Pulau Ketam (Crab Island)
Discover Pulau Ketam: Malaysia’s Crab Island
Pulau Ketam is located off the coast of Port Klang, Selangor, Pulau Ketam is a hidden gem known for its unique stilt houses, traditional fishing village life, and fresh seafood delights. Often called Crab Island, this quaint destination offers travelers a tranquil retreat from the bustling city life of Kuala Lumpur. Explore local culture, stunning mangroves, and vibrant seafood markets while cycling through the island’s narrow wooden paths.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Strait of Malacca |
| Coordinates | 3°2′18.5″N 101°14′48.8″E |
| Area | 22.921 km² (8.850 sq mi) |
| Country | Malaysia |
| State | Selangor |
| District | Klang |
| Mukim | Klang |
| Population (2016) | 2,000 |
| Ethnic Groups | Majority Chinese (Hokkien, Teochew, and Hainanese); Minority Malays, Mah Meri, and Temuan |
How to Reach Pulau Ketam
Pulau Ketam, or Crab Island, is a small island off the coast of Port Klang, Malaysia, lies about 16 km off Port Klang, making it easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Getting to Pulau Ketam:
- By Car: Drive to Port Klang Jetty (~1 hour from Kuala Lumpur) and park at the ferry terminal.
- By Public Transport: Take a KTM Komuter train to Port Klang Station, then a short taxi ride to the jetty.
- By Ferry: Ferries from Port Klang run regularly; journey takes 30–45 minutes.
History & Background: A Traditional Fishing Village
Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) was founded by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century. Its economy traditionally revolves around fishing, crabbing, and aquaculture. The island’s stilt houses reflect its Cantonese and Hokkien heritage, offering a living snapshot of Malaysia’s fishing village culture. Despite modernization elsewhere, Pulau Ketam has preserved its old-world charm, making it a cultural and historical destination.
Unknown/Interesting Facts About Pulau Ketam (Crab Island)
- Early Settlement: The island was first settled around 1880 by Hainanese fishermen who came initially to catch crabs, which gave the island its name.
- The Kongsi House History: Early residents built “Kongsi Houses” (meaning ‘sharing’ houses) where multiple families lived together. These are now largely a part of the island’s history as most villagers now have their own separate homes.
- A War Refuge: During the Japanese occupation of Malaya, many people fled to Pulau Ketam because it was considered a safe and peaceful place away from the war.
- Fire Tragedies: The main village has experienced at least two major fires (in 1967 and 1972) that destroyed many houses and shops, leading to the formation of the local volunteer fire brigade (Bomba Sukarela Pulau Ketam) in 1972.
- No Graveyards: One unique and somber detail is that the deceased are transported off the island for burial as there are no cemeteries on Pulau Ketam itself.
- Tidal Changes: The island experiences four tide changes daily, drastically altering the view and accessibility of the water underneath the stilt houses.
Local Lifestyle & Culture (Crab Island)
Life on Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) is slow-paced and community-oriented.
Key Cultural Highlights:
- Languages: Mandarin, Hokkien, Malay
- Traditions: Fishing and seafood farming remain central to daily life
- Festivals: Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and local fishing celebrations
- Community: Locals are friendly, often inviting visitors to learn about crab fishing and shrimp farming
Attractions & Things to Do in Pulau Ketam
Pulau Ketam (Crab Island) is perfect for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Top 5 Things to Do:
- Explore Stilt Villages: Walk through iconic wooden houses over water.
- Visit Crab and Seafood Markets: See freshly caught seafood sold directly by local fishermen.
- Mangrove Tours: Take a boat trip through lush mangrove forests.
- Cycle Around the Island: Rent a bike to explore narrow pathways and piers.
- Sunset Photography: Capture scenic views over the Straits of Malacca.
Hidden Gems:
- Small temples tucked into villages
- Quiet fishing piers for relaxation
- Shrimp farms offering insight into local aquaculture
Food & Local Cuisine (Crab Island)
Seafood is the star of Pulau Ketam’s culinary scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Crab in Black Pepper or Chili Sauce – Pulau Ketam’s signature dish
- Fresh Prawns and Shrimp
- Stir-fried Clams and Shellfish
- Seafood Hotpot – Ideal for sharing
- Traditional Fried Noodles and Rice
Where to Eat in (Crab Island):
- Seaside seafood restaurants along the main pier
- Local hawker stalls serving Hokkien and Cantonese specialties
Accommodation in (Crab Island)
While Pulau Ketam is mainly a day-trip destination, there are homestays for overnight visitors:
- Budget: Basic homestays from MYR 50 per night
- Mid-range: Comfortable guesthouses near the main pier
- Unique Stays: Overnight in traditional stilt houses for an authentic experience
- Luxury: Stay in Port Klang or Kuala Lumpur and take a day trip
Shopping & Souvenirs
Take home a piece of Pulau Ketam with local products:
- Dried seafood: Salted fish, dried shrimp, crab products
- Handicrafts: Small trinkets made by local artisans
- Fresh seafood: Ideal for travelers with proper storage
Nearby Places to Visit
- Port Klang: Explore the harbor town with local eateries
- Kuala Selangor: Firefly colonies and Bukit Melawati
- Pulau Indah: Industrial and eco-tourism attractions
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: March–September for calm seas
- Transport: Ferries to the island; cycling is the main mode on Pulau Ketam
- Safety: Watch your step on wooden piers
- Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly for temple visits and ask before photographing locals
Pulau Ketam: Essential Travel Logistics
The information you provided covers the ferry services and parking at Port Klang South Port, which is the main departure point for Pulau Ketam.
