Pulau Pangkor is a small island paradise just off the coast of Perak. Though not as popular as its siblings like Langkawi or Redang, Pangkor island still hides a treasure trove of interesting things to see and do. Scroll down for our list of 15 interesting things to do in Pangkor island.
1. Watch the sunset at Pantai Pasir Bogak
One of the more popular beaches in Pulau Pangkor, Pantai Pasir Bogak is also its longest beach, featuring an almost 2 kilometers stretch of gorgeous white sandy beach and turquoise waters. It’s also in prime position for spectacular sunsets, set your picnic mats here or take a relaxing stroll and enjoy the views as the sun goes down beyond the horizon.
Location: Jalan Pasir Bogak, Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
2. Experience fun in the sun at Pantai Teluk Nipah
Pantai Teluk Nipah is the busiest beach in Pangkor island and for good reason. Not only is the beach impeccably clean, the palm-fringed shoreline is brimming with guesthouses that suit every budget, family-friendly restaurants and exciting water activities just inches away from its azure waters.
Location: Teluk Nipah, Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
3. Marvel at Masjid Terapung Pangkor
Sitting majestically overwater off the coast of Teluk Gedung, Masjid Terapung Pangkor is Perak’s first and only floating mosque to date. Its official name is Masjid Seribu Selawat, and the reason for this is that the grand structure incorporates about a thousand Islamic scriptures into its design. Spend an hour or two here being in awe of this unique mosque and snap lots of photos while you’re at it!
Location: Masjid Al-Badr Seribu Selawat, Teluk Gedung, Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
4. Chill and unwind at Coral Beach
If you’re looking for a bit of privacy, get away from the crowds by heading to Coral Beach, Teluk Nipah’s quieter neighbour. It’s undeniably among the prettiest beaches on Pangkor. Boasting a secluded stretch of white sandy beach, you’ll find beach bars and restaurants aplenty here, just footsteps from the waves. You’ll appreciate the chiller vibes here, as you sip on fruit shakes and soak in the tropical vibes.
A notable cafe here is Daddy’s Cafe, a beachfront cafe & restaurant that serves appetizing western fare and thirst-quenching fruit shakes.
Location: Coral Beach, Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
5. Snap instaworthy pictures at Kota Belanda
No trip to Pangkor will be complete without a visit to Kota Belanda (literally translates to Dutch Fort). The remnants of an old Dutch outpost built in the late 17th century, exploring the historical site doesn’t take long as it’s only three brick walls with round windows. Admission is free for all visitors.
A small park and souvenir shops painted in rainbow colours have been set up around the site, giving visitors more photo opportunities to make it worth their while. Once you’re done exploring the place and snapping pictures, you can take a quick break with hot tea and banana fritters at one of the stalls.
Location: Kota Belanda (Dutch Fort), Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
6. Channel your inner ‘Indiana Jones’ at Batu Bersurat Pangkor
Batu Bersurat Pangkor is a large rock located by the roadside, about 100 meters away from Kota Belanda. Inscribed with centuries old graffiti by Dutch soldiers back in the 18th century, the site is regarded as an important historical monument.
Though the site may seem unimpressive and can be seen entirely in less than 10 minutes, it might be worthwhile to add this to your trip itinerary due to how close it is to Kota Belanda. Admission is free of charge.
Location: Batu Bersurat Pangkor, Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
7. Hike to Teluk Segadas
Tucked away on the southernmost part of Pangkor island, Teluk Segadas is a hidden gem for hiking and camping enthusiasts. Remote, pristine and relatively untouched, Teluk Segadas boasts a powder white beach and crystal clear waters that’s excellent for swimming and sunbathing. Wild camping is allowed, you can pitch your tent here for free.
To get to Teluk Segadas, first look for the trailhead in Teluk Gedung (see trailhead location here). From here, it’s a relatively easy 30 minutes hike (that involves a bit of climbing) through thick jungle to reach Teluk Segadas.
