Top 10 Fishing Villages in Malaysia

October 31, 2025

Synopsis

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Malaysia’s fishing villages are peaceful coastal gems that capture the heart of traditional life by the sea. With colorful boats, wooden jetties, and the aroma of freshly grilled seafood, these kampung nelayan are perfect for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences away from the crowds.

From Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo, here are the Top 10 Fishing Villages in Malaysia you should explore.

1. Pasir Penambang, Selangor

Pasir Penambang is a fishing village located just across the bridge from Kuala Selangor town. The jetty area sits along the Selangor River and is surrounded by local seafood restaurants, small shops, and a laid-back riverfront vibe.28 Jun 2025

Just an hour and a half from Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Selangor is a blend of fishing heritage and natural beauty. Visit Pasir Penambang Fishing Village for seafood by the river and take a night boat ride to witness the magical fireflies.

Boat tours:

Pasir Penambang is a hub for several river tours that typically depart from the main jetty area.

Firefly watching: Experience one of the largest firefly colonies in the world by taking a night tour to see the insects light up the mangrove trees along the riverbanks.
Eagle feeding: Witness hundreds of eagles circling and swooping down to catch food from the water’s surface during a daytime boat trip.
Sky Mirror: Visit this natural phenomenon, where a sandbar appears during low tide to create a reflective surface, offering stunning photo opportunities.
Blue Tears: This nighttime boat tour allows you to see the “blue tears,” a magical glowing effect in the water caused by bioluminescent dinoflagellates.

Dining:

Seafood: The village is renowned for its fresh and delicious seafood, which is served in the many restaurants lining the river.
Riverfront dining: Numerous open-air seafood restaurants offer fresh prawns, crabs, clams, and fish with a relaxing view of the sunset over the river.
Local markets: Visitors can stroll through the markets to see the day’s fresh catches, reflecting the village’s deep fishing heritage.

Highlights:

Firefly boat tours
Fresh seafood restaurants
Bukit Melawati & lighthouse

Planning your visit:

Best time to visit: The months from December to February offer pleasant weather for exploring, though it’s important to be mindful of rainfall, especially for firefly tours.
Getting there: Pasir Penambang is most conveniently accessed by car from Kuala Lumpur. Other options include taking a bus and taxi, which is a longer journey.
Accommodation: The area offers a range of hotel options, providing a convenient base for exploring Kuala Selangor’s natural attractions.

2. Bagan, Sekinchan

Bagan is the main fishing village in Sekinchan. This fishing village is located along the river and small seaport southwest of the town.

Sekinchan combines lush paddy fields with a thriving fishing community. The Bagan Fishing Village is known for its colorful boats and anchovy drying yards — a photographer’s dream spot.

Location: Situated along the river and small seaport, southwest of the main town area.
Economy: Primarily driven by the fishing industry.
Activity: The village is a hub of fishing activity, with boats heading out to sea in the morning.

Highlights:

Paddy field views
Local anchovy industry
Homestays & seafood
Seafood restaurant without air-con at sekinchan.

3. Pulau Ketam (Crab Island), Selangor

Pulau Ketam, or Crab Island, is a stilt fishing village in Selangor, Malaysia, accessible by ferry from Port Klang. It is a car-free island known for fresh seafood, local culture, and picturesque scenery, making it a popular day trip from Kuala Lumpur.

A floating village accessible from Port Klang, Pulau Ketam is built entirely on wooden stilts. This island community offers fresh seafood, Chinese fishing culture, and scenic bicycle rides.

Highlights:

Stilt houses over water
Seafood restaurants
Bicycle-friendly island

What to do on Pulau Ketam:

Explore the village: Wander through the car-free village, with its colorful houses on stilts and wooden walkways, and visit local temples.
Enjoy fresh seafood: The island is famous for its seafood, particularly local specialties like fried oyster omelettes and seafood dishes.
Take a bike ride: Rent a bicycle to cover more ground and see more of the island’s unique landscape.
Visit a fish farm: See how seafood is farmed and produced on the island’s fish farms.
Go souvenir shopping: Buy local produce, dried fish, and “keropok” (crackers) from the shops and stalls.
Take photos: Capture the unique architecture, local life, and beautiful sunsets, especially from spots that offer great photo opportunities.

4. Kuala Sepetang, Perak

Also known as Port Weld, this village near Taiping is rich in heritage and nature. Famous for its charcoal kilns and Matang Mangrove Forest, Kuala Sepetang offers eco-tours and riverside seafood dining.

Highlights:

Charcoal factory visit
Mangrove river cruise
Fresh seafood markets

5. Kukup, Johor

Kukup is a traditional fishing village on stilts, overlooking the Straits of Johor. It’s known for floating seafood restaurants, homestays, and boat trips to Kukup Island National Park.

Highlights:

Sea-view chalets
Mangrove island tours
Local seafood dishes

6. Kuala Perlis, Perlis

Malaysia’s northernmost fishing town, Kuala Perlis is a quiet coastal spot famous for sunset views and its ferry link to Langkawi.

Kuala Perlis is home to a fishing village, which includes several smaller villages, a major Wholesale Fishery Complex, and a colorful fishing village beautified through a royal project. It is a significant fishing hub with a port, fish market, and a vibrant atmosphere, offering an authentic look at local life and the fishing industry.

Highlights:

Ferry to Langkawi
Ikan bakar (grilled fish)
Waterfront mosque

7. Tanjung Dawai, Kedah

Facing the Straits of Malacca, Tanjung Dawai is known for its fish markets and boat trips to Pantai Merdeka. It’s a great stop for a taste of local Malay seafood culture.

Highlights:

Seafood market
Boat rides across Merbok River
Peaceful coastal setting

8. Kuala Terengganu (Seberang Takir & Pulau Duyong), Terengganu

These fishing villages near the city are famous for traditional boat-building. Watch craftsmen create wooden fishing boats without modern tools.

Highlights:

Boat-making workshops
Crystal Mosque nearby
Keropok lekor (fish crackers)

9. Kudat, Sabah

Located at the Tip of Borneo, Kudat’s fishing villages combine Bajau and Rungus traditions. Expect turquoise seas, cultural homestays, and incredible sunsets.

Highlights:

Traditional longhouses
Simpang Mengayau sunset point
Seafood & coconut-based cuisine

10. Kampung Bako, Sarawak

Kampung Bako is a Malay fishing village located near Bako National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia, about 20 kilometers from Kuching. It serves as the starting point for trips to the Bako national park, where visitors can catch a boat to reach the park’s headquarters after a 30-minute boat ride.

The gateway to Bako National Park, this fishing village offers rustic homestays, jungle adventures, and close encounters with proboscis monkeys.

Highlights:

Access to Bako National Park
Boat rides through mangroves
Local seafood eateries

🌊 Tips for Visiting Fishing Villages

Best Time to Visit: November–March (dry season)
Getting Around: Car rental or local ferry services
Stay Options: Homestays, seaside chalets, or boutique inns
Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly and be mindful during fishing hours

🐠 Experience Coastal Malaysia

Exploring these fishing villages offers more than scenic views — it’s a journey into Malaysia’s coastal heritage, where fishermen’s lives, local cuisines, and traditional wooden houses tell stories of the sea.