The 10 Best Beaches in Penang
As the sun-kissed jewel of the Malaysian landscape, Penang offers a diverse array of experiences on the sea and shore.
Whether you’re seeking thrilling water sports, serene nature walks, or simply a place to unwind and soak up the sun, this blog is your ultimate guide to discovering the best beaches Penang has to offer.
Read on to discover which one will suit your travel goals so you’ll have the ultimate beach vacation in Penang!
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Location: Jalan Batu Ferringhi Batu Ferringhi, 11100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 24/7
Batu Ferringhi Beach stands as a vibrant blend of activity and relaxation on Penang’s shores. This iconic beach destination offers an electrifying blend of sun, sea, and leisure that captivates visitors from near and far.
As the sun sets, the beach transforms into a different world, as the renowned night market comes alive with colorful stalls offering local crafts, delectable street food, and an array of treasures to take home.
Local Tip:
- Batu Ferringhi is also a playground for water enthusiasts! You can do thrilling activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boating via the various providers present on the shores.
Tanjung Bungah Beach
Location: Between Gurney and Batu Ferringhi
Tanjung Bungah was a former fishing village that has now transformed into a picturesque sea destination.
Its iconic floating mosque, Masjid Terapung, adds a touch of architectural elegance to the scenery. You’ll find that, because of this, the area is a haven for both relaxation and aesthetic appreciation.
Thrill seekers can also join water-based activities in Tanjung Bungah – it’s what they’re known for! Head on to the Penang Water Sports Centre, which offers kayaks, canoes, and boats that you can rent.
For some downtime, you can check out the Penang Toy Museum, which is only 20 minutes away. This attraction has the largest toy collection in the world – over 110,000! It’s surely worth a visit, especially if you have kids!
Local Tip:
- Try visiting Tanjung Bungah during June to July for an even more fun experience! It’s when the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival happens every year.
Pulau Jerejak Beach
Location: Off the south-east coast of Penang
Ten minutes away via ferry from Penang Island, you’ll find Pulau Jerejak Beach—a colorful getaway spot from the hustle and bustle of city life!
This particular island has its share of history and even wore the mantle as Malaysia’s own Alcatraz from 1969 to 1993. You’ll be interested to learn that the story of this place began when Penang’s founder, Francis Light, set foot here in the 1780s.
This precious discovery spanning 362 hectares boasts picturesque sites at every turn, such as a vibrant rainbow pier and an enchanting beachside swing – perfect for lovebirds!
Moreover, its sunsets are a true spectacle, transforming the sky into a canvas of pink, yellow, and orange hues that leave an indelible mark on memory.
Pulau Jerejak also has a rainforest resort, a spa centre, restaurants and recreational facilities for kayaking, archery, paintball, water polo, and more, so you surely won’t run out of things to do here!
Local Tip:
- Want a glimpse of heaven? Visit the Stairway to Heaven, a beautiful stairway installment that’s perfect for the ‘gram! From there you can catch a stunning view of the island.
Monkey Beach
Location: Jalan Hassan Abas, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Entrance Fee: RM50 (Non-Malaysians), RM10 (Malaysians)
Located in the Penang National Park, Monkey Beach is a great spot to look at monkeys while relaxing by the seaside.
You can catch the Macaque monkeys near the entrance of the Penang National Park, and get a glimpse of the leaf monkeys swinging from tree to tree throughout the place.
Monkey Beach is scattered with small cafes, which are perfect for decompressing and culinary explorations.
There’s also a small campsite and a lighthouse, called Muka Head, which you can hike to! The trek only takes around 30 to 40 minutes and offers a beautiful view of the sea and National Park.
Local Tip:
- To fully appreciate the area, go on a boat trip excursion, which you can book in Penang National Park! This 6-hour experience on the sea will take you around Teluk Kerachut, Monkey Beach, Mangrove Forest, and Sungai Tukun.
Teluk Bahang Beach
Location: 187, Jalan Tanjung Bungah, Taman Tanjung Bunga, 11050, Penang, Malaysia
Operating Hours
- Tuesday, 10AM-10PM
- Friday, 24 hours
- Saturday to Sunday, 10AM-8PM
Teluk Bahang is a gorgeous beach surrounded by lush forest that is located just 5 kilometers away from Batu Ferringhi.
Although the water isn’t safe for swimming due to jellyfish, the picturesque view is ideal for camping and watching the sunset or spending the night under the twinkling stars.
