Pulau Upeh
Pulau Upeh Overview
Pulau Upeh (formely known as “Liha Das Pedras”, meaning place of stones), a conspicuous, densely-wooded islet, about 34m high to the tops of the trees, stands offshore about 3 miles W of St. Paul’s Hill.
Pulau Upeh, or Upeh Island, is a small islet located off the coast of Klebang, Melaka, Malaysia. Known as one of the state’s most significant hawksbill turtle nesting sites, it offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of Melaka City. Despite its modest size, Pulau Upeh is treasured for its natural charm, shallow beaches, and ecological importance. The island is ideal for nature lovers, eco-tourists, and travelers looking for an authentic Malaysian coastal experience.
Upeh Island (Malay: Pulau Upeh) is an islet located 600 metres off the coast of the town of Klebang in the Malaysian state of Malacca. Two miles north of the Malacca River entrance, only a half-mile offshore the new reclamation, is the tiny island of Pulau Upeh.
Upeh Island is considered an easy hike that covers 0.4 mi, with an elevation gain of 36 ft. It takes about 0.5–1 hr to complete.
The Journey to Pulau Upeh
How to Reach Pulau Upeh
Pulau Upeh lies close to Klebang, just a short boat ride away from Melaka’s mainland.
- Nearest City: Melaka City (20–30 minutes by car to Klebang)
- Nearest Jetty: Klebang Jetty or Lorong Bayu area
- Boat Ride Duration: 10–20 minutes
- Travel Time from Kuala Lumpur: Approximately 2–2.5 hours by car
Travel Tip:
Book your boat transfer in advance, especially during weekends or the turtle nesting season. Always check sea conditions before departure.
Things to Do in Pulau Upeh
1. Turtle Watching (Seasonal)
Pulau Upeh is historically one of Malaysia’s most important hawksbill turtle nesting sites. Between March and June, you can join conservation-based guided tours to witness turtle nesting under moonlight — an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
2. Snorkeling & Shallow Reef Exploration
Bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the island’s shallow reefs and seagrass beds. While visibility can vary, you’ll often spot small fish and coral patches near the shore.
3. Beach Picnics & Relaxation
With its quiet sands and gentle waves, Pulau Upeh is perfect for a peaceful beach picnic. Families often visit for a short half-day escape from Melaka City.
4. Nature Walks & Photography
Explore the island’s short trails and abandoned structures, which offer a rustic charm and great photo opportunities — especially during sunrise or sunset.
5. Bird & Marine Life Observation
Spot local bird species and occasional marine creatures along the rocky shoreline. Bring binoculars for the best experience.
Pulau Upeh Geography
Pulau Upeh is a single, compact island surrounded by shallow coastal waters.
- Size: Small and easily explored on foot.
- Distance from Mainland: Approximately 600 meters from Klebang’s coast.
- Topography: Low-lying sandy beaches with small vegetation patches and remnants of old resort buildings.
Due to nearby land reclamation projects, Pulau Upeh has become more accessible and closer to the shore than in previous decades.
Beaches in Pulau Upeh
| Beach Name | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Turtle Nesting Beach | Soft sandy shoreline used by hawksbill turtles for laying eggs | Turtle watching, night tours |
| Rocky Coves | Small inlets with rocky formations and tidal pools | Snorkeling, photography |
| Jetty Beach | Boat landing area | Access point, fishing, sunset views |
Note: Avoid disturbing turtle nesting sites and always follow eco-tourism guidelines.
Stay on Pulau Upeh
While Pulau Upeh once had a small resort, it is currently not operational. Visitors typically stay on the mainland and make day trips to the island.
Recommended Base: Klebang or Melaka City, where you can find a range of hotels and guesthouses.
MyTrip Recommended Stay: Klebang Seafront Guesthouse
Overview:
A cozy, budget-friendly guesthouse near Klebang Beach — ideal for travelers planning early morning boat rides to Pulau Upeh.
