PERAK

The once quiet fishing town of Lumut has since become home to Malaysia's Navy, as well as the departure point for the Malaysian islands of the Straits of Malacca. Sun seekers will go farther on, to Teluk Batik, located about six kilometers from the town. This stretch of beach is a favorite haunt of campers, picnickers and watersports enthusiasts. The famous "Pesta Laut," or sea festival, is the best time to visit Lumut; the festival is held in August or September, and is celebrated by seaport competitions, cultural shows, and fairs.

The ultimate destination of most travellers to this coastal state is Pulau Pangkor, which has enchanting beaches on its western shore. Among them are Teluk Belanga, Teluk Nipah and Pasir Bogak. There are also quiet coves and untrodden bays at Tortoise Bay, Teluk Nipah and Teluk Chempedak, which offer complete privacy. A round-island trip is one of the best waysto take in Pangkor Island; it costs about RM25. Around the coastal roads, there are quaint Malay villages with wooden houses on stilts. You may chance upon shy deer or playful monkeys in the forests. The forest-fringed Pantai Puteri Dewi (Beach of the Lovely Princess), provides its own resort, set in the curve of the bay.

Pualu Pangkor is famous for its fine fishing. Return at the end of the day to pleasant and attractive hotels--among them are Pasir Bogak Beach, Pulau Pangkor, Sri Bayu Beach Resort and Pan Pacific Resort. A number of chalets can be found near the beach, too.

Getting There:

• By Air: Pelangi Air offers direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor.
• By Road: The road journey from Kuala Lumpur to Lumut takes approximately 2 hours. At Lumut, take a ferry to Pulau Pangkor, a half hour iourney.
• By Rail: KTM Bhd (Malayan Railways) operates daily services from Kuala Lumpur to the north with a stopover at Ipoh. From Ipoh, taxis are available to Lumut. Then take a ferry to Pangkor.

For further information, please contact:

Perak Tourist Information Centre
State Economic Planning Unit
Jalan Dato' Sagor
Jalan Dewan
30000 Ipoh, Perak
Tel: 05-2532800
Fax: 05-2418173

Pulau Pangkor Laut
Pulau Pangkor Laut is a smaller island off Pulau Pangkor. It is privately-owned, but accessible to those who like to experience the ultimate in luxury and tropical splendour in a world-class resort--Pangkor Laut Resort. The resort is located on Emerald Bay, widely regarded as one of the world's best beaches. Whole seashells and fragments of bright coral dot Emerald Bay's sands.