Introduction
Pangkor Island, or Pangkor Laut, provides an alternative, low-key retreat to the famous resorts further up Malaysia's coast. Small fishing kampongs and quiet beach resorts line this charming island, once a refuge for merchants and pirates.
Pangkor is accessed by ferry from the west coast town of Lumut in Perak State, around four hours from Kuala Lumpur by road.
At the main resorts of Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah, holidaymakers enjoy pursuits such as sunbathing, snorkelling, windsurfing and sea fishing, or make for Turtle Bay, in the hope of seeing nesting turtles.
A crumbling Dutch fort close to a granite outcrop known as Tiger Rock makes another interesting excursion.
