Guide To Pangkor Island & Pangkor Laut Resort, A Lesser-Known Private Island Just 3 Hours From SG

Pangkor Laut Resort is a luxurious private island off the lesser-known Pangkor Island in Malaysia. With all-inclusive packages and exclusive access to a private island, here’s all you need to know about the resort and the larger Pangkor Island before you go!

Have you ever heard of Pangkor Island in Malaysia? This hidden gem is located off the West Coast of Malaysia and is home to the luxurious Pangkor Laut Resort, a private island just off the main Pangkor Island. With nightly rates from $331 per night, as well as all-inclusive packages available, this lesser-known private island is worth a visit if you’re looking for a break from city life not too far from Singapore.

We took a 4D3N trip to Pangkor Laut Resort via Ipoh, with two kids aged 4 and 6.5 years old and senior parents in tow. Read on to find out why this resort makes for a great family vacation, how to get here and what to do with the family, as well as what you can see and do on the main Pangkor Island that shouldn’t be missed (we heard you can feed hornbills)!

Planning a longer stay in Malaysia? Read our guide to Johor Bahru and Desaru with kids, and find out all the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids!

Read more: Kid-Friendly Staycations With Holiday Deals

Jump to:
– Villas at Pangkor Laut Resort
– Dining at Pangkor Laut Resort
– Things To Do at Pangkor Laut Resort
– Getting To Pangkor Laut Resort
– Things To Do on Pangkor Island
– Getting To Pangkor Island

Pangkor Laut Resort: Affordable, luxury island resort in Malaysia

First, here is a little about Pangkor Laut Resort. Pangkor Laut Resort is a private island located off Pangkor Island in Perak, Malaysia. The fastest way to get here from Singapore is to take a 1-hour flight to Ipoh followed by a 2-hour car journey to the Marina Island Jetty Complex, and then a 15-minute boat ride to the resort.

At the resort, you can expect a mix of overwater, garden and hilltop villas surrounded by the natural landscape and greenery of the island. The waters are clear, and there is an array of water and nature activities you can do on the island–sans the crowds! The only thing about staying on the island is that you can expect to do all your dining at the resort’s restaurants. Fret not, if you want some local fare and sights, you can easily hop to the main Pangkor Island (more on that later!)

Here’s more of what you can expect at a stay at Pangkor Island Resort:

Stunning villas At Pangkor Laut Resort: Seaside & hilltop villas

All accommodation options at Pangkor Laut Resort are villas, so you can expect a luxurious stay. Choose between Garden, Sea and Hilltop Villas. The overwater Sea Villas are a popular choice, as you’ll be surrounded by calm waters around the island, and you’ll get amazing ocean views. For couples and young travellers, the Hilltop Villas are a great choice, as you’d have to walk up some stairs but can enjoy incredible panoramic views of the island surrounded by lush greenery.

We stayed in the Garden Villa, which was perfect for our two kids under 7 and our senior parents. We loved the spacious, newly renovated rooms that come with one king-size bed, one sofa bed and a large Jack and Jill bathroom with a standing shower and a bathtub. We also had easy access to the restaurant that served up a scrumptious breakfast buffet spread every morning to give us fuel for the day.

Where to eat at Pangkor Laut Resort: Western & Asian fare

There are six restaurants at Pangkor Laut Resort that feature delicious Western and Asian fare and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, so there’s something for every palate. You can expect to pay around $20 to $30 per main course. Breakfast is included with every villa booked. For an all-inclusive package, we recommend booking the Resident’s Package which includes all meals. This package is exclusively for Singapore and Malaysia residents.

Things to do at Pangkor Laut Resort: Jungle trek & Emerald Bay beach

Though Pangkor Island Resort is primarily a getaway for unwinding and letting time stand still, there’s plenty to do to keep the kids’ boredom at bay. Head to Emerald Bay for your daily dose of vitamin D by the beach or cool off at Pangkor Laut Resort’s infinity pool which offers stunning ocean views. You can also embark on a jungle trek with their Resident Naturalist, where you can spot wildlife and learn all about the nature and animals and reptiles that inhabit the island.

