Penang National Park
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The Penang National Park spans 1,213 ha of land and sea and is used by
scientists, researchers, and nature lovers to explore its natural treasures. It
was gazetted in 2003 and is home to 46 species of birds such as the stork-billed
kingfishers, white-breasted waterhens and great egrets.
A 2000 expedition led by the Malaysian Nature Society recorded 417 flora and 143
fauna species. Before the area was designated as a national park, the locals
knew it as Pantai Acheh Forest Reserve. Some of the activities carried out are
fishing, swimming and hiking.
The pure, sandy stretch of Pantai Kerachut is also a favourite nesting place of
Green turtles from April to August, and the Olive Ridley from September to
February.
The turtle hatchery set up in Pantai Kerachut in 1995 is now managed by the
State Fisheries Department along with the Department of Wildlife and National
Parks (Perhilitan) and the Forestry Department. They also manage the upkeep of
the park, which is in pristine conditions.
Some of the best hardwood trees can be found here, especially from the shore
species, such as Meranti and Merawan Baru. In fact, the area is the only known
place in Penang where the red, paper-like barked Gelam trees grow. The
bio-diversity of the park is also impressive, with 1,000 species of plants
including five different species of the Bintangor tree. Besides this, the park
is the only one in Malaysia that contains six different types of habitat,
meromictic lake (a lake that occurs seasonally, where there is a distinct
layering of waters), wetlands, mangroves, mudflats, coral reefs and turtle
nesting beaches.
There are also various plant pitchers, wild orchids and fungus, and medicinal
plants. The jungle can get surprisingly cool at night, partly because the
sunlight rarely reaches the jungle floor through the canopy.
Contact Information
Department of Wildlife and National Parks
Penang National Park
Jalan Hassan Abas, Teluk Bahang
11050 Penang
Tel: 604-881 3530 / 881 2016 / 261 3039
Getting There
The entrance to the park is located at the fishing village of Teluk Bahang. It
is approximately 30 minutes by road from Georgetown.
By own transport, drive through the North South Expressway, exit at the junction
of Penang Bridge. Follow the road towards the direction of Batu Feringghi and
continues to Teluk Bahang. Administrative Office of the Penang National Park is
located at Jalan Hassan Abbas. Public transport to Teluk Bahang available at
ferry terminal / KOMTAR or may use taxi services provided. Rapid Penang Bus 102
runs regularly from KOMTAR to the Penang National Park HQ in Teluk Bahang. The
journey take around an hour. Boat can be hire from the Park HQ to Monkey Beach.
The main entrance to the park is through Teluk Bahang while the second entrance
point located at Kuala Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau. Recreational facilities for
visitors are only available at Pantai Kerachut, Sungai/Teluk Tukun, Pasir Pandak,
Teluk Aling, Teluk Duyung dan Muka Head Light House. A nature trail also looped
around the unique meromictic lake at Pantai Kerachut.
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