Joanna James
While deservingly renowned for its atmospheric street food markets, art-riddled laneways, and UNESCO-listed heritage settings, Penang is full of nature-kissed marvels as well as cosmopolitan enticements. Here are some unmissable excursions in the untouched outdoors.
If you've already fallen in love with the ornate antique architecture and historic strongholds of Penang's heritage trails, as well as the eye-popping art lanes and dizzying street food enclaves, you can't go wrong with an epic hike to the top of mainland Penang's tallest lookout point. This trek will have you fully immersed in the lush emerald-tinged forest of Bukit Mertajam Recreational Park, complete with the enticements of swimmable waterfall pools and diversely fascinating flora and fauna, from Penang's most massive buttress tree to dusky-leaf monkeys urging on your climb! When you finally reach the top, the breathtaking view of Seberang Perai, 457 above sea level, will make the strenuous workout well worth it!
From kaleidoscopic late-night markets, fast and furious tuk-tuk city tours, and quirky museums hosting gigantic fake foods to balancing on rustic jetties and sampling local delicacies like nutmeg juice and durian-infused cendol, there are plenty of surreal sensations to chase in Penang! If you're looking for a reviving walk along the gorgeous Seberang Perai coastline, this pristine strip of beach is idyllic for a sunset stroll before a sumptuous seafood dinner in Seberang Jaya.
A city built for wandering, caressing the senses with a medley of unique moments, from festive fabrics and decorations spilling out of the quaint ethnic stores to fragrant trails of spiced tea, prawn fritters, and steaming laksa beckoning through the vibrant old-world streets. If you're in the mood for some ecotherapy, Bukit Panchor is a deliciously shaded first-class hiking reserve boasting rare wildlife species, from elusive skinks and mysterious inhabitants of bat caves to majestic towers of endangered trees whose massive roots are laced by picturesque tricksy streams. If you're looking for sophisticated serviced apartments in Bukit Mertajam proffering prime access to the region's diverse outdoorsy escapades, venture no further than Sky Residence Prai.
If you want to experience the vibrant lifestyle of a native kampung, sample succulent seafood, and scale dramatic sandstone peaks that look over spectacular seascape views, shuttle to the scenic islet of Pulau Aman from the Batu Musang Jetty. Not only can you chase the most adventurous coastal hiking trails, but there's also plenty to arrest your sight in the village and its main footpaths, such as Malaysia's first-ever Breadfruit tree and legendary Golden Well bizarrely providing fresh water so close to the sea.
Affectionately dubbed Bukit Bendera by the locals, this iconic climb is well worth a trip to Penang Island, taking you past lush plantations, traditional houses with their multi-coloured roofs shining in the sun, and crumbling relics with plenty of enriching character. The Habitat Penang Hill, encased in the lush 130-million-year-old rainforest, is found at its peak, from which you can drink in the 360-degree panoramas at your leisure and try out the exhilarating 230-metre-high Langur Canopy Walk. If you're in the mood for an extraordinary and magical rollercoaster-esque ride, hop on the Penang Hill Funicular and chug merrily along the world's steepest tunnel track through storybook countryside vistas.
For an effortless pull to your muscles after one too many servings of Nasi Lemak, this gorgeously scenic hike through a gentle woodsy path carved into a mountain is the picture-perfect way to break a sweat. You can spend some quality time on this windswept height, drinking in the sea and mountain views that are especially spectacular at sunrise or sunset.
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