Bustling streets of Pulau Ketam
PULAU Ketam is a lively haven — drawing urbanites with its colourful houses, tasty seafood and an array of distinctive encounters. The delightful island offers a charming getaway for those seeking simplicity.
To reach the island, head for the Port Klang South Port Passenger Terminal jetty, where you can catch the ferry. The most convenient route is by taking the KTM Komuter train and getting off at Port Klang Station.
Once there, it’s just a five-minute stroll to the jetty, where you can buy your ferry ticket.
The ferry journey lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, offering passengers broad vistas of clear skies, mangrove trees and, if fortunate, the sight of a few eagles gliding in the distance on a sunny day.
ROAMING THE ISLAND
Pulau Ketam welcomes explorers to a thriving community of floating villages, featuring well-constructed roads, stilt houses, community centres, hotels and a myriad of restaurants.
Visitors have the option to hire a bicycle, the primary means of getting around the village, available in both electric and pedal varieties.
Given the narrow roads, it’s important to exercise caution to avoid collisions or falling off the walkway. An excellent starting point for your exploration is Jalan Besar, the lively main street of the island adorned with numerous shops and restaurants.
Roaming around this bustling area, you will encounter shops lining both sides, offering delectable snacks and various souvenirs. The enticing aroma of seafood-related treats fills the air, tempting your taste buds.
There are plenty of snack options and souvenirs to choose from and bring back home.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES
While on the Pulau Ketam journey, visitors can explore a dried prawn factory and witness the fascinating process of drying prawns. This method includes seasoning the prawns with salt at a high temperature for preservation, followed by leaving them out to dry in the sun on a wooden platform at the factory for a day or two.
The best part? You can try the freshly dried shrimp right then and there, adding a flavourful twist to your visit. Other than that, visitors can also explore other hidden gems like the boat-making factory, which happens to be the only one on the island.
Here, you can watch talented craftsmen in action as they create boats right before your eyes. It’s a unique chance to get a closer look at the island’s maritime traditions and see skilled hands at work.
BOAT RIDE
Visitors also have the chance to discover the island village by enjoying a nice boat ride through different villages and fish farms. Picture yourself strolling along narrow walkways of surrounding ponds filled with impressive schools of fishes, evoking the ambience of a floating padi field. As the evening approaches, consider a boat trip to a designated eagle feeding spot.
A boatman will disperse chicken innards into the sea, luring wild eagles from the nearby mangrove swamps. Seeing these impressive birds gliding nearby is an amazing experience and makes for a great way to end your day in this genuine island.
In essence, Pulau Ketam offers a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone. Whether you’re interested in culture, food, or simply want to unwind, this colourful island has something for you.