Location: Teluk Segadas (near Teluk Gedung), Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
8. Shop for seafood produce at Pangkor Village
Home to a number of fishing villages, Pangkor is renowned for its seafood produce, like dried shrimp & squid, fish satay and ikan bilis. Never leave the island without at least dropping by one of the wholesaler stores here, the most notable are Hai Seng Hin Satay Fish Factory and Hasil Laut Pak Su. Prices are relatively modest and these can be purchased as light snacks or souvenirs.
Locations: Hai Seng Hin Satay Fish Factory (Google Maps), Hasil Laut Pak Su (Google Maps)
9. See a miniature ‘Great Wall of China’ at Fu Lin Kong Temple
The largest Taoist temple in Pangkor, Fu Lin Kong temple features many instagram-worthy photo spots for shutterbugs. Best of all, admission is free! Enjoy moments of zen as you stroll around temple’s gardens. There’s a miniature ‘Great Wall of China’, a scenic pond surrounded by willow trees, a wishing tree and many more! The temple opens daily from 6:30am till 10:00pm
Location: Fu Lin Kong Temple, Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
10. Rent a motorcycle and explore the island
For the adventurous soul, exploring Pangkor island on a motorcycle is a no-brainer! The island is relatively small and you can see Pangkor on a motorcycle in less than a day. Travel along a well laid out ring road that runs around the island and see hidden gems like Pangkor Airport and Teluk Dalam.
You can rent a motorcycle at the jetty for RM30 per day (less if you’re good at haggling prices). Cars are also available for rent (about RM80 per day) if you’re travelling in group. Be sure to fill up before you head out, as there are only two gas stations on the island.
11. Go island hopping to Pulau Giam & Mentangor
Sitting just off the coast of Pangkor, Pulau Giam and Pulau Mentangor are two smaller, neighbouring islands that offer relatively pristine beaches, azure clear waters and excellent snorkelling spots teeming with marine life. It’s quite possible to kayak or paddleboard there if you’re up for a bit of exploration of your own. Or save yourself the hassle and take up island hopping packages provided by various tour operators
Locations: Pulau Giam (Google Maps), Pulau Mentangor (Google Maps)
12. Shop for souvenirs and enjoy delicious seafood at Pangkor Night Market
Most guidebooks do not recommend Pangkor island for nightlife. Contrary to popular belief, Pangkor actually has a buzzing nightlife scene that comes in the form of a lively local night market that opens up along Teluk Nipah during weekends and peak season.
Savour delicious seafood like kerang bakar, grilled fish, street burgers, fruit shakes and many more delicacies on roadside tables under umbrellas or in cozy cabanas. Once you’ve had your fill, stroll the market and shop for souvenirs like T-shirts and fridge magnets.
Location: Pangkor Night Market, Teluk Nipah, Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
13. Save the turtles at Teluk Ketapang Turtle Conservation Centre
Did you know that Pangkor island has a turtle sanctuary? Often overlooked by many travel itineraries, the Teluk Ketapang Turtle Conservation Centre (or Pusat Konservasi Dan Penerangan Penyu Teluk Ketapang in Malay) offers an insider’s look into the lives of rescued turtles, particularly green turtles that are endemic to the region.
You can see how new turtles are born inside the hatchery as well as touch and feed the juvenile turtles in special pools. There’s an entrance fee to enter (RM5 for adults, RM3 for children), opens daily from 10:00am till 6:00pm
Location: Pusat Konservasi Dan Penerangan Penyu Teluk Ketapang, Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
14. Shop till you drop at Laris Duty Free Pangkor
More than just a beach and holiday destination, Pangkor island was gazetted as a duty-free island since January 2020, in the hopes of turning it into a top shopping destination for tourists and locals alike.
Enjoy shopping for imported chocolates, bags, batik, dinnerware and many more at tax-exempted prices at Laris Duty Free Pangkor, located next to the jetty. The duty-free centre is open daily, from 9:00am till 10:00pm
Location: Laris Duty Free Pangkor, 38-5, Jalan Besar, Pulau Pangkor, Perak (Google Maps)
