The Best Bars on Pangkor Island, Malaysia

Named after a famous British colonel who sought refuge in Pulau Pangkor before escaping via submarine HMS Statesman, this bar serves a variety of drinks all day (we recommend the cocktails). Situated on the bay’s beautiful white sands, you’ll have a singular view of the sea, all without leaving your chair. This is part of the Pangkor Laut Resort, which is on the Pangkor Laut Island (also known as “the other island” or “the smaller island”). Chapman’s also serves delightful Asian and European cuisine, including salads, satays, couscous, and prawn noodles.

If you want to party like Kanye West and Kim Kardashian (without breaking the bank), then this is the place to hit. Lively and vibrant, young visitors flock to this bar like moths to a lamp. Cocktails and beer (the classic Guinness, especially) are recommended here, and the stage is open-mic style, so you can sing to your heart’s content.

Royal and resplendent, the Royal Bay Beach Club is a chic, rustic-style lounge with thick, cushioned chairs and patterned roof eaves. The relaxed vibe is perfect for sipping on your cocktail while overlooking the infinity pool and, beyond that, the glittering sea.

For a good brew, you’ll want to visit this chilled out bistro on the mainland in Lumut.  The cold imported beer is probably the best on the island, and the cocktails are worth trying (though a little expensive). Pub classics like hot dogs, steak and fries, and pizzas are available — and presented with a touch of class. Enjoy coconut trees swaying in the sea breeze as your nurse your Hoegaarden, and if you want to be closer to the sea, there are also chairs out in the grassy area.

With a snooker corner and a foosball table, you’ll frequently find this bistro-bar lively with tourists and locals. Located on the mainland in Lumut, Jook Joint serves a variety of beers and cocktails to complement your mains. If you like your meat grilled, barbecue night is on Friday. Staff are surprisingly accommodating.

It may be 30°C outside, but you wouldn’t know it at the Blue Chip Lounge. Take a break from the sun and sea with a cool drink, or unwind at the bar with a cocktail — whichever you prefer — and when the sun sets, you can thank the higher-ups for the breathtaking view. So relaxed you feel like singing? You can even test out your vocals during the evening karaoke.