Experience The Other Side of Penang

The last time I went to Penang was like a decade ago and honestly, I could really use a trip down the memory lane. The scenery, the food and even the people filled my heart with so much warmth and wonder, the experience certainly unique and like no other! Back then, we only had a short vacation and didn't get the chance to properly enjoy and savour the moment. Since the school holiday is finally here, let's discover the other side of Penang together, shall we? I promise you, you'll see Penang in a totally new light soon after.

 

The Penang State Tourism recently launched “Experience Penang” campaign to drive domestic and international visitors to its shores with endless enriching experiences and features locations across the island and mainland that are bound to satisfy one and all. The campaign focusing on the state's incredible attractions, from its two UNESCO-designated sites which are the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site and the recently recognised Penang Hill UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, quirky street art, legendary street food, 130-million-year-old virgin rainforest, and diverse natural landscapes of hills and beaches that make Penang one of the most iconic destinations in the world. 

PENANG HILL BIOSPHERE RESERVE

PENANG NATIONAL PARK

Not only that, the charming countryside of Balik Pulau for example; packs an assortment of treasures for nature lovers, from remote beaches to traditional kampung houses, plantations, fishing villages, animal farms, and paddy fields. You can look forward to enjoying a scenic ride through Balik Pulau's tranquil rural landscape on bicycles and discover the village's folk industries, farms, plantations, and beaches at your own pace.

Teluk Bahang on the other hand, stands out as a unique playground for naturalists and adventure junkies. Teluk Bahang’s forest is home to a string of modern ecotourism attractions such as Boulder Valley Glamping, Tropical Spice Garden, ESCAPE Theme Park and Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm. Those looking to go off the grid without sacrificing modern comforts can do so at Boulder Valley Glamping, a luxurious paradise nestled within the Teluk Bahang rainforest. The glamping spot offers luxurious accommodations with en-suite bathrooms and priceless opportunity to wake up to the sounds of chirping birds or to snuggle up under the stars by the campfire at night. 

ENTOPIA BY PENANG BUTTERFLY FARM

ESCAPE THEME PARK & ENTOPIA BY PENANG BUTTERFLY FARM

Those who are on a mission to check two man-made marvels off their “7 World Wonders of Penang” bucket list can head over to ESCAPE Theme Park and Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm. The world's longest water slide at ESCAPE Theme Park promises a thrilling four-minute joyride that zigzags through natural forest and tree canopies and stretches a whopping 1,111 meters long. Meanwhile, the world's first tropical butterfly and insect sanctuary; Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm is where some 15,000 free-flying butterflies flutter and fly! Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm also has an indoor discovery centre featuring two floors of learning exhibits and activities, allowing you to self-explore the world of invertebrates through their interactive edu-stations.

CONTAINER ART @ KAMPUNG TERANG, BALIK PULAU

STREET ART @ BALIK PULAU

There are also plenty of hidden gems to discover in Seberang Perai, namely the Butterworth Art Walk, Pulau Aman, Taman Rimba Bukit Mertajam, Frog Hill, and Kampong Agong. You can walk down the small alley in Jalan Bagan Luar known as Butterworth Art Walk. The eye-catching murals and installations serve as colorful backdrops for photo ops while educating visitors about the mainland's agricultural economy and history. Meanwhile, the outlying islet of Pulau Aman offers you serenity and splendid vistas, thanks to its colorful fishing boats, historical sites, beautiful beaches, and vast offerings of seafood dishes. Other than that, there are also interesting activities for the adventurous such as kayaking, fishing, jungle trekking, camping, and more in Pulau Aman. 

If you enjoy taking Instagram-worthy photos, you should make a stop at Kampung Agong in Penaga. Located in Bakar Kapur in Penaga, the countryside theme park's coconut trees, paddy fields, traditional wooden houses and Instagram-ready piano, swings, and giant nests have been setting social media ablaze since 2018, making it worth the hour's drive from Penang Island. Meanwhile, Frog Hill (also known as Bukit Katak) is a favorite spot for naturalists and avid shutterbugs and is dubbed as Penang's answer to China's well-known Jiuzhaigou. Located just a short drive away from Kampung Agong, Frog Hill promises you a dramatic views of turquoise-colored pools and the occasional sightings of wild water buffaloes wallowing in the water.

FROG HILL, SEBERANG PERAI

To assure safer travels to visitors while sustaining the state's efforts to revive Penang’s travel industry, Penang launched the “Penang Responsible Tourism” campaign and the "COVID-19 Safety Accreditation Program" last year to strengthen preventive measures undertaken by Penang's tourism industry players. These initiatives are the first-of-its-kind in Malaysia, aimed to instill confidence in travelers when visiting Penang. Visitors must check-in and out via MySejahtera and comply with temperature checks, regular sanitization, physical distancing, and double masking while visiting Penang to ensure a safe vacation during their visit to Penang.

The fun didn't end there, you can browse attractive deals and value-for-money promotion on the campaign's website and more. These promotions offer visitors different experiences and substantial savings on accommodations, attractions and tours. Additionally, the “Experience Penang” campaign is also featured on e-commerce platforms such as Klook and Shopee with on-going promotions till year-end, boasting irresistible travel packages. So what are you waiting for? Let's come and experience the other fascinating side of Penang! For more information and details, head over to their official site listed below. Until then, stay safe lovelies, adieu~

Website www.mypenang.gov.com | Facebook www.facebook.com/penangglobal.tourism

Instagram www.instagram.com/penang.experience