Pulau Rimau

Pulau Rimau, Penang (7 March 2020)


Pulau Rimau is a small island on the southeast corner of Penang Island, off the coast of Permatang Damar Laut. This butterfly-shaped island is the site of a British-built lighthouse which helps ship navigate into the South Channel of Penang. It is a steel tower that is 17 meters tall and is sited at an elevation of 39 meters. Apart from the lighthouse itself, Pulau Rimau is uninhabited.

Pulau Rimau has been documented as early as 1591/2, when Captain James Lancaster was sailing the Bonaventure for the English. His ship anchored off the coast of Penang, and he mentioned the island is "Pulo Rimau".

Pulau Rimau Lighthouse (7 March 2020)


Closeup view of Pulau Rimau Lighthouse (7 March 2020)

Getting there

Due to the presence of the lighthouse, Pulau Rimau is likely to be out of bounds to the general public. Pulau Rimau is visible from the coast of Permatang Damar Laut. To view it, take the Permatang Damar Laut road that leads from Bayan Lepas to Batu Maung. After you passed the airport, make a turn to the right, entering any of the country lanes. Go straight until you reach the southern coast of Penang. You will be able to see Pulau Rimau on the horizon to the left, while Pulau Kendi is on the horizon to the right. Alternatively, you can hire a boat to take you around Pulau Rimau without actually landing there.

What to see or do

Pulau Rimau is not a tourist spot and is not open for tourism. The coastline is rocky with only limited shoreline where one can come ashore.

Location of Pulau Rimau on the map

Visiting Pulau Rimau

As of March 2020, it is possible to go for a sightseeing trip of Pulau Rimau organized by Lexis Suites Penang. Contact the hotel at 04-628 2888 for timing and details. As trips such as these are tide-dependent, make sure you have enough time since schedules may be affected by the tides.

View of the southern coastline of Pulau Rimau. (7 March 2020)


The rocky coastline of Pulau Rimau. (7 March 2020)


The rocky coastline of Pulau Rimau. (7 March 2020)


Pulau Rimau, as seen from the coast at Permatang Damar Laut. (18 April 2004)

List of Islands in Penang and Islands in Malaysia