Guide to the beaches of Penang
The stunning white sand beaches of Penang
Although arguably the most developed stretch of coastline in Malaysia, beaches in Penang are well maintained with plenty of things to see and do. And if you crave a spot of idyllic paradise during your stay the national park has miles of pristine white sand where you’ll fail to find any other footprints to mar your solitude. And there are great opportunities for getting back to nature with camping and hiking excursions.
The main beaches in Penang are probably best compared to Phuket, although the Islamic influence means they are devoid of any seediness. There is a real family atmosphere and resort staff do their best to enlist guests into beach games and watersports activities, while many have kids clubs for younger children. For more on Penang activities.
Batu Ferringhi
This is the most developed Penang beach and features around four kilometres of back-to-back resorts. But what Batu Ferringhi lacks in tranquillity it makes up for with quality of service, with scores of luxury hotels, cocktail bars and international restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world. And competition tends to keep prices low with some real bargains up for grabs, especially in the low season. Plus there are a few attractions of note and guesthouses for backpackers or travellers on a budget. For more on Batu Ferringhi.
Teluk Bahang
Relaxing on a beautiful beach in Penang!
This picturesque Penang beach lacks the crowds of its larger neighbours and is perfect for a romantic picnic or a quiet retreat with the family. The scenic bay has some of the best fresh seafood restaurants on the island and at more reasonable rates than the larger resorts. Lovers of the great outdoors should take the opportunity to trek through the Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve to some of the most isolated Penang beaches of Monkey Beach, Teluk Duyung, Pantai Mas and Pantai Kerachut.
Camping is available in the reserve and to sleep out under the stars is a magical experience with the sound of crab-eating macaques, flying squirrels, lemurs plus white-bellied sea eagles overhead. Green turtles nest here during breeding season. The Forestry Museum is also found within the grounds while quaint fishermen villages dot the coast.
Tanjung Bungah
This is the biggest beach resort close to Georgetown with stunning ocean vistas and a smattering of high-end hotels and resorts. Situated in an enviable position between Gurney Drive and Batu Ferringhi, the area is secluded amongst verdant greenery and jagged rocks. An altogether more exclusive beach in Penang, Tanjung Bungah is perfect for romantic stays while being within easy reach of Georgetown for seeing the sights. For hotels in Tanjung Bungah.
The glorious Floating Mosque is one of the more impressive attractions around Tanjung Bungah which was constructed in 2004 to replace one which was damaged in the Boxing Day tsunami. The Moorish design is comprised of imposing seven-storey minarets and panoramic views of the sea.
More than 1,500 people can attend the mosque at any one time with stilts and pillars supporting the one square-kilometre structure. Remember to dress appropriately and seek permission from mosque staff before entering. (Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Tanjung Bungah, open: all day but closed Fridays 12:00 – 14:30)
Pantai Teluk Kampi
Teluk Kampi Beach is Penang National Park’s longest stretch of soft white sand and offers exception camping as well as many associated nature activities such as birdwatching and hiking trails. Situated around 60 minutes from Teluk Bahang’s Kerachut Beach, Pantai Teluk Kampi becomes breeding ground for Green Turtles from February to April and a wonderful spot to watch these majestic creatures laying eggs just yards from your camp.
Pulau Jerejak
Jerejak Island is a verdant tropical paradise found just off the Penang’s southeast coast which has a luxurious spa resort. However, it once was the Malaysian equivalent of Robben Island or Alcatraz and once housed throngs of convicts. The rainforest is amongst the most untouched to be found anywhere in Malaysia and has been here for around half a millennia. A daily ferry service brings tourists from Bayan Lepas’s Pantai Jerejak terminal.
Pulau Aman
Aman Island can be reached by a brief boat ride from the port town of Tambun. The Malay translation ‘island of peace’ tells you everything you need to know about this island, which has only 300 inhabitants but acres of thick jungle vegetation and some of the most pristine beaches in Penang.
