PureandCure review: Marleen's holiday in Pangkor Laut Malaysia

Arrival in Pankor Laut

The boat ride takes just fifteen minutes, yet it marks a clear transition from the outside world to the calm of the island. As we approach, Pangkor Laut appears slowly on the horizon — covered in dense greenery and surrounded entirely by sea. There are no roads, no traffic. Just nature. Some destinations describe themselves as paradise. Pangkor Laut doesn’t need to. The island speaks for itself. It is the balance between untouched nature, understated luxury and a level of service that stands out, even compared to other high-end resorts. The welcome feels sincere from the moment you arrive. Not formal or rehearsed, but natural and personal. Staff remember your name, notice the small things, and make you feel at ease without effort. It’s this quiet attention that defines the experience and makes the stay feel truly special.

The Island Experience

Pangkor Laut Resort is the only resort on the island. There are no day visitors, no traffic and no outside distractions — just the resort, its staff and its guests. Service is calm, discreet and highly attentive, often anticipating your needs before you have to ask. The resort is thoughtfully spread out, with walking paths through the jungle that open onto views of the sea and lush tropical surroundings. Even at full occupancy, it never feels crowded. Rooms and villas are positioned across the island, some hidden among centuries-old trees, others standing above the water on stilts. Wildlife is part of daily life here; it’s not unusual to see toucans moving through the trees. In a quieter corner of the island is the award-winning spa, where traditional Chinese, Malay and Indian treatments are offered in a peaceful setting. The constant presence of nature — the sound of the sea, tropical birds and rustling leaves — defines the atmosphere. There is no rush, no competition for space. Sun loungers are always available, and the pace of life is unhurried. Pangkor Laut is a place where you naturally slow down, disconnect and fully relax.

Sea Villas above the sea

We are escorted to our villa, one of the overwater villas set on stilts above the sea, with uninterrupted views across the horizon. It’s the kind of arrival that immediately slows your pace. The Sea Villas are the most recognisable accommodations on the island — around forty in total — each with a spacious terrace and interiors in soft, natural tones. The bathrooms are equally generous, with a large bathtub and separate shower, designed to make the most of the setting. Villas are carefully positioned across the island to ensure privacy and space. The Spa Villas, located near the secluded wellness centre, are reserved for adults and offer a quieter, more introspective atmosphere. Hill Villas and Garden Villas are set within tropical greenery, closer to the resort’s main areas, yet still feel private and calm. For those seeking complete seclusion, a small number of private estates offer an even greater sense of space and exclusivity.

Pangkor Laut’s resident hornbills

There’s no shortage of food options on the island. The breakfast buffet is extensive, very fresh, and impressively international. Expect noodle soup stations, tropical fruit, eggs any style, toast, cheeses, and a selection of local Malaysian favourites. The quality is high across the board, and you won’t leave hungry. But you won’t be alone. Pangkor Laut’s resident hornbills—beautiful, oversized birds with serious confidence—like to hang around during breakfast. They won’t steal your croissant, but they’ll definitely stare it down like they could. Keep your table covered, especially if you step away. Uncle Lim’s Kitchen is a highlight. The Straits Chinese dishes are packed with flavour, and everything is made to order. Fisherman’s Cove offers a more dramatic setting, right by the water, especially for dinner. The view does some of the heavy lifting, but it’s still worth going once. Head to Emerald Bay for lunch! The beach is on the other side of the island, easily reached with the resort’s buggy service, and the small restaurant there serves good food, with even better timing. From 5 to 7pm, it’s happy hour. Order a cocktail, sink into a beach chair, and watch the sunset do its work.

The Spa: heaven on earth

The spa is located in a secluded corner of the island, far from the main resort areas. It’s adults-only (16+), which adds to the peace and silence. You don’t hear anything but the sea and the occasional bird. If rest is your goal, this is where you’ll find it. The Spa Villas are built around this area, making them ideal for guests who want complete downtime. You can walk straight from your room to your treatment in a robe, without seeing anyone else.

The Spa Village is one of the highlights of Pangkor Laut. It’s more than just a place for a massage—it’s a full experience designed to reset your system. Every treatment starts with a traditional bath ritual: a guided series of steps including a footbath, herbal steam, cold plunge, and a Malay welcome ceremony. It slows you down before the actual treatment even begins.

There are single treatments, but the 3-hour spa experiences are worth considering. They include several treatments in a row—scrubs, massages, wraps, and sometimes even guided relaxation. You leave rested, quiet, and not quite ready to speak to anyone just yet. That’s how deep the rest goes.

