Straits Quay is an upmarket retail marina in the north of Penang Island. There is a fantastic array of dining options here (Mexican, Italian, Thai, seafood) and the traffic-free footpath that hugs the coastline is superb for a light stroll.
This easy-going Straits Quay walk starts from Thai Pak Koong Temple, 1km northwest of the marina. This section of coastline is very different to the snazzy marina, with local fishing boats, wooden shacks, a WW2 bunker and temple. Indeed this is a walk of contrasting halves as the second half of the walk is reminiscent of Sydney with impressive whitewashed houses to your right and skyscrapers in the distance.
Allow 45 minutes for this walk (longer if you’re stopping to take photos).
It is best experienced first thing in the morning when the sun is rising and locals are out exercising, be it tai chi, yoga or power walking. At this time, the air is much cooler and there are a couple of coffee shops open in Straits Quay for a refuel half way.
Alternatively, it’s a spectacular sunset walk. Although for sunset, we recommend doing this Straits Quay walk in reverse so that you are walking into the sunset.
Please note that scooters and bikes are now banned at Straits Quay (around the marina where the restaurants are). Also, the footpath south of Straits Quay is closed between 11pm and 5am, and the footpath north of Straits Quay is closed between 11pm and 6am.
This Straits quay walk features on our best Penang walks guide.
Map of Straits Quay walk
Getting to the start of this Straits Quay walk
There is a car park directly at the start of this walk. Click here for location. This does get very busy on weekends and public holidays from the afternoons onwards.
Otherwise, get a Grab taxi to take you to Thai Pak Koong Temple, Tanjong Tokong.
Route instructions
Allow 45 minutes for this walk (longer if you’re stopping to take photos).
START: Thai Pak Koong Temple, Tanjong Tokong
Total ascent: 23 meters
1. From the car park, walk through Pearl Garden Café towards the sea.
2. At the wall, take a left and walk up to the WW2 bunker.
3. Return down the steps from the bunker, climb over the wall, and walk across the beach to the wave breaker (long strip of boulders). You can walk along the boulders to the far end.
4. Return back to the beach and take the path to the left, away from the beach you walked across. Walk towards the fishing boats, past a small temple on your right.
5. Walk down the few steps to this next beach and continue along the sand, minding the ropes from the fishing boats that rise and fall with the waves.
6. At the far end of the beach, walk up towards the school (Stonyhurst) and on the left is a metal gate. Walk through the gate and along wide, paved footpath towards Straits Quay.
7. At Straits Quay there are lots of restaurants to chose from if you want to stop for a bite to eat. Otherwise continue along the footpath that leads around the marina. If you’re doing an early morning walk, the only places open are Chilloutery and The Melbourne Cartel.
8. At the other side of the marina, keep following the footpath to the right, past Fei Fei Crab restaurant. Then continue under the bridge.
9. Continue along here for 1.3km towards City Of Dreams, the twin skyscrapers in the near distance, to the right.
10. A playground marks the endpoint of the footpath and you can go no further. Just before the apparatus is an exit to a road. You can book a Grab from here. Otherwise turn back around and return to Straits Quay for a bite to eat before continuing with your day. It’s worthwhile doing the return walk as the view is completely different.
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Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
The best things to do in Penang
15 BEST restaurants in Penang
Top tips for visiting Penang
One day Penang itinerary
Best hotels in Penang
How to get around Penang
A brief history of Penang
