Pulau Ketam: A Serene Escape into Island Living

After our tea break (PULAU KETAM PART 1), we were eager to discover more of Pulau Ketam. As we strolled, we noticed the police station and faintly saw the schools. In this village, people mainly get around by cycling, with occasional motorbikes on the narrow lanes, which serve as the main roads.

 

Our walk took us to the other side of the village, where we visited three temples. The first temple was slightly further from the jetty, and the second was officiated by the late Tan Sri Manickavasagam. While at the third temple, we chose to skip seeing the snake in the cage. We also couldn't overlook the captivating murals adorning the walls. Naturally, we couldn't resist snapping photos to immortalize our visit.

 

Later, we met up with a friend from Pulau Ketam, and he took us to dinner at a restaurant he recommended. The place had a small signboard in Chinese indicating its name. It was crowded, and our friend assured us it was one of the best spots around. We ordered Garlic Stir Fried Leafy Greens, Ikan Pari (Stingray) Claypot Curry, Steamed Lala (Clams), and Chilli Crab. The food was genuinely delicious, no two ways about it. It felt like every bite was infused with the love of Pulau Ketam. 

By 10:00 PM, dinner was over, and we found ourselves being the last to leave. By 11:00 PM, Pulau Ketam was already quiet on this weekday. With no other option, we returned to the hotel, showered, and called it a night.

 

The next morning, by 6:00 AM, Pulau Ketam was already bustling with activity. We rose early and settled into the coffee shop next door by 7:00 AM. Enjoying Fried Mee Hoon from a street stall and sipping coffee, we sadly had to abandon our plan to visit Sungai Lima Village due to clashing ferry timings. It was a disappointing end to our visit, being so close yet unable to explore Sungai Lima. What a waste, right? I know.

Pulau Ketam: A Glimpse into Island Life

Pulau Ketam attracts both local and international visitors, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a simpler way of life. With its unique setting on the water, it evokes memories of childhood and a bygone era.

 

Renowned for its seafood, the island boasts a variety of dining options. Visitors can explore different restaurants, either through recommendations or by chance, discovering new culinary delights. Prices are comparable to city dining.

 

Beyond dining, Pulau Ketam features provision shops offering various goods, from toys to essentials.

 

To avoid crowds, weekdays are preferable over weekends and holidays when tourist numbers surge.

 

If you visit Pulau Ketam, avoid going with people who constantly compare it to other islands in other countries, as they might dampen your experience.

 

Before visiting Pulau Ketam, I'd heard people claim they camped there. I couldn't help but wonder where they could have set up a camp in such a small village. Others mentioned visiting solely for the seafood, unaware of the other attractions Pulau Ketam has to offer. This taught me not to rely solely on others' experiences. It's best to visit and discover Pulau Ketam for yourself.

 

A day in Pulau Ketam is sufficient, as there's not much more to do. The friendly locals are always open to chatting and sharing their island life.

 

Leaving Pulau Ketam can be bittersweet, as one returns to the hustle and bustle of city life.