Nature & Adventure

Getting back to nature is easy, as Penang’s compact size and good road network make it convenient for visitors to get around, with the sea, hills and jungle adventure only minutes away.

Attractions

From sliding down the world’s longest water slide to discovering the wonders of a 130-million-year-old virgin rainforest designated by UNESCO as the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, Penang offers a wide range of world-class ecotourism attractions to fit every taste.

Beaches

Penang is not only a culture and arts destination but offers numerous beaches as well. Majority of the beach resorts will usually have fun activities to join, or you can relax at a secluded spot to work on a tan. The very popular Batu Ferringhi or Tanjung Bungah beaches are well serviced with resorts, hotels and dining venues from fast food outlets to bars and restaurants. The less frequented Miami Beach lies not too far from the bustling Batu Ferringhi. Beaches in the Teluk Bahang area are accessible through boat rides or by hiking through the Penang National Park. Mas Beach and Kerachut Beach are perfect spots for a relaxing dip and a peaceful lie-down. In Balik Pulau, sun and sea breeze can be enjoyed at the Pantai Malindo and Pantai Pasir Panjang while Tanjung Asam, Ombak Damai and Pasir Belanda in the southwestern coast of the island have been drawing visitors. Over in Seberang Perai, beach spots like Pantai Robina, Pantai Bersih, and Bagan Ajam are popular with locals.

Islands

There are several smaller islands off the coasts of Penang island and Seberang Perai. You might have heard of the more popular island Pulau Aman, but there are plenty more outlying islands like Pulau Tikus, which houses a solar-powered lighthouse and shrine of a holy man; Pulau Gedung, which hides a forgotten colonial weapons storage building; and Pulau Kendi, an uninhabited island with untouched natural beauty. These islands are only accessible by boat, which adds to their unique charms.

Recreational Spaces

Penang might be well-known for its art, heritage and food but largely overlooked are its recreational parks and forests. Pockets of greenery can be easily found once visitors head away from the UNESCO heritage zones. Best of all, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is only a short drive away from the city. One can breathe easy and be revitalised by an invigorating hike or stroll at its many recreational parks and forests.

Hiking

Penang is truly a hiker’s paradise with its 130-million-year-old virgin rainforest and rugged landscapes. Some of the best hikes in the state are the trails leading up to Penang Hill, with the Moon Gate 5 trail near the Penang Botanic Gardens and Youth Park being one of the accessible trails. Travel further west to Penang National Park in Teluk Bahang if checking out baby sea turtles at the turtle sanctuary and discovering stunning beaches are on your hiking bucket list. Those seeking to end a hiking trip with wow-worthy waterfall views will do well at the Titi Kerawang hiking trail in Balik Pulau. Over on the mainland, Bukit Mertajam Recreational Park rewards hikers with a cooling breeze, some 450 metres above sea level, at its peak. Then, venture off to the park’s splendid streams, shallow ponds and a waterfall, where you can enjoy a well-earned cool off after a day of hiking. Choose to follow a hiking guide or head out on one’s own. Do pack plenty of food and water as some hikes contain limited to no facilities.

Golfing

Whether one chooses to tee off amid lush greenery or by the valley fringes, there are excellent golf courses that are designed to international standards. Penang is indeed an ideal destination that combines a memorable vacation with an exciting game of golf. Among the popular golf courses in the state are:

Cycling

Penang has some of the most beautiful hidden gems, landscapes, and towns, ready for you to explore on two wheels. Cycling is a breezy way to discover George Town’s heritage buildings and its famous street art, as well as to take in Balik Pulau’s stunning sights of kampungs, plantations, and fishing villages. Intrepid travellers seeking to spend a little time away from tourist spots can opt to cycle to Straits Quay or Queensbay on the scenic coastal lanes. If you are one for adventure, then the mainland’s cycling routes must be on your bucket list. Ride along the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (BORR), passing by large container areas and gigantic container cranes before heading to Frog Hill. Getting to the top of the hill requires going through rough and patchy terrains, but the sweeping vistas atop the abandoned mining site are worth the ride. Rent a bike, join a cycling tour, or use a bike-sharing system like LinkBike – either way, you’ll meet plenty of locals and see plenty of Penang’s diverse landscapes as you cycle at a leisurely pace.

Fishing

Fishing can be enjoyed along Penang’s coastlines. Teeming with groupers, grunters, blackfin sea catfishes and croakers, the sea surrounding the Penang island is one of the best places to cast a line. For those who are after bigger fish, charter boats and tours take visitors to favourite fishing areas surrounding the island and the outlying islands off the coast of Seberang Perai.

Bird Watching

Penang is home to an estimated 420 species of birds, including several rare specimens. Both the island and mainland are known for its abundant variety of bird species, making it an avian paradise for amateur and experienced bird watchers. Some of the diverse bird habitats include lowland forests, mangrove forests, tidal mudflats, wetlands and paddy fields. Commonly spotted birds throughout Penang include various species of eagles, owls, song birds, waders and water birds that consist of resident and migrant birds.

Great locations on the island and mainland for bird watching are:

- Penang National Park
- Penang Hill
- Penang Botanic Gardens
- Bukit Panchor State Park
- Air Hitam Dalam Education Forest
- Bukit Mertajam Amenity Forest
- Bukit Juru Forest Reserve
- Sungai Burung in Balik Pulau
- Teluk Air Tawar in Butterworth
- Byram – Pulau Burung in Nibong Tebal

Water Sports Activities

Batu Ferringhi and Tanjung Bungah beaches are dotted with hotels, resorts and dining venues. One can easily opt to parasail or hop on a banana boat as recreational activities are in no shortage here. Do bear in mind that guests patronising waterfront facilities in Batu Ferringhi do so at their own risk. Those who enjoy kayaking and dragon boating can head over to Pusat Kegiatan Sukan Air (Water Sports Centre) in Tanjung Bungah. The centre is managed by the state government and it offers a variety of water sports, including dragon boating and kayaking.