If there is one thing that lures the tourists to Penang, it would surely be the warm sun and the beautiful white beach at Batu Ferringhi. Being a pleasant break from the busy bustling city of Penang, Batu Ferringhi is undeniably a tranquil and friendly place.

As one of Penang’s most popular destinations, in fact being second most popular destination after Georgetown, Batu Ferringhi is made up of a long stretch of white, soft, sandy beach along a winding road named Jalan Batu Ferrringhi. Alongside the road, be mesmerized with a huge number of accommodation and great dining options.

Added to that, when the sun goes down, the night market emerges a whole street filled with pure happiness. But want something more exciting and thrilling? The water sports such as banana boats, parasailing and windsurfing are specially dedicated for those looking for some adrenaline pumping.

How to Get There

Here are some of the many different ways to reach this pure paradise

By Flight

If the flight is straight to Penang, the drop-off would be at Penang International Airport. It would take approximately 45 minutes if the flight if from KLIA or KLIA 2.

Once you are at the airport, you can hop on the Rapid Penang bus, UBER or a taxi straight to Batu Ferringhi.

By Bus

To get to Batu Ferringhi, one must first get be in Penang and one convenient way to get to Penang is by bus. From KL, it would usually take about 5 hours depending on the traffic and from up north, Sungai Petani, Kedah, it would usually take about 45 minutes to an hour. Once landed in the main bus terminal in Komtar, hop on the efficient Rapid Penang bus that goes directly to Batu Ferringhi.

Tourist Attractions

Batu Ferringhi is the perfect place to head on down to when looking for a relaxing time by the beach or just of pure interest in immersing in the local culture. What more, with Penang’s great reputation of being Malaysia’s food heaven, this statement becomes evidently clear along the street of Batu Ferringhi where you can find an array of local and international delicacies. Not only that, here are some of the other things that can be done as a past time in Batu Ferringhi.

Wet World’s Wild

If travelling with family, then head on down to Moonlight Bay’s Wet World Wild along Jalan Batu Ferringhi which is a great place to make a splash. With slides, flumes and water tunnels including 10 giant inflatable blue, yellow and green “rafts” that was specifically designed to allow kids and adults to run climb, propel and jump easily and safely, the Wet World Wild is the perfect destination to make some sweet yet wet memories.

Two hours at the park comes at a ticket price of RM40 per adult and RM30 per child, but it is well worth it for this much fun in the sun.

Batu Ferringhi Night Market

Witness the amazing street of Batu Ferringhi as it comes alive every night without fail when vendors set up stalls offering everything from fake designer bags, pirated DVDs, handmade local souvenirs to local artwork. Being one of Penang’s most noteworthy attractions, the night market here is not to be missed.

The best thing about this night market is the bargaining aspect. Go as low as possible to walk down to other stalls before buying the item, you might never know how cheap it can go. 

Tropical Spice Garden

Located just above the road from the Teluk Bahang junction, this Tropical Spice Garden is an eight-acre collection of man-made jungle filled with over 500 different species and flora and fauna. Being the only Tropical Spice Garden in Southeast Asia, this place is the perfect place to spend the afternoon with family and friends. It features three garden trails that with 20 -45-minute trail past streaming crossings, waterfalls and structures made of recycled organic materials.

Hotels

If it is the sun, sea, sand and surf that is needed in a holiday, then look no further than the collection of oceanfront hotels on the sunny seaside strip of Batu Ferringhi.

Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort

Spread across 30 acres along the famous Batu Ferringhi beach, this 5 star Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort is surely bound to make an everlasting impression. With looks like it is taken out straight from a Minagkabau tradional book, the hotel hosts a time-honoured Malay musical performance outside their lobby. Built in 1973, it has an exclusive feel, offering guests little extras such as afternoon tea, all day cocktails and evening canapes.

Lone Pine Hotel

Lone Pine Hotel is an icon on the Batu Ferringhi beachfront scene. Established in 1948, it is the oldest hotel along the strip and strikes a chord with most visitors to Penang because it is truly unlike any other. Beach lovers will appreciate the fact that the white half-moon sweep of the complex (divided into several blocks) leads directly down to the soft, white sand strand.

Hard Rock Hotel Penang

With busts of The Beatles in the lobby and autographed Sex Pistols albums in the corridors, there is little doubt about the four-star Hard Rock Hotel Penang’s theme - its extravagant Vegas-esque vibe is a refreshing departure from traditional beachside hotels. Everything spells stardom, from the giant music-related murals and rock star memorabilia to the open-air lobby with a reception/bar combo. The hottest action revolves around the energetic Hard Rock Cafe, which acts as regular host to live bands.