Lumut

Lumut is a small town in Perak, on the west coast of Malaysia, almost exactly halfway between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. It is the gateway to the island of Pangkor.

By bus

 * Kuala Lumpur - very frequent departures (several per hour at peak times) between 7:30AM and 1AM - typical fare RM18, about 4 hours. Most departures from TBS and Hentian Duta bus terminal, latter not very accessible by public transport. One bus per day at 10AM from KL sentral.
 * Example Arwana Express, Dec 2023: fare RM30, stops Lumut - Manjung - Ayer Tawar - Seri Iskandar - Batu Gajah - Gopeng - KL. Extra stop ~15 min before Gopeng/Bidor begore getting out of highway. ~4-5 hr 30 min duration. Aircon, usb charging plugs.
 * Ipoh - frequent departures (at least one per hour) between 9AM and 7PM - typical fare RM6.50
 * Butterworth/Penang - several departures daily - typical fare RM19, about 5 hours
 * Other destinations with direct or semi-direct service (may go via another town, but no change of bus) include: Alor Star, Johor Bahru/Singapore, Kangar, Kelang, Kota Bharu (~RM30), Kuala Perlis, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Malacca, Muar, Seremban, Sungai Petani, Termeloh. For many longer-distance routes, both daytime and overnight services are available.

By car
You can take a taxi or rental car from Kuala Lumpur or Penang (guarded car parks are available if you have your own car).

By ferry
From the Lumut pier, ferries depart regularly to different parts of Pangkor Island. Fares are RM14 per person, and RM1 ringgit for bicycles. First departure from Lumut is at 7AM, last at 8:30PM. First departure from Pangkor is at 6:30AM, last at 8:30PM. Departures are at 30-45 minutes intervals, depending on the time of day, and the crossing usually takes no more than 45 minutes.

Ferries to Medan, Indonesia appear to no longer operate.

See
Sunset by the beach is the best thing to see in this sleepy town.

Do

 * Trail Bukit Engku Busu, behind the Ark and Lumut Valley Resort condominium. Steep trail, ensure good shoes, water, eventually trekking pole. Avoid if rainy or just after. Peak 331.4 m, about 1 hr up and a bit less down. Recommend to go early in the day to avoid to be too hot
 * City Mangrove Park, Paya Bakau Bandar. Need car as not easily accessible from pier, more proximity to Seri Manjung.

Eat
There's an abundance of typical Malaysian diners around the Pangkor ferry piers, plus a lone KFC franchise (these are normally paired with a Pizza Hut outlet, but not here; has Aircon, free wifi and power plugs) and Domino's pizza.


 * Nasi Briyani Ayam Madu, No 39,Jalan Sultan Idris Shah (directly towards the jetty terminal, 1 min walk from the ferry pier) - conveniently located but famous for nasi biryani ayam madu and must try dishes when you visit Lumut. Fair priced with Malaysian menu.

Sleep
Be aware that in a similar way to Pangkor, prices are usually up for week-ends and holidays with lot of local tourists.

Budget
Three backpackers hostels have been created near Tourist Information Center and bus station but don't seem to operate all the time. The place seems very infested with mosquitoes.


 * Laman Karya Lumut backpackers hostel. appears closed at Dec 2023.
 * Kuasa backpacker hostel. appears closed at Dec 2023.
 * Hinggap backpacker. dorm RM20, fan only, no mosquito net.

There are a few budget Chinese hotels on Jalan Titi Panjang.

Mid-range
There are about a dozen mid-range hotels within a few minutes walk of the Pangkor ferry jetty, most with rates starting around RM100-RM175 for air-con double rooms.


 * Lumut Valley Resort Condominium (LVRC) Lumut Valley Resort offers clean, secure, comfortable, affordable and yet flexible accommodation to travellers, either on business or vacations; and/or expatriates working in the vicinity of Lumut, Sitiawan, and Manjung District. 62 units of air-conditioned furnished service apartments are available for rental either on daily, weekly, or monthly basis depending on your needs.
 * Lumut Valley Resort Condominium (LVRC) Lumut Valley Resort offers clean, secure, comfortable, affordable and yet flexible accommodation to travellers, either on business or vacations; and/or expatriates working in the vicinity of Lumut, Sitiawan, and Manjung District. 62 units of air-conditioned furnished service apartments are available for rental either on daily, weekly, or monthly basis depending on your needs.

Internet

 * Fiqah Internet Cafe - NO 47 B, Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, Lumut, tel:05-6834046 open daily 9AM-midnight. Internet access RM 2.50/hour (this is the only Internet cafe available in Lumut).

Cope
Tourist Information Center near pier, only opened on weekdays.

ATM from Maybank and BSN, 7-eleven and 99speedmart shops, Mr DIY.

Left luggage
Shops #5 (open 8AM-7PM) & #6 (open 10AM-9PM) at the bus station charge RM 1/item/day.

Go next

 * Pangkor, known for its quiet beaches.
 * Ipoh, the state capital, known for good Malaysian food.
 * Taiping
 * Kuala Lumpur