1.Introduction
Pangkor is situated just off the west coast of Perak in Peninsular Malaysia. She is one of the most Enchanting islands you will ever come across. Pangkor has for centuries enthralled visitors with Her charming beauty.In days of old, she was the refuge of seamen who sailed thorugh the Straits of Malacca. Pangkor's many idylic bays made it the perfect stopover. Pirates, adventurers, merchants, And soldiers of fortune sought the peace and tranquility she had to offer. In contrast to fast paced city life, Pangkor remains a heaven for those seeking to get away from the Hustle and bustle of city life. Soak under the sun on her golden and sandy beaches. Catch sights of Fishing boats rocking on calm blue waters in Pasir Bogak. Or experience the warm, friendly hospitality Of her islanders. Whichever you choose, Pangkor awaits you.
2.History
For centuries, Pangkor has been a welcome stopover for weary Sea travellers, pirates and adventurers. At one time, even ruled by Siam and European conquerors from Dutch, British and etc. Yet, as if Oblivious to the ravages of war and conquest, her natural wonders have remained unscarred, perhaps To conquer your hearts.
Pangkor today is thriving tourist resorts that somehow does not reflect her turbulent past. Visitors Will be charmed by the serenity of her fishing villages such as Sungai Pinang Kecil and Besar, Teluk Gedung, Teluk Kecil and Teluk Dalam. Her small but bustling town, e.g. Pangkor , offered many Souveniers and basic amenities. Her splendid selection of world class holiday resorts such as Pangkor Laut and Pan Pacific Hotel, will make your stay a relaxation and romantic ones.
Even today, one can reflect on the rich colonial past when visited the 300 year old Dutch Fort or Kota Belanda.It was once a Dutch stronghold against Pirates and local Malays until a ferocious attack by The latter that forced them out of the island completely. In 1743, the fort was rebuilt and made a garrison For 60 dutch soldiers. The Dutch Fort is located at Teluk Gedung, was built in 1670 for the purpose of Storing supplies from Perak and also to check the piracy in the straits. Today, only the stone foundation Remains to remind us of the powerful past of the Dutch influence over the area. Within the vicinity of the Fort, stands a large boulder with faint carvings and an inscription which read "Ifcralo 1743". The Carvings are said to depict the picture of a tiger catching a child. According to the locals, the young Daughter of a Dutch official was believed to have been caarried off by a tiger during that time.
In the 19th century, the British has signed the Treaty of Pangkor on a ship anchored outside the water Of Teluk Kecil with the Sultans and Chinese clans to made in road to Malaya. Later the Malay Federation of states were formed which comprises four states i.e. Perak, Selangor , Pahang and Negeri Sembilan. Singapore, Penang and Malacca were made the Straight Settlements for British.
3. Treasures of the Island
Nothing beats the wonderful offerings of Pangkor's prime beaches. After you have enough of beaches One can retreat into the cool shades of virgin Jungles for a closer look at the 600 millions year's rain Forest. There is so much to do in Pangkor for one to discover at your own pace.
3.1 The Main Island
3.1.1 Pantai Puteri (Golden Sand Beach)
Water Sports enthusiasts can indulge in their favorite activities here while beach lovers relax beneath The shade of casurina trees on the magnificent beach front and shoreline exclusively reserve for the Hotel guests.
3.1.2 Pantai Pasir Bogak-
The Perfect spot for public and travellers who prefer more rugged stay and accomodations. It is given a nick name as "the largest natural swimming pool in Malaysia" bacause of the shelter provided by the satelite island, Pangkor Laut to form a less rough water for swimmers.
3.1.3 Teluk Nipah-
It was designated as one of the Pangkor's marine parks with a vast coral reef and spectacular marine Life which is suitable for snorkelling activities.
3.1.4 Turtle Bay-
It was one of the unspoilt beach before the round island road was built with frequent calling by leather Back turtle. Those days, the islanders can catch a good return by selling the turtle eggs. The "ikan Bilis" Fishermen also built a chimney to process the tiny "ikan bilis" or enzuvis fish. However, these scene Are no longer at sight today except a remnant chimney to mark its past. This beach offers one of The best sun set sight during good weather.
