willing to splurge, or even just pop by for a romantic dinner at its on-site restaurant or an indulgent massage at its spa village after a long day under the sun.
More Island Guides For You! 🌴
Not sure if Pulau Pangkor is the island for you? Check out these other island guides featuring equally beautiful beach destinations like Redang, Perhentian, Langkawi, and Semporna!
Extra Inspiration For Beach Lovers
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