Aside from that, there are also a number of must-visit attractions to enjoy such as the Penang Forest Museum, Penang Batik Factory, Spice Garden, and ESCAPE Penang.
You can start your day by jungle trekking or watching the local fishermen catch their fish, as Teluk Bahang is also famous in Penang for its seafood.
Local Tip:
- Since this beach is a considerable distance from the main national park gate, it’s essential to bring your own food and drinks along for the visit.
Pantai Kerachut
Location: Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Bungah, Penang, Malaysia
You can get to Pantai Kerachut via a 20-minute boat ride from Batu Ferringhi or by a two-hour trek from Taluk Behang connected through a suspension bridge. Travel can be a challenge but it’s totally worth it!
Pantai Kerachut is actually where you’ll find one of the 36 meromictic lakes in the world. This type of lake is where seawater and salt water co-exist without intermixing — it’s quite fascinating as this only happens once a year from May to August!
And if you’re into rocks, you’ll find unique geological formations of quartz veins and igneous rocks here!
If you’re planning to go here between September to February, be on the lookout for amazing turtle species as it’s home to green turtles, hawksbill turtles, and Olive Ridley turtles.
There are also monitor lizards, crabs, stork-billed kingfishers, and mousedeers in the area!
But keep in mind that the kelp in the area attracts jellyfish to the shore from the months of November to January, so be careful when swimming here during these months!
Local Tip:
- Here you’ll find the Penang Turtle Sanctuary just behind the beach! This sanctuary is a haven for turtles as it protects and promotes their survival.
Gertak Sanggul
Location: Jalan Gertak Sanggul, Gertak Sanggul, 11910 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Gertak Sanggul is a lovely beach where you’ll be met with white sands, gorgeous sunset views, and delicious seafood. This charming spot is scattered with coconut trees and dense greenery with a breathtaking view of the mountains!
Planning a day tour to Pulau Kendi is possible with a group of eight or more participants, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all. Alternatively, individuals can opt for a private boat hire to make the trip a reality.
You can access Gertak Sanggul via a 15-minute drive from Bayan Lepas or by the Rapid Penang Bus #308.
Local Tip:
- Don’t forget to visit the Hai Boey Seafood restaurant! The romantic view paired with their fresh seafood that is perfect for couples.
Pasir Panjang Beach
Location: Pulau Betong, 11000, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
On the hunt for a quiet and relaxing escape? Then Pasir Panjang Beach is perfect for you! It’s in Balik Pulau, which is on the southwestern coast of Penang.
Since this beach is more on the remote site, there aren’t many things to do apart from swimming and having a picnic. However, it’s a great spot if you just want to sunbathe and unwind from all the stress!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike to the beach via a two-hour trail from Gertak Sanggul and go back through the same trail.
You can also opt to enjoy a 30-minute beachside walk to Pulau Betong Village, a fishing village where you can enjoy fresh seafood.
Local Tip:
- Be careful when swimming at Pasir Panjang beach! The current can get a bit swift.
Teluk Kampi
Location: South of Pantai Kerachut, Penang National Park
Teluk Kampi is definitely a slice of paradise in Penang! It has one of the longest stretches of sand inside the Penang National Park where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the ocean.
It’s also a perfect spot for stargazing at night! You can enjoy a wide array of recreational activities here such as swimming and bird watching.
You can get to Teluk Kampi by hiking that starts on the far end of the Kampi Beach, although be careful as the routes can be quite challenging and steep.
Local Tip:
- Among the trails in the National Park, this particular section is the toughest. Make sure you have the right gear—shoes with good grip—because the path is covered with leaves and branches.
It’s also quite steep in some parts and gets very slippery when it rains.
The Beach of Moonlight Bay
Location: 11050 Batu Ferringhi, Penang, Malaysia
The Beach of Moonlight Bay is a sandy bay located between Batu Ferringhi and Miami Beach. If you’re looking for a hidden gem that’s not often visited by tourists, then this may just be the place for you!
Its crystal clear waters are cool to the touch, making it a perfect spot to refresh yourself from the heat. There are no jellyfish in the area as well, so you can swim comfortably.
Although, given its secluded location, you won’t find toilets and the usual beach commodities. Nonetheless, it’s a great spot for a private beach feel in Penang!
To reach Moonlight Bay, you can hop on either the Rapid Penang Bus #101 from Weld Quay Ferry & Bus Terminal or the #102 from Penang International Airport.
Local Tips:
- Bring your own snacks and drinks since the shops in dining spots in the area have been abandoned.
- Go during the low tide since swimming here can be dangerous during the high tide.