Pulau Pangkor

Introducing Pulau Pangkor

The island of Pangkor is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Lumut, which is easily accessible via Ipoh. It’s a low-key resort island noted for its fine beaches. These can be visited via the road running around the island. The jungle-clad hills of the interior, though, are virtually untouched.

At 8 sq km, Pangkor is a small island, but that hasn’t stopped the state government from trying to promote it as one of Malaysia’s main tourist destinations. Fishing and dried fish products are still a major industry for the island, particularly on the east coast, with most tourist development confined to the west coast.

Pangkor was a bit-player in the battle to control trade in the Selat Melaka (Strait of Melaka). In earlier times, the island was a favourite refuge of fishermen, sailors, merchants and pirates. In the 17th century, the Dutch built a fort here in their bid to monopolise the Perak tin trade, but were driven out by a local ruler before returning briefly some 50 years later. In 1874 a contender to the Perak throne sought British backing and the Pangkor Treaty was signed. As a result, British Resident James WW Birch was installed in Perak and the colonial era on the peninsula began.

Pangkor is a popular local resort. It can get very crowded on weekends and holidays when prices are highest, but during the week the beaches are almost empty.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009