Pangkor

Pangkor, or Pulau Pangkor, is an island and administrative mukim in the Manjung District of Perak, Malaysia. It lies off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, opposite the town of Lumut, and is the largest island in that coastal region. The island’s landscape combines forested hills with several sandy beaches along the western shores, while the eastern side faces the mainland.

The main settlements include Pangkor Town and smaller villages such as Nipah, Pasir Bogak, and Teluk Dalam. Pangkor remains a working fishing community, but it is best known today as a tourist destination for its beaches, coral reefs, and water-based activities. Popular activities include swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat trips to nearby reefs and islands. Notable landmarks include the Kota Belanda, a 17th-century Dutch fort, and several colonial-era archaeological sites.

Historically, Pangkor played a role in regional trade and diplomacy. It was the site where the Pangkor Treaty of 1874 was signed, establishing a British residential system in Perak and shaping the colonial administration of the state.

Access to Pangkor is by ferry from the mainland port of Lumut, with services operating to Pangkor Town. The island forms part of the state of Perak and the district of Manjung; it is sometimes promoted in tandem with nearby Pangkor Laut, a separate private island resort nearby.