Visit Malaysia Year 2014 - Pulau Ketam, Selangor

To support Visit Malaysia Year 2014, I will be writing on various tourist attractions in the country. Let us work together to bring in tourists to our lovely Malaysia.

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There are many beautiful islands in Malaysia but none is more interesting than Pulau Ketam. A charming little fishing village about 30 minutes ferry ride from Port Klang, the island offers no pristine beaches but plenty of characters.

Welcome to Pulau Ketam

The strong scent of the ocean welcomes you as you step off the ferry much like the greeting of a familiar face. The rustic feel of the island goes well with the lack of motorized vehicles in the island, a rule implemented here. The people on the island goes on with their days just by walking or bicycles. However, don't be surprise to find them walking past you. Even in a small island, they seem to be in constant rush.

Fishing boats dock by the jetty

The lifestyle here in Pulau Ketam is nothing but idlistic. There is nothing much to do other than lazily walking around the colourful streets, taking in the sights and sounds the market has to offer, watching the people tending their own businesses.

The colourful houses in Pulau Ketam

When it is time to feed your growling stomach, choose one of the many seafood restaurants along the main road. After all, this being a fishing village, it is not complete without seafood cuisines. After lunch, explore more of the island. Perhaps rent a bicycle and slowly cruise through the houses and its colourful facades.

That is pretty much what Pulau Ketam has to offer. It may not be much but it is an escape to the hectic lifestyle you are accustomed to in Kuala Lumpur. And a change of pace from city life is what doctor would prescribe for the weekend.

As the sun sets

Info Box

Pulau Ketam, Selangor.
The earliest ferry ride to Pulau Ketam is 8.45 a.m. while the last ferry to the island is 6.30 p.m. (on weekdays) and 7.10 p.m. (on weekends). From Pulau Ketam, the earliest ferry back to Port Klang jetty is 7.45 a.m. while the last ride is 5.30 p.m. (on weekdays) and 6.00 p.m. (on weekends).
Price for the ferry ride is RM 7.00 one way.

#TSBreakAway - 7 Shots of Pulau Ketam

"The main issue we are dealing with here in Pulau Ketam is the rubbish problem," said Mr Song Soon Guan, councillor for Klang Municipal Council. Even if he didn't point it out, we could see it with our own eyes. 

Plastic bags, polystyrene containers, water bottles, aluminium cans, and even baby diapers surfaced on the island as the water receded. During low tide, Pulau Ketam looks like a town built on top of a landfill site. It is simply an ungodly sight. How did this happen? I find this illustration the best answer to it.

It is a shame, really, for Pulau Ketam is quite a characteristic little fishing island. Colourful houses on wooden stilts scattered throughout the island. Small boats docked by the shore, getting ready for its seafaring hours. Villagers cycled about in surprising speed, leaving me befuddled as to why they were in such a hurry. 

Pulau Ketam just screams, "Photograph me!" So, I did. Like the previous post on 7 shots of Klang, here's my 7 shots of the island. I hope they do convey the idle lifestyle of this quaint island.