Translating to “Beautiful Island”, Pangkor Island is an intimate slice of tropical paradise with idyllic beaches, undulating mountains and excellent fishing. While the western coastline is famous for its beaches, the eastern side is home to locally-run restaurants and fish farms.
Things to do in Pangkor
Indulge in the laid-back beach lifestyle at one of Pangkor Island’s numerous beaches, which look out over smaller offshore islands. If you’re searching for fun water sports, head to Bogak Beach or Nipah Beach, which have banana boats, jet ski rentals and snorkelling gear. Speaking of snorkelling, don’t forget to dive beneath the surface to see vibrant corals and marine life.
Want to sample some local cuisine? Head to Pangkor Town for delectable seafood and authentic Asian cuisine in family-run restaurants. Village Seafood Restaurant puts a Chinese twist on fresh fish and crustaceans, while Kedai Kopi Lee Meng Yong is a Chinese cafe with chicken rice, seafood rice and homebrewed coffee.
Discover more about Pangkor Island’s culture at one of the many temples around the island, including Fu Lin Kung Temple, a Taoist temple with elaborate carvings and decorations. You can also visit Dutch Fort, which showcases the reconstructed remnants of a 17th-century Dutch brick fort. It’s located in a tranquil park and is often flanked by street food vendors.
If you want to stay active, head out on one of the jungle treks around the island. Pangkor Hill Trek is one of the best, which starts at Bogak beach and takes you through lush flora and fascinating fauna to the island’s opposite side. You can also rent a boat and take off for a day of cruising around the island, stopping in at secluded bays.
Getting around Pangkor
Pangkor Island is easily accessible via flights from Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor Airport or ferries from various coastal cities on mainland Malaysia. You can get around using taxis, renting motorbikes or boats or by walking.