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Pangkor [M] Island is in Perak [S], on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia, about 100km west of Ipoh [M] and halfway between Kuala Lumpur [M] and Penang [M].
Pangkor [M] Island is a relatively small island with total surface area of about 8km2. In 2005 its total population was approximately 25,000.
Pangkor [M] was previously a favourite refuge of fishermen, sailors, merchants and pirates, and was an important site from which to control trading in the Strait of Melaka.
A Dutch fort was built in the 17th century to monopolise tin trade in Perak [S] and to protect the Perak Chieftan against Acehnese and Siamese incursions, but the Dutch were soon driven out by the local ruler when the promised protection did not materialise.
In 1874 a contender to the Perak [S] throne sought British backing and signed the Pangkor [M] Treaty, as a result of which James WW Birch was installed in Perak and thus began the British Colonial era on the peninsula.
Pangkor's economy was once reliant on fishing, and fishing and dried fish products are still a major industry for the island. The famous satay fish originated here.
Although Pangkor [M] is less well-known than Penang [M], Langkawi [M], and Tioman [M], the Perak [S] state government is making efforts to promote it as one of Malaysia's main tourist destinations. It is a popular local resort and can get very crowed at weekends and on public holidays, however the beaches are almost empty during the week. It has some of the west coast's prettiest and most tranquil beaches, authentic Malaysian fishing villages that have changed little in 50 years, and some great local food (especially the seafood).
The east cost of the island faces the mainland and is a continuous strip of residential villages, including Sungai Pinang Kecil (SPK), Sungai Pinang Besar (SPB) and Pangkor [M] Town, the major centre of population.
The road that runs along the east cost of the island turns west in Pangkor [M] Town and crosses the island to one of the most famous beaches on the west cost of the island, Pasir Bogak [S] (about 2km from Pangkor Town [S]).
From Pasir Bogak [S], the road runs north to the village of Teluk Nipah [S], where most of the budget accommodation is located. It then goes to the northern end of the island, past through the airport to a site where the Pangkor [M] Pan Pacific Hotel located. This is the location of the famous Golden Sand Bay (Pantai Puteri Dewi) in Teluk Belanga [S]. Next to Teluk Belanga is Teluk Dalam where the third Pier (Pan PAcific Jetty) in Pangkor Island [S] located. This pier is exclusively for the guest to Pangkor Pan Pacific Hotel only.
After Teluk Dalam, the road turns to the east and finally join to the road on the east cost in Sungai Pinang Kecil, completing a full ring.
Beside the simple ring road mentioned above, there is only one branch off in Pangkor [M] Town where the road runs southward to Teluk Gedung and Teluk Baharu.
In Teluk Gedung is the 17th century Dutch fort and the Batu Bersurat [S] (Written Rock).
Berjaya Air [1] has five flights a week in both directions between Kuala Lumpur [M] and the relatively new airport on Pangkor [M].
The closest mainland settlement is the town of Lumut [S], an attractive, laid-back place about 7km away. Buses from KL and other places will drop you off at the bus station next to the pier. From the Lumut pier, ferries depart regularly to different parts of Pangkor [M] Island. A single fare is 5 ringgit per person (return is 10 ringgit), and bicycles are free. First departure from Lumut is at 07:00, last at 20:30. First departure from Pangkor is at 06:30, last at 20:30. Departures are at 30-45 minutes intervals, depending on the time of day, and the crossing usually takes no more than 45 minutes.
There are two major ferry stops for the residents in Pangkor [M] island, namely the SPK Jetty in Sungai Pinang Kecil and the Pangkor Jetty in Pangkor Town [S]. Tourists should stop by the second pier, Pangkor Jetty as this is the main township in Pangkor Island [S] and have a closer distance towards various beaches on the west cost of the island.
The third pier, the Pangkor [M] Island Beach Resort Jetty (formerly Pan Pacific Jetty) at Teluk Dalam, is exclusively for guests of that hotel.
On the island, unmetered taxis (microvans) are widely available they are bright pink and are at the airport and in Pangkor [M] Town once you get off the ferry, or ask your hotel to call one for you. Agree the fare before starting your journey.
The beaches have clear water and almost white sand. Though the water seems to be clean, the beach is littered with plastic debris and driftwood. The island has some waste management problems, as can be seen in the southern part at the huge waste dump and at the small villages where sewage is discharged into the sea. Some travellers have reported sea lice.
Village Seafood Restaurant [S] - Chinese seafood restaurant recommended by the locals. Nice and cheap. Walking distance from the Puteri Bayu Beach Resort [S].
Daddy's Cafe - a restaurant at Coral Bay [S], and Pangkor's only on-the-beach restaurant. Local and international cuisine. Very friendly service just in front of a superb beach.
No Problem! [S] - newly opened beach café and restaurant at Coral Bay [S], with in walking distance from Nipah Beach. Friendly staff and good chef! Nice and cheap; seafood, western and local food.
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www.flexijourney.com by Philip Ze ^ 2008-2010
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