perak malaysia

Exploring Pangkor Island in Perak – Pulau Pangkor

An amazing Island destination at 3 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur city

Pangkor Island or Pulau Pangkor is located around 250 km north of Kuala Lumpur in the state of Perak. If you plan to drive to Pangkor Island from Kuala Lumpur, it will take approximately 3 hours to reach Lumut, the nearest city to Pangkor Island. Pangkor Island is a popular holiday destination from Kuala Lumpur, offering a range of quality accommodations and family-friendly activities. 

Pangkor Island consists of Pangkor Laut, Giam Island, Mentagor Island and Simpan Island. These islands are popular destinations for tourism and fishing, making Pangkor one of the most popular Island locations in Perak. The interior of Pangkor Island is home to over 60 species of reptiles. The popular beaches at Pangkor include Pasir Bogak, Teluk Nipah and Coral Beach.

Guide to Pangkor Island, Perak

How to Reach Pangkor Island from Kuala Lumpur | Things to do in Pangkor Island  | Where to stay on Pangkor Island

How to travel to Pangkor Island from Kuala Lumpur?

Driving from Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor, either from KL Airport or KL City, is an easy option. You can rent a taxi that will cost around USD 100. Alternatively, driving by yourself is a great option to explore the region at your leisure. The car rental at KL Airport can cost around USD 30 per day, or less than USD 20 for long-term rentals.

Airport transfers are also a great way to travel without the hassle of renting a car. The drivers have well-maintained luxury cars and have excellent city knowledge. 

Can I drive to Pangkor Island?

In the last couple of years, I have had a chance to drive several times from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Lumut. Pangkor Island itself is not accessible by car. You will need to park your car at the designated parking area near the ferry terminal in Lumut Marina and catch a ferry to Pangkor Island. 

Lumut Marina jetty

Lumut Marina as seen from the Ferry to Pangkor Island

Driving on two-way country roads can be an enjoyable experience, allowing you to see the more rural parts of Malaysia. Small Towns in Malaysia have very laid-back and relaxed lifestyles, and they have a distinctly different feel compared to a busy city like Kuala Lumpur. 

I have driven from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, Ipoh to Kiri Iskander and Lumut. Petronas University is located in Kiri Iskander and attracts students from across the world.  

My Road Trip from Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor Island

Renting a car from KLIA or KLIA2 can be a great option. Get amazing rates under $USD 30 per day for a mid-size car. Don’t forget to get full insurance cover on any car rental in Malaysia.

During my last trip from Kuala Lumpur, I rented an economy car from KLIA2 with Asana Car Rental. The intercity freeways in Malaysia are world-class, and driving is very easy on 3-lane roads. There are rest areas every 30 km, where you can refuel, have a meal, or enjoy a drink. The toilet and well-maintained, and there are Muslim prayer areas at every stop.  

 

Roadside stopover while driving from Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor Island

During my last visit, I drove from Genting Highlands to Lumut and followed AH2 past Batang Kali. Once I exited the freeway near Sungkai, I followed Route 58 to Lumut. The traffic slows down on two-way roads once you get off the freeway.

Intercity driving in Malaysia can be quite slow once you leave the main interstate freeway. The landscapes, however, continue to change, with rivers, hilly terrain, and palm plantations.

Stopping over at a Nasi Kandar Restaurant for a quick lunch

Stopovers at small towns and roadside cafes offer a unique experience into an interesting, laid-back culture of provincial towns in Malaysia. 

How much is the Marina Island to Pangkor Island Ferry Price?

The ferry charges RM10 for a day’s return from Pangkor Island. 

How to get to Pangkor Island from Lumut?

The bus service does not operate at Marina; you will need to catch a taxi from the Lumut waterfront area to the Marina Ferry Terminals. The Marina area is a relatively modern part of the city, featuring a nice waterfront and a car park. 

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You will need to catch a ferry, which takes around 15 minutes to reach Pangkor Island Jetty. The ferry ticket is around RM10. Once you reach the Pangkor Island Jetty, you will find many cafes and restaurants serving Malaysian food, sandwiches, and other dishes. 

A few recommendations for visiting Pangkor Island

  • If you plan to stay on the island for a day, I suggest booking a waterfront resort for the day. Sometimes, the heat and humidity can be very high, and you will not be able to spend a lot of time in the sun.  Most resorts have their private beaches you will have access to a shack on the beach
  • Carry a water bottle, hat, light summer clothes, swimsuit and sunscreen
  • If you are comfortable riding a bike, rent a bike near the Jetty and explore the Island on your own
  • If you are planning to stay on the island for 1 or 2 nights, I suggest getting a Pangkor Island Snorkelling Package from one of the operators in Lumut

Pangkor Laut is a luxury Island Resort offering private ferry pickups at the Marina Jetty. Compare rates for Pangkor Laut

Pangkor Island Ferry

Catching a Ferry from Lumut Marina to Pangkor Island

Pangkor Island offers various resorts and hotels. It’s a good idea to book a resort or villa in advance if you plan to stay for more than one day. Most resorts have their own private beaches and provide easy access to water sports.  

