What To Do In Pulau Ketam (Selangor, Malaysia)

Pulau Ketam, also known as Crab Island, is a small Chinese fishing village with amenities that mirror those in the cities. There’s a police station, a school, community spaces, and provision shops that double up as souvenir stores selling Pulau Ketam-made trinkets, proof that life here is simple yet complete (PULAU KETAM TRAVEL GUIDE).

Generally calm and quiet, the village comes alive during peak seasons, with tourism being the main source of income for locals. Taking the ferry (MANDURAH PERTH CRUISE) into Pulau Ketam gives your first clue, no cars are allowed. The only modes of transport are bicycles and electric motorbikes that whiz along the narrow cement lanes. So, keep an eye out, don’t get in their way, and hopefully, they won’t get in yours.

Unfortunately, rubbish and littering can still be spotted in parts of Pulau Ketam, a reminder of human habits, considering visitors come from urban areas.

Sightseeing here means walking through the village. Before you know it, you’ll end up right where you started. That’s the charm of discovering this fishing village in Selangor.

 

Fish Farms & Kelongs at Pulau Ketam

Over time, some old kelong structures near Pulau Ketam have been abandoned or broken apart, their remnants washing ashore during low tide. Still, the island is home to active floating fish farms and kelongs, used for both fish rearing and tourism (GALLE SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).

 

As you walk around the village, you’ll spot small counters offering tours to these farms. Prices are usually affordable and depend on the type and duration of the tour, some are basic boat rides, while others include fishing or even overnight stays.

 

For a standard tour, the boat departs from the Pulau Ketam pier. Along the way, you’ll enjoy close-up views of stilt houses and fishing boats. Once at the farm, a wooden platform leads you to the nets. The guide explains the methods and reasons for rearing different types of fish. During feeding time, fish leap out of the water, a fun and exciting moment.

 

It’s definitely a must-do in Pulau Ketam. Some tours also include a stop at an overnight stay area, just for viewing. Staying overnight, however, may not be for everyone, given the basic surroundings.

Boat ride from Pulau Ketam/Crab Island to fish farm, Selangor, Malaysia.

Fish jumping at a fish farm (kelong) in Pulau Ketam, Selangor, Malaysia.

 

Temples of Pulau Ketam

Pulau Ketam is home to three Chinese temples. While usually quiet, they come alive during religious festivals.

Hock Leng Keng Temple, located near the jetty, is one of the island’s most prominent temples. Dedicated to the deity Tua Pek Kong, it stands out with its bright red pillars and traditional Chinese architecture. Locals come to pray for protection, health, and good fortune, while visitors admire its striking design.

 

Kuan Yin Temple is located deeper within the village. Dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, it exudes a peaceful and humble atmosphere. Worshippers light incense and make quiet wishes, surrounded by modest murals that reflect the island’s Buddhist roots.

 

Tin Hau Temple sits by the sea and is dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, appropriate for a community rooted in fishing. Fishermen and their families pray for calm seas and safe journeys. With its lovely seaside view, the temple becomes the heart of colourful processions during the Mazu Festival.

Pulau Ketam Murals
Pulau Ketam’s narrow lanes are adorned with colourful murals. Painted on houses and shops, they capture scenes of daily life, the island’s fishing heritage, and local culture. Some are playful, others nostalgic, and a few carry subtle messages on environmental awareness. These murals are now a key tourist attraction, perfect for photo ops and lasting memories.

Sunset or Sunrise Watching
Whether you're a sunset or sunrise person, Pulau Ketam offers both. Sunsets are best for day-trippers, especially from the pier before catching the last ferry. For those staying overnight, catching the sunrise across the pier is magical. As the sun rises over the fishing village and reflects off the calm waters, it’s a peaceful and unforgettable start to the day.

Sunrise over Pulau Ketam, Selangor, Malaysia.

 

What to Eat in Pulau Ketam, Selangor, Malaysia

Chinese food takes centre stage in Pulau Ketam. Most eateries serve familiar comfort dishes, all in a casual, no-frills setting.

 

Breakfast starts as early as 6 a.m., with stalls offering homemade fried noodles, nasi lemak, rice porridge, and stuffed tofu. Grab a seat and sip on hot Chinese tea, kopi, or iced drinks as the village begins its day.

 

As the sun rises higher, Chinese coffeeshops whip up seafood specialties - fried oysters, fish head noodles, seafood bee hoon soup, and salted fish fried rice. Most dishes feature the freshest catch from the nearby farms and sea.

 

Dinner is the main event. Some visitors travel here solely to eat and head straight back after. Among the favourites are claypot stingray, kam heong crabs, crispy fried squid, lala soup, braised tofu, and stir-fried vegetables with garlic or sambal. Prices are almost the same as to what you’d pay in the cities.

As you stand at the pier, ready to leave Pulau Ketam, you’ll notice the mornings are busier than afternoons or evenings. Boats come in with supplies not found on the island,  essentials for the locals. You might even see the deceased being transported out, as Pulau Ketam has no graveyards. This Chinese fishing village is more than a tourist stop, it’s a travel experience with heart. A place where modern city life pauses, and a unique local culture unfolds.

A glimpse of Pulau Ketam’s busy morning waterways in Selangor, Malaysia.