Penang National Park

Penang National Park or formerly known as Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve is only 2562 hectare and it is in fact the smallest National Park in the world. The Park is surrounded by sea so there are beaches for families to spend some recreational time together. The most notable of all is, of course, Pantai Keracut.
Pantai Keracut is assessable via a hiking trail or boat. It is host to the unique Meromictic Lake, one body of water with sea and fresh water that never mix. It is also the home to an odd mix of both sea and fresh water creatures such as crabs and large prawns.
It might seem rather strange, but one of the main attractions of the beach is also a visitor - the green sea turtle. Pantai Kerachut is the green sea turtle's nesting spot and the only beach in Penang where they can be spotted. The Penang National Park has set up a turtle sanctuary to ensure that these amazing creatures continue their seasonal visits.
The beach is also a favoured picnic and camping area for families and tourists alike as there are many facilities such as changing rooms, bathrooms, campsite etc.
Others famous beaches are Muka Head, Teluk Ketapang, Pantai Mas, Teluk Duyung(Monkey's Beach) etc. All these beaches are assessable via boat or hiking trails. Of course all of them don't have any facilities like what we find in Pantai Kerachut. One can found a lighthouse that vigilantly watches over the sea since it was built in 1883. Visitors can take a walk up its staircase for a great 360-degree view of the surroundings.



Muka Head beach


















The boundary of National Park



















Pantai Mas Beach




















The view during rain




















What we found in Pantai Mas




















The fallen tree




















The river and sea meeting point













































Fisherman?





















Mangrove tree





















Mudskipper




















Jungle Trail to Pantai Mas

Ginting Hill, Balik Pulau

Ginting is a small village about 3km from Balik Pulau. The majority of the inhabitants there are Malay. Ginting Hill is actually quite low once can reach the summit in about half an hour time.

Many people go to Ginting Hill actually are not for hiking but to have a big feast there. There is a Thai Restaurant on the summit. For me the food there is normal and the price is not so cheap too. But, why many people still like to have either their lunch or dinner there? That is because the environment. It really a good place to take your meal because you have a chance to see the sun-set and the view is really beautiful. There are many animals statues that make the place looks like a park. We can see paddy field and Betong Island from here too.

For those who like privacy can reserve a small hut that can occupy only you and your friends only. You can do whatever you like and never disturb others. It is easy to get there because there is a cement road that allow vehicle to reach the summit.

Betong Island

Paddy field

Chicken coop found on the way

Balik Pulau Town, Penang

Junk Food sold in the market

Balik Pulau is a town about 26km away from Georgetown. It is located in the district of southwest. About ten years ago, Balik Pulau still a small town and many of the houses here still made of wood or prewar building. But, it changes rapidly in these few years as the population increase rapidly. New market, bus termianl, new housing estates and other facilities are building up everywhere especially in the town centre.

When you talk about Balik Pulau to others state of people, many of them will think about durian(The King of food). Right, Balik Pulau is famous with durins. But, besides durians,
there are many others famous local fruit such as rambutas, mangoes, langsat, cardamom etc.
Pasembor and Laksa are two local speciality sold there.


New and Modern Bus Terminal

From here, we can go to Titi Kerawang Waterfall(about 10km away), Pulau Betong(about 7km) and Kuala Sungai Pinang(about6km). For those who like fishing, Pulau Betong is suitable for them.

Very surprising that, we still can find a very cheap laksa in Jalan Baru. The price is only one Ringgit. There is also a famous Hokkien Noodles sold in Jalan Baru. In Jalan Baru, you can see many small fishing boat along the river as it is near to sea.

To find out more about Balik Pulau, you have to visit it yourself.




Old Hawker Centre



















Famous Asam Laksa



















Famous local products


















Signboard


















New Market Buiding



















New Housing Estate




















Morning Market




















Hospital



















District Court


















Old Market


















One of the Hawker in old Market



















Balik Pulau Town