1. 🅿️ Car Parking at ASA NIAGA HARBOUR CITY
The parking rates sign you provided is from May 1, 2012. While parking rates often change over time, the structure indicates the area and the charges:
| Parking Details | Rate (Based on May 2012 Sign) |
| Operating Hours (Monday to Sunday) | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| First Hour or Part Thereof | RM 1.00 |
| Subsequent Hour or Part Thereof | RM 1.00 |
| Maximum Daily Rate (Maksima Sehari) | RM 8.00 |
| Flat Rate (7:00 PM – 7:00 AM) | RM 2.00 |
| Lost Ticket Fine (Denda Kehilangan Tiket) | RM 50.00 |
Note: Since the rate is over a decade old, current rates may be higher. It is advisable to check the current signage upon arrival at the Port Klang South Port Passenger Terminal (next to the ASA NIAGA HARBOUR CITY car park).
2. ⛴️ Ferry Schedules and Fares (Pulau Ketam Cruises)
Two main ferry operators serve the route between Port Klang South Port Passenger Terminal and Pulau Ketam: PKF (Pulau Ketam Ferry) and Alibaba Cruises.
A. Alibaba Cruises (Air-conditioned, Newer Fleet)
The price and schedule information you provided and confirmed via recent searches suggests the following is the latest from Alibaba Cruises:
| Ticket Type | One-Way Fare | Round Trip Fare | Effective From 03 November 2025 |
| Adult | RM 15 | RM 25 | |
| Child (4–12 years old) | RM 10 | RM 16 |
| Alibaba Cruises Latest Schedule (Approximate) |
| Port Klang to Pulau Ketam: Departs every hour from 8:30 AM onward, with the last departure typically around 6:30 PM. |
| Pulau Ketam to Port Klang: Starts as early as 7:30 AM, with the last departure typically around 5:30 PM. |
Buying Tickets: You can purchase tickets at the Alibaba Cruises Ticket Counter at the Port Klang South Port Passenger Terminal or buy online via platforms like EasyBook, redBus, and Klook.
B. PKF (Standard Ferry)
The schedule sign you provided is from January 15, 2020. While the original RM 9 (Adult Single Way) price is still sometimes quoted, be aware that schedules and prices may have slightly adjusted since 2020.
| PKF Ferry Schedule (Based on Jan 2020 Sign) | Port Klang (P. Klang) to Pulau Ketam (P. Ketam) | Pulau Ketam (P. Ketam) to Port Klang (P. Klang) |
| Monday to Friday (Isnin hingga Jumaat) | Every hour from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Every hour from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays | Every hour from 8:25 AM to 7:00 PM | Every hour from 7:25 AM to 6:00 PM |
Note on PKF: Some PKF trips (marked “經五条港” or “via Sg. Lima” on the sign) may stop at Sungai Lima, a separate fishing village on Pulau Ketam, before proceeding to the main Pulau Ketam jetty. Check the destination with the counter staff.
3. 🚤 Speedboat Option
- There is also a non-scheduled speed boat service (20-minute journey) that departs when full.
- Adult Fare (Single Way): RM 10
- Child Fare (Single Way): RM 5
✅ Summary of Key Travel Information
- Departure Point: Port Klang South Port Passenger Terminal.
- Journey Time: Approximately 35 minutes by ferry, 20 minutes by speed boat.
- Final Tip: Always confirm the last return ferry schedule for your chosen operator when you arrive at Pulau Ketam, especially if you are only doing a day trip.
Why Visit Pulau Ketam
Pulau Ketam is a must-visit destination in Malaysia for travelers seeking cultural authenticity, scenic beauty, and fresh seafood experiences. Its stilt houses, mangroves, and fishing village lifestyle offer a peaceful escape while immersing visitors in local traditions. Whether for a day trip or a unique overnight stay, Pulau Ketam is a charming retreat that captures the heart of Malaysia’s coastal heritage.
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