Need to know how to go from KL to Pangkor? We can help!
While it’s not far from KL to Pangkor Island, this journey can seem complicated – at least until you take it step-by-step. It’s actually quite straightforward.
Below, I break down exactly how to get to Pangkor Island from KL, whether you’re considering flying, taking a bus or driving. I’ll explain each step so you can get to paradise as quickly and easily as possible!
I also describe the reverse journey from Pangkor to KL.
Travelling from somewhere else? Find our full guide to travelling to Pangkor Island here.
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Contents
Map From KL to Pulau Pangkor
Pangkor Island has no road connection to the mainland, so the journey from Kuala Lumpur involves travelling to either Marina Island or Lumut and then catching a ferry.
From KL to the closest ferry terminal by road (Marina Island) is 212 kilometres. This takes about three hours not factoring in traffic. Then there is a quick, ten minute ferry.
Allow around 3–3.5 hours to drive to the ferry terminal in Lumut and then the ferry takes around 35–40 minutes.
You’ll also need to allow time for parking, check-in and waiting for your departure.
BEST OPTION: How To Go To Pangkor From KL
The cheapest option is to take a bus to Lumut Bus Station then walk two minutes to get a 35-minute ferry from Lumut Pangkor Ferry Jetty.
Overall: How To Get To Pangkor From KL
As mentioned before, there is no road to Pangkor Island. You have to get to one of the ferry terminals and then take a ferry across.
There are two ferry terminals, one in Lumut and one in Marina Island Jetty Complex. They both have regular ferries.
Below, I describe different options to getting to these ferry terminals and then I describe the second part of the journey which is the ferry.
Option 1: Flight To Pangkor From KL
While there have been small airplane flights in the past, these are no longer operating. The closest airport is in Ipoh. However, there are no flights between Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.
The closest airport with flights from KL is in Penang. However, it’s going to be quicker to just travel overland from KL than to fly to Penang and travel from there so I don’t recommend you fly to reach Pangkor from Kuala Lumpur.
However, if you are really keen on flying, click here to see the prices for your dates.
Option 2: KL To Pangkor Island By Bus
To go by bus from KL to Pangkor Island is easy. The first step is to get a bus from KL to Lumut where you can then catch a ferry to Pangkor Island.
The bus takes about 5 hours and costs from RM27-40. There are some very comfortable buses taking this route and it’s straightforward.
There are bus departures to Lumut throughout the day, so you have plenty of options. They leave from either TBS (Terminal Bersepadu Selatan) or Hentian Duta Bus Terminal in Kuala Lumpur.
The bus did stop more than I expected and also had a couple of toilet breaks. It did not stop anywhere with food so make sure you have snacks!
Click here to book a bus to Lumut now.
The Lumut bus station is just a 2-minute walk from the Lumut Pangkor Ferry Jetty, but note that Google Maps has the location not quite right – it showed it as being in a car park opposite where the bus station actually is when I was here.
From the bus station, walk through the ticketing area, walk one block left and then there is a super easy covered walkway all the way to the ferry terminal with some shops and eating outlets if you need any last minute supplies.
When you are coming the other way, simply walk out of the ferry terminal and keep walking straight ahead under this covered walkway until you hit the car park. Turn left and the station is one block away.
Option 3: KL To Pangkor By Car/Taxi
The fastest way to travel from KL to Pangkor is to drive whether that is in your own car or a taxi.
The drive generally takes around 3–3.5 hours in favourable traffic conditions. If you’re booking a private taxi or transfer, allow approximately RM650 or more, depending on the operator, vehicle and pickup location.
There is plenty of parking at both options. If you are in Lumut, there is a covered walkway from the car park right to the ferry terminal and you’ll be there in moments.
Click here to hire a car in Malaysia.
It’s easy to book a taxi to take you. This is the simplest and easiest way to get there.
Simply click here for the latest prices and to make a booking.
Click here to read more about driving in Malaysia.
Part 2: Ferry To Pangkor Island
There are two choices for ferries to Pangkor Island.
Option 1: Lumut Pangkor Ferry Jetty To Pangkor Town
This is a good option if you want plenty of departure choices. The ferry runs regularly throughout the day and only costs about RM10 each way. Note, you do have to buy a return ticket.
It takes about 35-40 minutes to make the journey from Lumut to Pangkor Town. The ferry operator is Konsortium Mesra Duta.
Click here to check the latest timetables and book your ticket.
You can also buy tickets on arrival, but it’s just as easy to get them online. The ticketing counter is to the right of the entrance.
I only ever had to show my ticket from easybook on my phone. You don’t need to print it or get a new ticket on arrival if you buy it beforehand.
