According to boat operator Muhammad Faiz Abu Hassan, every Chinese New Year the sea level drops just low enough for people to walk all the way from Nipah Bay on Pangkor Island to Giam Island, roughly half a kilometer away.
Faiz said Giam Island was a popular spot for tourists all year round to both swim and snorkel as the water is usually a clear shade of blue and it is home to colorful corals and aquatic life, including sea cucumbers, sea urchins, seaweeds and more.
“Tourists like to walk to Giam Island because you can spot some of the corals and aquatic life along the way without having to use your snorkelling gear,” he told FMT.
Faiz said it was the best time to snap some closeup photos to post on social media.
Be warned, however, tides could change depending on the weather and if you’re too busy snapping pictures you may get stuck on Giam Island.
“There will be a lot of people there, just keep an eye out and stick to the crowd.”
If Pangkor Island is a little too far to just be a day-trip, and you need a place to spend the night before you walk over to Giam Island, not to worry. The main island is full of hotels and resorts.
Anjungan Beach Resort & Spa Pangkor is a strategically located three-star resort close to most of the shops along Nipah Bay including several seafood restaurants.