Penang is an island that is rightfully poetically called the “Pearl of Malaysia”. Its area is small – only 285m2. However, Penang beaches are very famous among tourists. There are not as many well-maintained beautiful beaches in Penang as, say, beaches on Langkawi , the island of Borneo or other popular places in Malaysia.
Swimming at some beaches in Penang is simply dangerous: the water is not too clear, and meeting a dangerous jellyfish is unlikely to leave pleasant memories. But still, there are some famous beaches in Penang Island where you can soak up the rays of the tropical sun and swim in the sea.
Here is the list of 15 best Penang beaches worth visiting; keep reading this post to get more details about where it is safe to swim in Penang, places to avoid because of jellyfish and other important details for first timers.
1. Batu Ferringhi Beach
Batu Ferringhi is considered as one of the best beaches in Penang. Its length is 2.5 km. The coast has everything for a good holiday: hotels (both world class luxury resorts and budget options), cafes, restaurants, shops, entertainment. There are horseback riding along this beautiful beach. You can rent a water scooter, enjoy jet skiing or play beach volleyball.
Not all Penang beaches are regularly cleaned, unlike Batu Ferringhi beach. It is cleaned on a daily basis. However, azure-clear water cannot be called. Penang is a major industrial center with many fishing boats, so by definition there cannot be nature untouched by man.
Of course, Batu Ferringhi itself is far from sources of industrial pollution. One way or another, according to tourists, this beach is still superior to Thai Pattaya.
Batu Ferringhi beach is soft sand beach. Conventionally, it is divided into several zones. Those wishing to relax in a sparse environment are usually recommended to its eastern part – the one that is located a little closer to George town.
There you can see more palm trees and greenery; but there are much fewer vacationers, since infrastructure is not developed in this zone.
2. Tanjung Bungah Beach
Located near Georgetown, there are fewer people here than on Batu Ferringhi. In its western part there is a fishing village; the eastern part is adapted for recreation. Tanjung Bungah beach is a place where you can find so-called “floating mosque”. It is built right in the water, and stands, towering on stilts.
One of the main advantages of Tanjung Bungah beach is that it is located near George town that worth exploring. But if you’re looking for clubs and bars, Tanjung Bungah beach will not offer you a lot.
This beach in Penang is not particularly wide – about 20 meters. Hotels are right next to it. According to tourists, this is one of the best beaches if you’re looking for peace and solitude, rather than water activities.
3. Monkey Beach: the most picturesque beach
One of the most popular beaches in Penang. Monkey Beach is located on the territory of the Penang national park. It can be reached in two ways – either by boat from Batu Ferringhi, or by jungle trekking.
The beach strip of Monkey Beach is surrounded by dense palm thickets. Sandy beach and clear sea make this place one of the best Penang’s beaches for diving and snorkeling.
Monkey beach is also known for its fauna: on the shore and in the nearby jungle you can meet macaques, lemurs, as well as dexterous flying squirrels.
Tourists are advised not to feed the animals. They may take this as aggression and attack an unsuspecting visitor.
Approximately 1 km from the coast, there is a lighthouse built in the 19th century, that rises on a rocky promontory. To visit it, you need to obtain special permission at the time of registration at the entrance to Penang national park.
4. Pantai Kerachut Beach
It is considered one of the most easily accessible Penang beaches. Pantai Kerachut is known for its stunning natural views and white sand. The popular meromictic lake is also located here, access to which is possible only for 6 months a year.
The peculiarity of this lake is that it has 2 layers of water that do not mix with each other. Fresh water is at the top, while the bottom layer is made up of salt water. Where else to go on vacation to Malaysia, read our article.
If you’re planning your visit in the period from September till February you can meet sea turtles there: green turtles, olive ridley turtles as well as hawksbill.
5. Teluk Bahang Beach
The first beach in the Penang National Park is wide and calm, bordered by the jungle. Teluk Bahang beach is easily accessible from the village of the same name. The only negative side of this nice Penang beach is that it is not always clean.
6. Teluk Kampi Beach
This pristine beach is one of the longest and remote beaches in Penang National Park. To get to Teluk Kampi beach, you will need to go on a 2-3 hour hike. As a result, you will be rewarded with picturesque setting. There are very beautiful sunsets and campsites.
Due to the latest changes in Pulau Pinang, you may need to hire a guide to stay here for the night. Before you go hiking, visit the tourist office.
7. Pantai Pasir Panjang Beach
Not many beaches in Penang Island
can boast of clear water, a long coastline, and a riot of tropical greenery. This ideal picture is overshadowed by the presence of jellyfish. After several vacationers drowned there, Pantai Pasir Panjang was considered dangerous beach for swimming.
There is a military camp right behind the beach, so breaking the ban on swimming is unlikely to succeed. Another disadvantage of this beach in Penang is the garbage.
Locals often arrange picnics in this area, but they do not tend to clean up after themselves.
8. Pantai Malindo
A wide and deserted Penang beach is located in the south of Kuala Sungai Burong. There are always few visitors on this beach, which will definitely appeal to lovers of secluded relaxation. You can get to it by car.
9. Moonlight Bay
Located between Batu Ferringhi beach and Miami Beach, this beautiful bay is a favorite vacation spot for many local families. It is great for swimming and picnicking.
Moonlight bay is a very beautiful bay, which coast is littered with pebbles, and along the entire beach there are unusual rock formations. It is better to visit the Moonlight bay after 5 pm, when there are fewer people and not so hot. There are very beautiful sunsets here.
10. Miami Beach
The tiny cove that lies between Tanjung Bunga and Batu Ferringhi beach is perhaps one of the top Penang beaches for breathtaking sunset views on the northern coast of the island. You can get to the beach by stairs leading to the cafe of the same name.
To sit on the beach you have to buy a drink. The beach is suitable for swimming, but it is not an ideal place for a quiet secluded holiday.
11. Sungai Batu
Quiet, secluded beautiful beach, which is located on the southeast coast of Penang. Swimming is allowed on Batu beach, you can enjoy fresh seafood and get to know the local sleepy fishing village – Jalan Sungai Batu.
12. Teluk Bayu
Another secret beach in Penang island. This is long sand beach. On a particularly hot day, you can hide in the shade of the casuarina trees. There are several tables on the beach.
This place has been chosen by locals as the best beach for picnics. Foreign tourists rarely come here. Getting to the beach without your own transport is very difficult.
13. Technical Penang beaches: Karpal Singh Drive
This beach is located on the stretch between George town and Penang First Bridge. It was supposed to be Penang’s second waterfront after the popular Gurney Drive. There is no fine sand, only large rocks.
The views there are also not impressive with their beauty, they mostly overlook the port of Butterworth, where ships are moored. This place is great for jogging, cycling and leisurely walks and sea breeze. Locals come to cafes and restaurants located along the waterfront.
14 Gurney Drive
Nearly each beach in Penang has own history. For example, Gurney Drive was one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in Penang. But that was a long time ago, today you will hardly believe that you are near the sea.
Now there are plans to build a park. Tourists like to stroll here, ready to pay exorbitant prices for local food.
15. Gertak Sanggul
One of the southernmost Penang beach, which is little known. It is a great place to get to know the life of local fishermen.
The beauty and attraction of the beach lies not in nature, but in the small groups of Malays and Chinese living there. Here you can taste fresh seafood. Be sure to order mee udang – noodles with fresh malay-style tiger prawns. This is truly a local delicacy.
