Batu Ferringhi

Batu Ferringhi is a beach town in Penang, Malaysia. It takes up the northern coast of Penang island along with the nearby beach town of Tanjung Bungah and the local fishing village of Teluk Bahang, which are also covered on this page.

Probably the single most heavily developed stretch of tourist resorts in the entire country, the scenery and the beaches have undeniably suffered under the assault of all that concrete. Still, while the beaches aren't the best in Malaysia, there are still miles of white sand and palm trees left. Fierce competition keeps hotel prices low and there's some great food to be found too. Also a notable fact making the decision to visit Batu Ferringhi an easier one is, that the more you approach to the west, the less the touristisation has infected the beaches. Beaches near the famous night-market are very nice, though with less than perfect water quality because of the extensive powered water sports and infestations of jellyfish.

From east to west (that is, moving further 'out' from George Town and the airport), the main beaches are Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi proper and Teluk Bahang.

• Entopia, 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, +60 4 885-1253. Daily 9:00AM-8:00PM, including weekends & public holidays. More than just a tourist attraction, it is set up as a 'live museum' to educate the public as well as a research centre to develop breeding methods. It houses about 4000 Malaysian butterflies of 120 different species, including the most famous in Malaysia, the Rajah Brooke's Bird wing of the Papilionidae family. Besides, it also exhibits dead-leaf mantis, orchid mantis and Trogonoptera. It also features an art and artifact gallery, souvenir shop and a cafe. This place underwent major renovation in 2016, and was renamed from Penang Butterfly Farm to Entopia. Therefore now it doesn't specialise merely in butterflies but shows whole lot of other insects and reptiles. Entopia offers lots of talks and events throughout the day so check their schedule to catch one of them. Admission: adult RM49 and children RM29.
• Tropical Spice Garden, +60 04-8811797. Daily 9:00am-6:00pm. The well-done eco-tourism site was set up in 2003 on an old 8-acre rubber plantation, with three trails meandering through the beautiful jungle landscape. Around 500 species of spices, herbs and exotic flora to explore. At one corner is Tree Monkey Cafe (predominantly Thai food) set on a deck in the middle of a rainforest and sea views, and a gift shop and cooking school - these are accessible from the exit gate so you don't have to pay an entry fee to get to them. Guided tours are available (at 9:00am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm) and recommended. Audio Tours RM26, Live Guided tours RM35.
• Toy Museum, MK2, Teluk Bahang (bus 101 or 102, +60 12 460-2096. Daily 9:00am-6:00pm. This is the latest attraction in Penang, located at in front of Copthrone Orchid Hotel. The owner, Ir Loh Lean Cheng, has spent 30 years collecting over 100,000 toys, dolls, models and other fun stuff. The vast collection includes characters from cartoons, comics, computer games, sports, movies, novels, shows and the music world. Dozens of amazingly realistic, life-size figures add to the fun. There is also wax museum, museum of bags and collectibles. Adult and children above 3-feet RM16, children below 3-feet RM11.
• Escape Adventureplay, 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, +60 4-881 1106. Tue - Sun 9am - 6pm. Adults RM83, RM43 child.
• Penang National Park. Enjoy jungle trekking through the reserved forest in this national park, go to northwestern cape of the island and stay nights over there, you will experience an unforgettable life with beaches, sea and the sky. Typically people do a morning hike into monkey or turtle beach and catch a boat back. If with larger group book boat before. Around 50 RM. Alternatively if travelling just one or two and you see others around combine with them, which can usually be done once arrived on the beach. Check before if the canopy walk is open. Entrance is free, but canopy walk is RM5 for adults and RM3 for child.

  * Muka Head Lighthouse, at the northwestern cape of the Penang island. This impressive lighthouse serves as a beacon to sailors and ships in the region. The tower, while not as accessible as other structures on the island, offers spectacular ocean views. There is 2 ways to reach the site: taking boat from Teluk Bahang jetty or climb over the hills by foot.

