The 6 BEST beaches on Penang Island: but there’s a warning

Penang is known for it’s eclectic culture and food scene, but being a tropical island, it should come as no surprise that there are some incredible beaches. However, we would not call Penang the perfect beach destination as the sea is not good for swimming (more on that later).

But the beach offers so much more that a swim in the sea; take in a long stroll along the shoreline, tuck into some laksa while watching the sun set, or lay out your beach towel to sunbath with a good book.

If this sounds like you, read on before you grab your sunnies and beach towel, as here we share the best Penang beaches.

But first a word of warning

If you dream of running into crystal clear waters and enjoying a cooling dip in the sea, then you will be sorely disappointed. Unfortunately it is not advisable to swim in the sea around Penang.

Why? Well it’s not the cleanest water for starters. It’s very murky. But the most concerning danger is that the waters are home to jellyfish. This includes the main tourist beach of Batu Ferringhi.

But this is the tropics and as travellers we feel the need for a swim in this humid climate. So we suggest ensuring that your Penang hotel or accommodation has a swimming pool. If not, you could always do a day pass at PARKROYAL.

Nevertheless, the beach is always a special place to enjoy, even if you can’t swim in the waters. So read on for our recommendations of the best beaches in Penang.

Map of Penang Islands’ best beaches

1. Batu Ferringhi

Swanky, high-end resorts line the beach at Batu Ferringhi. Indeed many of the best hotels in Penang are found along this section of coastline. The long sweeping beach boasting white sand and jungle-clad hills in the backdrop is stunning, and the sunset views here are epic.

As tourists can’t swim in the sea here, there are a multitude of alternative experiences to get you out on the water, including parasailing, jet-skiing and banana boat rides.

The hotels sit between the main road and the beach. On the other side of the road is a long string of various restaurants, bars, massage parlours, tourist shops etc., from local stalls to recognisable chains, such as McDonalds and Starbucks. All seems eerily quiet during the day, with many places shut. But come evening, the main road bursts into life with street food vendors, tourist shopping stalls, a small kids fairground (sometimes), and bars spilling out onto the pavement.

2. Monkey Beach (Teluk Duyung)

If Batu Ferringhi is a bit too touristy for you, then let us share our personal favourite Penang beach with you… Monkey Beach. We first visited here back in 2007, and it really hasn’t changed that much over this time. There’s a very low-key backpacker vibe with a handful of make-shift shacks as bars and restaurants.

Monkey Beach is located in Penang National Park, and as there are no roads in the National Park, this beach is a little tricky to get to. There are two options: hike through the jungle (although this footpath is currently closed) or take a boat.

It’s not uncommon for the trails to open and close due to maintenance and/or damage, so always double-check at the park gates. If you choose to take the more relaxing boat option, this can be arranged at the park gates (RM100 return, or RM70 one-way).

Unfortunately, the sea still isn’t suitable for swimming here. Instead, you can experience the water from a kayak. Kayaks can be hired at Tiger Monkey Bar and Leisure, a super-chilled beach bar and camping area set right on the beach. Kayaks cost RM30 for one hour, can accommodate three people, and lifejackets are provided. There are also ATVs to hire to venture into the jungle.

At the western edge of the beach, a trail begins which leads up to Muka Head Lighthouse. The hike is straightforward to follow as there are no deviations off the main track and occasional signposts appear along the way, charting the distance to the top. As always, take plenty of water, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

The lighthouse is sometimes closed for maintenance and is a low-key affair at the best of times. If it is open, the walk up to the spiral staircase affords 360-degree views of the surrounding sea, mainland Malaysia, and the whole of Penang Island. It’s very much worth the effort if you can manage it.

Otherwise, kick back with a beer. Just be mindful of the ever-watchful resident monkeys if you order food.

3. Turtle Beach (Pantai Kerachut)

Also located within Penang National Park is Turtle Beach. To get here, it’s either a 3.5km trek from the park entry gates (check out our Turtle Beach hiking guide with step-by-step route instructions) or a boat ride (RM200 return or RM100 one-way). But your efforts will be rewarded. Turtle Beach is a truly stunning arc of white sand that feels a million miles away from the buzz of George Town.

There’s a surprise waiting for you behind the northern end of the beach, a meromictic lake. If you have hiked from the park entrance over to Turtle Beach, this will be the first thing you see.

At first glance it might just look like a normal lake but this natural phenomenon is actually incredibly rare, with only a few existing in the whole of Asia. As the saltwater and freshwater don’t mix, two distinct layers are created. It makes for a unique and interesting visit, with the wooden bridge a good viewpoint. Although when there’s been little rain, this can just look like a big bog.

There’s also a small turtle sanctuary here that houses a few turtles in rather sad-looking tanks, plus some tired information boards and displays. Entry is free and it makes for an interesting side-trip after you’ve spent enough time on the beach. Click here for more information on Penang Turtle Sanctuary.

4. Tanjung Bungah

Tanjung Bungah is a beach of contrasts. Perched on the western end is Penang’s ‘Floating Mosque’ where the call to prayer drifts over the Straits, and on the other end is Laguna Beach Bar, where club classics pump out across the sane and there’s a section on the drinks menu that reads ‘Get Wasted or Get Busted’. A narrow stretch of sandy beach almost connects the two, if it weren’t for a stream that intersects.

It’s a popular hang out for locals around sunset, and jet skis can be hired towards the Laguna Beach Bar end. Although during the day, it’s rather quiet. The beach bar doesn’t actually open until 4pm.

Whilst this isn’t the cleanest beach on the island and perhaps not the prettiest (skyscrapers form part of the backdrop), it’s an excellent spot for a beach sundowner.

5. Pantai Tropika (Tropical Spice Garden)

We felt this one had to be on our list of the best beaches in Penang as this is where we’ve tasted one of the best laksas on the island, and what a spot it is!

Across the road from the Tropical Spice Garden (one of our favourite things to do in Penang as it’s so peaceful and beautiful) is a small, sandy cove. And overlooking this cove is a local family-run restaurant serving meals for around RM6. Pull up a chair overlooking the sea and take in the view. In terms of cost versus views and quality of food, it takes some beating. Then take yourself down to the beach with a book to relax.

This beach offers the charm of the national park beaches, but is much easier to get to. You can either take a Grab taxi or hop on the 101 or 102 bus (read our Penang bus guide), which stops right outside the Tropical Spice Garden.

6. Long Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Panjang)

On the far southwestern tip of the island, Long Sand Beach is easily on of the most stunning beaches in Penang. However, we were in two minds whether to include it in this guide.

Why? Well, the rubbish (mostly washed up plastic bottles) that lines the back of the beach rather reduces its idyllic status. The beaches to the north of the island are frequented by tourists and are much cleaner. However, few tourists venture to this side of the island and there is no incentive to clean the beach. It’s a stark reminder of the devastation that is taking place in our oceans across the world.