Pulau Ketam remains an authentic Chinese fishing village, lined with old provision stores and coffee shops. One of the most delightful things here is how locals move around. On motorbikes or bicycles, passing the narrow cement lanes and wooden walkways. Life is simple here. Clothes are casual, faces are familiar, and the sense of community is strong - complete with a police station, school, and community hall.
The best way to see Pulau Ketam is on foot. Simply start walking, and your tour unfolds naturally. Along the way, small signboards can be seen for fish farms, reflecting the island’s enduring fishing traditions (TOP THINGS IN SABAH MALAYSIA).
Fish Farms in Pulau Ketam
Over the years, some fish farms, or kelongs,
as locals call them, have disappeared, either abandoned or broken down by the
tide’s constant pull. Still, a few remain, and visiting one is worth the
effort. It’s a chance to see an old fishing trade that once defined life in Pulau
Ketam, set against the deeper waters of the Straits of Malacca.
The visit begins at the pier, waiting for the boat to head further out to sea. The ride is calm, giving time to sit back and take in the wide water view. Within about twenty minutes, it’s time to step carefully onto the long wooden platforms of the kelong. A guide explains the different kinds of fish, some rare and mainly raised for export.
When food is thrown into the water, fish rise and leap in all directions - different sizes, shapes, and colours flashing under the sun. It’s a simple reminder of Pulau Ketam’s fishing roots. The guided tour takes around twenty minutes before the boat heads towards a row of modest floating homestays. Here, time slows again, about twenty minutes to watch life on the Straits of Malacca, from passing cruise boats to local fishermen at work.
The ride back to Pulau Ketam brings quiet
satisfaction, knowing this island isn’t only about fishing. It is also about
the life sustained by its fish farms.
Temples of Pulau Ketam
In Pulau Ketam, there’s no need for maps
or checklists. The things to see in Pulau Ketam simply appear as the walk
begins. Among them are three notable Chinese temples, each reflecting how gods
are believed to protect the island and its people. Locals often stop by to
offer prayers before continuing their daily activities.
Religious festivals are also celebrated at
these temples, though on most days, the atmosphere is quiet - joss sticks, candles,
flowers, deities, and altars marking the island’s devotion.
On the right side of the main path from the jetty stands Hock Leng Keng Temple, dedicated to Tua Pek Kong. Its bright red pillars and traditional Chinese architecture stand out beautifully. A modest temple where silence feels like the best form of respect.
By the sea stands Tin Hau Temple, paying homage to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. It’s where fishermen and their families pray for calm waters and safe journeys. With its natural seaside view, the temple becomes lively and colourful during the Mazu Festival, one of the highlights of Pulau Ketam’s cultural life.
Murals in Pulau Ketam
The hidden talents and artistic side of
the locals show through the murals in Pulau Ketam. They may not be flashy or
elaborate, yet each one reflects daily life on this small island. Simplicity
once again comes alive in the form of colourful wall art. Scenes of fishermen,
bicycles, and quiet village moments.
It’s hard to resist stopping for photographs. Just like the island itself, the Pulau Ketam murals shine quietly, unassuming yet full of meaning. Standing there, admiring these paintings on walls, feels like seeing the story of Pulau Ketam unfold. Honest, humble, and deeply local.
Sunrise and Sunset in Pulau Ketam
The simplest attractions in Pulau Ketam
come free. Nature itself lights up the island beautifully. Though late evenings
remain lively, standing by the pier to watch the sunset in Pulau Ketam is truly
meaningful. The sun slowing down from a glowing orange ball to softer hues
before the streetlights take over the night.
Equally captivating is the sunrise in Pulau Ketam. As the first light rises over the Straits of Malacca, the calm waters begin to shimmer. The pier, shifting from low tide to the gentle rise of high tide, reflects this awakening. It marks the quiet beginning of another day. Fishermen preparing their boats, and locals gathering for early breakfast, as Pulau Ketam comes alive once again.
What to Eat in
Pulau Ketam, Selangor
Beyond lunch
and dinner, breakfast in Pulau Ketam brings a whole new meaning to local food.
Street food pops up along the narrow lanes as early as 6 a.m., just as it
always has. Fishermen start their day here. Grabbing breakfast and packing
meals for the sea.
The homestyle,
classic street food in Pulau Ketam shows that simple food can be the best food.
Even in the early hours, rice meals are common, giving fishermen the energy
they need for a long day. Fried noodles, savory and sweet snacks, classic
Chinese coffee and tea, and soft drinks are all part of the morning scene.
Sitting down to this breakfast, it’s easy to see why these humble dishes feel
like one of the island’s true wonders.
Breakfast flows into the rest of the day, with food available until dinner around 10 p.m. From fried oysters and seafood noodles for brunch or tea, to char kuey teow with prawns, the options are endless. For lunch and dinner, fresh seafood reigns - claypot stingray, steamed fish, clam soup, and more.
Seafood in Pulau Ketam is one of the island’s top attractions, and people come specifically for a hearty seafood meal.
A Day in Pulau
Ketam
A day in Pulau
Ketam is filled with simple yet fascinating moments. One of the best ways to
experience it is around the Pulau Ketam jetty, seeing how life happens on the
island. Boats arrive carrying provisions. Milk, coffee, canned food - stocking
the small shops that sustain the community. Since there are no graveyards or
funeral parlours on the island, boats also transport bodies off the island when
needed.
Mornings are
particularly busy, with the pier buzzing with activity. Boats take locals to
and from the island, deliveries come and go, and daily life continues steadily.
It’s a modest scene, yet deeply captivating.
While walking through the lanes or pausing at the pier, talking with the locals gives insight into their way of life. Several have lived here for generations and share stories about the island’s past. They act as informal guides, giving a sense of Pulau Ketam’s history and everyday life.
