Crab Island (Pulau Ketam)

The basics

There are no cars or motorbikes on the island, so the only way to explore is via a series of wooden boardwalks that connect the houses and restaurants. Day trips to Crab Island typically depart from Kuala Lumpur, and tend to include a tour of Pulau Ketam village and a visit to Thean Hou Temple. Because the island is something of a haven for seafood fans, most tours include lunch as part of the deal.

Things to know before you go

• There is an abundance of seafood restaurants on Crab Island, in addition to shops selling groceries and dried fish, as well as souvenirs.

• In case you miss the last ferry, the island has a couple of basic and budget-friendly accommodation options.

• Though uneven at times, Crab Island is generally accessible for travelers with wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

You can reach Crab Island by taking a ferry from the jetty at Port Klang (Terminal Penumpang South Port). To reach the port from Kuala Lumpur, take a KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral to Pelabuhan Klang. The last ferry back to the mainland usually departs in the late afternoon.

When to get there

Malaysia’s tropical climate means that it's relatively humid throughout the year, but the best time to visit—to enjoy cooler temperatures and the lowest chance of rainfall—is between May and July or December and February.

Visiting Klang Town

Before taking the ferry over to Crab Island, be sure to check out some of the attractions in Klang. The town is home to a neoclassical-style gallery that explores the Selangor Sultanate through gifts and crown jewels, as well as the Sultan Sulaiman Mosque, whose architectural design combines Islamic and art deco styles.