Penang National Park is at Teluk Bahang in the north-west of the island, about 45–75 minutes from George Town by Grab or bus. After registering at the entrance, you can walk to Monkey Beach (Teluk Duyung) in about 1–1.5 hours or to Turtle Beach (Pantai Kerachut) in about 1.5–2 hours, and take a boat back. Start by 09:00, carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person, and check the trail status at the entrance. The day routes in our Penang Itineraries include a national park day with the return options; our Penang guides are available in English, Spanish and German.
What the park is like
Penang National Park covers forested hills and a string of beaches on the island's north-west corner. It is small compared with other Malaysian parks, but the trails are real jungle paths: roots, rocks, steep sections and high humidity. The forest gives shade, the beaches do not.
Registration at the park office near the entrance is required. Entry has been free for the trails, with fees for some facilities and permits. Rules and fees change; follow the instructions at the counter.
The two main trails
Monkey Beach (Teluk Duyung). The trail follows the coast north-west from the entrance, passing smaller beaches. About 1–1.5 hours each way at a steady pace. Long-tailed macaques live along the trail and at the beach; keep food in a closed bag and do not feed them. The beach has a jetty for boats. A further trail leads on to the lighthouse at Muka Head, a steep climb of another 45–60 minutes, with views from the top. Check whether the lighthouse area is open.
Turtle Beach (Pantai Kerachut). This trail goes inland over a ridge, then down to a long beach on the west coast. About 1.5–2 hours each way. There is a turtle hatchery run by the authorities, and next to the beach a meromictic lake, a rare lake where seawater and fresh water form separate layers. Its appearance depends on the season and the tides.
There is no lifeguard at either beach. Currents can be strong, and jellyfish appear at times. Swim only if conditions look calm and stay close to the shore.
Getting back by boat
Boatmen at the park entrance and at the Teluk Bahang jetty offer trips to the beaches and pickups. Many people walk one way and take the boat back.
Arrange the pickup in advance. Agree the price, the beach and the pickup time before you set off, and save the boatman's phone number. Mobile signal on the beaches can be weak.
Prices are per boat, so a small group pays less per person. As a rough range, RM 50–150 per boat for a one-way trip, depending on the beach and the season. Prices change; ask at the jetty.
Weather: boats may not run when the sea is rough. If that happens, you have to walk back, so keep enough daylight and water.
What to bring
At least 1.5–2 litres of water per person. Drinks may be sold at some beaches, but don't count on it.
Shoes with grip. Sandals are uncomfortable on roots and rocks.
Sun protection for the beaches, insect repellent for the forest.
A dry bag for your phone if you plan to swim or take a boat.
Cash for the boat and for food in Teluk Bahang afterwards.
A day plan
07:45 Leave George Town by Grab (about 45–60 minutes) or bus via the north coast (about 60–90 minutes).
09:00 Register at the entrance and arrange a boat pickup.
09:15 Walk to Monkey Beach or Turtle Beach.
11:00 Rest and swim if conditions are safe.
13:00 Boat back to the entrance or Teluk Bahang jetty.
14:00 Late lunch in Teluk Bahang or Batu Ferringhi, then back to George Town.
Plan B for rain
Heavy rain makes the trails muddy and the boats uncertain. On a wet morning, wait until it clears and walk only to the nearer beaches on the Monkey Beach trail, or skip the park and visit the Tropical Spice Garden or the Entopia butterfly farm, both on the north coast road near Teluk Bahang. Check their opening times before you go.
Tell your accommodation which trail you plan to walk and when you expect to be back.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a permit for Penang National Park?
You must register at the park office at the entrance. Some activities, such as camping, need a permit. Check current rules at the counter.
Which is better, Monkey Beach or Turtle Beach?
Monkey Beach is the easier walk with more coastline. Turtle Beach has the hatchery and the meromictic lake and feels more remote. With a boat back, both are doable in one long morning.
How do you get to Penang National Park from George Town?
By Grab in about 45–60 minutes, or by Rapid Penang bus along the north coast to Teluk Bahang in about 60–90 minutes. The park entrance is a short walk from the last stop.
Times and prices are planning estimates from our research, not official information. Trails and boat services change. Check with the park office before you go.
