Penang day tours and day trips
View of Georgetown from top of Penang Hill
As the island is of such a manageable size to navigate and there is so much contrast, day trips from Penang can be as simple as an afternoon on the beach or lunchtime stroll around historic Georgetown. No matter where you plan to base yourself, there are many Penang day trips which cover the broad spectrum of Malaysian life.
Batu Ferringhi is where some of the most popular beach resorts are found, and those choosing to stay here can nip into Georgetown to visit the huge array of museums, attractions and restaurants. Alternatively, those residing within the colonial capital normally want to indulge in some beach time, with activities such as sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and jet skis all available for hire.
The beach area is always bustling with activity and boasts trendy nightspots and restaurants catering for the international crowd. Nearby Teluk Bahang Beach is home to a fishing village and kampungs, while more secluded stretches of Monkey beach, Teluk Duyung, Pantai Mas and Pantai Kerachut are reachable via trails in Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve from Teluk Bahang.
Or perhap wandering the streets of Little India, with vibrant and thriving collection of shops,barbers, florists, barbers, astrologers, money changers, millers, herb dealers and fruit sellers.
Penang Hill
Famous for the unbeatable views of the island, 821m Penang Hill makes a brief excursion from Penang. Also, as it is much cooler than most of the island, this Penang day trip option is a great idea when the midday heat is beating down and makes life a little too uncomfortable. Also called Flagstaff Hill or Bukit Bendera, the stunning panoramic views are best reached by cable car (RM4) but it is cheaper to take the bus.
At the summit visitors can find a python snake show, church, Hindu temple, mosque and restaurant. Taxis from central Georgetown cost around RM20 or alternatively hop on Rapid Bus U204. (Air Itam, George Town, Tel: +60 (0)4 262 0202, Open: 06:30 – 21:30 Sunday – Friday and until 23:30 Saturdays and public holidays).
Penang National Park
Although Penang National Park is the smallest of its kind in Malaysia, there is a host of diverse flora and fauna work exploring making it an eco-paradise second to none. Visitors can wander down countless well-marked jungle trials of this ‘precious little emerald’, visit the pristine beach of Pantai Kerachut and gaze in wonder at the magical Meromictic Lake.
The body of sea and fresh water never truly mix bestowing a unique duality to the composition. And the old lighthouse of Muka Head, built in 1883, is still functioning today. (Take Hin Bus 1-1 from Komtar for 30kms to Teluk Bahangtake fishing village at end of Batu Ferringhi Road, Tel: +60 (0)4 881 3530/064-881 3500, tnpp@wildlife.gov.my, open: 07:30 – 19:00, admission: free)
Botanic Gardens
A favourite spot for Penangites to relax and unwind, this 30-hectare garden contains a delightful variety of plants and blooms and allows visitors to get back to a manicured version of nature. In the middle of the gardens is a waterfall which begins more than 100m above, and why the park is sometimes known as ‘Waterfall Gardens’. Unfortunately the cascade is currently a restricted area and remains hidden by green foliage. (Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 Pulau Pinang, Tel: +60 (0)4 2270 428, open: 5.00 – 20:00, admission: free)
Penang Butterfly Farm
Take a day trip to the butterfly farm
The best time to come on a day trip from Georgetown to the Penang Butterfly Farm is undoubtedly late morning or early afternoon when the residents are at their most active. Situated 20kms from Georgetown in Teluk Bahang, the Butterfly Farm occupied almost a hectare and is packed full of hundreds of butterfly species and native insects in their natural habitat. (No 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang, Tel: +60 (0)4 885 1253, info@butterfly-insect.com, open: 09:00 – 5:00, admission: RM12.50/6.25 adult/child)
Tropical Fruit Farm
Located around 900ft above sea level, the Tropical fruit farm orchard covers 25 acres on the mountainous hillside of Teluk Bahang. It was established in 1993 to protect exotic and rare fruit tree species while educating both foreign visitors and locals about the promotion of sustainable and organic fruit production.
The cooler temperatures and prospect of trying lots of delicious varieties of nutrient-rich guava, jackfruit, rambutan, pomelo, lychee, soursop, nutmeg, nangka, coconut, durian and mangosteen makes this an experience not to be missed. (Batu 18, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Penang, Tel: +60 (0)4 227 6223,info@tropicalfruits.com.my, opens: 09.00 – 18:00, admission: RM12/free adult/under12s).
Tropical Spice Garden
The Tropical Spice Garden is an lovely Penang day trip to escape the hustle and bustle of Georgetown and relax in this enchanting garden full of exotic aromas. To walk barefoot on dewy grass and have the invigorating smell of rainforest blooms full the nostrils is the perfect respite from the big city and daily commutes. (Lot 595 Mukim 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11100 Penang, Tel: +60 (0)4 881 1797, open: 09.00 – 18:00, admission: adult: RM20/13 (guided/not guided) Child: RM5)