In need of a break from the kids? Mums and dads can book an appointment at Pangkor Laut Resort’s Spa, where you can enjoy a relaxing massage or spa treatment for ultimate relaxation. Adventurous kids can try water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, both of which are free of charge! Though there isn’t a kids club, there is a board games room, karaoke room, a library, tennis courts and squash courts–plenty to keep the kids entertained!

How to get to Pangkor Laut Resort

Getting to Pangkor Laut Resort takes three modes of transportation but it’s certainly worth it! First, take a short one-hour flight from Singapore to Ipoh. Then hop in a car for a two-hour ride to the Marina Island Jetty Complex. Pangkor Laut Resort can help you arrange for this transport at an additional fee. At the Marina Jetty, you’ll be greeted by Pangkor Laut Resort’s friendly welcome staff, who will inform you of the next ferry that will take you to Pangkor Island Resort in just 15 minutes.

En route back to Singapore, we had the opportunity to spend one night in Ipoh where we stayed at AC Hotel Ipoh which features newly renovated rooms, a swimming pool and accessibility to popular attractions. Plus, we loved that it is only a short 10-minute ride from the Ipoh Airport (Sultan Azlan Shah Airport).

Pangkor Laut Resort rates: From $331 per night 

Click here to get 10% off The Chapman’s Challenge Package at Pangkor Laut Resort.

Pangkor Laut Resort, Pangkor Laut Island Pangkor Laut, 32200 Lumut, Perak, Malaysia, www.pangkorlautresort.com

Things to do on Pangkor Island

Pangkor Island is located on the west coast of Malaysia and is known for its scenic beaches and carefree vibe. It has a population of around 10,000 and is close to many other islands including Pangkor Laut Island, Giam Island, Mentagor Island, Simpan Island and Tukun Terindak Island. Pangkor Island is an underrated hidden gem in Malaysia that is known to locals but offers plenty of exciting attractions including a floating mosque, hornbill feeding, water sports activities and more.

Visit Masjid Seribu Selawat: A floating mosque

Masjid Seribu Selawat is one of the highlights of Pangkor Island, as it’s arguably one of the most beautiful mosques in the area. Known as the ‘Floating Mosque, Masjid Seribu Selawat sits on stilts over the waters of Pangkor Island. Here, you can spot over 1,000 engravings of the Arabic phrase “Selawat”, a phrase that Muslims repeat in their daily prayers. More info here.

Masjid Al-Badr Seribu Selawat, Kampung Teluk Bharu, 32300 Pulau Pangkor, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

Experience Hornbill feeding in Teluk Nipah: Free entry

Try your hand at Hornbill feeding near Teluk Nipah. Learn about the importance of wildlife conservation and engage with one of the most beautiful birds in the world. This activity at Pangkor Island is completely free! Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. More info here.

Teluk Nipah Beach, Jalan Pasir Bagok, 32300 Pulau Pangkor, Perak, Malaysia

Visit Giam Island: White, sandy beaches & water sports

Located just off the coast of Pangkor Island, Giam Island offers a tranquil escape. Known for its pristine white sandy beaches and clear waters, Giam Island is the perfect spot for water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking. To get to Giam Island, simply rent a boat or purchase a tour package from Teluk Nipah Beach or Pasir Giam Beach at Pangkor Island. More info here.

Giam Island, Pasir Giam Beach, Jalan Pasir Bagok, 32300 Pulau Pangkor, Perak, Malaysia

Check out the Dutch Fort: Historical landmark & cultural treasure

History buffs, this one’s for you! Head to Kota Belanda, known as the Dutch Fort, to immerse yourself in Pangkor Island’s rich history. This fort served as a strategic outpost for the Dutch colonial efforts to dominate tin trade during the 17th and 18th centuries. Stroll through a small park and drop by the souvenir shop to take home a memento.

Dutch Fort, Kampung Teluk Gedung, 32300 Pulau Pangkor, Perak, Malaysia

How to get to Pangkor Island

If you’re travelling from Singapore, you would have to take a one-hour flight to Ipoh then take a two-hour car ride to Lumut Jetty Terminal or the Marina Island Jetty Complex from the mainland. Ferry fares start from RM 5.50 per child and RM 10 per adult. If you’re staying at Pangkor Laut Resort, the staff can help to arrange a ferry that will take you to Pangkor Island for the day.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your island getaway for the much-needed rest and relaxation that you deserve!

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