Throughout the 3 months in Penang, I often visit my 'sanctuary' which is a weekly affair. It is no other than the recently established Penang National Park situated on the North-western tip of the island. The park, which is the smallest in Malaysia is the place where I relax and unwind after a stressful week. By bus, it takes only 10 minutes from my condominium.
This National Park is very unique unlike the others in Malaysia. it has 5 secluded beaches, several waterfalls and a well-used trail suitable for hiking.
The entrance of the Park. Visitors have to register upon entering and leaving as officials fear some may lose themselves in the park. No admission fee charged.
The entrance of the park is situated at Teluk Bahang, the former site of the End of the World Restaurant. Nearby are 3 jetties where tourists can charter a boat to one of the many secluded beaches.
Sunries in Teluk Bahang
The pathway which leads into the park
A wooden suspension bridge
A peaceful spot at Pasir Pandak
I've not fully explored the park as some of its trail can be really long, reaching up to 4 hours.
Pantai Kerachut is one of the many trails that I've hiked. It takes about 2 hours (if you run) from the entrance.
A lazy river flowing into the meromictic lake
Surprisingly, Pantai Kerachut is one of the only beach in Penang which is the landing site of turtles. Unfortunately, I've not seen any before as I only visit the beach during the day.
The meromictic lake - dry season
Pantai Kerachut also houses Malaysia's one and only meromictic lake. Before this, I don't even have a clue on what a meromictic lake was. To simplify, it's actually a lake which consist of fresh and salt water.
Pantai Kerachut jetty
The rather empty beach. Free from the annoying sound of kids screaming their lungs out.
A perfect sanctuary
Apart from Pantai Kerachut, another popular beach is the Monkey Beach. In fact, monkey is the best beach found in Penang. With emerald green and on certain days, crystal clear waters, there's no wonder why this beach can be quite 'noisy' at times.
It takes about 1 and a half hours to reach the beach using the coastal trail. By boat, 5 minutes. Most visitors choose the boat as it only cost approximately RM5 one way which increases its accessibility compared to the other beaches.
Monkey Beach on a cloudy day
Another beach which I often visit is Tanjung Aling. The nearest beach of all, it takes only half an hour by foot to get there.
A clean beach; free from Penang's famed pollutants
Crystal clear waters in Penang
After a long week filled with BS, this is the place to be
Besides stunning beaches, there are also other attractions in the park like
ancient rock formations
fungi,
wild flowers,
wild mushrooms,
and wild berries.
Not to forget
Huge spiders,
Interesting ant trails,
Big ulgy toads and
The fry of cat-fishes.
What I really like about this national park is that it has many kinds of terrains which makes the trails more challenging and exhausting.
Greens
a scenic shot
view from the coastal trail
lookout point overlooking Teluk Bahang and Batu Feringghi
One of the many tributaries of Sungai Tukun which forms a waterfall.
Still, the star attraction of the park in my point of view is the century old lighthouse known as the Muka Head lighthouse which was erected by the British.
It takes about 3 hours by foot and certainly isn't an easy trail considering the fact that you have to climb a hill.
the lighthouse trail
In spite of the fact that it is an exhausting trail, it is definitely a rewarding one.
It is certainly a rare opportunity where the lighthouse is opened to the public. In addition to that, the scenery simply is spectacular.
To reach the top, one have to ascend a spiral staircase build out of rocks and mortar somewhere in the 19th century.
The breathtaking view overlooking the Andaman Sea
Overlooking the Straits of Malacca
The lighthouse lantern room which is partially sealed off from the public for safety reasons
How many of you have been inside a lighthouse?
This National Park is very unique unlike the others in Malaysia. it has 5 secluded beaches, several waterfalls and a well-used trail suitable for hiking.
The entrance of the Park. Visitors have to register upon entering and leaving as officials fear some may lose themselves in the park. No admission fee charged.
The entrance of the park is situated at Teluk Bahang, the former site of the End of the World Restaurant. Nearby are 3 jetties where tourists can charter a boat to one of the many secluded beaches.
Sunries in Teluk Bahang
The pathway which leads into the park
A wooden suspension bridge
A peaceful spot at Pasir Pandak
I've not fully explored the park as some of its trail can be really long, reaching up to 4 hours.
Pantai Kerachut is one of the many trails that I've hiked. It takes about 2 hours (if you run) from the entrance.
A lazy river flowing into the meromictic lake
Surprisingly, Pantai Kerachut is one of the only beach in Penang which is the landing site of turtles. Unfortunately, I've not seen any before as I only visit the beach during the day.
The meromictic lake - dry season
Pantai Kerachut also houses Malaysia's one and only meromictic lake. Before this, I don't even have a clue on what a meromictic lake was. To simplify, it's actually a lake which consist of fresh and salt water.
Pantai Kerachut jetty
The rather empty beach. Free from the annoying sound of kids screaming their lungs out.
A perfect sanctuary
Apart from Pantai Kerachut, another popular beach is the Monkey Beach. In fact, monkey is the best beach found in Penang. With emerald green and on certain days, crystal clear waters, there's no wonder why this beach can be quite 'noisy' at times.
It takes about 1 and a half hours to reach the beach using the coastal trail. By boat, 5 minutes. Most visitors choose the boat as it only cost approximately RM5 one way which increases its accessibility compared to the other beaches.
Monkey Beach on a cloudy day
Another beach which I often visit is Tanjung Aling. The nearest beach of all, it takes only half an hour by foot to get there.
A clean beach; free from Penang's famed pollutants
Crystal clear waters in Penang
After a long week filled with BS, this is the place to be
Besides stunning beaches, there are also other attractions in the park like
ancient rock formations
fungi,
wild flowers,
wild mushrooms,
and wild berries.
Not to forget
Huge spiders,
Interesting ant trails,
Big ulgy toads and
The fry of cat-fishes.
What I really like about this national park is that it has many kinds of terrains which makes the trails more challenging and exhausting.
Greens
a scenic shot
view from the coastal trail
lookout point overlooking Teluk Bahang and Batu Feringghi
One of the many tributaries of Sungai Tukun which forms a waterfall.
Still, the star attraction of the park in my point of view is the century old lighthouse known as the Muka Head lighthouse which was erected by the British.
It takes about 3 hours by foot and certainly isn't an easy trail considering the fact that you have to climb a hill.
the lighthouse trail
In spite of the fact that it is an exhausting trail, it is definitely a rewarding one.
It is certainly a rare opportunity where the lighthouse is opened to the public. In addition to that, the scenery simply is spectacular.
To reach the top, one have to ascend a spiral staircase build out of rocks and mortar somewhere in the 19th century.
The breathtaking view overlooking the Andaman Sea
Overlooking the Straits of Malacca
The lighthouse lantern room which is partially sealed off from the public for safety reasons
How many of you have been inside a lighthouse?
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