Pulau Undan

September 17, 2025

Synopsis

5/5 (3 Votes)

Pulau Undan Overview

Pulau Undan (Undan Island) is a pair of small, mostly uninhabited islets off the coast of Melaka (Malacca), Malaysia. The larger islet is topped by an old colonial-era lighthouse and a modern communications tower; the smaller islet connects to it by a sand tombolo at low tide. The islands are prized for clear shallow reefs, snorkeling and scuba sites, fishing, and dramatic photo opportunities around the lighthouse — an atmospheric, off-the-beaten-path escape from Melaka’s city bustle.

The Journey to Pulau Undan

Quick summary: reachable only by boat from Melaka (Anjung Batu / local jetties). Typical boat ride from the mainland takes roughly 30–45 minutes depending on sea conditions. Arrange a licensed island-hopping or charter operator in Melaka rather than trying to go without a registered boat.

Tips for the trip:

Book with a registered operator that runs Melaka island-hopping & snorkeling trips.
Check tide times — the two islets can be walked between at low tide via a tombolo, but access differs at high tide.
Bring sun protection, drinking water, and a waterproof bag — there are no public facilities on the islets.

Things to Do on Pulau Undan

Snorkeling — shallow reefs around the islets are good for spotting reef fish and corals.
Scuba diving — popular with dive operators for day dives around reefs and bommies.
Lighthouse photography — the colonial lighthouse and nearby concrete radar/communication tower are dramatic subjects. Access to the lighthouse structures is restricted, but the exterior and views are photogenic.
Beachcombing & short hikes — explore the small sandy coves, rocky outcrops and the short, easy walking routes across the islet.
Fishing & angling — local charters offer fishing stops nearby.
Camping (subject to rules) — some operators offer overnight camping trips but check the national marine park rules and permissions.

“A tiny island with a big lighthouse: Pulau Undan feels like stepping into a vintage postcard of the Straits of Malacca.” — Trip vibe

Pulau Undan Geography

Feature	Notes
Number of islets	Two main islets (a larger one with the lighthouse and a smaller companion linked at low tide).
Size	Very small overall — the group covers only a few hectares; beaches are short.
Topography	Rocky outcrops, low vegetation, a small sandy tombolo connecting islets at low tide, and man-made lighthouse/communications structures.
Marine setting	Located in the Strait of Malacca ~25 km off Melaka; reefs and rocky seabeds surround the islets.

Beaches in Pulau Undan

Main sandy cove (larger islet) — small, sheltered sand perfect for sunbathing and easy snorkeling close to shore.
Tombolo beach (connecting sandbar) — appears at low tide; fun to walk across but avoid during rising tides.
Rocky points — great for fishing, photos and watching seabirds.

Stay on Pulau Undan — Accommodation Tips

Pulau Undan does not have hotels or permanent guesthouses on the islets. Most visitors do day trips or overnight boat/camping trips arranged from Melaka. If you want to stay close by, base yourself in Melaka (town) where a wide range of hotels, guesthouses and homestays are available.

Accommodation strategy:

Day trip from Melaka for snorkeling/lighthouse photos (most common).
Overnight boat + camping with licensed operator (if offered) — confirm permits and safety gear.

MyTrip Recommended Stays

Overview: Comfortable mid-range hotel in Melaka close to Anjung Batu / coastal jetties — ideal base to catch island-hopping departures in the morning.
Room types: Standard, Superior, Family suites.
Facilities: Airport transfers (optional), tour desk for island hopping, breakfast included, Wi-Fi.
Special perks: Book island-hopping + snorkeling combo through hotel tour desk for convenience and vetted operators.

(Note: Pulau Undan itself has no hotels; choose Melaka city hotels close to jetty departure points.)

Food & Dining on/near Pulau Undan

🌴 Where to Eat (in Melaka before/after your trip)

Local seafood restaurants near the coastal jetties and Melaka town (fresh grilled fish, sambal prawns).
Hawker stalls & Nyonya eateries in Melaka — perfect for pre- or post-island dining.

