Fantastic Malaysia Travel - Pangkor Island Beach Resort

The Pangkor Island Beach Resort
It's closer than you think......
That's what the brochure says about this resort, is it?

I wanted an island vacation. A craving of sorts, to rejuvenate the soul. I
needed to be there soon. Somewhere easily accessible, with modern
amenities and a whole lot of charm. The slogan caught my eye, "It's closer
than you think". Really? Hmmm.... Pangkor Island, Lumpur. Does it still
have its charm?
I decided to check it out.

Only a three and a half hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, and a short 30
minute ferry ride to the island, the Resort is really close. With the roads
now upgraded and some rest stops along the way, the journey from KL to
the Lumut jetty is really quite pleasant. (continued below)

Off we go. Three boats in friendly competition. Our first stop is a small
temple of sorts erected on some boulders on the beach. The local
fishermen make a visit to this temple, for a prayer of safety before they head
out to sea. How appropriate for this temple to be our first stop as well.

Hey look in the trees.....Malaysian Eagles nesting!

Next we come across some fishing villages all brightly painted. We slow
down to take some pictures. These pics will really make some great colorful
posters. As we head closer to be beach, I notice that this sleepy little fishing
village is also into boat building. The guide says that the craft of boat
building has been handed down from generation to generation. It takes
about six months to build a basic fishing boat. We get close to some fishing
trawlers. The fishermen are smiling. Is it us or is it their haul? Perhaps a
little bit of both. They are proud to show off their catch of the day.

The next stop - the Dutch Fort. Built in the 17th century, by the Dutch in a effort
to control the tin trade in these waters, the ruins of the Dutch Fort still stands
today.

Do you see that monitor lizard? He is sunning himself on the rocks. And
look, there's more of them crawling around! I am glad they are on the
deserted beach and I am on the boat. Off we go again and this time to
snorkel with fish. We arrive at a cove. Here all the boats park. Some of the
guests on my boat start to get their snorkel gear ready and jump in with a
splash. Does that bother the fish? No. They gather around the swimmers
cause they know it is 'dinner time'. The rest of us on the boat are handed
some bread crumbs and are told to toss them into the water. Here comes
the fish. Wow. What a frenzy of color! The tropical fish are everywhere.
Darting in all directions. Not minding the boats or the snorkelers. This is
really something to see. You can't miss this folks.

Now I don't feel bad about not bringing my bathing suit. It is just as exciting
seeing the snorkelers swim among the fish. I scoot over to the side of the
boat and dip me feet in the water...hey look...the fish are swimming around
my feet!

Well, I could go on for days about my trip to Pangkor Island Beach Resort and
talk about the great food and beverages, especially cocktails on the beach.
There are also activities like water sports, bike riding around the resort, but I
want you to find out for yourself.
Like the slogan says "It's closer than you think".
Have a 'Fantastic Vacation' at the Pangkor Island Beach Resort.
I did!

By
Travelling Gecko

OK, time to check out the rest of the Resort. I head down to the lobby and
the Duty Manager Ridzuan approaches me and tells me some of the
highlights of the Resort. It is almost time to feed the Hornbills he says.
Feed the Hornbills? That's a first for me. Yes, I want to see that. I head out
to the beach and there right by the pool is a bird perch. The food dish for
the Hornbills has already been filled. Here they come, from the treetops,
from the roofs, from the rainforest behind the Resort. They know it is
feeding time! Wow. What a sight!

On arrival at the resort, I am greeted by friendly staff playing the Malaysian
traditional hand drums as well as a much needed refreshing fruit drink.
The Resort reminds me a little of the TV series 'Fantasy Island'. I am
expecting 'Tattoo' to pop out any moment now. I am excited to be here!

Wow! What a view! My room is in the Ocean Wing of the resort and the view
from this room is just awesome! And look, rose petals on my bed....it
spells out "Welcome". What a special touch. Mmm...the smell of fresh
local fruits... mangoes, starfruit and jambu fills the air...yummy. Yes, they
know how to make a guest feel welcome.

I pull open the curtains to look outside. It is a picture perfect canvas for a
warm and beautiful sunset. Can't wait to see that. Folks, this is going to be
a good vacation!

Lumut jetty

Well, here I am at the Lumut jetty. It is bustling with holiday and register. I
also check in my luggage and have them delivered straight to my room.
That's a relief! Now I am free to walk around the boat and take all the
pictures I want. The fresh salty air and the warm sun on my face feels
great.

Pangkor Island Beach Resort

The view from the guest room in the Ocean Wing

Dusk is fast approaching and I want to see my first sunset on Pangkor
Island. I sit at the tables by the pool and order myself a coconut drink. It
comes served in its original container; a coconut a glorious day!

Round Island boat tour

Boat building on the island

A fish farm. I have been waiting to see this. How ingenious! Made out of
boards and nets, and anchored down to the seabed, this floating fish tank
really is a clever way to raise fish. Fed daily and watched over by trained
eyes, there is no getting close to this farm....not without Rover, Trixi and
Sparky knowing about it...those are the names I gave them....the guard dogs.
I think I'll just zoom in on this picture.

The fish farm

Time to wake up and try the breakfast buffet. Would you like to sit inside or
outside? Outside please.

What a variety. Just about every local breakfast food and the western staples
as well. I am excited. My island tour starts in about an hour. Boat rides are
always fun. Can't wait to get started.

We gather at the lobby, some thirty of us who have signed up for the 'Round
Island Tour'. Here comes the buses to take us to the Resort's jetty. The
boats arrive. Climb aboard everyone!

There are three boat loads of people today and everyone is just as excited
as I am. They are all clinging to their towels, cameras and bathing suits.
Bathing suits? In my excitement, I forgot my bathing suit. We will be
snorkeling with fish today. Ugh!

Sunset on Pangkor Island

The Villas at Pangkor Island Beach Resort

The view from the water chalets