Malacca Islands and Beaches

Pulau Besar

Located approximately three nautical miles off Pengkalan Pernu in Umbai, 10 km south of Malacca town, is Pulau Besar. Covering an area of 133 hectares, it is the largest of eight islands off the coast of Malacca. Believed to be the location of Malaysia's earliest civilisation, it abounds with legends of mermaids and princesses, as well as sacred graves and shrines.

Its unspoilt beauty makes it a tranquil haven for those in search of fresh air and white sandy beaches. There is an international class hotel and several beach chalets, an 18-hole international golf course, a yacht club and a host of water sport facilities for fishing, parasailing, windsurfing, water-skiing and snorkelling.

The island is an equally inviting spot for island hopping, swimming, camping, picnicking and jungle trekking.

Getting There
Syarikat Kenderaan Aziz bus line operates regular services to Umbai from the Jalan Tun Ali Terminal in Malacca town. From the Pengkalan Pernu jetty, a speedboat then transports you to the island; the journey takes 15 minutes. A 45-minute boat service is also available from the Shahbandar jetty and the jetty behind the State Tourist Information Centre in Malacca town.

Pulau Upeh (Hawksbill Turtle spotting)

Pulau Upeh is two nautical miles off the coast of Klebang. A tiny island of seven acres, it can easily be explored on foot within 30 minutes.

Formerly known as Ilha Das Pedra, which means 'places of stone', the island has come a long way from its quarrying days when the Portuguese reigned supreme.

Now the island attracts visitors to its turtle grounds and various historical sites like the British Memorial Mast, an old well and World War II relics.

It also has spectacular sunset strips and an 80-foot observation tower.

One of the Earth's rare species, the Hawksbill Turtle is a medium-sized marine turtle with a hawk-like beak and a thorny shell. Brown and lightly striped, these turtles find their ideal resting ground on the island of Upeh. The egg-laying season is from March to June but visitors can expect to catch sight of at least a few turtles every night throughout the year.

In terms of accommodation, Pulau Upeh Resort offers guests a choice of 72 rooms ranging from suites to chalets. It also has facilities for fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and jet-skiing.

Tanjung Kling / Pantai Kundor

Another enchanting beach along the Straits of Malacca is Tanjung Kling, about 15 km north of Malacca town.

A white sandy stretch set within a coconut grove, it is good for swimming, picnicking and canoeing.

For sightseeing, just north of the beach, there is the unique octagonal minaret and tiled steps of the Tanjung Kling Mosque. About 1 km away lies the grave of Hang Tuah, the legendary Malay warrior.

Pantai Kundor is about 2 km further down. It has a nice beach with a good stretch of white sand.

How to Get There
Tanjung Kling may be reached by the Patt Hup bus from the Jalan Tun Ali bus terminal in Malacca town.

Tanjung Bidara

Tanjung Bidara, 30 km north-west of Malacca town, is one of the state's more popular beaches. The white sandy beach shaded by swaying casuarinas has a cove that is perfect for swimming and water sports.

This are also perfect picnic spots for families. Half the fun is getting there: the journey requires you to travel through Malacca's scenic countryside of padi fields and Malay villages.

For those seeking a weekend getaway, there are chalets and motels rooms at Tanjung Bidara Resort, which is also equipped with tennis courts, game rooms and facilities for canoeing, water-skiing and jet-skiing.

How to Get There
Express buses and taxis plying the Kuala Lumpur-Malacca route are available at the Puduraya terminal in Kuala Lumpur. From Malacca town, catch another taxi or the Patt Hup bus en route to Tanjung Bidara at the Jalan Tun Ali Terminal.

You can also travel by car from Kuala Lumpur, using the North-South Expressway to the Alor Gajah intersection. Then drive along the Lendu Road to Masjid Tanah and Tanjung Bidara. It takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to reach Malacca town from Kuala Lumpur and 2 hours from Singapore.