Taking a bath

My heart lifts the moment I notice the bathtub, positioned beside windows that open wide to the sea. That evening, as daylight fades, I let the bath fill and open the windows. From the warm water, I watch the horizon gradually disappear into darkness, the first stars appearing overhead. The moon reflects gently on the surface of the ocean. Everything is quiet. Time seems to slow. It’s one of those simple, perfect moments you don’t forget.

What we Love

• Chef’s Kitchen Experience: join the chef for a hands-on cooking experience. The day starts with selecting fresh ingredients from local fishermen, the market, a traditional noodle maker and a floating fish farm. It ends with a meal you helped prepare yourself.
  
• Island wildlife: wildlife is part of daily life on the island. You may see toucans, monkeys, tropical birds, sea eagles or lizards while walking through the resort.
  
• Yoga and Qi Gong: sessions take place outdoors, where you feel the sea breeze and hear the sound of the ocean.

Activities, holistic classes and excursions

Mornings begin quietly, with yoga and Qi Gong sessions offered around six times per week. Participation is optional, though advance booking is recommended. Classes take place in peaceful surroundings, with nature all around and the sound of the sea in the background. One of the most memorable experiences is the guided jungle walk. Accompanied by a naturalist, you explore the rainforest while learning about the island’s flora and fauna. The pace is relaxed, but the path can be slippery in places and follows gentle hills. Proper footwear or sandals with good grip are recommended.

Er rijden shuttle busjes tussen de spa en de spa villa's, de receptie, de Sea villa's en het strand op Emerald Bay.

Yoga en Qi Gong dient u vooraf te reserveren bij de spa-receptie of concierge. 

De dresscode voor The Fisherman’s Cove en The Straits is een lange broek voor mannen en smart casual voor vrouwen.   

Good to know before you go to Pangkor Laut

Below you will find the key practical information for your journey to Pankor Laut, including travel logistics, transportation, and required documents.

International flights to Kuala Lumpur

Most international flights to Malaysia arrive at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the country’s main airport and a major hub in Southeast Asia. Direct flights from Europe are available with airlines such as Malaysia Airlines and KLM. In addition, carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Etihad Airways offer daily connections with a stopover, typically via Dubai, Doha, Singapore or Abu Dhabi. Flight time from Amsterdam is approximately 12 to 13 hours for direct flights, and typically 14 to 17 hours with one stop, depending on the airline and route. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is a modern and efficient airport, with excellent onward connections to domestic destinations. 

Transfer en speed boat to Pankor Laut

Reaching Pangkor Laut Resort takes some planning. Most international flights arrive in Kuala Lumpur. From there, a short domestic flight or a longer drive brings you to Marina Island Pangkor. You check in at the Pangkor Laut office at Marina Island harbour, approximately 10 minutes from the town of Lumut. Your reservation is confirmed here and your boat transfer to the island is arranged. If you arrive by car, you can park at the harbour (MYR 30 per day, payable by credit card upon exit after your stay; automatic licence plate recognition is used, so no ticket is required). The boat transfer takes approximately 15 minutes and runs at scheduled times until around 3:00 pm. Arrival later in the day is possible, though an additional surcharge may apply.

Best time to visit West Malaysia

The west coast of Malaysia, where Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Pangkor Laut are located, has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Temperatures typically range between 25 and 32 degrees Celsius, with occasional short rain showers. Thanks to this stable climate, West Malaysia is a suitable destination year-round, with the most pleasant conditions from December to April. During this period, the weather is generally drier and sunnier. From May to August, tropical showers can occur from time to time, but they are usually brief and followed by sunny periods. The most rainfall typically occurs between September and November, although it rarely rains all day.

Visa and arrival requirements

European travellers do not require a visa for a tourist stay in Malaysia. Upon arrival, you will receive an entry stamp in your passport allowing you to enter and stay in the country for a holiday or round trip. Your passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival. Before travelling to Malaysia, you are required to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This is an online form that must be submitted no later than three days before arrival. Once completed, the confirmation is electronically linked to your passport. You may also be asked to provide proof of onward or return travel and the address of your first accommodation.

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About Marleen

This blog is written by Marleen, founder of PureandCure.com (established in 2005). She travels around the world in search of the best Health & Wellbeing Hotels, Spas and Retreats and shares her insights, experiences and observations through her blogs.