3.1.5 Pulau Pangkor Laut resorts-
The Pangkor Laut resorts has been dubbed the "Fantasy Island of the East" and boost one of the most Expensive and coxy resorts in the world. This satellite island boasts the heavenly Emerald Bay, which Is beyond doubt the finest beach in the Straits of Malacca. Snorkellers and divers will discover an Underwater paradise off Coral Beach while sailing and windsurfing buffs can seek their thrill at Royal Beach.
3.1.6 Pulau Mentagor- This island is an oval shaped, about one and a quarter miles in size, situated on the western Bank of Pangkor seperated by a 180 m waterway. One has to be careful as you may cross To this island during the low tides, but failed to return when high tides.
4.0 Moving Around
Pangkor holds many surprises within its mere 26 square km. It is largely inhabited by fisherfolks. It is sheltered from the onslaught of Monsoons by Sumatra Islands and can be visited at any time Of the year. Its natural scenery of lush green hills and palm fringed beachesof fine white sand lapped By warm blue waters of Malacca Straits is truly magnificent. The unhurried pace and tranquil setting Offers one a carefree and relaxing holiday. While Pangkor is everyone's dream of a tropical island hideaway, there is more to do and see than just Simply lazing on the beach, soaking up an enviable tan. Of course, taking it easy is part of the attraction. Though you have plenty of opinions for sports and recreations. Buses and taxis are readily available on Pangkor for most part of the day. However, do check the fare before embarking on a ride as the taxis And buses have no meters. One can also enjoy its crisp fresh breeze by renting motorbike or bicycles To go around the island. There is a reasonable good round the island bitumen road. The visitors can Also rent boats to go fishing or for a cruise round the island.
Eating out is no problem as the island has a fair number of restaurants and eating places, The Delicious "Satay fish" and seafoods will ensure a remembrance trip for goumet lovers. For Those who prefer haute cuisine, most of the hotels have F&B outlets that serve a wide range of Continental and western favourites in addition to a grand selection of exotic local fare.
5.0 Fishing trip
For those keen to go fishing, Pulau Sembilan boast one ot the anglers heaven in the Strait of Malacca. One can rent the boat for an overnight fishing trip or just a few hours day trip. Pulau Sembilan are Nine islands about four to seven hours journey by boats from the main island. Yearly, the fishery Department also organise a fishing competition over there which attracted many amature or professional Anglers to try their luck or skill in fishing.
5.1 Places of worship
The Foo Lin Kong Temple located at a foot hill in Sungai Pinang Besar is dedicated to one of the Eight immortals of the Chinese Legends. It is one of the favourite gathering places of the local Chinese who decided to beautify it by building a miniature gardens such as great wall of China and Etc. It also housed a mini-zoo and Koa pond.
Another place of interest is the Sri Pathirakaliaman Temple t Sg. Pg Kecil which houses statues of Hindu deities and the main worship place for the Hindu community. There will be Parade during The annual Thaipusam festival also.
6.0 How to get there
There are many ways to get to Pangkor. Berjaya Air operate a daily flight from Subang Airport to And fro Pangkor Island. The flight time is only less than an hour. One can drive to Lumut, the Gateway to Pangkor which is about 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur or an hour drive from Ipoh. The coastal town of Lumut was once a fishing village. This quiet town boasts a peculiar atmosphere even to many Malaysians who visit it for the first Time. Lumut seems contented with its own pace of progress compared to how fast the rest of Malaysia is growing. Old, elegant building of colonial days still house some of the town's administrative Offices. Teluk Batik, a popular beach for camping and site for annual Lumut Festival is among the Town's few attractions. Today, however, it has the proud distinction of being the home base of the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Once in Lumut, one can take a half hourly sea voyage by ferry to Pangkor
7.0 Hotels
Hotels Address No.of rooms Telephone No.
1. Pan Pacific resort Teluk Belangar 163 05-6851091
32300 Pangkor 03-4413757
2.The PanSea Pangkor Laut 94
32300 Pangkor
3.Sea View Hotel Pasir Bogak 43 05-6851705
4.Beach Hut Hotel Pasir Bogak 34 05-6851159/344 32300 Pangkor
5.D Village Pasir Bogak 6 chalets 05-6851951
6.Standard Camp Lot 53,Pasir Bogak (15 huts) 05-6851878
7.Sam Khoo's Mini camp Pasir Bogak 20 huts 05-6851164
8.Sri Bayu Beach Resort Lot 51, Pasir Bogak (50 villas)
9.Chuan Full Hotel 60,Jln Besar 26 05-6851123 32300 Pangkor