08 Jun THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ISLAND
THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE ISLAND – SEBERANG PERAI
3 Days 2 Nights
Overview
- Frog Hill
- Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest
- Kampung Agong
- Galeri Warisan Arkeologi Guar Kepah
- Capal Jago
- Butterworth Art Walk
- Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Butterworth
- Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam
- Bukit Mertajam charming old town
- Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- Penang Bird Park
- Minor Basilica of St. Anne
- Batu Bersurat Cherok Tokun
- Juru Auto City
DAY 1
SEBERANG PERAI UTARA
Frog Hill
Start your day with a great dose of greenery at Frog Hill (also known as Bukit Katak). Dubbed as Penang’s answer to China’s well-known Jiuzhaigou, Frog Hill is a favourite spot for naturalists and avid shutterbugs, thanks to the dramatic turquoise-coloured pools. Prepare yourself for a chilly surprise when hiking up by daybreak – the hilltop can get quite misty early in the morning. Travel reminder: Frog Hill is a remote area, so visitors are advised to exercise extra precautions. No road signs point to this abandoned stone and clay quarry.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
6.00am – 7.30pm
Address
14400 Tasek Gelugor, Penang
Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest
Enjoy the rest of your morning at Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest. A freshwater swamp spanning over approximately 10ha, the forest is home to many plants and animals, especially birds. There are two observation towers here that are linked by a 210m suspension bridge. Birding is possible here, where the sites for birding are canopied and connected by a 1,163m boardwalk.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
7.00am – 6.30pm
Address
13310 Air Hitam, Penang, Malaysia
Website
Kampung Agong
After a morning exploring green spaces, shift gears for an Instagrammable attraction, an ancient site, and shopping. A place of interest worth checking out is Kampung Agong in Penaga. Highly rated by netizens on social media, it boasts an Instagram worthy kampung-style location with traditional wooden houses overlooking paddy fields and coconut trees. For an entrance fee of RM6, visitors can walk or cycle around and make use of the unique photo opportunities such as the giant bird-nest swings.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
9.00am – 6.00pm
Address
841, Bakar Kapur, Kampung Bakar Kapor, Penaga
Contact
+6012-481 7795
kampungagong@gmail.com
Website
Galeri Warisan Arkeologi Guar Kepah
After enjoying a picture-perfect outing at Kampung Agong, it’s time to check out Galeri Warisan Arkeologi Guar Kepah. The gallery, sited just a 10-minute drive away from Kampung Agong, is an archeological site where visitors can marvel at ancient shell middens and a replica of the 5,000-year-old skeleton named “Penang Woman”.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
8.00am – 5.00pm
Address
Lot 3471, PT 23, Mukim 2, Seberang Perai Utara, Penaga
Contact
+604-650 5709
arkeologi.guarkepah@gmail.com
Website
Capal Jago
For a bit of retail therapy, head over to Capal Jago, a homegrown capal brand founded by the late Haji Hashim Hassan, a famous Kepala Batas capal maker in 1958. This traditional trade is now inherited by his youngest son Badril Shahidan Hashim. With only less than ten capal makers in Malaysia today, buying a JAGO capal guarantees you traditional footwear and an investment in Kepala Batas’ rich cultural heritage.
Operation Days
Saturday – Thursday
(Closed on Friday)
Operation Hours
10.00am – 6.00pm
Address
741, Jalan Perak, 13200 Kepala Batas
Contact
+6011-1191 3708
Website
Butterworth Art Walk
Add a pop of colours to your trip at Butterworth Art Walk. With its eye-catching murals and installations, these art pieces serve as a quirky backdrop for a photo op. At the same time, they aim to educate visitors about the mainland’s colourful past. One can learn so much about Seberang Perai’s agricultural economy and history in exporting elephants as they walk along the small alley in Jalan Bagan Luar.
Address
Jalan Bagan Luar, Butterworth
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Butterworth
End your trip along Jalan Jeti Lama to discover the old town and its heritage sites. One of the must visit is the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple. With its majestic gopuram (tall entrance tower) and colourful exterior, the temple greets visitors as they make their way deeper into the road. Do note that the temple generally closes after noon and reopens at 5.30pm.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
6.30am – 12.00pm
6.30pm – 9.00pm
Contact
+604-331 2997
Address
7, Jalan Jeti Lama, Bagan Luar, Butterworth
DAY 2
SEBERANG PERAI TENGAH
Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam
Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam
Start your day right by reconnecting with nature at Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam. Also known as Cherok Tokun Nature Park, this tropical forest is a relaxing spot to spend time with loved ones. For an extra challenge, try to find the giant Mengkundur tree with roots equalling the height of two adults! For a less strenuous day out, a gentle stroll around the forest’s well-paved trails and paths will rejuvenate you just as well. The park is temporarily closed until further notice.
Start your day right by reconnecting with nature at Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam. Also known as Cherok Tokun Nature Park, this tropical forest is a relaxing spot to spend time with loved ones. For an extra challenge, try to find the giant Mengkundur tree with roots equalling the height of two adults! For a less strenuous day out, a gentle stroll around the forest’s well-paved trails and paths will rejuvenate you just as well. The park is temporarily closed until further notice.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
7.00am – 7.00pm
Address
Jalan Kolam Air, Bukit Mertajam
Website
Bukit Mertajam charming old town
After getting your nature fix, walk around Bukit Mertajam’s charming old town. Don’t forget to drop by the old family home of Penang’s first Chief Minister Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee on Jalan Datuk Ooh Chooi Cheng. The house, which dates back to 1907, has overgrown plants on its roof and vines covering the walls. The Seberang Perai City Council recognises the house’s historical values by placing a plaque at its five-foot way.
