Pulau Pangkor Malaysia

Pangkor Island
The main island of Pangkor is mainly populated by fisherfolk 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 Pasir Bogak.

Among these, the quiet coves and untrodden bays at Tortoise Bay, Teluk Nipah and Teluk Cempedak are marvellous for swimming or just basking in the sun, in complete privacy amidst tranquil surroundings

Amidst such beauty and tranquillity, one tends to suddenly feel relaxed and lethargic - too lazy for any kind of activity. However, when there is so much to see and do, it is soon time to get up and go.

One of the best way to see the island is to go on a round island trip by taxi. The trip costs approximately RM25.00 -RM30.00. As you travel around the coastal roads, you will see quaint Malay villages with wooden houses on stilts under the shade of coconut trees.

Now and then, you'll catch glimpses of the white sand and the shimmering blue sea. In the forests, you may chance upon the shy deer or playful monkeys darting among the branches.

Pangkor come into the fore when the Pangkor treaty was signed between the Malays and the British in 1874, It Marked the first British intervention into the Malay Peninsular except for Malacca which led to the Perak War in 1875.

It was also the beginning of British rule in the Malay States. The table on which the Pangkor Treaty was signed is still on display at the National Museum in Kuala Lumpur.

The Dutch trade in tin with Perak in 1680 led to the construction of the Dutch Fort at Teluk Gedung, Pangkor.

Traditionally Pangkor islands which is located about 7 kilomatres west of Lumut, comprises a number of fishing villages. Now, even though the fisherman are still there, Pangkor island has changed dramatically into a world class tourist destination.

Lumut's history is intertwined with the history of Manjung, an ancient Malay Kingdom at times rival to Bruas and Gangga Negara. Later it saw some commercial activities enhanced by colonial adventurers and later still increased trade in tin.

Lumut Town is located approximately 80 kilometers to the south-west of Ipoh and about 200 kilometres to the north-west of Kuala Lumpur.

Lumut now is a bustling seaside resort town whose importance is fully enhanced by the Royal Malaysia Navy complex situated nearby. It is fast becoming one of the most important tourist centers in Malaysia.

Stop at Pangkor, the little picturesque town of narrow streets and corner coffee shops. The Nyonya marble topped tables and antique clocks gracing the walls, contribute to its old world charm.

Take a leisurely stroll to the port and watch the fishing boats return with their fresh catch. See how the fish are packed in ice before being dispatched to the mainland.

Wander off to the fishing villages and see how the fishermen pull in their nets from the sea, nets filled with wriggling fish, the bountiful harvest from the deep. Join their happy laughter, listen to their happy songs - be a part of it all!

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.

If your main interest is the sea and water-based activities, then take your pick from the many beautiful beaches around. Pantai Puteri Dewi (Beach of the Lovely Princess) is a lovely stretch of beach of fine white sand and shimmering blue sea, on the fringes of lush green tropical forests. A resort in this curving wide bay provides ample accommodation in an elegant cosmopolitan setting.

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 facilities for boating, fishing and snorkelling.

Teluk Nipah is an enchanting secluded bay on the west coast, accessible only by bicycle or motorcycle from Pasir Bogak and Teluk Belanga.