🍤 What to Try

Grilled fish or ikan bakar (local style)
Nyonya laksa or assam pedas (tangy fish stew)
Fresh seafood dishes with sambal or coconut-based sauces

Tips for Tourists

Packing: reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel mask (or rent), water, hat, quick-dry clothes, waterproof phone case, basic first-aid.
Safety: Only use licensed boat operators; obey marine park hours and rules. Bring seasickness meds if prone.
Local customs & etiquette: Melaka is culturally Malay-Chinese-Indian — dress modestly when ashore at local villages; be respectful around religious sites on the mainland.
Environment: Carry out all trash; avoid touching corals and collecting shells.

How to Get There — Step-by-step

Nearest city/airport: Melaka (Malacca) — nearest major airports: Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) or Melaka’s small airfields; many visitors travel by road from KL (2–3 hours).
Transfer to departure jetty: Head to Anjung Batu Jetty or other Melaka island-hopping jetties — book island-hopping or charter boats that include Pulau Undan stops.
Boat ride: Expect ~30–45 minutes of open-sea ride (time varies with operator and sea state).
On arrival: Short walks on the islet; observe restricted areas (lighthouse compound closed to public access).

Boat Schedule / Tickets / Fares

Typical arrangement: There is no fixed public ferry line with frequent, scheduled daily services exclusively to Pulau Undan. Most visitors join island-hopping tours that include Pulau Undan, Pulau Nangka and Pulau Dodol. Book through Melaka tour desks or licensed operators.
Fare ranges (estimate): Day-trip island-hopping/snorkeling packages typically range from budget to mid-range: RM 60–200+ per person depending on inclusions (snorkel gear, lunch, transfers). Prices vary seasonally and by operator.
Ticket tips: Book in advance for weekends/holidays; confirm cancellation and safety policies; verify whether snorkeling equipment & lunch are included.

Best Time to Visit

Ideal months: March–October (generally calmer seas and clearer water for snorkeling/diving).
Peak times: Weekends and Malaysian public holidays. Plan ahead if visiting on a weekend.
Avoid: Rough monsoon swells or heavy rain days — boat operators may cancel trips for safety.

Interesting Facts about Pulau Undan

The island group was historically a navigational point in the busy Strait of Malacca and hosts a colonial-era lighthouse built in the late 19th century.
“Undan” is said to derive from a seabird (pelican) historically seen in the area — the name relates to local maritime wildlife.

Travel Tips — Extra Advice

Budgeting: Expect to pay for transport, park fees (if applicable), snorkel rental and meals — bring some cash as small vendors may not accept cards.
Connectivity: Mobile signal can be patchy on the islets; download maps and emergency contacts beforehand.
Tours: Pick operators who limit group sizes to reduce reef impact and who provide lifejackets and safety briefings.

Final Thoughts: Why Visit Pulau Undan?

Pulau Undan is a small but atmospheric destination: perfect for travelers who love nautical history, lighthouse photography, snorkeling in clear, sheltered reefs and quiet island-hopping away from crowded tourist beaches. It’s a micro-adventure — compact, scenic and easy to combine with a Melaka city stay.

FAQ — Pulau Undan

Is Pulau Undan family-friendly?
Yes for day trips and gentle snorkeling near shore; however, facilities are minimal so bring essentials and supervise children closely.

Are there medical facilities on the island?
No. The islets have no medical facilities — return to Melaka for medical attention. Carry a basic first-aid kit.

Can I climb or enter the lighthouse?
No — the lighthouse compound and communications tower are restricted and closed to the public. You can photograph them from outside.

Can I camp overnight on Pulau Undan?
Overnight stays depend on park rules and operator permissions. The Melaka marine park has rules about activity hours — confirm with authorities/operators before planning to camp.

Is Pulau Undan good for scuba diving?
Yes — local dive operators run day dives around the islets; visibility and conditions vary seasonally. Book with certified dive operators.

How long should I allocate for a visit?
A typical day-trip is 4–8 hours including boat transfers, snorkeling, beach time and return transit. For a relaxed pace, combine with an overnight in Melaka.