Address
Jalan Pasar, Bukit Mertajam
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
History buffs should head over to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Pagar Tras. Built by French Catholic missionaries in 1882, the derelict edifice once served the Hakka Catholic community in the area, before its fortunes changed after the Japanese conquest of Malaya in the Second World War. Today, the derelict edifice is a testament to the little known presence of the French in Penang.
Address
Jalan Sungai Lembu, Pagar Tras
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Jalan Sungai Lembu, Pagar Tras. Credit @limhuakeng192 (Facebook)
Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Jalan Sungai Lembu, Pagar Tras. Credit @limhuakeng192 (Facebook)
Penang Bird Park
The first and largest bird park of its kind in Malaysia is an unmissable checkpoint on the Seberang Perai tourist trail. Observe exotic birds ranging from tiny sunbirds to gigantic 8-foot tall ostriches frolic in an environment that imitates their natural habitat. Two geodesic domes and two walk-in-aviaries keep hundreds of tamed birds such as peacocks, ducks and macaws, offering priceless memories and exciting moments for all. Don’t forget to time your visit to coincide with the park’s bird show, happening daily at 11.00am & 3.30pm.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
9.00am – 6.00pm
Birdshow 11.30am – 3.30pm
Address
Taman Burung Seberang Jaya, Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya
Contact
+604-399 1899
penangbirdpark@gmail.com
Website
Minor Basilica of St. Anne
The minor basilica of St. Anne has existed since 1833 when the Chinese and Indian Catholics from Batu Kawan settled in the foothills of Bukit Mertajam. These people were farmers who had come to clear the land for cultivation. It was the very first Catholic Church built on top of the hill in Bukit Mertajam between 1840 and 1860.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
6.00am – 9.00pm
Address
Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam
Contact
+604-538 6405
mbstanne@pgdiocese.org
Website
Batu Bersurat Cherok Tokun
Lying unassumingly on the grounds of the St Anne’s Church in Bukit Mertajam, the Batu Bersurat (inscription stone) Cherok Tokun relic bears the remnant of a mysterious inscription that dates back to the fifth century. The relic was founded by Colonel James Low in 1845 and gazetted as a national heritage site under the National Heritage Act 2005. To preserve the stone as a historical monument, a shelter was built over it.
Address
Jalan Kulim, Bukit Mertajam
Juru Auto City
Time for a fun dinner and a night in town. Reputed to be the first of its kind in Malaysia, Juru Auto City is a one-stop destination for auto, food, entertainment and shopping. It offers many excellent dining choices, auto brands and entertainment outlets – ideal for casual meetings and socialising.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
8.00am – 12.00am
Address
1688-F8 Jalan Perusahaan, Highway Auto-City, Juru Interchange, Juru
Contact
+604-501 1222
info@autocity.com.my
Website
DAY 3
SEBERANG PERAI SELATAN
Bukit Panchor State Park
Start your day by stretching your legs at Bukit Panchor State Park, a well-developed state recreation park brimming with wildlife, a flowing river and lush greenery. A suitable place for an adventurous nature escapade, be sure to explore the mangroves’ varied life forms, bat caves and the wetland boardwalk while here.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
7.00am – 7.00pm
Address
Jalan Taman Bukit Negeri, Nibong Tebal
Contact
+604-593 2977
Website
www.forestry.gov.my/my/semenanjung-malaysia/taman-negeri-bukit-panchor
Bukit Tambun Fishing Village
Bukit Tambun may be known as a fishing village with plenty of seafood restaurants to choose from, but there’s more to do here than eating! First, check out the rows of colourful heritage pre-war shophouses. The walls are adorned with quirky murals. Then, drop by the Heah Swee Lee ancestral mansion. Here, visitors can pause to admire the intricate paintings depicting stories from the ancient Chinese filial piety examples, its double-happiness iron window grills, and the nostalgic wooden front door that make up the enchanting facade of the Heah Swee Lee’s ancestral mansion.
Address
Jalan Bukit Tambun, Simpang Ampat
Pulau Aman
This quaint fishing village lures seafood-craving foodies with fresh-off-the-boat seafood dishes, but beyond its charming floating restaurants, there are various heritage sites to explore. Visit the island’s Telaga Emas (Well of Gold), which was first discovered by a local villager back in 1789. Although it is located close to the seashore, it provides fresh water to the villagers! Other than that, there are also interesting activities for the adventurous such as kayaking, fishing, jungle trekking, camping, and more – they all promise serenity and splendid vistas. Pulau Aman is just a short ferry ride from the Batu Musang jetty (GPS: 5.26567, 100.40603) in Batu Kawan.
Address
14100 Simpang Ampat
Contact
+6019-409 0945 (Mr.Haji Yaakob, for boat service)
Design Village Outlet Mall
For a change of pace, head to the neighbouring Batu Kawan, where modern-day shopping awaits! Billed as the greenest mall in Malaysia and the only outlet mall in the northern region, Design Village Outlet Mall boasts an impressive outdoor shopping concept featuring a large variety of sportswear, iconic fashion and accessory brands, plus food and beverage outlets.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
11.00am – 10.00pm
Contact
+604-589 9888
customerservice@designvillage.today
Address
733, Jalan Cassia Barat 2, Bandar Cassia
Website
IKEA Batu Kawan
End your trip with another dose of retail therapy at IKEA Batu Kawan. This world-famous Swedish founded furniture brand is Malaysia’s first store to be opened in the northern region. Drop by to scout for some furniture, interior design inspiration, or try their famous Swedish meatballs. Finally, those who are keen to discover the thrill of rock climbing can do so over at Project Rock.
Operation Days
Monday – Sunday
Operation Hours
10.00am – 10.00pm
Address
752, Persiaran Cassia Selatan 8, Bandar Cassia
Contact
+603-7952 7575
customerservice.ikeamy@ikano.asia
Website
