Penang National Park may be small (just 2300 hectares) but packed with challenging jungle trails with some of the best secluded beaches on the island.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Saturday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Sunday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
What to expect?
What to expect?
Having just attained national park status in 2003, the park is located in Teluk Bahang and has two trails that will test any seasoned hiker; head west towards Muka Head or south to Pantai Kerachut. There are seven interesting attractions to see at the park, each with its own reward;
A - Pasir Pandak
B - Sungai Tukun
C - Teluk Ailing - USM Research Station
D - Teluk Duyung (Monkey Beach)
E - Muka Head Lighthouse
F - Pantai Kerachut
G - Teluk Kampi
Follow west for a relatively easier route with a 15 minute stroll down to Teluk Tukun beach where Sungai Tukun meets the ocean. There are some nice little swimming holes to be found but if you follow the trail along the coast for another 10 minutes, there’s the private University of Malaysia Marine Research Station. This is where you stock up at the supply jetty and enjoy some rest at the beach of Tanjung Aling. It’s another 45 minutes or so down the beach to the primate habitat of Teluk Duyung or also known as Monkey Beach. Another 30 minutes hike will take you to Muka Head, an isolated rock promontory at the extreme northwestern corner of the island. This is where you can find an old off limits lighthouse dating back to 1883 and also an Achehnese-style graveyard. The surrounding views from the peak will definitely be worth it after the sweaty and exhausting hike.
For a more challenging trail, head south from the suspended bridge towards the beautiful white sandy beach of Pantai Kerachut - a popular picnic spot and a turtle nesting sanctuary. It’s about 1½ hours trek to the beach along the clearly marked trail. During the journey you will encounter the meromictic lake - a rare natural feature composed of two separate layers of unmixed freshwater on top and seawater below, which gives life to its own unique mini ecosystem. 40 minutes onward from Pantai Kerachut beach lies the isolated Teluk Kampi, the longest beach in the park which have been known to have remnants of the Japanese occupation from WWII. The trenches along the the coast are proof of signs of human life from a different era.
Follow west for a relatively easier route with a 15 minute stroll down to Teluk Tukun beach where Sungai Tukun meets the ocean. There are some nice little swimming holes to be found but if you follow the trail along the coast for another 10 minutes, there’s the private University of Malaysia Marine Research Station. This is where you stock up at the supply jetty and enjoy some rest at the beach of Tanjung Aling. It’s another 45 minutes or so down the beach to the primate habitat of Teluk Duyung or also known as Monkey Beach. Another 30 minutes hike will take you to Muka Head, an isolated rock promontory at the extreme northwestern corner of the island. This is where you can find an old off limits lighthouse dating back to 1883 and also an Achehnese-style graveyard. The surrounding views from the peak will definitely be worth it after the sweaty and exhausting hike.
For a more challenging trail, head south from the suspended bridge towards the beautiful white sandy beach of Pantai Kerachut - a popular picnic spot and a turtle nesting sanctuary. It’s about 1½ hours trek to the beach along the clearly marked trail. During the journey you will encounter the meromictic lake - a rare natural feature composed of two separate layers of unmixed freshwater on top and seawater below, which gives life to its own unique mini ecosystem. 40 minutes onward from Pantai Kerachut beach lies the isolated Teluk Kampi, the longest beach in the park which have been known to have remnants of the Japanese occupation from WWII. The trenches along the the coast are proof of signs of human life from a different era.
What to bring?
What to bring?
- It is recommended that you bring sunblock and insect repellent.
- Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking boots.
- Wet weather gear would be very handy too.
- Bring along a waterproof bag for your camera and valuables.
- A spare change of dry clothes is advisable as trekking in the rainforest will be a humid and sticky experience.
- If you plan to hike in the park, bring plenty of water (at least one litre for every two hours). Bring your own snacks and supplies, and if you are camping best pack extra canned food because there are no stalls or shops in the park.
What are the facilities provided?
What are the facilities provided?
Campsites, picnic tables, toilets are available in designated locations all across the national park. There are no restaurants or accommodations here, with the nearest refreshments facility only available at Monkey Beach. Visitors can find lots of hotels, motels and homestay in Teluk Bahang which is in the vicinity of the national park.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Group
Safety tips
Safety tips
The trails are well marked here with plenty of rest stops and shelters along the way. However if you do find yourself getting lost, dont worry! You are probably only a few kilometres away from the entrance of the smallest national park after all.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- The admission to this park is free. However, visitors have to register to get a permit at the park registration office located nearby the entrance.
- The park is located 45 minutes’ drive from George Town. Private car parking is priced at RM3 a day and available adjacent to the National Park entrance.
- Rapid Penang bus service No. 101 (RM2.00) takes you from George Town to Teluk Bahang, which stops directly near the park entrance within a short walk.
- Counters at the entrance of the park provide boat services to take visitors from the Teluk Bahang jetty to Monkey Beach. Prices are approximately RM40–RM80 for a one-way trip, and between RM80–RM100 for a return trip. Private tours can also be arranged.
- Pantai Kerachut is also home to the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. Green Sea Turtles come to shore to lay their eggs from the months of April and August, while the Olive Ridley Turtle come during the months of September to February.
- The sanctuary opens daily from 10am to 4.30pm with free entrance to visitors. Here, the turtles are kept in small ponds after they hatch and when they are big enough, they will be released into the wild with a higher chance of survival.
- Camping is strictly prohibited on the beach as the turtles need to be at peace as they lay their eggs, but there is a campsite only a short walk away for an overnight stay.
What to expect?
What to expect?
