Penang National Park: Trails, Monkey Beach and Boats

Penang National Park covers the forested north-western tip of Penang Island, just beyond the fishing village of Teluk Bahang. Gazetted in 2003, it was the first protected area in Malaysia created under the National Parks Act of 1980, and it is compact enough to explore in a day. Within a short walk of the entrance you are in lowland rainforest, with trails leading to empty beaches, a turtle nesting site and a rare meromictic lake.

The park is managed by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN). All visitors must register at the park headquarters before setting out.

Trails and beaches in Penang National Park

• Teluk Duyung (Monkey Beach): the most popular destination, a sheltered beach on the north coast named after the long-tailed macaques that live there. The trail follows the coast and is the obvious choice for a first visit, though sections close for maintenance from time to time.
• Pantai Kerachut (Turtle Beach): on the west coast, about 1.5 hours on foot from the entrance. Green turtles nest here from roughly April to August and olive ridley turtles from about September to February. Nesting happens at night, so sightings are never guaranteed.
• The meromictic lake: a seasonal lake near Kerachut where fresh water sits on top of salty sea water, so the layers do not mix. Lakes like this are rare, and it is an unusual sight on a beach walk.
• Muka Head lighthouse: a colonial-era lighthouse on the headland beyond Monkey Beach, reached by a steep trail. It has been closed for maintenance recently, so check before you go.

Boats from Teluk Bahang

Boatmen at the park entrance run trips to Monkey Beach and Kerachut. Prices are per boat rather than per person, so they work out reasonably for a small group. A popular plan is to hike one way and take a boat back, which saves your legs in the afternoon heat. Agree the pickup time and price before you set off.

Entry and registration

Register at the park HQ before entering; the counter is open 8am to 4.30pm and closes from 1pm to 2pm for lunch. Non-Malaysian visitors now pay an entry fee, and payment is by card only, so bring a credit or debit card. Rules and fees have changed in recent years, so check the latest details before travelling.

How to get there

Rapid Penang bus 101 runs from George Town, including the Weld Quay ferry terminal, through Batu Ferringhi to the park gates at Teluk Bahang. The ride takes around an hour and can be much longer in weekend traffic. A Grab from George Town takes about 45 minutes.

Best time to visit

Start as early as you can: the trails are cooler before 10am and the boats are calmer in the morning. The drier months from December to March are the most comfortable for hiking. Weekends bring more local visitors, so a weekday is quieter.

How it fits your trip

Penang National Park is a full-day trip from George Town or an easy half day if you stay in Batu Ferringhi. It is the best antidote to a few days of heritage streets and hawker food, and works as an optional day in our 3-day Penang itinerary. Our Penang guide covers where to stay on the north coast.