Pangkor Island At a Glance

Pulau Pangkor is an island off the coast of Perak in north-west peninsular Malaysia, reached by ferry from Lumut (a small coastal town that links to Ipoh, or from Sitiawan). It has a land area of only 8 square kilometers, and a population of approximately 25,000 islanders. It is heavily promoted as a low-key tourist destination by the Malaysian government, but fishing and fish products remain major industries.

Historically, Pangkor was a refuge for local fishermen, merchants and pirates. In the 17th century, the Dutch built a fort in an effort to control the Perak tin trade. In 1874, it was the location of a historic treaty between a contender to the Perak throne and the British government (The Pangkor Treaty), which began the British colonial domination of the Malay Peninsula.

Pangkor is famous for its fine beaches and a mix of low budget to 5 star accommodations. Teluk Nipah and Coral Bay on the north west of the island is extremely popular with travellers from Europe. The quality of sand is far more superior in the Pasir Bogak Beach as compared to elsewhere on the island. The sand is golden brown, quite similar to most leading prime beaches.

In 2006, a biotechnology centre, a joint venture of Global Hi-Q Malaysia S/B and Hi-Q Bio-Tech International (Taiwan) Ltd has began operations with initial investments of RM100million (USD30m). Their operations include fish farming, aquaculture and the first harvest is expected in 2009.

Tourism

Although Pangkor is less well-known than Penang, Langkawi, and Tioman, the Perak state government is making efforts to promote it as one of Malaysia's main tourist destinations. It is a popular local resort and can get very crowed at weekends and on public holidays, however the beaches are almost empty during the week. It has some of the west coast's prettiest and most tranquil beaches, authentic Malaysian fishing villages that have changed little in 50 years, and some great local food (especially the seafood).

Orientation

The east cost of the island faces the mainland and is a continuous strip of residential villages, including Sungai Pinang Kecil (SPK), Sungai Pinang Besar (SPB) and Pangkor Town, the major centre of population.

The road that runs along the east cost of the island turns west in Pangkor Town and crosses the island to one of the most famous beaches on the west cost of the island, Pasir Bogak (about 2km from Pangkor Town).

From Pasir Bogak, the road runs north to the village of Teluk Nipah, where most of the budget accommodation is located. It then goes to the northern end of the island, past through the airport to a site where the Pangkor Pan Pacific Hotel located. This is the location of the famous Golden Sand Bay (Pantai Puteri Dewi) in Teluk Belanga. Next to Teluk Belanga is Teluk Dalam where the third Pier (Pan PAcific Jetty) in Pangkor Island located. This pier is exclusively for the guest to Pangkor Pan Pacific Hotel only.

After Teluk Dalam, the road turns to the east and finally join to the road on the east cost in Sungai Pinang Kecil, completing a full ring.

Beside the simple ring road mentioned above, there is only one branch off in Pangkor Town where the road runs southward to Teluk Gedung and Teluk Baharu.

In Teluk Gedung is the 17th century Dutch fort and the Batu Bersurat (Written Rock).

(from wikipedia and wikitravel)