Room Types: Standard, Twin, and Family Rooms
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, breakfast, airport transfers, and tour booking assistance
Special Perk: Walking distance to the Klebang beachfront and local food stalls.
Food & Dining in and Around Pulau Upeh
🌴 Where to Eat
While Pulau Upeh itself doesn’t have restaurants, the nearby Klebang area and Melaka City offer fantastic dining options:
- Klebang Original Coconut Shake
- Ikan Bakar Muara Sungai Duyong
- Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan Restaurant
- Nancy’s Kitchen (Nyonya Cuisine)
🍤 What to Try
- Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish) — a coastal specialty
- Nyonya Laksa — rich, spicy coconut-based noodle soup
- Satay Celup — Melaka’s signature skewered meat in peanut sauce
- Seafood Mee Hoon Soup — comforting and flavorful local dish
Tips for Tourists
- Bring: Sunscreen, hat, snorkel gear, insect repellent, drinking water
- Avoid: Visiting during high tide or rough weather
- Respect Wildlife: Never touch or disturb turtles or their nests
- Dress Modestly: Especially when returning to mainland Melaka
- Connectivity: Mobile coverage on the island may be limited — download offline maps
How to Get There (Step-by-Step)
- Fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA/KLIA2)
- Travel to Melaka by car or bus (2–2.5 hours)
- Head to Klebang Jetty (20–30 minutes from Melaka City)
- Charter a boat to Pulau Upeh (10–20 minutes)
- Return on the same day or as part of an island-hopping tour
Estimated Boat Fare: RM30–RM120 per person, depending on group size and operator.
Boat Schedule / Tickets / Fares
| Type | Duration | Fare Range | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Charter | 10–20 mins | RM80–RM150 per boat | Pre-book via operator |
| Group Tour | Half-day | RM30–RM60 per person | Hotel or local agency |
| Turtle Watching Tour | Night (seasonal) | RM60–RM120 per person | Eco-tour operator |
Best Time to Visit Pulau Upeh
| Season | Weather | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| March – June | Warm, calm seas | Turtle nesting, snorkeling |
| July – October | Occasional rain | Short visits, sightseeing |
| November – February | Monsoon influences | Avoid heavy seas |
The best time for turtle watching and beach activities is March to June, when conditions are ideal and conservation programs are active.
Interesting Facts about Pulau Upeh
- Once located farther offshore, the island now sits close to the mainland due to land reclamation.
- Pulau Upeh was a key hawksbill turtle nesting site in Malaysia.
- Remnants of an old eco-resort can still be found, giving it an intriguing abandoned charm.
- The island remains a focus for conservation and eco-tourism initiatives.
Travel Tips
- Budget: RM150–RM300 per person (including transfers and meals)
- Tours: Choose eco-friendly turtle watching operators
- Nearby Attractions: Klebang Sand Dunes, Melaka Floating Mosque, Melaka Heritage Area
- Safety: Always wear a life jacket during the boat trip
- Connectivity: Limited on the island; Wi-Fi available in Melaka City hotels
Final Thoughts – Why Visit Pulau Upeh?
Pulau Upeh offers a glimpse into Malaysia’s marine conservation heritage and natural beauty. Its peaceful atmosphere, turtle nesting history, and proximity to Melaka make it an ideal eco-tourism day trip. Whether you’re watching turtles under the stars or exploring its quiet shores, Pulau Upeh promises a unique and meaningful coastal escape.
FAQ – Pulau Upeh, Melaka
Q1: Can families visit Pulau Upeh?
Yes. Families can enjoy a relaxing half-day trip. Children should be supervised at all times near the water.
Q2: Are there accommodations on Pulau Upeh?
Currently, there are no active resorts. Most visitors stay in Klebang or Melaka City.
Q3: When is the best time to see turtles?
March to June is the ideal season for hawksbill turtle nesting.
Q4: Are there restaurants on the island?
No. Bring snacks or dine in Klebang or Melaka City before or after your trip.
Q5: Is Pulau Upeh safe for swimming?
Yes, in calm weather. Always check sea conditions before entering the water.
Comments are closed.