Vacation rentals in Pulau Ketam

Situated off the western coast of Malaysia, the tiny island of Pulau Ketam — it’s about 9 square miles — is where residents of the sprawling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur come to get back to nature. The island is covered in mangrove swamps with the exception of two small villages, where you’ll find Chinese temples, wooden fishing boats being made in workshops, and vibrantly colored houses perched on stilts to avoid flooding at high tide.

While there are no beaches, sidewalks, or roads here, there are narrow boardwalks that allow for electric scooters to zip around. The mangrove forest and shallow mudflats provide an ideal habitat for crabs and other crustaceans, ensuring a daily offering of freshly caught varieties in local eateries. You’ll find chili-infused dishes, oyster omelettes, and sweet and sour crab at roadside spots and restaurants on the jetty.

Days in Pulau Ketam are hot, with nearly no variation in temperature throughout the year. However, the skies tend to be clearer from the end of December through the end of March. Overcast days are common outside of these months. While events and festivals are infrequent on the island, you may be lucky enough to experience a Chinese opera performance or a concert at one of the local temples. During Ghost Month, the seventh month of the Chinese calendar, you may also witness some of the traditions associated with the Ghost Festival — a celebration of the ghosts and spirits, including those of ancestors, who are said to visit the living. This event is marked by burning incense, gathering for special meals, and leaving empty seats for the departed.

Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple

On the mainland in Port Klang, Sri Sundararaja Perumal Temple is one of the most famous landmarks in Southeast Asia. The vibrant, intricately carved temple was built in 1892, making it one of the oldest temples in Malaysia. It attracts many visitors at Tamil New Year in April and during the month-long Purattasi celebration in the fall.

Petronas Twin Towers

The Petronas Twin Towers dominate the skyline of the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Although the skyscrapers are no longer the tallest buildings in the world — they had that distinction from 1998 to 2004 — they remain the world’s tallest twin towers. Walk across the famous glass Skybridge connecting the towers and then continue up to the observation deck on the 86th floor for commanding vistas across the city.

Shah Alam National Botanical Park

In Shah Alam, around 30 minutes inland from the ferry station in Port Klang, the National Botanical Park spans more than 2,000 acres, making it one of the largest agricultural parks in the world. Swing among the treetops on a roped obstacle course like the resident monkeys that you’ll spot along the way. Take one of the trails and paths wend their way through areas including a cocoa plantation, spice garden, and bamboo garden.