Honeymoon A - Z: Pangkor Island

Image via Pangkor Laut Resort

The idyllic Pangkor Island in Malaysia consists of a main island, surrounded by a group of smaller islands, dotted with luxury retreats. Pangkor’s low-key village feel and beach activities makes it a beautiful place to escape for weekend warriors and honeymooners alike. From a swaying hammock on the island’s many beaches, it’s hard to imagine Pangkor Island’s turbulent past: the Beautiful Island is a former pirate hideout and bit-player in the battle to control the Straits of Malacca. These days, the only ruckus is from chattering monkeys and hornbills.

5 Places to Stay

1. Pangkor Laut Resort
Nestled amidst an ancient rainforest on the private island of Pangkor Laut, the resort is fringed by white sandy beaches and emerald water. Pangkor Laut Resort, with its wooden buildings that blend seamlessly into the forest, is the perfect escape for honeymooners. The resort’s Spa Villa sits on stilts over the ocean with stunning views over the Straits of Malacca. The resort has won many accolades, including one the late Pavarotti, who has declared the resort a paradise.

Image via Pangkor Laut Resort

2. Swiss Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut
The 290 room Swiss-Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut offers superb resort facilities and personalised service that will delight honeymooners. All rooms either face the garden or the ocean and are outfitted with modern amenities and intricately designed furnishings with a strong Malaysian heritage and a hint of Mediterranean vibe.

Image via Swiss Garden Beach Resort Damai Laut

3. Tiger Rock Private Retreat
For a complete experience in eco-tourism, Tiger Rock is the perfect retreat to reconnect with nature. Situated amongst the lush rainforest in the mountainous part of Pangkor Island, the family-run retreat’s personalised touches can be seen in the chalet’s décor that blends the traditional Malaysian straw-weaving technique with rustic charm.

Image via Tiger Rock Private Retreat

4. Puteri Bayu Beach Resort
A relative newcomer to the Pangkor scene, Puteri Bayu Beach Resort is situated along the famous Pasir Bogak Beach and has grown to be the perfect hideaway for holiday makers. The spacious, well-appointed chalets feature private balconies with ocean or garden views. Feel the sea breeze and the gentle sway of coconut trees as you indulge in a sumptuous grilled BBQ seafood dinner prepared in-house at the resort’s restaurant.

Image via Puteri Bayu Beach Resort

5. Joe’s Fisherman Inn
The boutique hotel offers 32 rooms that are combination of luxury and comfort with untreated wood panelling that provides the unique experience of living in a cabin. The relaxing ambience is great for newlyweds to unwind after their big day.

5 Places to Visit

1. Dutch Fort
A trip to Pangkor Island would not be complete without a happy snap in front of the Dutch Fort. The fort was first built by the Dutch in 1670’s as a base for tin storage and a protection ground for themselves. The locals were dissatisfied with the Dutch holding the monopoly in tin trade and launched an attack in 1690 but find that the fort was rebuilt with re-enforced guarding. Today, the Dutch Fort remains quietly just by the sea, with a small landscaped garden and weathered bricks that bore witness to the events that happened three centuries ago.

Image via Pangkor Coral Bay

2. Coral Beach
The picturesque Coral Beach is a great spot for snorkelling and exploring the marine life that fills the crystal clear waters. Spot the elusive hornbill nestling in the forest a little back from the shore and spend the rest of the afternoon kayaking.

3. Turtle Bay (Teluk Ketapang)
Visitors between the month of May and July can observe the sea turtles make an annual pilgrimage to Turtle Bay to lay their eggs. Take a boat cruise and explore the surrounding islands before snorkelling in the emerald waters.

4. Pangkor Fishing Villages
While the west coast of the island concentrates on tourism, the east coast of Pangkor island remains the same with their customary fishing lifestyle. The fishermen’s village is a long strip of communities stretching to Pangkor town. Although the places are small they are worth a visit. The village lifestyle is simple and laid-back. Watch the locals dry the seafood under the scorching heat and later dipped in a thick sweet and spicy sauce.

Image via David FSLoh

5. Pangkor Forest Reserve
Indulge in the lush flora and exotic fauna abound in the Pangkor Forest Reserve. Rare orchids can be seen along the jungle trek while colourful birds perch on the trees at the hill slopes. You may possibly catch a glimpse of monkeys swinging from the branches. Complete your day by trekking to Pangkor Hill to spot the giant hornbills.

5 Things To Do

1. Go Snorkelling
Although lazing around under the sun sounds like the perfect paradise, you will not want to miss snorkelling in the crystal clear waters of Pangkor Island. Explore beautiful corals and sea cucumbers as you hold hands with your partner and swim across the underwater world.

2. Indulge in Watersport Activities
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just want a taste of watersport, Pangkor Islands has a wide range of activities that lets everyone participate. From jet-skiing to banana boat rides to parasailing, this place is loaded with excitement! Complete the exhilarating day with a wonderful night out barbequing on the warm sandy shores, with a campfire and the soft strumming of a guitar.

3. Hornbill Feeding
Be amazed as you get up close and personal with the exquisite hornbill. These birds are particularly loud and noisy, but feeding them is truly an experience worth cherishing. You can spot these intelligent hornbills at other locations as well and snap some lovely photos to make it even more memorable.

Image via Coral Sand Oceanic Services

4. Shopping in Pangkor Town
The main town of Pangkor is where the daily trades happen and decades’ old traditional coffee houses nestle amongst government administrative buildings. Indulge in the tropical food that many stalls have to offer and savour a local delicacy or two. On some days you can even catch fishermen hauling in their daily catch.

5. Visit the Pangkor Gallery
The single-hall gallery overlooking the jetty is a pleasant break from the sun. The gallery has a small collection of handicrafts and furnishings, including elaborately woven baskets and traditional music instruments. Immerse yourself in the local culture and bring home a souvenir or two to remember the wonderful time.