Pulau Pangkor Shopping

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There are two main factories that produce most of the sea products sold on Pangkor island. The one we visited is Eng Send. Most probably the other one is more well known and pays less commision to the van drivers.

Anyway, we got to visit the production section which is typical of family-run businesses (see pix) and tasted dried cuttlefish, hot from the oven. We bought lots of delicious sea products, notably the 'satay fish' and dried anchovies for cooking.

What to buy: I also bought crunchy, slightly sweet anchovies with honey (ikan bilis madu) that was sold at RM6 for 250 gm. They are stored in bins and can be bought by weight, cheaper and better value than those ready-packed (20 pkts in one big plastic bag, sold at RM10 for 3 bags). The things were definitely fresh. Dried oysters (big sized) for soup and broth were sold at RM12 per 100 gm. The shop near our resort sold it for RM13.50.

Read the labels of packed items carefully. Some of the products are imported, example from Thailand like dried jellyfish and the east coast (dried cuttlefish),

There is a souvenir shop next to the reception where you can buy chocolates, cookies, teas, crafts, t-shirts and other souvenirs. It's a bit pricy but it's the only shop in the island besides the one at the Spa Village, which sells mainly beauty products.

All local sea product shops.

What to buy: Latest comparison made, the price of dried squid here in Pangkor is much more cheaper than those that being sold in Mersing, Johor. Bought it in Pangkor during my visit and recently just bought in Mersing, humongous diffences both in price, quality and size. All positively goes to the dried squid from Pangkor.

What to buy: 'Pangkor' T-shirts, seashells souvenirs and dried seafood.

The best idea for gifts are, perhaps, free! Get some seashells from the beaches. You can really find beautiful patterned ones if you were patient.

What to pay: Try to bargain at shops in Pangkor Town if possible. Some items may be more expensive than usual.

There are a number of shops selling dried seafood. With modern technology, there are shops that offer vacuum-sealed packaging for increased freshness. It also looks better when you present it to family and friends.

The traditional style of dried seafood in large buckets are also on offer, and you can pick and choose from many varieties, and pay by the kg. Although the price is not so different from on the mainland shops, the turnover ensures that the produce is always fresh so you can buy with confidence.

What to buy: Dried cuttlefish - delicious in pork bone and old cucumber soup!

The ubiqutious Anchovies (ikan bilis) - all sizes and many grades

Sweetened fish and cuttlefish snacks (spicy varieties are also available)

What to pay: Dried cuttle fish – vacumm packed : RM 10 per pack

Dried sotong (in flat pieces, sort of rolled up) - $ 7 for 500gm

Curly ikan bilis – RM10 per 500gm

There is only one main street at Pangkor Town. The shops there have an air about them that nothing has changed in the past 20 years...except maybe the prices! LOL

Apart from local dried seafood, the shops also sell produce from other Malaysian states.

What to buy: Dried Cuttlefish - vacuum-packed for additional freshness
Ikan Satay-dried sweetened fish that children love to snack on
Dried cuttlefish snacks - light brown soft strips, or honey-brown sweetened pieces of fish, three to a stick. (they have quite an artificial taste, but somehow, they are very "moorish" - the more you eat, the more you want! LOL
Cheap t-shirts-RM5 (Just over US$1.30) each!

What to pay: RM5-12 per pack

What to buy: Look for sea products such as dried prawns, prawn crackers, coconut products ..etc. Prices are not really that cheap when compared to the city but its way fresher here. I bought a whole load of stuff for my mum. She was so pleased :)

Many shops in the Lumut Jetty that sells gifts, clothes and souveniers

What to buy: Fridge magnet, key chains, dry seafood

What to pay: RM5 for fridge magnet, RM2 for key chains. Generally, the dry seafood is not cheap.