• Teluk Bahang Forest Eco Park, next entrance after Entopia. A huge recreational forest with about a dozen of marked trails leading to other parts of the island, including Batu Ferringhi proper and Penang Hill, as well as nearby hills and small waterfalls. Part of the park near the entrance is equipped with parking lot, toilets, picnicking and camping facilities, ponds, children playground. Though it's a bit rundown and some maintenance won't harm. There is also a Forestry Museum. that can be found near the entrance.

Entopia, 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, +60 4 885-1253. Daily 9:00AM-8:00PM, including weekends & public holidays. More than just a tourist attraction, it is set up as a 'live museum' to educate the public as well as a research centre to develop breeding methods. It houses about 4000 Malaysian butterflies of 120 different species, including the most famous in Malaysia, the Rajah Brooke's Bird wing of the Papilionidae family. Besides, it also exhibits dead-leaf mantis, orchid mantis and Trogonoptera. It also features an art and artifact gallery, souvenir shop and a cafe. This place underwent major renovation in 2016, and was renamed from Penang Butterfly Farm to Entopia. Therefore now it doesn't specialise merely in butterflies but shows whole lot of other insects and reptiles. Entopia offers lots of talks and events throughout the day so check their schedule to catch one of them. Admission: adult RM49 and children RM29.

Tropical Spice Garden, +60 04-8811797. Daily 9:00am-6:00pm. The well-done eco-tourism site was set up in 2003 on an old 8-acre rubber plantation, with three trails meandering through the beautiful jungle landscape. Around 500 species of spices, herbs and exotic flora to explore. At one corner is Tree Monkey Cafe (predominantly Thai food) set on a deck in the middle of a rainforest and sea views, and a gift shop and cooking school - these are accessible from the exit gate so you don't have to pay an entry fee to get to them. Guided tours are available (at 9:00am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm) and recommended. Audio Tours RM26, Live Guided tours RM35.

Toy Museum, MK2, Teluk Bahang (bus 101 or 102, +60 12 460-2096. Daily 9:00am-6:00pm. This is the latest attraction in Penang, located at in front of Copthrone Orchid Hotel. The owner, Ir Loh Lean Cheng, has spent 30 years collecting over 100,000 toys, dolls, models and other fun stuff. The vast collection includes characters from cartoons, comics, computer games, sports, movies, novels, shows and the music world. Dozens of amazingly realistic, life-size figures add to the fun. There is also wax museum, museum of bags and collectibles. Adult and children above 3-feet RM16, children below 3-feet RM11.

Escape Adventureplay, 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, +60 4-881 1106. Tue - Sun 9am - 6pm. Adults RM83, RM43 child.

Penang National Park. Enjoy jungle trekking through the reserved forest in this national park, go to northwestern cape of the island and stay nights over there, you will experience an unforgettable life with beaches, sea and the sky. Typically people do a morning hike into monkey or turtle beach and catch a boat back. If with larger group book boat before. Around 50 RM. Alternatively if travelling just one or two and you see others around combine with them, which can usually be done once arrived on the beach. Check before if the canopy walk is open. Entrance is free, but canopy walk is RM5 for adults and RM3 for child.

* Muka Head Lighthouse, at the northwestern cape of the Penang island. This impressive lighthouse serves as a beacon to sailors and ships in the region. The tower, while not as accessible as other structures on the island, offers spectacular ocean views. There is 2 ways to reach the site: taking boat from Teluk Bahang jetty or climb over the hills by foot.

Teluk Bahang Forest Eco Park, next entrance after Entopia. A huge recreational forest with about a dozen of marked trails leading to other parts of the island, including Batu Ferringhi proper and [[Air Itam#Penang Hill|Penang Hill]], as well as nearby hills and small waterfalls. Part of the park near the entrance is equipped with parking lot, toilets, picnicking and camping facilities, ponds, children playground. Though it's a bit rundown and some maintenance won't harm. There is also a Forestry Museum. that can be found near the entrance.

• Floating Mosque.
• Mount Erskine Peak.

Floating Mosque.

Mount Erskine Peak.

• Sunbathe on the beach, enjoy the foot or body massage could be a good idea to rest and relax.
• Watersports are on the agenda for many visitors, although the waters are a bit too murky for scuba diving and a bit too calm for surfing or more extreme pursuits. Beware of the jellyfish! If stung, apply vinegar and if you experience chest pain, consider seeing the doctor for something to combat the allergic reaction.

