Pangkor, is an island about half an hour away from Lumut. Unlike other islands, such as Tioman or Redang, which are truly secluded, and located in the middle of the ocean, Pangkor is so near that we can see it from the shores of Lumut, and Teluk Batik beach. A few years back, a pair of Malaysian sibblings tirelessly and courageously swam across the sea, from Lumut to Pangkor. In fact, from the beach, it doesn't seem that far, perhaps about 1-2km apart.
Pangkor used to be an island which thrived on the fishing industry. When we were young, all our fishes were caught by the fishermen from Pangkor Island. Every evening (sometimes in the morning), traders'd gather at the jetty, waiting for the fishermen to return from the seas, eagerly awaiting a large harvest from the deep seas. When the boats arrive, the fishes will be filled into big, red boxes, filled with ice to the brim. Ocassionally, on certain evenings, my mom'd visit the nearest fishmonger to select the best fishes and sometimes prawns too and cook it an hour later!
Ahh... fresh products from the sea. How I miss them so!
Well, that's what I remember about Pangkor. Fishes and beaches.
So, whenever my friends and colleagues ask me, "What's in Pangkor? Is it fun? Why do so many people throng to this island by the hundreds every holiday season?"
My answer will always remain the same. "There's not much to see there. It's not like Pulau Redang, with spectacular sandy beaches, and colourful corals and abundant fishes like Nemo. Perhaps, if it's your first trip to any island, you will be mesmerized. But, if you've been to Redang or Sipadan, you will be disappointed." Hmm.. this reminds me of my trip to Manado in 2008. I think I'd describe my trip back then as being similar to visiting Pangkor Island. It's a plain and simple life out here, suitable for families with kids and people who are highly strung and stressed out. But, it's definitely not for those seeking a thrill in diving or adrenaline, blood curdling adventures.
Hence, when I visited Pangkor Island twice, in December and January respectively, I was pleasantly surprised! The jetty had just been renovated. The ancient cement slabs of pathways had been replaced with clean, pastel shaded coloured tiles. Blue plastic chairs strategically located at the waiting area were placed in several neat rows. As visitors arrived, big, dark, tall, rough men no longer stood right at the entrance, in a big group, beckoning tourists to use their vehicle for a tour around the island.
Instead, now, they have been replaced by by short, thin men offering car rental services. Maps of the island are even provided on pieces of paper measuring 4x6 inches! In just a matter of 10 years, the main industry of Pangkor Island has increased. Today, it does not only depend on the fishing industry for livelihood, but on the tourism industry as well. Life on the island is definitely becoming more and more lively!
Pangkor used to be an island which thrived on the fishing industry. When we were young, all our fishes were caught by the fishermen from Pangkor Island. Every evening (sometimes in the morning), traders'd gather at the jetty, waiting for the fishermen to return from the seas, eagerly awaiting a large harvest from the deep seas. When the boats arrive, the fishes will be filled into big, red boxes, filled with ice to the brim. Ocassionally, on certain evenings, my mom'd visit the nearest fishmonger to select the best fishes and sometimes prawns too and cook it an hour later!
Ahh... fresh products from the sea. How I miss them so!
Well, that's what I remember about Pangkor. Fishes and beaches.
So, whenever my friends and colleagues ask me, "What's in Pangkor? Is it fun? Why do so many people throng to this island by the hundreds every holiday season?"
My answer will always remain the same. "There's not much to see there. It's not like Pulau Redang, with spectacular sandy beaches, and colourful corals and abundant fishes like Nemo. Perhaps, if it's your first trip to any island, you will be mesmerized. But, if you've been to Redang or Sipadan, you will be disappointed." Hmm.. this reminds me of my trip to Manado in 2008. I think I'd describe my trip back then as being similar to visiting Pangkor Island. It's a plain and simple life out here, suitable for families with kids and people who are highly strung and stressed out. But, it's definitely not for those seeking a thrill in diving or adrenaline, blood curdling adventures.
Hence, when I visited Pangkor Island twice, in December and January respectively, I was pleasantly surprised! The jetty had just been renovated. The ancient cement slabs of pathways had been replaced with clean, pastel shaded coloured tiles. Blue plastic chairs strategically located at the waiting area were placed in several neat rows. As visitors arrived, big, dark, tall, rough men no longer stood right at the entrance, in a big group, beckoning tourists to use their vehicle for a tour around the island.
Instead, now, they have been replaced by by short, thin men offering car rental services. Maps of the island are even provided on pieces of paper measuring 4x6 inches! In just a matter of 10 years, the main industry of Pangkor Island has increased. Today, it does not only depend on the fishing industry for livelihood, but on the tourism industry as well. Life on the island is definitely becoming more and more lively!
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