Pangkor Island

Off the coast of perak State, lies a cluster of fabulous islands with unquestionably some of the best coves and beaches on the western coast of peninsular Malaysia. The cluster of islands we refer to as Pulau Pangkor is made up of one major mountainous island with 3 smaller uninhabited islands. Among them two islands predominate in the terms of accessibility, infrastructure and development, the largest island Pulau PANGKOR and the smaller known as Pangkor Laut. It has a population of over 20,000. Pulau Pangkor is a mountainous island with a all weather paved ring road circumventing the Island. This Ring Road is 25 kilometers long, a heaven for mountain bikers though certain stretches are made precarious by on-coming traffic. The highest “peak” on the island is 800 feet. There is a mountain trail from Pasir Bogak beach to the Sungei Pinang Town. Pulau Pangkor welcomes visitors with its serene, golden beaches, crystalline blue water and cool, refreshing breezes. Located about 9Okm south-west of lpoh, it is largely inhabited by fisherfolk. They live in scattered fishing settlements along the coast especially on the eastern side, facing the town of Lumut and Teluk Batik, and their catch comprises mainly cuttle-fish and anchovy.

The Pangkor 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 Teluk Cempedak are marvellous for swimming or just basking in the sun, in complete privacy admist tranqull surroundings.

With its serene golden beaches, crystalline green water, vibrant tropical forests and cool refreshing breezes, Pangkor Island (Pulau Pangkor) remains a haven for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It comes as no surprise that Pangkor Island (Pulau Pangkor) has for centuries been a welcome stopover for voyagers, pirates, and adventurers throughout history. Yet the island’s natural wonders have remained unscarred, and her environment remains as tranquil and beautiful as ever.

History of Pulau Pangkor
The ancient name for this island is Spirit Island. The ancient islanders believed that this island is protected by the spirits of “Keramat Serban Hijau”, “Keramat Serban Kuning” and “Keramat Tok Janggut”. Fishermen claim to hear voices chanting verses from the Holy Quran and smell incense from the uninhabited Pulau Gedung hills. The origin of the inhabitants is unknown. The island was frequently visited by pirates roaming the seas around the island. They robbed boats with commercial goods plying from Kedah to Perak and vice versa. The pirates hideouts are on top of Pulau Gedung hills. This place till this day is known as Gua Lanun (Pirates’ Cave) and Batu Perompak (Pirates’ Rock).

The Dutch were invited to the tin rich state of Perak as a deterrent to the ambitious Ayudha ruler and Thai invasion. They remained in Pangkor Island (Pulau Pangkor) until the threat from the Thais diminished whereupon Perak once more asserted its independence. The Dutch monopolised the tin industry until the arrival of the British. During their tenure on this island and due to the opposition by the locals, a fort was built by the Dutch 1670, at the entrance of Tiger Rock. With the arrival of the British in 1800 the island was renamed to Pulau Kera (Monkey Island) . This was due to the abundance of monkeys on the island. The islanders opposed this name. The British were pressured by the village Headman Penghulu Mohd. Noordin b. Mastan to rename it Pulau Aman (Peaceful Island). It was named Pangkor soon after. One famous treaty signed on Pangkor Island (Pulau Pangkor), known as The Pangkor Treaty was signed in 1874 between Sir Andrew Clark, principle Perak chiefts & Chinese headmen agreed on the acceptance of the 1st British Resident.
Tourist Attractions at Pulau Pangkor
Little Great Wall of China (of Pulau Pangkor)
On the side of a hill, this miniature replica is Pulau Pangkor’s main attraction at Foo Ling Kong Temple. A 25-minute drive from the resort.

Foo Ling Kong Temple (of Pulau Pangkor)
Home to numerous rock paintings, a garden and the Little Great Wall of China. A 25-minute drive from the resort.

Lin Ye Kong Temple (of Pulau Pangkor)
Cleverly built on a rock outcropping in honour of the goddess Kuan Yin. A 10-minute drive from the resort.

Kali Amman Temple (of Pulau Pangkor)
Largest Indian temple on Pangkor Island. A 15-minute drive from the resort.

Chinese Fishing Village (of Pulau Pangkor)
View the bustle of the docks filled with workers cleaning and drying the day’s catch. A 15-minute drive from the resort.

Main Pangkor Town (of Pulau Pangkor)
A small, one-street town featuring numerous coffee houses and stores for souvenirs. A 25-minute drive from the resort.

Sacred Rock (of Pulau Pangkor)
Known as Batu Bersurat, the boulder pays tribute to a child who was allegedly abducted by Malays dismayed by the Dutch incursion of Pangkor Island, Malaysia. A 35-minute drive from the resort.

Dutch Fort (Kota Belanda) (of Pulau Pangkor)
Built in 1670, the fort once offered protection against the local population and pirates. A 35-minute drive from the resort.

Pasir Bogak Beach (of Pulau Pangkor)
Two kilometres of crystal-clear waters on a picturesque seascape. A 20-minute drive from the resort.

Nipah Bay (of Pulau Pangkor)
Less crowded beach area filled with corals and the delightful hornbill bird. A 15-minute drive from the resort.