• Penang International Dragon Boat Festival, +60 4-650 5133. Staged annually since 1979 and has successfully attracted teams from all over the world including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Canada, and the USA. The event is now usually held at the Teluk Bahang Dam. In 2015, it will take place from 9 AM - 5 PM on 30-31 May.

Penang International Dragon Boat Festival, +60 4-650 5133. Staged annually since 1979 and has successfully attracted teams from all over the world including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, the Netherlands, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Canada, and the USA. The event is now usually held at the Teluk Bahang Dam. In 2015, it will take place from 9 AM - 5 PM on 30-31 May.

Sunbathe on the beach, enjoy the foot or body massage could be a good idea to rest and relax.

Watersports are on the agenda for many visitors, although the waters are a bit too murky for scuba diving and a bit too calm for surfing or more extreme pursuits. Beware of the jellyfish! If stung, apply vinegar and if you experience chest pain, consider seeing the doctor for something to combat the allergic reaction.

• Batu Ferringhi Night Market, Jl Batu Ferringhi. 19:00–00:00. A nightly market that runs the length of the main road through Batu Ferringhi. Set-up along the side walk, this market sells all the typical nick nacks you would expect including DVDs, Jewellery, artworks, crafts, clothing and everything in between. Be prepared to haggle hard as prices are typically inflated due to the markets location along this tourist strip.
• Tanjung Bungah Market, Jl Sungai Kelian. Daily 09:00–12:00, Tu 19:00–23:00. In the morning a local wet market comes to life selling local fruits, vegetables and other produce. Food is also on the agenda, with many stalls selling food for breakfast. Every Tuesday evening the market opens as a local Pasar Malam, with even more food to entice your taste buds. There are also stalls selling all the typical goods and wares at this market.
• Tesco Supermarket. Big supermarket with a few other shops and small food court.

Batu Ferringhi Night Market, Jl Batu Ferringhi. 19:00–00:00. A nightly market that runs the length of the main road through Batu Ferringhi. Set-up along the side walk, this market sells all the typical nick nacks you would expect including DVDs, Jewellery, artworks, crafts, clothing and everything in between. Be prepared to haggle hard as prices are typically inflated due to the markets location along this tourist strip.

Tanjung Bungah Market, Jl Sungai Kelian. Daily 09:00–12:00, Tu 19:00–23:00. In the morning a local wet market comes to life selling local fruits, vegetables and other produce. Food is also on the agenda, with many stalls selling food for breakfast. Every Tuesday evening the market opens as a local Pasar Malam, with even more food to entice your taste buds. There are also stalls selling all the typical goods and wares at this market.

Tesco Supermarket. Big supermarket with a few other shops and small food court.

There are plenty of places to eat all around, although discerning gourmands might want to explore less watered-down Malaysian cuisine in George Town.

One option worth a special trip are the seafood restaurants at the pier of Teluk Bahang, at the northwestern tip of the island, past the hotels and the little village. The famed "End of the World" has closed, but quite a few have sprung up to take its place.

For families, or those who just want to get out of the resort, you can't go past the hawker centres and fresh fruit stalls on the side of the road. At the hawker centres the kids can pick and choose what they like from the different shops, you just pay the bill when it is delivered to your table. For best results, stick with the Asian cuisines, the attempts at Western food are not worth eating.