My experience of staying at the Doubletree Hilton Resort Damai Laut in Pangkor

Doubletree Hilton Damai Laut Resort is easily accessible by road via the North-South Expressway. From Kuala Lumpur, it is a scenic 3-hour leisurely drive. If you are travelling by air, there are regular scheduled direct flights from KL International Airport (KLIA) to Penang International Airport; from there, it is only approximately a two-hour drive to the resort. Alternatively, you can take a comfortable coach ride from Kuala Lumpur to Manjung or Lumut.

The resort comprises 290 rooms, elegantly outfitted with modern amenities and private balconies, each offering a spectacular view of the sea or lush greenery.

However, if you want to enjoy the best of Pangkor, consider staying at the Swiss-Garden Resort in Lumut, located on the outskirts of the town. The resort is spread over 16 acres and offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including a day tour to Pangkor Island, a golf course & beach sports, etc. 

Swiss Island Resort Lumut

Check out current prices at the Swiss-Garden Beach Resort at Damai Laut

Swiss Island Resort

Private Beach At Swiss Garden at Damai Laut

Pirate Bay Resort

Pirate Bay Restaurant offers a Seafood Buffet Dinner overlooking the ocean at Swiss Garden Damai Laut

 A day on Pangkor Island 

Once you get off the boat, there is a number of options to move around the island. The easiest option is to hop in a taxi, which costs between 10 and 70 ringgit depending on the distance you want to travel. You can also rent scooters for 20 ringgit a day. 

Pangkor Island water sports

Water Sports at Pangkor Island

Things to do at Pangkor Island 

Pangkor Island is an amazing place to indulge in “nature experiences“. The island has thick forests which are more than 2 million years old. This location is ideal for a tropical jungle adventure with a guided tour to explore the rich flora and fauna on the Island. The trek also provides an ideal opportunity to enjoy amazing views of the Island.

Pangkor Hill has several reserves with a diverse range of local bird species, including hornbills. The trail runs, bulbuls, woodpeckers and a number of songbirds. Trek through the jungle reaching up to Tortoise Peak the highest point on the Island. It is best to hire a local guide for trekking on the Island. 

Emerald Bay is one of the cleanest and most unique Island locations accessible from Pangkor Laut Resort. Swimming and snorkelling on Pangkor Island is a unique experience. Pangkor Laut offers unique luxury accommodation with beautiful over-water villas and forest villas. The day spa at the resort offers one of the best spa experiences in South-East Asia. 

Boating Tours and Adventures & Fishing Charters  

Rent a boat for a day to explore the amazing Island destinations, swimming spots and bays around Pangkor Island. Enjoy sailing in the strait of Malacca and enjoy amazing views along the way. 

If you are into fishing charter a boat to Pulau Sembilan after lunch with our professional fishing guide.  A number of fish species found in this region include bigeye tuna, barracuda, giant trevally and queenfish. 

Watersports at Pangkor Island

A number of activities are available at Water Sports Center. You can explore the amazing spots on the Island by Kayak, enjoy waterskis or rent a catamaran for an ocean excursion.

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For water lovers, a varied selection of watercraft is available for hire at the Water Sports Centre. Choose to explore the island in a kayak or enjoy windsurfing. Safety rental equipment is available at the centre for safety reasons. 

If you prefer to stay local and enjoy water sports with your family, there are several operators available along the beach, offering the following water activities. 

  • Banana Boat
  • Water Skiing
  • Windsurfing
  • Snorkelling
  • Kayaking
  • Fishing Trips
  • Island Hopping

Be sure to carry your sunscreen as the weather becomes hot and sunny. Additionally, if you plan to indulge in water sports, it is a good idea to find accommodation for a day on Pangkor Island.

Local service providers on the Island provide Island Hopping Tours in Pangkor Island where you can explore:

  • Pangkor Island Resort ( A 5-Star Resort on a Private Island)
  • Coral Bay
  • Whale Rock
  • Foot Rock 
  • Nipah Bay
  • Monkey Bay
  • Turtle Rock

Pasir Bogak Beach

Pasir Bogak is a couple of km long beach offering wide sand and very calm waters. The location is often referred to as “the biggest swimming pool” in the world. It is better to carry your own food from the hotel as there are some picnic spots. Some local vendors sell coconut water.  This spot on the Island must be explored if you plan to spend a couple of days on the Island. 

Recommended Places to stay at Pangkor Island 

Puteri Bayou Beach Resort (3-star) is an ideal location to stay on the island with your family. The resort offers air-conditioned rooms with wi-fi, room service, laundry and other basic amenities. 

Check Rates Online

pangkor island perak

Ozasiatraveller exploring Pangkor Island

Most of these locations offer shallow clear water that is ideal for snorkelling and swimming. Most service providers are located along the coast, where you can find shops, basic cafes, and restaurants. You will need to hire a bike or catch a van that goes around the Island for under 5RM. This is an interesting way to explore various parts of the Island. 

Water sports in Pangkor

Some banners posted by Water Sports Providers along the beach area in Pangkor

A high-end accommodation is Pangkor Laut Resort, costing on average $A300 per night. The services offered are world-class and you will have to book your own speed boat to get to the resort. 

driving from kl to pulau pangkor

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