A little bit of History.
Pangkor Island used to be a Dutch Fort in the 17th Century. The Dutch used Pulau Pangkor as an outpost to control trades in the Malay Peninsula. The fort was built by the Dutch in 1670 for storage and protection of tin supplies from the sultanate of Perak. The fort was destroyed in 1690 by the Malays who were discontent with the methods used by the Dutch in obtaining minerals. It was rebuilt by the Dutch in 1743 and a force of 60 soldiers was placed to guard the fort until 1748, when the force was disbanded and the fort abandoned. The Dutch called the collection of island as The Dindings.
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| The Dutch Fort or Kota Belanda |
Besides the Dutch, Pangkor island also drew the attention of Pirates who roams the seas around the straights of Malacca. They robbed boats and ships in the Straits of Malacca and hid themselves on the hills on the island.
On the waterfront at Teluk Gedong, 3km south of Pangkor Town, is this mammoth stone carved (Batu Bersurat – Carved Inscription ) with the symbol of the Dutch East India Company (Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie; VOC) and other graffiti, including a faint depiction of a tiger stealing a kid. Supposedly, the child of a local European dignitary disappeared while playing near the rock; the Dutch liked the idea of a tiger abduction, although she was more likely nabbed by disenchanted locals.
The mainland is know as Lumur (under the district of Seri Manjung) is the Royal Naval base of Malaysia. A 30 minutes ferry rides from the Lumut Jetty get you to Pangkor Island. The locals here are mainly involved in fishery, tourism and some in the boat building industry at Sungai Pinang Kecil
The Ferry ride to Pulau Pangkor from The Lumut Jetty is approximately 30 minutes. To get to Pualu Pangkor you need to get down on the second stip ans the first stop is a fishing vilage .
Attraction and Activities in Pulau Pangkor.
Dutch Fort and the Tiger Rock - the only remaining piece of history from the Dutch era. The fort is about 3km's south of Pangkor Town at Teluk Gedong.
Diving – Pulau Jarak : the best diving island in Pangkor region. The water here is crystal clear up to 20 m for 70% of the year. Located 34 km Southwest of Lumut.This tiny island (barely 8 hectares in size) rises 50m above sea level and is covered with lush vegetation, where many sea eagles nest. There is no beach on Pulau Jarak, only granite sloping down to the sandy sea bed with small patches of stony, encrusting and soft corals. The island's boulder-strewn coastline makes it virtually inaccessible, leaving Pulau Jarak's pristine wonders mostly unexplored. Its underwater enchantment includes brightly coloured cup corals, football sized Pink-mouth Murex, purple Crown-of Thorns Starfish and many other sea creatures in a multitude of colours, shapes and sizes. The lure of this island beckons divers to penetrate its natural barricades and probe into the mysterious and astounding underwater realm that Pulau Jarak has to offer.
Fishing - Pulau Sembilan the fishing haven with 13 islands to hunt for all kinds of fishes.
Hornbill feeding - Hand feeding the wild birds at 6:30PM everyday near Seagull Lodge.
Foo Lin King Temple - Taoist temple just off the main road at Sungai Pinang Besar, about 1.5 km north of Pangkor Town. The brightly colored temple is well maintained in a beautiful garden setting. Perched on the roof are animals depicting horoscope signs. There is a fish pond and a turtle pool . The temple is set against a hill backdrop. Creeping up the hill is a mini version of the Great Wall of China with impressive details.
Suspension Bridge - A sign post on the side of the Pasir Bogak road signals the start of a short walk into the jungle to an old suspension bridge
Island Hopping – Available from most beach activity operators.
Pulau Giam – A popular snorkeling spot. The island is fronting Teluk Nipah . You can rent a canoe and paddle across or a 5 minute boat ride.
Coral Island – Similar to Giam Island. Its right beside Pulau Giam
Teluk Segadas – You can either take a boat or 20 minutes hike there. Probably the most beautiful non private beach in Pangkor.You can camp here if you want to.
Water Activities - The usual scene of Banana Boats and Jet Ski’s . The operates can be found all around beach sides but mainly concentrated in Bogak Beach and Nipah Beach.
Wild Lives
With a little effort you can spot the below wildlife's
- Mudskippers
- Turtles
- Monkeys
- Eagles
- Hornbills
- Sea Otters
- Monitor Lizards
- Boar
- Crested Argus
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| Hornbills |
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| Puffer Fish or locally known as Ikan Buntal |
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| Sea Urchins |
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