There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Pangkor Island into a quick city adventure. From PKG, the Taxis can get you into town in around 60 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of PKG:
- Can you legally enter Malaysia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by Taxis, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the MYR. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
How to Spend Your Time in Pangkor Island
Two recommendations for your time in Pangkor Island:
Start with Dutch Fort (Kota Belanda). You can see the main features in a short visit. Then, if time allows, make your way to Fu Lin Kong Temple. The architecture is worth seeing, even from the outside.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside PKG, you can spend time at Relax in the Terminal Waiting Area or try Observe Small Aircraft Operations. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Pangkor Island: Daddy’s Cafe and Ee Ji Ban Seafood Restaurant. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Airport Snack & Drink Bar or Departure Hall Coffee Stop. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Getting to Pangkor Island from the Airport
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | ~60 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~80 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Taxis is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Pangkor Island might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$7 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$22 USD
Cards are increasingly accepted in Pangkor Island, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at PKG aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Pangkor Island itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
WiFi at PKG should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in Malaysia and you’re good to go.
Taking a Break at PKG
Long overnight layover? Your options at PKG include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Malaysia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Pangkor Island genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.