This is the best option if you are taking the bus from Kuala Lumpur as it’s only a two minute walk from the bus to the jetty. It’s also the easiest one to book thanks to being on easybook.
Once you have your ticket sorted, there is a waiting area as pictured below.
Once it’s time to board your ferry, this is very easy and straightforward.
The boat had comfortable seating, all indoors. You need to carry your suitcase up and down some stairs so make sure you can carry it. There are people that will help, but you do need to be able to (mostly) do it yourself.
When you get there, you have to walk up a few steps to get back on the jetty and into town. Keep reading for what to do.
Option 2: Marina Island Jetty Complex To Pangkor Town
This ferry leaves from Marina Island which is connected to Peninsular Malaysia so you can drive straight here. It’s closer to Pangkor Island so the ferry trip is closer to 10 minutes long.
It costs around RM10 each way as well and, again, a return ticket is required.
Pangkor Ferry operates passenger services between Marina Island and Pangkor Island. Departure times vary, so check the latest schedule and availability for your travel date before making plans. Timetables are often only available around a week in advance.
When I travelled on a Saturday during a long weekend, ferries were operating every 15 minutes. However, even with these frequent departures, I hadn’t booked in advance and had to wait an hour and a half for the next available ferry!
For this reason, I highly recommend booking ahead, particularly during weekends and public holidays.
It’s also a little painful to book a ticket once you get there.
Look for the ticketing office then you have to use one of the computers here to book the ticket yourself anyway. Then the ticketing staff will print it for you.
If you book online, you can print it out yourself or simply show the ticket on your phone. Easy!
Click here to check the latest timetables and book your ticket.
There is a food court at the terminal as well as other eating options and shops, so you won’t go hungry while you wait. There are some low seats to sit on. I can’t say it’s very comfortable. There is free internet though.
About 15 minutes before my allocated ferry, my time slot was called up (not in English but it’s easy to work out when it’s your turn). My ticket was scanned and we then waited on the jetty itself until the boat was ready.
You need to be able to carry your luggage yourself up and down a few steps to get on the boat. At the front of the seating area onboard is an area to leave it. You can then take any seat.
Despite being at the terminal on a very busy day, the boat was not full and there was plenty of space. Inside, it felt the same as the Lumut-Pangkor ferry. I didn’t feel there was any difference with my comfort level.
Either Option: What To Do On Arrival At Pangkor Town
Once your ferry arrives, no matter which option you take, simply get off the boat and follow the pathway into the terminal area.
This area is a bit crazy with plenty of shops and action. There’s also a taxi stand, and it’s very easy to take one of the island’s pink taxis (actually vans) to your accommodation.
There’s a board with set prices (see below), but the drivers are notorious for expecting more money than what it states. I had to pay a few extra ringgit but at least I was out of there in moments and soon enjoying the beautiful beaches.
Pangkor To Kuala Lumpur
The return journey from Pangkor Island to Kuala Lumpur follows the same general route in reverse.
You need to take one of the ferries listed above to the mainland and can then drive or bus back to Kuala Lumpur or on to your next destination.
Click here to book your bus from Lumut to Kuala Lumpur or here for ferry options.
You can also take a private taxi which is the nicest and quickest way to travel.
We can book this for you with a safe and trustworthy local operator.
Click here for more information and prices.
How To Get From KL To Pangkor Laut
Pangkor Laut is a small private island next to Pangkor Island and is home to Pangkor Laut Resort. If you’re staying at the resort, you’ll need to use its dedicated speedboat service rather than the regular public ferries to Pangkor Island.
The resort’s boats depart from its own office at Marina Island Pangkor. The crossing takes approximately 15 minutes, and you need to check in at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure.
The currently published adult return transfer costs RM160, plus a fuel surcharge of RM10 per person each way. Other applicable charges may apply, so confirm the total with the resort when arranging your stay.
Make sure you check the boat timetable before organising your journey from Kuala Lumpur, as there are only a limited number of scheduled departures each day.
To get to Marina Island, you can hire a car and drive there or catch a taxi (book here) as per above. If you want to catch a bus, you can catch one to Lumut and then get a taxi from Lumut to Marina Island.
Final Words
It’s straightforward to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor. There are two parts of this journey – one overland and one on a ferry.
The quickest way is generally to drive or take a taxi to Marina Island and catch the ferry from there. The cheapest way is to take a bus to Lumut and ferry from there. Both options are straightforward, so choose whichever best suits your budget and travel preferences.
I hope you found this guide to how to get to Pangkor from KL useful. You can check out all the best hotels to stay in Pangkor Island, our complete guide to how to get to Pangkor here or find our complete travel guide to Pangkor here. You can also find our podcast episode on Pangkor Island here.
Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!
