Diving at Pangkor island in Malaysia

One is writing this from the cool confines of ones beach-side villa at Pangkor Island Beach
Resort, in the state of Perak in peninsular Malaysia. and is spread over 800 sq. km. off the coast
of West Malaysia. Pangkor Island is one of the islands that lie off the coast of Perak. Pangkor is
located near the town of Ipoh which is mid-way between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The natural
beauty of Pangkor Island is breathtaking. Acres of greenery stretch from one end of the horizon to
another. The distinctive mark separating the sky the sea and the sand are clearly visible, as we
approach the Island. The island is covered with small hillocks full of thick tropical forests and
huge trees vying with each other to reach the stars. In fact, the villa at Pangkor Island Beach
Resort, one is staying at is home to several 500 year old trees which are scattered around the
hills that surround this picturesque resort. Both sunrise and sunsets are enchanting to the eyes.
Colourful tropical birds begin their musical tunes, inviting the sun to appear. The dark skies begin
to lighten a bit as the chirping birds continue their flowery songs. Hundreds of sparrows, mynahs
and hummingbirds, who reside in the trees around the island, descend onto your window sill,
beckoning one to witness the impending arrival of Sun-Gods chariot.
The first rays of light shyly streak out of the clouds hanging over the horizon. Darkness begins to
dispel quietly, as the skies lighten up subtly. Before one knows, more of the sea becomes visible.
Watching the sun rise over Pangkor Island Beach Resort, is reason enough to spend one night
here. Soon a light blue patch appears between the sea and the darkened skies. Soon, the treetops begin to appear illuminated by the morning light like paintings in an art gallery. In a few
minutes, light prevails and the white sandy beach and light blue waters are there for all to see.
However, the forests behind the resort continue to take refuge behind the darkness. A few drops
of rain begin to splatter around as if paying homage to the sunrise. In a few minutes the sun is
shining in full glory and its day time.
Pangkor Island is home to the yellow beaked hornbills which take shelter under the coconut trees
around the beach. One sights them at dawn and dusk, sweeping down the trees like giant
airplanes and perching on the roofs of ones villa. Several macaque monkeys abound on Pangkor
Island and a few of these unexpected visitors can be found on the giant trees that surround ones
villa. Each villa has a private lotus pond and circular garden, which makes it an ideal ground to
relax and soak in the energy of the elements. Meditating at the beach or in the forest at dawn or
at dusk is soothing and touches chords of ones soul. For the religiously inclined, there are
several small temples and shrines at Pangkor. The Kwan Yin (Goddess of Mercy temple), the
Datuk Hijau (forest deity), Dutch chapel, the Kali temple and the Fu Lin Kong Temple are found
around Pangkor and should the devout from all walks of life.
Several monolith rocks with pre-historic inscriptions, centuries old are also found at Pangkor.
These include Crocodile Rock and Batu Bersurat among numerous others. The ruins of the 17 th
century Dutch Fort is also an added attraction. Snorkeling or diving at Coral Island near Pangkor
is another activity which should interest nature lovers. As one sees thousands of tiny colourful
fishes swim in the clear waters off Coral Beach, one begins to admire the symmetry of nature and
the harmony in existence. Watching these tiny fishes dart across the placid waters of the
translucent ocean, unaware of the world outside, as if in deep meditation has the power to induce
one into a light trance! Picking sea shells on the beach is also a powerful anti-stress activity. As
one observes the varied colours and shapes of the sea-shells washed upon the sandy shore, one
begins to appreciate the power of nature and its beautiful creations. Adventure, leisure, trekking,
surfing, diving snorkeling or meditation, Pangkor Island Beach Resort has everything to offer for
the tourist at value for money prices.

Photo caption: A yellow beaked hornbill at Pangkor Island Beach Resort

How to get there?
By Air:
Pangkor Island is connected by direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, five times a week, by Berjaya
Air. Pangkor Island Beach Resort is 10 km. away from the airport. Free airport transfers (to and
fro) are offered by almost all the resorts. The return flight fare in a 50 seater aircraft is
approximately 400 RM. It is important to mention here that the flights do not originate from KLIA
but at Subang Airport, which is Kuala Lumpurs second airport after KLIA.
By Sea:
The cheaper option for Indian tourists to get to Pangkor Island is to travel by train to Chennai and
take the Indian Airlines flight to Kuala Lumpur from Chennai Airport. From Kuala Lumpur, one has
to take the express bus to Lumut which costs 15 RM and takes three hours. From Lumut, one has
to take the Mesra ferry to Pangkor. This journey takes almost thirty minutes and costs about 5 RM
(one-way). The ferry is air-conditioned, though it is more pleasurable to climb up and watch the
sea, from the upper deck of the ferry! The ferry ride can take upwards of thirty minutes depending
on the weather and condition of the sea. Pangkor does get a few isolated showers from
September to November! The taxi fare from the ferry terminal to Pangkor Island Bach Resort
should not exceed 15 RM for bargain hunters though the fare quoted is 20 RM.
The ferry schedule is as follows: (Transit time: 30 minutes) (Cost: 5 RM.)

Lumut to Pangkor: 8 a.m., every 30 minutes

Pangkor to Lumut: 8 a.m., every 30 minutes.
The first ferry for Pangkor leaves Lumut at 6:30 a.m. and the last ferry leaves Lumut at 7:00 p.m.

Where to stay?
Pangkor Island Beach Resort is a comfortable place to stay. Located off a white sandy private
beach, it offers shallow waters with gentle waves, which is a short walk away from the villas. Lots
of budget resorts also abound at Pangkor island ranging from 100 RM to 200RM. The
accommodation is equivalent to three star hotels in India minus the frills. Pangkor Island Beach
Resort offers value for money, especially during the low season which is from March to May and
August to October.

Where to eat?
Lots of small restaurants serving Malay and Chinese cuisine dot the villages around Pangkor. You
get freshly steamed vegetables with boiled rice on request at a Pangkor Island Beach Resort.
The freshly made pasta, served in herbed tomato sauce, alongwith sauted vegetables in olive oil
also conforms to the strict vegan diet. Fresh fruits, fruit juices, baked beans, mashed potatoes,
salads and black tea are the only choices for pure vegetarians who do not consume any products
of animal origin. However, complimentary fruit baskets are placed in the villas periodically.
Tea/Coffee making machines are also provided, alongwith tea bags and sugar for making ones
own cuppa of black tea. The buffet breakfast offers limited choices for vegans except the sliced
tropical fruits, fruit juices, black tea, boiled mashed potatoes and coconut milk rice.

Photo Caption: Beach side villas at Pangkor Island Beach Resort

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Murli Menon, author of ZeNLP-the power to relax is a stress management consultant based at
Ahmedabad and can be contacted at tips4ceos@gmail.com

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