Have you ever dreamed of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and immersing yourself in a different and authentic culture? If so, Pulau Ketam might be the perfect place for you. Pulau Ketam, or Crab Island, is a small island off the coast of Port Klang, Malaysia. It is home to a fishing village that is built on stilts over the mangrove swamp.
Here, you can experience the simple and peaceful life of the locals, enjoy the fresh and delicious seafood, explore the colorful and quirky houses, and admire the scenic and serene views of the sea and the sky. Pulau Ketam is a hidden gem that offers a unique and charming island getaway in Malaysia.
How to Reach Pulau Ketam
Pulau Ketam is easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. You can take a train, a bus, or a taxi to Port Klang, the nearest mainland town to Pulau Ketam. The journey takes about an hour and costs around 10 to 20 Malaysian ringgit (RM), depending on the mode of transportation. From Port Klang, you can take a ferry to Pulau Ketam. There are two ferry operators: Star Cruise Jetty and Pulau Ketam Jetty. The ferry ride takes about 40 minutes and costs around 18 RM for a round trip. The ferry schedule varies depending on the day and the tide, so it is advisable to check the latest information before you go. You can also book your tickets online to avoid the hassle of queuing. Some tips and advice on how to plan and book your trip to Pulau Ketam are:
The best time to visit Pulau Ketam is from March to October, when the weather is dry and sunny. Avoid the monsoon season from November to February, when the weather is wet and windy, and the ferry service may be disrupted.
Pack light and comfortable clothes, as the island is hot and humid. Also, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and insect repellent, as the island is exposed to the sun and the mosquitoes.
Expect a rustic and rural experience on the island, as there is no car, no ATM, no nightlife, and limited internet access. However, this is part of the charm and appeal of Pulau Ketam, as you can disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature and yourself.
What to Do and See on Pulau Ketam
Pulau Ketam is a small island that can be explored on foot or by bicycle. There are no cars or motorcycles on the island, only bicycles and electric bikes. You can rent a bicycle or an electric bike from the shops near the jetty for around 5 to 10 RM per hour. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour or a trishaw ride to learn more about the island and its history. Some of the main attractions and activities on Pulau Ketam are:
Exploring the village:
The village on Pulau Ketam is a fascinating and photogenic place to wander around. You can see the houses that are built on stilts over the water, the fishing boats that are docked along the shore, the temples that are decorated with lanterns and flags, and the shops that sell souvenirs and snacks. You can also interact with the friendly and hospitable locals, who are mostly Chinese fishermen and their families. You can learn about their culture, their lifestyle, and their traditions, such as the annual Crab Festival and the Hungry Ghost Festival.
Visiting the temples:
The island has several temples that are worth visiting, such as the Chuan Eng Bio Temple, the Nan Tian Temple, and the Hock Leng Keng Temple. These temples are dedicated to different deities and ancestors, and they reflect the religious and cultural diversity of the island. You can admire the architecture, the art, and the sculptures of the temples, and you can also join the prayers and the ceremonies, if you are respectful and curious.
Cycling around the island:
One of the best ways to enjoy the scenery and the wildlife of Pulau Ketam is to cycle around the island. You can follow the trails that lead to the outskirts of the island, where you can see the mangrove forest, the mudflats, the fish farms, and the bird sanctuary. You can also spot some of the animals that inhabit the island, such as the crabs, the monkeys, the otters, and the eagles. You can also catch the sunset or the sunrise from the vantage points on the island, such as the Sunset View Bridge and the Sunrise View Bridge.
Enjoying the seafood:
Pulau Ketam is famous for its fresh and delicious seafood, especially the crabs. You can feast on the crab dishes that are cooked in various styles, such as the chili crab, the black pepper crab, the salted egg crab, and the steamed crab. You can also try other seafood delicacies, such as the prawns, the fish, the squid, and the clams. Some of the best places to eat on the island are the Hai Nan Restaurant, the Chin Hwa Restaurant, and the Ah Poh Restaurant.
Where to Eat and Stay on Pulau Ketam
Pulau Ketam has a range of accommodation options and prices, from budget to luxury. You can choose to stay in a hotel, a homestay, or a guesthouse, depending on your preference and budget. Some of the best places to stay on the island are:
Hotel Sea Lion: This is a three-star hotel that offers comfortable and spacious rooms with air-conditioning, TV, and private bathroom. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar, a garden, and a terrace. The hotel is located near the jetty and the village, and it costs around 100 RM per night.
Pulau Ketam Homestay: This is a homestay that offers cozy and clean rooms with fan, TV, and shared bathroom. The homestay also has a kitchen, a dining area, a lounge, and a balcony. The homestay is located in the heart of the village, and it costs around 50 RM per night.
Pulau Ketam Inn: This is a guesthouse that offers basic and affordable rooms with fan and shared bathroom. The guesthouse also has a common area, a rooftop, and a bicycle rental service. The guesthouse is located near the temple and the seafood restaurants, and it costs around 30 RM per night.
Pulau Ketam is a hidden gem that offers a unique and charming island getaway in Malaysia. It is a place where you can experience the simple and peaceful life of the fishing village, enjoy the fresh and delicious seafood, explore the colorful and quirky houses, and admire the scenic and serene views of the sea and the sky. Pulau Ketam is a place where you can disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature and yourself.
If you are looking for a different and authentic destination in Malaysia, Pulau Ketam is the place for you. Book your trip to Pulau Ketam today and discover the hidden gem of Malaysia’s Crab Island.
