about Sama² Pangkor Island
Malaysia is home to countless beautiful islands. If you’re chasing crystal-clear waters, you might head to the East Coast (Redang, Perhentian, Tioman) or the shores of Borneo. If convenience is your priority, Langkawi or Penang are the go-to choices.
While these popular spots are well-documented, information on Pangkor Island remains surprisingly scarce. Because of this, I’ve met many backpackers who left disappointed after only a day, claiming, “There’s nothing to do here."
Back in my own backpacking days, I took pride in finding the hidden charm of places that seemed “empty" at first glance. At the time, the Japanese “backpacker’s bible," Chikyu-no-Arukikata, dedicated a mere half-page to Pangkor. I never dreamed that a whim—wanting to see what lay beyond that half-page—would end up changing my entire life.
On my first trip, I met Mr. Non. He pulled a worn, tattered business card from his wallet; it was from the very guidebook I had been carrying on my journey. Mr. Non told me the editor used to visit multiple times a year. Yet, the information stayed limited to half a page—likely due to decisions at the editor-in-chief level, based on the belief that there wasn’t enough demand from Japanese tourists. “He hasn’t come back in years," Mr. Non said sadly, still clutching that old card.
My first visit was cut short, but I returned a second time, mostly out of mischief to see how he would react. His eyes lit up: “You came back!?" That moment was the true beginning of our friendship. Wanting to see that smile again, I returned year after year. With every visit, my circle of friends grew beyond just Mr. Non, and I discovered that Pangkor has endless ways to be enjoyed.
By day, I volunteered at his boat tour shop and explored hidden gems known only to locals. By night, Mr. Non’s vast network took me to corners of the island I’d never imagined. Eventually, I became known as the “eccentric Japanese guy who returns to Pangkor like it’s his hometown." More than anything, the precious memories I shared with other Japanese tourists—who kindly embraced the “friendly meddling" of Mr. Non and me—deepened my bond with this island.
Now, 18 years since my first visit and well into the second half of my life, the arrival of my daughter has made frequent trips more difficult. That is why I created “Sama² Pangkor Island." I wanted to ease the worries of travelers visiting this relatively unknown destination, using my own experiences and the latest updates from Mr. Non and my island family.
Note on Support: As this site is a personal project, I include affiliate links for hotels and travel gear to help cover server and domain costs. I truly appreciate your understanding. If you find this guide helpful, booking through these links is a wonderful way to support the site.
Your Voice Matters: If you visit Pangkor after reading this, please share your thoughts with me! Whether it’s “this was great," “I struggled with this," or “this info is outdated," your feedback helps us improve. I will do my best to pass your voices along to the island to help make Pangkor even better for future travelers.
Thank you for your support.
Sama² Pangkor Island: Production & Management December 16, 2023 — Tsukasa Tomioka
