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Pankgor Island Perak Pankgor Island Perak
Jun 10

Exploring Pangkor Island in Perak - Pulau Pangkor

Pangkor Island or Pulau Pangkor is located around 250 km north of Kuala Lumpur in the state of Perak. If you are planning to drive to Pangkor Island from Kuala Lumpur, it will take around 3 hours to reach Lumut, which is the nearest city to Pangkor Island. Pangkor Island is a popular holiday destination from Kuala Lumpur with plenty of quality accommodation and interesting things to do for the entire family. 

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.

How 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 own leisure. The car rental at KL airport  can cost around USD 30 per day to less than USD 20 for long-term rental.

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 Pangkor Island

Lumut Marina as seen from the Ferry to Pangkor Island


Driving on two-way country roads can be a fun and enjoyable experience to see the more provincial parts of Malaysia. Small Towns in Malaysia have very laid-back and relaxed lifestyles and there is a very different feel as compared to a busy city like Kuala Lumpur. 

pangkor island to klia2 transport
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KLIA & KLIA2 to Pangkor (Marina Island) Transfers

KLIA1 & KLIA2 to Pangkor Island Transport
Sit back and relax as you enjoy a transfer from KL Hotels/KLIA/KLIA2/Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport to Pangkor (Marina Island). You will be picked up by your driver/guide depending on your flight's arrival time. 

What is provided:
  • Water bottles
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
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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 from Asana car rental. The intercity freeways in Malaysia are world-class and driving is very easy on 3 lane roads. There are rest areas at a distance of every 30 km and you will be able to refuel, have your meals or enjoy a drink. The toilet and well-maintained and there are Muslim prayer areas at every stop.  

Stopovers while driving from KL to Pangkor island 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 drive in Malaysia can be very slow once you get off the main interstate freeway. The landscapes, however, keep on changing with rivers, hilly terrain and palm plantations.

nasi kandar restaurant

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. 


Is Pangkor Island Open?

Pangkor Island is open for travel as of March 2022. Pangkor Island can be accessed by private charter boat or catching a cruise that operates between Lumut Marina and Pangkor Island. 


How much is Marina Island to Pangkor Island Ferry Price?

The ferry charges RM 10 for a day's return from Pangkor Island. 


How to get to Pangkor Island from Lumut?

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

Pulau Pangkor Jetty
Catching a ferry from Marina to Pangkor Island
Pangkor Island Jetty in Perak
Ferry Terminal at Pangkor
Pulau Pangkor Perak
View of Pangkor Jetty
Pangkor Guide Map
Pangkor Jetty Perak
Pulau Pangkor Jetty
Pangkor Marina
View of Marina from the Ferry
Map of Pulau Pangkor
Map of Pangkor Island
Pulau Pangkor Perak
Jetty Area
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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 there are a number of cafes and restaurants serving Malays food and sandwiches etc. 

A few recommendations for visiting Pangkor Island

  • If you are planning to stay for a day on the Island, I suggest booking a waterfront resort for a 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 has some resorts and hotels available. It is a good idea to book a resort or villa beforehand 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 Swiss Garden Resort Damai Laut in Pangkor

Swiss-Garden Resort at 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.

swiss garden damai laut
Swiss Garden Resort Damai Laut
swiss garden damai laut
swiss garden damai laut
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The resort comprises 290 rooms, elegantly outfitted with modern amenities and private balconies, each commanding a spectacular view of the sea or verdant greens.


Get Best Rates at Swiss Garden Damai Laut


However, if you want to enjoy the best of Pangkor, stay at the Swiss-Garden Resort at Lumut  located on the outskirts of Lumut. 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 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 is to hop on a taxi that takes from 10 to 70 ringgit depending on how far you want to go. 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 a number of reserves with a wide 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.

Pulau Pangkor Malaysia
Kayaking at Pangkor Island

Kayaking is a popular activity on Pulau Pangkor

Things to do at Pualu Pangkor Malaysia
Snorkelling and diving at Pangkor Island
Local operators along the beach area provide water sports. You can rent snorkeling equipment and book diving tours as well.
The main street on the island has a number of cafes and restaurants
Pulau Pangkor
The main street on the island has a number of cafes and restaurants
Watersport at Pulau Pangkor
Watersports at Pangkor Island
Enjoy boating, kayking, banana boats or snorkelling at the beach on Pulau Pangkor
I enjoyed my stay on the Island and took a boat tour around the main Island
Boating at Pangkor Island
I enjoyed my stay on the Island and took a boat tour around the main Island
Pualau Pangkor Activities
Watersports at Pangkor Island
A number of group activities are available for all age groups on the Pangkor Island
What to do in Pulau Pangkor Island in Perak
Boattrip on Pangkor Island
A number of tours are available at the Island.
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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 a number of operators available along with the beach offering the following water activities. 

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

Make sure you are carrying your sunscreen as the weather gets hot and sunny. Also, if you plan to indulge in water sports it is a good idea to find accommodation for a day at 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. 

Car rental in Malaysia
Car rental in Malaysia

Avi Pangkor Resorts - By Avillion Hotels

About the Resort
The 65 rooms resort is designed to offer a unique Avi experience in Pasir Bogak Beach which is 10 minutes from the jetty. The resort is designed like a ship that is sailing through the tropical sea. The resort offers:
  • Superior
  • Superior Seaview
  • Deluxe Rooms
  • Deluxe Seaview
Activities at the Resort
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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 of the service providers are located along the coast where you can find some shops and 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 of $A 300 per night. The services offered are world-class and you will have to book your own speed boat to get to the resort. 

Pangkor Island Resort Pangkor Laut
pangkor-laut-resort
Pangkor Laut Resort
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Pangkor Laut Resort


driving from kl to pulau pangkor


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Read 4680 times Last modified on Wednesday, 19 October 2022 09:55
Ozasiatraveller

I have been exploring South-East Asia for over twenty years and have visited some of the best destinations in the region. Through my blog, I want to share some interesting travel tips, my experience of driving across Asian destinations and some of the best places to explore in this region. I have undertaken hundreds of road trips, across Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia. Most of the information in this blog comes through my own road trips and adventures in the exotic locations I have visited. 

I have, in the past followed in Anthony Bourdain's footsteps and visited most of the restaurants his team explored in their shows. Join in on my adventures and follow my trails on Instagram & Facebook Page. 

 

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