Having just attained national park status in 2003, the park is located in Teluk Bahang and has two trails that will test any seasoned hiker; head west towards Muka Head or south to Pantai Kerachut. There are seven interesting attractions to see at the park, each with its own reward;
A - Pasir Pandak
B - Sungai Tukun
C - Teluk Ailing - USM Research Station
D - Teluk Duyung (Monkey Beach)
E - Muka Head Lighthouse
F - Pantai Kerachut
G - Teluk Kampi
Follow west for a relatively easier route with a 15 minute stroll down to Teluk Tukun beach where Sungai Tukun meets the ocean. There are some nice little swimming holes to be found but if you follow the trail along the coast for another 10 minutes, there’s the private University of Malaysia Marine Research Station. This is where you stock up at the supply jetty and enjoy some rest at the beach of Tanjung Aling. It’s another 45 minutes or so down the beach to the primate habitat of Teluk Duyung or also known as Monkey Beach. Another 30 minutes hike will take you to Muka Head, an isolated rock promontory at the extreme northwestern corner of the island. This is where you can find an old off limits lighthouse dating back to 1883 and also an Achehnese-style graveyard. The surrounding views from the peak will definitely be worth it after the sweaty and exhausting hike.
For a more challenging trail, head south from the suspended bridge towards the beautiful white sandy beach of Pantai Kerachut - a popular picnic spot and a turtle nesting sanctuary. It’s about 1½ hours trek to the beach along the clearly marked trail. During the journey you will encounter the meromictic lake - a rare natural feature composed of two separate layers of unmixed freshwater on top and seawater below, which gives life to its own unique mini ecosystem. 40 minutes onward from Pantai Kerachut beach lies the isolated Teluk Kampi, the longest beach in the park which have been known to have remnants of the Japanese occupation from WWII. The trenches along the the coast are proof of signs of human life from a different era.
Follow west for a relatively easier route with a 15 minute stroll down to Teluk Tukun beach where Sungai Tukun meets the ocean. There are some nice little swimming holes to be found but if you follow the trail along the coast for another 10 minutes, there’s the private University of Malaysia Marine Research Station. This is where you stock up at the supply jetty and enjoy some rest at the beach of Tanjung Aling. It’s another 45 minutes or so down the beach to the primate habitat of Teluk Duyung or also known as Monkey Beach. Another 30 minutes hike will take you to Muka Head, an isolated rock promontory at the extreme northwestern corner of the island. This is where you can find an old off limits lighthouse dating back to 1883 and also an Achehnese-style graveyard. The surrounding views from the peak will definitely be worth it after the sweaty and exhausting hike.
For a more challenging trail, head south from the suspended bridge towards the beautiful white sandy beach of Pantai Kerachut - a popular picnic spot and a turtle nesting sanctuary. It’s about 1½ hours trek to the beach along the clearly marked trail. During the journey you will encounter the meromictic lake - a rare natural feature composed of two separate layers of unmixed freshwater on top and seawater below, which gives life to its own unique mini ecosystem. 40 minutes onward from Pantai Kerachut beach lies the isolated Teluk Kampi, the longest beach in the park which have been known to have remnants of the Japanese occupation from WWII. The trenches along the the coast are proof of signs of human life from a different era.
What to bring?
What to bring?
- It is recommended that you bring sunblock and insect repellent.
- Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking boots.
- Wet weather gear would be very handy too.
- Bring along a waterproof bag for your camera and valuables.
- A spare change of dry clothes is advisable as trekking in the rainforest will be a humid and sticky experience.
- If you plan to hike in the park, bring plenty of water (at least one litre for every two hours). Bring your own snacks and supplies, and if you are camping best pack extra canned food because there are no stalls or shops in the park.
What are the facilities provided?
What are the facilities provided?
Campsites, picnic tables, toilets are available in designated locations all across the national park. There are no restaurants or accommodations here, with the nearest refreshments facility only available at Monkey Beach. Visitors can find lots of hotels, motels and homestay in Teluk Bahang which is in the vicinity of the national park.
Who should I travel with?
Who should I travel with?
Solo , Couple , Friends , Group
Safety tips
Safety tips
The trails are well marked here with plenty of rest stops and shelters along the way. However if you do find yourself getting lost, dont worry! You are probably only a few kilometres away from the entrance of the smallest national park after all.
Insiders’ tips
Insiders’ tips
- The admission to this park is free. However, visitors have to register to get a permit at the park registration office located nearby the entrance.
- The park is located 45 minutes’ drive from George Town. Private car parking is priced at RM3 a day and available adjacent to the National Park entrance.
- Rapid Penang bus service No. 101 (RM2.00) takes you from George Town to Teluk Bahang, which stops directly near the park entrance within a short walk.
- Counters at the entrance of the park provide boat services to take visitors from the Teluk Bahang jetty to Monkey Beach. Prices are approximately RM40–RM80 for a one-way trip, and between RM80–RM100 for a return trip. Private tours can also be arranged.
- Pantai Kerachut is also home to the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. Green Sea Turtles come to shore to lay their eggs from the months of April and August, while the Olive Ridley Turtle come during the months of September to February.
- The sanctuary opens daily from 10am to 4.30pm with free entrance to visitors. Here, the turtles are kept in small ponds after they hatch and when they are big enough, they will be released into the wild with a higher chance of survival.
- Camping is strictly prohibited on the beach as the turtles need to be at peace as they lay their eggs, but there is a campsite only a short walk away for an overnight stay.
Penang National Park may be small (just 2300 hectares) but packed with challenging jungle trails with some of the best secluded beaches on the island.
Opening hours
| Monday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Thursday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Friday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Saturday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
| Sunday | 08:00 am to 05:00 pm |
