Malaysia Travel - Pangkor Island - Pulau Pangkor 

The main island of Pangkor is mainly populated by fisher folk who occupy the eastern coastline. The island is famous for its 'ikan bilis' (anchovies) and squids. The real attraction here however are the enchanting beaches on the western coastline Pantai Puteri Dewi , Teluk Belanga, Teluk Nipah, and Teluk Cempedak are marvelous for swimming or just basking in the sun, in complete privacy amidst tranquil surroundings.

One of the best ways to see the island is to go on a round island trip van taxi. The trip cost approximately RM30.00-RM50.00. As you travel around coastal roads, you will see quaint Malay villages with wooden houses on stills under the shade of coconut trees. Now and then, you will catch glimpses of the white sand and the shimmering blue sea. In the forests, you may chance upon shy deer or playful monkeys darting among the branches.

PLACES OF INTEREST

TOWN

Sungai Pinang Kecil

On the east coast of the island, facing the mainland, there's a continuous village strip comprising Sungai Pinang Kecil (SPK), Sungai Pinang Besar (SPB), and Pangkor Town. The ferry from Lumut stops at SPK before Pangkor Town. As a matter of fact, from SPK it is a continuous village strip on to Pangkor Town - messy but full of interest. There is lots to look at: boat building, fish being dried or frozen and a colorful south Indian Temple. This is principally the Chinese and Indian part of the island.

Sungai Pinang Besar

In SPB the Foo Lin Kong Temple is worth a quick look. Located on the side of the hill, the main attraction is a mini Great Wall of China! It also has some tacky rock paintings and other features of dubious artistic merit. The temple is signposted from the main road.

Dutch Fort

For a bit of history, visit the old Dutch Fort at Teluk Gedung. Built in 1670, it was used for storing tin and was one of the Dutch strongholds against pirates and local Malays. Today, only the stone foundations remain to remind us of the power they once exercised over the area.

BEACHES

Pasik Bogak

Pasir Bogak is the largest and most popular beach on the island. The beach is crescent shaped and numerous shady trees provide idyllic picnic spots under the canopy of their lush foliage. The water is shallow and crystal clear, offering endless hours of fun and frolic in the sunlit sea. There are some facilities for boating, fishing and snorkeling.

Teluk Nipah

Teluk Nipah further north is a wider better beach. The best beach on this side at Coral Bay, about 20 min. bicycle ride from Pasik Bogak. The water is a clear emerald-green due to presence of limestone, and usually the beach is quite clean and pretty.

Teluk Belanga

Teluk Belanga(Golden Sands Beach) at the northern end of the island is pleasant. Access is restricted to Pan Pacific Pangkor Resort guests, though day-trippers can visit for a ridiculous RM40.

Emeraid Bay

Emeraid Bay on nearby Pulau Pangkor Laut is a beautiful little horseshoe-shaped bay with clear water, fine coral and gently sloping beach. The entire island of Pangkor Laut has been taken over by a hotel conglomerate, but some of the boat tours stop at the beach