• Viva Food Court, formerly known as "Golden Sands Bayview food court; this eatery is located just outside the Naza Hotel and it provides a wide range of Malaysian food (mostly Penang hawker).
• Ferringhi Garden, just south of the Parkroyal Plaza. A little pricey, but a wonderful atmosphere and a very wide ranging menu.
• Gerai Makanan, hawker centre near the Golden Sands Resort Hotel, a dozen or so food and drink stalls. Covers a range of cuisines, with Indian, Chinese, Malay, Seafood and reasonably priced beer.
• Khaleel Nasi, at the south end of Eden Parade mall, serves reasonable Muslim Indian food such as roti, prata and nasi kandar. Good for breakfast, brunch or lunch and expect to pay RM8 per person for a filling meal and a soft drink.
• Summer Beach House Seafood, good quality seafood restaurant at reasonable prices almost on the beach near the Lone Pine Hotel.
• Rainbow Modern Western Cuisine Cafe, 26, Permai 32, Lebuh Lembah Permai 4, Off Jalan Permai, Tanjung Bungah (residential area, +60 4-8995190. 11:30AM-3PM & 6PM-10PM. Serve healthy food & beverage. No M.S.G. or artificial flavoring or food enhancer being used in the cooking, Only herbs & spices. All the meals are freshly cooked - individually cooked upon order - the home cooking style. They serve light bites, soups, sandwiches, pasta, mains, desserts. Beverages include fresh fruits juice without any sugar and water being added, fresh brewed coffee & chilled beers also available. RM10:00.
• Sagar, Jalan Batu Ferringhi (Inside Bayview Hotel. Good Indian food and air conditioning.
• Hard Rock Cafe. Western food, including good burgers. Air conditioned.

Viva Food Court, formerly known as "Golden Sands Bayview food court; this eatery is located just outside the Naza Hotel and it provides a wide range of Malaysian food (mostly Penang hawker).

Ferringhi Garden, just south of the Parkroyal Plaza. A little pricey, but a wonderful atmosphere and a very wide ranging menu.

Gerai Makanan, hawker centre near the Golden Sands Resort Hotel, a dozen or so food and drink stalls. Covers a range of cuisines, with Indian, Chinese, Malay, Seafood and reasonably priced beer.

Khaleel Nasi, at the south end of Eden Parade mall, serves reasonable Muslim Indian food such as roti, prata and nasi kandar. Good for breakfast, brunch or lunch and expect to pay RM8 per person for a filling meal and a soft drink.

Summer Beach House Seafood, good quality seafood restaurant at reasonable prices almost on the beach near the Lone Pine Hotel.

Rainbow Modern Western Cuisine Cafe, 26, Permai 32, Lebuh Lembah Permai 4, Off Jalan Permai, Tanjung Bungah (residential area, +60 4-8995190. 11:30AM-3PM & 6PM-10PM. Serve healthy food & beverage. No M.S.G. or artificial flavoring or food enhancer being used in the cooking, Only herbs & spices. All the meals are freshly cooked - individually cooked upon order - the home cooking style. They serve light bites, soups, sandwiches, pasta, mains, desserts. Beverages include fresh fruits juice without any sugar and water being added, fresh brewed coffee & chilled beers also available. RM10:00.

Sagar, Jalan Batu Ferringhi (Inside Bayview Hotel. Good Indian food and air conditioning.

Hard Rock Cafe. Western food, including good burgers. Air conditioned.

Fresh juice at the hawker centre about halfway through the markets. At RM2 each, these are a bargain and there are many different combinations, helpful if you are travelling with fussy kids!

There is still plenty more of Penang to visit, simply hop on one of the local Rapid Penang buses and explore.

• Head south to discover Penang's backcountry at Balik Pulau. The area is literally the back of the Island and is a slice of an undeveloped Penang. Around the expansive area you will find kampungs, fruit farms and rice paddies scattered throughout.
• Visit Air Itam, a town just west of George Town. Explore the famous Penang Hill, either by funicular train or spend a few hours and trek to the top. The views of Penang are exceptional from the hill. Be sure to check out the local markets and the gigantic Kek Lok Si Temple.
• Cross over to Penang's mainland, which is somewhat off the tourist track. The towns of Butterworth and Bukit Mertajam are a great place to start.

Head south to discover Penang's backcountry at [[Balik Pulau]]. The area is literally the back of the Island and is a slice of an undeveloped Penang. Around the expansive area you will find kampungs, fruit farms and rice paddies scattered throughout.

Visit [[Air Itam]], a town just west of [[George Town (Malaysia)|George Town]]. Explore the famous Penang Hill, either by funicular train or spend a few hours and trek to the top. The views of Penang are exceptional from the hill. Be sure to check out the local markets and the gigantic Kek Lok Si Temple.

Cross over to Penang's mainland, which is somewhat off the tourist track. The towns of [[Butterworth]] and [[Bukit Mertajam]] are a great place to start.